Time passed swiftly, and soon half a month had gone by.
During these two weeks, besides his daily cultivation, Jiang Xuan also took time to explain difficult points to Ye Fan and Pang Bo, speeding up their understanding of the Dao Jing.
Ye Fan's grasp of the Dao Jing was impressive. Back on Earth, he had always been interested in exploring ancient Chinese civilizations, so he understood the Dao Jing quickly. He might be ready to begin opening his Sea of Suffering in just a few days. But Jiang Xuan knew that as an Ancient Savage Saint Body, Ye Fan's initial cultivation would be quite difficult.
Pang Bo's comprehension of the Dao Jing was somewhat less satisfactory compared to Ye Fan's. However, every time he thought about how Jiang Xuan had formed divine patterns in just one day, and how Ye Fan had also gained insight into the Dao Jing, he realized if he didn't push himself harder, it would be embarrassing.
They all came from the same place and were the closest among their classmates. With Ye Fan and Jiang Xuan advancing so quickly, if he didn't work harder, he'd just look useless. There was no malice, only a stronger spirit of progress. Thus, Pang Bo cultivated even more diligently, often staying up late into the night pondering the mysteries of the Dao Jing.
During this half month, Jiang Xuan acquired another treasure — the Baji Quan manual, origin unknown.
"'Ming Jin' (manifest force) strikes the air with a sharp sound; 'An Jin' (hidden force) is silent and sudden, capable of explosive power. The ability to transform force is so refined that even before the autumn wind stirs, the cicada senses it first — a state of supreme mastery. When embracing the dantian, qi and blood unify, enabling perfect control and extraordinary physical strength. The concentrated power of 'Gang Jin' (steel force) pierces through the air and body. The final stage shatters voids, achieving the 'God-Seeing and Unbreakable' realm. Entering this realm means perfectly mastering one's own body, understanding it as clearly as one's own hand.'"
This cultivation system was extremely powerful. If one could follow it through, the ceiling of its potential was very high. However, this Baji Quan manual only described up to the 'God-Seeing and Unbreakable' stage — and even then, only a few words were devoted to it.
In the early stages, Baji Quan focused mainly on strengthening the body's physical power and attack techniques. It did not conflict with the path of cultivating the Sea of Suffering with the Zhe Tian method, so both could be practiced simultaneously.
"This is very much like the legendary Chinese martial arts style," Jiang Xuan thought.
He found Ye Fan and Pang Bo to teach them this Baji Quan manual. Back in the Ancient Forbidden Land, he had promised to pass it on to them, and indeed, it could help them in the early stages.
"I have this little manual on cultivating physical power. You can try practicing it — it might be beneficial," Jiang Xuan said, producing the Baji Quan manual.
Ye Fan and Pang Bo stepped forward to take a look. Jiang Xuan pulled out an old, yellowed book. On its cover, to the right, were three large characters:
Baji Quan!
"Baji Quan?" Pang Bo thought the name was quite ordinary, lacking grandeur or power.
"There is a martial art style called Baji Quan in traditional Chinese martial arts," Ye Fan said, staring at the three characters. He recalled some recent online videos where debunkers challenged traditional martial arts masters in matches.
One such incident involved a sect called the Hunyuan Xinyi sect, whose leader, Master Ma, fought with his lightning-fast 'Five Whip' technique.
Before the duel, the internet was abuzz with supporters of traditional martial arts proclaiming it as a deadly skill, promoting the spirit of traditional kung fu.
Unfortunately, the reality was harsh. Master Ma lost decisively in the first round, and the martial arts world still joked about the infamous 'Rat for Stew' legend.
Jiang Xuan would never joke around with a fake manual — this must be the true transmission.
It was truly incredible. Who was this old classmate, and how did he come to possess such a manual?
He seemed more and more mysterious!
Everyone had their secrets; Jiang Xuan didn't volunteer his, and naturally, they wouldn't pry.
"This Baji Quan manual combines training and fighting into one. Practicing the form is also a method of attack. It is an external skill manual focusing mainly on training the skin, muscles, tendons, fascia, and blood power. At advanced levels, a single punch can deliver tens of thousands of jin of force. You can practice it when you have free time," Jiang Xuan explained to them.
Tens of thousands of jin of force could make a difference in the early stages of the Zhe Tian world, though it would be useless in the later stages.
