Upon obtaining all the martial arts manuals from the sect, Jian Yumei had a better understanding of the sect's martial arts. He would often flip through and study these manuals in his spare time, pondering over them. Whenever he encountered something he didn't understand, he would promptly seek guidance from his master.
His master continued with his usual routine: practicing during the day and offering guidance to Jian Yumei, but disappearing at night. Jian Yumei noticed that his master's door was always left slightly ajar in the evenings. "Is he communing with the cosmos?" Jian Yumei chuckled. Nonetheless, he remained focused on honing his skills, leaving no room for complacency.
One day, while Jian Yumei was engrossed in studying martial arts, his master approached. "By the way, Yumei, how is your practice of the 'Earth Shaker Small Circulation' going?" his master inquired.
"I've mastered the basic methods of cultivation. Lately, I've been feeling a pulsation between my eyebrows, as if something is becoming visible and audible there, but the details elude me," Jian Yumei replied.
"Very well, I'll give you the 'Heavenly Pole Large Circulation' manual today," his master said.
"Oh, master, what are the wonders of the Heavenly Pole Large Circulation?" Jian Yumei asked.
"Yumei, the Small Circulation merely opens some acupoints along the Governing Vessel, enhancing your energy flow and unlocking the potential of the functional areas along the Governing Vessel. This boosts your combat prowess significantly. However, although we primarily develop our combat skills, many of these areas along the Governing Vessel have unique functions. If continually stimulated by cosmic energy, they can manifest incredible abilities. As you've been practicing, have you noticed any discoveries?" his master explained.
"Well, master, during my practice, besides feeling the surging flow of energy throughout my body, I've also sensed a white light appearing in my upper Dantian. Initially, it was just a point of white light, then gradually expanded into a cluster, akin to snowflakes, accompanied by some yellowish light. Additionally, there was a moment when my entire body unintentionally levitated while I was meditating. However, I maintained my focus and didn't panic. I just concentrated on my practice. Eventually, I descended slowly," Jian Yumei recounted.
"These are indeed the wonders of the Heavenly Pole Small Circulation. This technique can stimulate the body's latent potential," his master affirmed.
"Master, what about the benefits of the Large Circulation?" Jian Yumei inquired.
"The Heavenly Pole Large Circulation connects all the functional points throughout your body. In other words, your body may possess countless functional points, representing the strongest points of your innate energy. Regarding this, you've probably read many mythological stories. Take the 'Investiture of the Gods,' for example. Some deities had abilities like X-ray vision or omniscience, which stemmed from their inherent functional points. Through prolonged practice, these abilities can be cultivated," his master explained.
"I see. I recall various extraordinary abilities possessed by different deities. It turns out they stem from their unique functional points!" Jian Yumei remarked.
"Yes, indeed. As for your innate endowment, consider the Buddha. He had numerous disciples, each with different miraculous abilities. Although I've focused on martial arts cultivation, ultimately, all paths converge towards the same goal. Whether it's immortality or Buddhahood, it's merely different manifestations of the same essence. It's just that they manifest differently," his master elaborated.
"I don't think I'll be heading in that direction anytime soon. After all, I still have to learn so many martial arts!" Jian Yumei said.
"Indeed, our focus is martial arts, especially with the Heavenly Pole Large Circulation, which enhances internal strength for combat purposes. As long as you diligently cultivate the Small and Large Circulations, your internal strength will accumulate. This not only ensures good health but also enhances your martial prowess, making your internal energy abundant and inexhaustible. You'll find it easier to use other sect techniques," his master assured.
"I understand, master," Jian Yumei acknowledged.
"Very well, keep practicing diligently. If there's anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask me. Your body will undergo many changes during this cultivation process. When that happens, just go with the flow," his master advised.
Half a year passed swiftly. Zhu Houzhao, Jian Yumei, had basically mastered all the martial arts. His proficiency in the Small and Large Circulations was remarkable. It seemed his skills were gradually surpassing those of his senior sister. Jian Yumei knew it was due to his diligence and the fact that many sect techniques were passed down to men only.
However, during sparring sessions, Jian Yumei always allowed his senior sister to win, which delighted Lin Li. Although their master noticed, he remained silent.
One day, Lin Li came to visit Jian Yumei. She saw him sitting motionless by the window. Slowly, Jian Yumei's seated body began to float. Lin Li was astonished. Jian Yumei remained suspended in the air for a long time before slowly descending. Then, he gently retracted his limbs, shrinking his body.
Lin Li was amazed as she watched Jian Yumei gradually shrink his body to a small size, resembling a package that could fit into a travel suitcase.
Once Jian Yumei finished his exercise and exhaled slowly, Lin Li entered.
"Hello, senior sister!" Jian Yumei greeted her with a smile.
"Junior brother, your skills are getting better and better!" Lin Li exclaimed.
"Your skills are remarkable as well!" Jian Yumei complimented.
"Well, it's different. I know some techniques are reserved for men only due to our sect's rules, and master can't do much about it," Lin Li sighed.
"Yes, senior sister. But in the future, I can teach you many techniques!" Jian Yumei offered.
"Forget it. It's fine this way. Besides, what you're doing would be against the rules! These techniques can't be taught to outsiders," Lin Li declined.
"Well, if I modify the forms later, they'll become my techniques, right? Then I can teach you," Jian Yumei proposed with a smile.