Wandering Swordsman |

Seeing Shen Mo's humility and politeness, Ouyang Song was even more pleased. He smiled slightly and said, "Alright, then I will teach you an internal energy cultivation method suitable for beginners like you who have only recently started learning martial arts. With the support of internal energy, you will be able to unleash the true power of the Heavenly Gang Sword Technique."

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo felt even more grateful, and he quickly bowed again to express his thanks: "Thank you very much, Senior Ouyang."

Ouyang Song nodded, gesturing for Shen Mo to take off his shirt. Shen Mo complied, quickly removing his shirt to reveal his well-defined chest muscles. In the moonlight, his skin glowed faintly, his muscles clearly defined, appearing both strong and agile.

Ouyang Song walked up to Shen Mo, gently placed his palm on Shen Mo's chest, and slowly injected his internal energy, allowing it to circulate within Shen Mo's body to determine which type of internal energy Shen Mo was best suited for.

The moonlight, like water, fell upon Ouyang Song's face, revealing a hint of solemnity. His eyes shone with a profound light, as if he were performing an important ritual. His inner energy, like a gentle stream, flowed slowly along Shen Mo's meridians, probing the condition within Shen Mo's body.

Shen Mo felt a warm power flowing through his body, as if a vibrant energy was nourishing his internal organs. He closed his eyes, quietly feeling this power, and a strange sense of peace welled up in his heart.

After a moment, Ouyang Song frowned slightly, looking quite surprised. His gaze lingered on Shen Mo for a moment, as if confirming something.

Because Ouyang Song discovered Shen Mo's abnormal constitution—Shen Mo's meridians were reversed compared to a normal person's—even Ouyang Song, who had lived for so many years, had never seen such a constitution before. He secretly wondered, 'Could this constitution be the legendary Heavenly Martial Body?'

Speaking of the Heavenly Martial Body, Ouyang Song recalled a legend he had heard many years ago. It was a tale of extraordinary talent, said to grant those with this physique no bottlenecks in their martial arts training, allowing them to rapidly increase their strength and even reach heights unattainable by ordinary people in a short period. Furthermore, the Heavenly Martial Body could integrate any martial art without suffering any adverse effects, meaning that practicing both orthodox and heretical techniques simultaneously would not cause any harm.

Seeing Ouyang Song's expression change slightly, Shen Mo asked with some confusion, "Senior Ouyang, what's wrong?" His voice was tinged with apprehension, as if he was afraid that he had done something inappropriate.

Faced with Shen Mo's question, Ouyang Song quickly concealed his surprise, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. After careful consideration, he decided not to reveal his discovery to Shen Mo. Ouyang Song knew that Shen Mo's Heavenly Martial Physique was extremely rare, and if it were discovered by someone with ulterior motives, it could easily lead to unnecessary trouble. The martial world was full of unscrupulous individuals who might exploit Shen Mo's special physique and lead him astray. Ouyang Song didn't want Shen Mo to be drawn into these conflicts prematurely; he hoped Shen Mo could grow in a relatively safe environment and gradually improve his strength.

"Shen Mo, your physique is very suitable for cultivating the 'Tiger-Breaking Heart Technique.' This internal skill is relatively easy to cultivate and can quickly improve your internal strength." Ouyang Song gently patted Shen Mo's shoulder, his tone revealing a hint of approval. His eyes were full of affection and expectation, as if he were encouraging a fledgling eagle about to spread its wings and soar.

Upon hearing this, Shen Mo was overjoyed and quickly bowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, senior."

Ouyang Song nodded, then told Shen Mo the incantation for circulating energy in the "Tiger-Slaying Heart Method," instructing him to memorize it. He spoke slowly, enunciating each word clearly: "The incantation for the 'Tiger-Slaying Heart Method' is as follows: 'Inhale and draw the breath to the lower dantian, circulate the energy throughout the body. Calm the mind and sink the breath, circulating it throughout the body...' Although this incantation is simple, it is the foundation for cultivating the 'Tiger-Slaying Heart Method.' Remember, the mind must be calm, the breath must be sinking, and do not be impatient for quick results."