Currently, since neither Ye Fan nor Pang Bo had yet entered the Sea of Suffering realm, this martial art was suitable for them to practice.
"Brother Jiang, you really have a great background! For years, the Chinese have been trying to prove the authenticity of traditional kung fu, and here you are sharing such a manual with us!" Pang Bo finally realized that Baji Quan and other styles like Pigua Quan were traditional Chinese martial arts.
"I just like this kind of martial art — solid, flesh-and-blood punches, no boring sitting meditation," he said happily.
"Your main focus should still be on the Dao Jing," Jiang Xuan reminded them.
"Thank you, Jiang Xuan!" Ye Fan said earnestly.
He hadn't yet opened his Sea of Suffering, so this manual was very important to him. It would support him in cultivating a path of bravery and strength — very suitable.
"We're brothers," Jiang Xuan waved off the thanks.
And so, Jiang Xuan began teaching them the methods of cultivating Baji Quan.All three were deeply immersed in a fervent cultivation frenzy.
When Elder Wu Qingfeng came by again, a whole month had passed since he last lectured on the Dao Jing. He was utterly shocked by Jiang Xuan's rapid progress.
At the peak of the Sea of Suffering!
Only one step away from breaking into the next realm!
Moreover, this disciple's entire body exuded a mingling of blood and qi as one. That strange striking fist technique, though resembling ordinary human combat, possessed undeniably fierce and domineering power.
It was truly astonishing.
Elder Wu Qingfeng was both delighted and shocked.
A peerless genius had appeared in the Lingxu Cave Heaven. The sect leader must be informed at once, and resources should be poured onto this prodigy.
Elder Wu Qingfeng then re-examined Ye Fan and Pang Bo's progress. Although their blood and qi were not as strong as Jiang Xuan's, their punches were equally fierce and surprisingly powerful.
As for their understanding of the Dao Jing, Pang Bo's comprehension was progressing at a normal pace. In due time, he should be able to begin opening his Sea of Suffering. However, after inspecting Ye Fan's Sea of Suffering, Elder Wu Qingfeng sighed softly.
Ye Fan's Sea of Suffering was as hard as divine iron, utterly immovable by even the slightest degree.
It was indeed the legendary constitution — the Ancient Savage Saint Body.
In ancient times, such a constitution was invincible throughout the world. A perfected saint body could even rival the great emperors.
It was said to be peerless through the ages, an unparalleled saintly body.
If such a body appeared in any era, every power would vie to recruit and cultivate it at all costs. That person was destined to become an undefeated ruler of the world.
But in the current age, the Ancient Savage Saint Body meant one could not cultivate — it was essentially a cursed constitution. Not a single person with this constitution had ever successfully cultivated; it was as if cursed by heaven.
Elder Wu Qingfeng tried again. He sent his divine power into Ye Fan's Sea of Suffering, hoping his life essence could assist Ye Fan in breaking through, but the Sea of Suffering remained impenetrable, the wheel of life silent and still.
"Sigh…"
"Elder, why not try one more time? Perhaps next time will be the breakthrough," Pang Bo urged anxiously upon hearing Ye Fan couldn't open his Sea of Suffering.
"It's not that I'm unwilling, but even if I pour all my divine power in, there will be no response," Elder Wu Qingfeng said. He had already tried everything he could, yet to no avail. Even the sacred sects and noble families had no solution.
"The Ancient Savage Saint Body was mysterious and powerful in ancient times, but now, for unknown reasons, it has fallen to a state where cultivation is impossible. There must be some reason behind this. But don't lose heart. I see your blood and qi are vigorous; perhaps there is another path suitable for you."
Elder Wu Qingfeng comforted Ye Fan.
Pang Bo begged Elder Wu Qingfeng to help once more, but the elder could only promise to consult ancient texts and see if any special methods might assist Ye Fan in opening his Sea of Suffering.
Before leaving, Elder Wu Qingfeng encouraged Ye Fan again, urging him not to give up on cultivation.
"What exists must have its reason. To endure what others cannot is to one day achieve what others never can."
"Have you not heard that Heaven never seals off all paths? As long as you wish to walk, the road lies beneath your feet."
"Once you pass this initial hardship, centuries from now, when you look back, you will only sigh that it was but a few hardships and storms."
Jiang Xuan patted Ye Fan's shoulder reassuringly.