"Martial Arts was originally used for self defense." Shi Keng explained, "It was originally used during a period of distress and great uncertainty, it was used for bodyguards to protect their employers from outside forces."
The three new pupils listened intently to what their Master was telling them, they were prevented from learning any Martial Art until they have completed their theory on pressure points and meridians. Although for them it may seem dumb for them to get taught theory, a good foundation means you can build a great building, and anatomy is the foundation of knowing how to use your body.
"Master," said Chu Feng, "if Martial Arts were used for self-defence, then why do people use it to kill each other?"
Shi Keng explained, "Because during your journey of cultivation, you will meet both friends and foes, records have shown that adversity helps improve our art and our connection with the world around us"
"Although," He continued, "those who ascend the mortal realms will no longer need to use their bodies to fight, since their energies are condensed."
"Then what do they use instead?" Asked Leng Jin.
"Good question, they're called techniques," Shi Keng took a pause and muttered under his breath, "although, I don't think I'll ever reach that far."
After their lesson, the three new students returned to their dorms to get ready to join the medicinal class for the evening. Since it's only been a week since they first received discipleship, they've been going to other classes to broaden their horizons.
On their way to their next class, "Leng Jin!" a short kid cried from far away while rushing to his location.
"Cao La, what's the rush?" He replied to the short girl heaving after having run across the dormitory hallways.
Cao La was a cheery child under the apprenticeship of an alchemist, when Leng Jin was younger she was one of the only people who didn't mind his quiet nature. They were like fire and water with their temperaments, Cao La was always loud and cheerful while Leng Jin was quiet and calm.
"I told you to wait for me! How many times do I have to tell you that!" She complained, she's been worried of big crowds ever since they were 5.
"Sorry, it won't happen again" He chuckled, although he knew that she was scared, he made sure to walk at a slower pace for her to catch up.
"Anyway! What do you think we'll be learning about today?" She asked. "Do you think that we might be able to look at the picture books of extinct treasures!?"
There were plenty of books on rare earthly treasures like Moonlight Jade Flowers which can only be cultivated in dark and damp places, or the blood ginseng said to sprout where blood flows like rivers. These books are always awe inspiring for kids who liked the tales of mythical beings and treasures that used to exist.
"I highly doubt we'll be taking a whole class to talk about forgotten plants, would we?" Leng Jin continued, "I heard from a senior that we might actually start our journey to activating our meridians!"
Meridians were immaterial vessels that run through the bodies of every living being. Before starting the journey of accumulating Aether in the dantian, heart, or head, you first must open all the pathways and clear your body of impurities.
"Alright! Everyone form a line; we'll be channeling our energy throughout all of you so wait patiently for your turn!" Exclaimed one of the multiple Elders present in the room. "Remember that this isn't about being the fastest to finish! You must open as many as possible or else you won't be able to channel your own energy throughout your body by yourself!"
This was just the beginning.