"Get into a horse stance, regulate your breathing, calm your mind, focus on your dantian, and sense your own qi and blood..."
Xu Yan assumed a horse stance and, under Li Xuan's guidance, adjusted his breathing and tried to sense his qi and blood.
While pointing out instructions, Li Xuan continued, "The key to my cultivation method lies in the concept of 'enlightenment' and 'intention,' not in form. You must calm your mind, forget the distinction between yourself and the world, and deeply contemplate, seeking the 'intention' within..."
Since he was making things up and had no real techniques to teach, Li Xuan couldn't possibly teach Xu Yan basic exercises like calisthenics; that would be too embarrassing.
So, he had Xu Yan assume a horse stance and explore the sensations of his own qi and blood.
Whether or not Xu Yan could sense them depended on his innate talent, not on the authenticity of the technique.
"Whether you can sense your qi and blood depends on your aptitude and ability to comprehend the 'intention' within," Li Xuan instructed, maintaining a serious tone. "Once you've sensed your qi and blood, try to manipulate it, temper your skin, and enter the Skin Refinement stage..."
Li Xuan earnestly guided Xu Yan in his training.
"This is the foundation of martial arts. It's all about personal cultivation. Train diligently, contemplate deeply, and remember to rest when needed. A balance of exertion and rest is essential, rushing will only hinder your ability to sense your qi and blood. Do you understand?"
Xu Yan respectfully replied, "Yes, Master, I understand!"
"Good, now practice diligently!"
Li Xuan left with his hands behind his back, happily collecting the gifts Xu Yan had brought for his apprenticeship.
"A Nine-Leaf Essence Mushroom is a valuable medicinal herb. I should try it by stewing some!"
Thinking this, Li Xuan took out a small knife, carefully cut a piece of the Nine-Leaf Essence Mushroom, and slaughtered a chicken from the coop. He then lit a fire and began stewing the chicken along with the mushroom.
"This disciple is here to train, so providing meals is necessary. After all, he brought such generous gifts. Neglecting his meals would be quite unscrupulous."
Li Xuan muttered to himself as he prepared the meal.
While the fire was burning, he checked on Xu Yan, who was still in his horse stance but swaying and showing signs of exhaustion.
After a while, Xu Yan couldn't hold the stance any longer and decided to rest.
This was his third break already.
"I can deceive him for now. It's not like I'm the one who wanted to deceive him; he came to me willingly," Li Xuan thought, shaking his head. He didn't interfere; after all, Xu Yan wouldn't catch on in such a short time.
Moreover, Xu Yan's arrival had given Li Xuan a chance to escape the village and maybe even safely traverse the ominous Evil Qi Forest.
Li Xuan had thought of an escape plan. Once he left the village, he would head for the Wu Kingdom, distancing himself from the Qi Kingdom and Donghe County. Even if Xu Yan realized he had been deceived, he wouldn't be able to use his background to take revenge.
...
Xu Yan returned to his horse stance, attempting to sense his qi and blood.
"Qi and blood reside within the body and flow throughout. How can I sense and manipulate them without focusing on their physical presence? Master said that the emphasis is on comprehension and intention, not form..."
As Xu Yan continued to sense his qi and blood, all he felt were sore legs from maintaining the horse stance. He hadn't sensed any trace of his supposed qi and blood.
"Don't get discouraged. It's only been a short while; persistence will yield results!"
Xu Yan encouraged himself, his gaze firm. He resumed his horse stance, determined to sense his qi and blood.
Meanwhile, the chicken soup was ready.
Li Xuan glanced at Xu Yan, who was still practicing his stance, and decided not to disturb him. He began to enjoy his meal.
"Nin-Leaf Essence Mushroom, a rare medicinal herb. Supposedly, it cures all ailments, darkens the hair, and adds twenty years to one's life... I wonder if that's an exaggeration."
After eating, Li Xuan felt invigorated. Whether it was a psychological effect or not, he felt much more relaxed and energetic.
"There's a little bit left; I should let Xu Yan have it."
Muttering to himself, he walked over to Xu Yan.
"How's it going?"
Xu Yan ceased his horse stance, a bit disheartened. "Master, I still haven't sensed my qi and blood."
"It's alright. The path of martial arts emphasizes perseverance and strong willpower."
Li Xuan consoled him.
Inside, he couldn't help but smile. He knew that Xu Yan wouldn't be able to sense his qi and blood because he had made up the entire technique. If Xu Yan did sense it, that would be too suspicious.
"You have one year. I'm sure you're hungry now; go and have your meal."
Upon hearing this, Xu Yan realized his hunger. He expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Master!"
"This is chicken soup made with Nine-Leaf Essence Mushroom. Enjoy it; it's a nourishing meal."
"Yes, Master!"
Touched by Li Xuan's gesture, Xu Yan promised, "Master, I'll make sure to enter the art within one year and not let your efforts go to waste!"
Li Xuan patted him on the shoulder, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "With your determination, I don't regret taking you as my disciple."
Touched and determined, Xu Yan left to eat his meal.
Li Xuan shook his head, thinking, "This silly boy!"
But he knew there was no turning back now. Since he had accepted Xu Yan's gift, fabricated a martial art, and accepted him as a disciple, he had committed to this path. He had to keep going.
It was already nighttime.
Li Xuan checked on Xu Yan before heading to bed. Xu Yan was still diligently practicing his horse stance.
Li Xuan felt a bit reluctant, worried that Xu Yan might overexert himself. He didn't want to harm the boy. So, he reminded him, "Remember, in martial arts, it's crucial to strike a balance between exertion and rest. Pushing yourself too hard can damage your foundation. Rest when you need to."
"Yes, Master!"
Xu Yan replied respectfully.
Li Xuan shook his head, closed the door, and returned to his room.