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Chapter 6 - Martial Art Blue Lotusq
Eren's grandfather, Marcus Rieager, and his mother, Alina, were both startled by his declaration!
Marcus, though happy for Eren's newfound strength, was also cautious. Eren's fragile body had once destined him for a quiet life away from the perils of the martial world. Now that he could practice martial arts, the possibility of a great future for Eren excited him but also brought worry. Would this newfound strength bring fortune or disaster to their family?
In contrast, Alina was brimming with happiness. Her son's health was restored, and the threat of his fainting spells was no more. For years, she'd suppressed her despair, but now, her hope rekindled.
Alina gently touched Eren's head and said with a bittersweet smile, "Eren, now that you can practice martial arts, promise me one thing: you will always come back to me safe."
Eren nodded earnestly. In his heart, he understood the concerns of both his mother and grandfather. From his scattered memories and intuition, he sensed the deeper struggles within their family. Though still a child, he resolved to become stronger—not just for himself but for his mother's happiness.
"Grandmother, do you think Grandfather doesn't want me to practice martial arts?" Eren asked, pretending to be puzzled.
Alina chuckled softly. "No, child. Your grandfather fears you may get hurt. Martial arts are no easy path. Conflicts are inevitable."
"Then, Mother," Eren said with a determined gleam in his eyes, "teach me the Blue Lotus Style! I want to begin right away!"
Alina's heart swelled with pride. "Alright," she said warmly. "But first, let me tell you about the foundations of martial arts."
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Eren followed Alina into her study—a small but tidy room filled with the faint fragrance of ancient books. As they sat down, Alina began explaining the basics of martial cultivation.
"Eren," she began, "martial arts are built on a foundation of discipline and training. Before you master any techniques, you must first train your body and spirit. Without a solid base, even the most powerful techniques will crumble."
"Mother," Eren said with a bright smile, "isn't hard work the key to everything?"
Alina laughed softly. "Indeed, my child. Without effort, nothing can be achieved."
Eren nodded eagerly. "Then teach me the Blue Lotus Style! I've seen everyone practicing it—it looks amazing!"
Alina's expression turned serious. "The Blue Lotus Style is the martial heritage of the Rieager family, passed down for generations. It's both a cultivation method and a powerful technique. But remember, mastering it isn't easy. Only a few have reached its pinnacle."
"Is it very powerful?" Eren's bright eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Alina sighed, her tone tinged with nostalgia. "Long ago, our ancestor mastered the Nine Lotus Stage, becoming one of the greatest warriors of his time. But after his passing, the family's strength declined. Now, only fragments of the original Blue Lotus Style remain. What we practice today is but a shadow of its former glory."
"What's the Nine Lotus Stage, Mother?" Eren asked, wide-eyed.
Alina explained, "As you cultivate, lotuses appear to protect your body. These lotuses can attack or defend, making the practitioner nearly invincible. The ancestor of our family reached the Ninth Lotus Stage, but no one has been able to replicate his feat since."
"What about you, Mother? How far have you reached?"
Alina blushed slightly. "I've only reached the Second Lotus Stage, my child. Your grandfather, however, is at the peak of the Third Lotus Stage—his lifelong accomplishment."
Eren's admiration for his mother and grandfather deepened. "Mother, how many stages are there in the Blue Lotus Style?"
"The technique is divided into ten stages," Alina explained. "Most practitioners never progress beyond the Third Lotus Stage. The original method to cultivate the higher stages was lost long ago."
With determination shining in his eyes, Eren said, "Mother, teach me the basics of the Blue Lotus Style. I'll surpass even the Ninth Stage!"
Alina smiled fondly at her son's enthusiasm. "Very well, Eren. Let's begin with the foundations."
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Alina led Eren to a secluded training room beneath their home. It was a simple space, but it radiated an aura of tranquility and focus.
"Eren, before you can truly cultivate, you must learn to calm your mind and harmonize your body's energy," Alina said, guiding him through the basics of meditation.
Eren listened intently, his focus unwavering. Despite being his first attempt, he quickly entered a meditative state.
Alina watched in awe as Eren's breathing became steady and his aura calm. "Such talent…" she murmured to herself, her heart swelling with pride and hope.
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As Eren meditated, he activated the Blue Lotus Style, following the instructions etched in his mind. The movements felt natural, almost instinctive, as if the technique had always been a part of him.
Suddenly, Eren felt a cool stream of energy flowing through his lower abdomen, circulating through his body before returning to his dantian. It was as if his entire being had been revitalized.
Opening his eyes, Eren's face lit up with excitement. "If I tell Mother about this, she'll be shocked!"
He clenched his fists, feeling the faint yet undeniable power coursing through him. For the first time, Eren truly believed that he could achieve greatness.
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