Shen Mo listened attentively, memorizing every line of the "Tiger-Slaying Heart Method." He recited it silently several times to ensure he had completely memorized it. Fortunately, the incantation was not complicated, and Shen Mo quickly memorized it.

After making sure he had memorized the breathing mantra, Shen Mo asked Ouyang Song what "lower dantian" and "circulation of qi" meant.

Ouyang Song's face showed a hint of surprise upon hearing this. These terms were practically common knowledge in the martial arts world; he hadn't expected Shen Mo to be completely ignorant of them. He frowned and asked, "Didn't your master teach you?"

Shen Mo listened without saying anything, but shook his head.

Seeing this, Ouyang Song didn't ask further. He knew how important the basic knowledge of internal energy cultivation was for a martial artist, so he decided to personally teach Shen Mo: "In that case, I will explain it to you in detail."

Ouyang Song said in a deep voice, "'Lower Dantian' is located three inches below the navel and is where internal energy gathers. 'Circulation' refers to the body's meridian system, including the twelve regular meridians and the eight extraordinary meridians. When internal energy circulates, it must pass through these meridians to reach all parts of the body..."

Shen Mo listened very attentively, memorizing every word. He felt that this knowledge was extremely important to him, as if it had opened a new door for him.

After finishing his explanation, Ouyang Song was still a little uneasy, worried that Shen Mo might not have fully understood it. So Ouyang Song simply had Shen Mo try it out in front of him first: "Shen Mo, sit down first, and try to circulate the 'Tiger-Breaking Heart Method' according to the incantation I taught you."

Shen Mo followed the instructions, sat cross-legged on the spot, closed his eyes, and slowly began to circulate his qi according to Professor Ouyang Song's instructions, combined with the meridian knowledge he had just learned.

He first focused his attention on his lower dantian, slowly inhaling and feeling the breath gather there. With each deep breath, he felt a warm power gradually condensing in his lower dantian, as if a flame was slowly burning within it.

Ouyang Song sat cross-legged behind Shen Mo, placing his palms on Shen Mo's back and carefully sensing Shen Mo's movements with his internal energy, offering guidance from time to time: "Remember, your breath should be deep and your mind calm. Don't rush to circulate your energy throughout your body; take it step by step."

Shen Mo nodded and continued to circulate his internal energy according to the incantation. He felt that warm power slowly rising from his lower dantian and climbing up his spine.

When this force reached his back, Shen Mo felt as if his back muscles were being filled with an invisible power, brimming with strength. He slightly opened his eyes and found that the lines of his back muscles had become more defined, as if they could unleash tremendous power at any moment.

Seeing this, Ouyang Song nodded slightly and continued, "Very good, continue to channel your energy into your arms."

Shen Mo took a deep breath and extended his energy down his arm. When he felt the power reach his wrist, the blood vessels there seemed to be washed by a warm stream, becoming exceptionally clear. Shen Mo felt as if his hands had transformed into two sharp swords, ready to cut through any obstacle at any moment.

"Next, channel your energy into your legs," Ouyang Song's voice rang in Shen Mo's ear.

Shen Mo continued to circulate his internal energy according to the incantation, extending his breath downwards along his legs. When this power reached the soles of his feet, Shen Mo felt as if his feet had taken root, firmly planted in the ground. He felt his legs were filled with power, as if they could support a thousand-pound burden.

As his internal energy circulated continuously within his body, Shen Mo felt every part of his body brimming with power. He closed his eyes, sensing this power flowing through his body, as if an invisible river was flowing within him, nourishing every cell.

A surge of unprecedented confidence and power welled up within Shen Mo. He felt as if his body had been completely renewed, every pore breathing in fresh air. At this moment, he finally understood what the martial arts world meant by internal energy, and he also grasped the importance of internal strength as described by Ouyang Song.