Days passed, and Xiao Shao became more and more immersed in his training routine. As time went by, he began to understand that in order to become stronger, he not only needed to train his body, but also to train his perseverance and patience. All the techniques he learned in the book required time, understanding, and consistent hard work.
That morning, as usual, Xiao Shao woke up before the sun rose. His body still felt tired from the intense physical training last night, but he knew that tiredness was no reason to stop. He opened the window of his apartment and breathed in the fresh morning air, letting the coolness brush against his face. For a moment, he pondered, focusing on the breathing technique he learned in the book.
The Deep Breathing, mentioned in the book, was more than just a way to regulate his breath. Each inhalation brought calm and balance, while each exhalation released tension. Over time, Xiao Shao became more and more proficient in this technique, feeling that deep, steady breathing could relieve anxiety and replace it with greater energy.
He sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed. He tried to feel his body, paying attention to every movement of energy flowing through it. Although he did not feel the flow of qi as he had expected, he began to feel a more natural strength, coming from within himself.
"Breathe deeply, and let this body move naturally," Xiao Shao thought, feeling his breathing become more regular. Every breath he took seemed to connect him to the greater world, bringing a sense of peace that enveloped him.
A few moments later, Xiao Shao began his physical training. This time, he combined breathing techniques with body movements. He moved slowly, but each movement felt more controlled, more effective. His punches and kicks became more precise, as if his entire body had become one inseparable unit. The power he felt in each movement did not come from his muscles alone, but from the depths of his body and mind that he now controlled with full awareness.
This training focused on basic movements. Kicks, punches, and strikes using elbows and knees were performed with a smoother rhythm. Xiao Shao realized that to go further, he would not only have to rely on physical strength, but also on precision, timing, and perfect balance.
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Days passed, and Xiao Shao became more accustomed to his routine. One afternoon, after he finished training outside the dojo, he sat on a park bench, looking at the darkening sky. Sweat poured down his body, but his heart felt light, as if all his worries had disappeared. In the course of this training, he began to understand one important thing—every achievement was not the end of everything, but a stepping stone to the next step.
A few days later, when he returned to training in the dojo, Master Wu, who had been observing him closely, approached him. His face was serious, but there was a faint smile on his lips.
"Xiao Shao, I have seen your progress," Master Wu said, his voice deep and meaningful. "But remember, training is not just about strength. It is also about awareness—awareness of yourself, awareness of your opponent, and awareness of the world around you."
Xiao Shao lowered his head, listening intently. He knew that Master Wu possessed profound wisdom, something that could not be acquired through physical training alone.
"What did you learn in that book?" Master Wu asked, referring to the cultivation technique Xiao Shao had found some time ago.
Xiao Shao explained carefully, telling about the breathing and meditation techniques he had learned. He mentioned that although he could not feel qi, it gave him greater control over his body and mind.
Master Wu paused for a moment, pondering Xiao Shao's words. Then, calmly, he said, "Perhaps what you are feeling is not qi as we know it, but rather another form of power that resides within you. That energy does not always have to be obvious on the outside, but can be contained in the way we control our bodies and minds."
Master Wu's words opened up a new horizon for Xiao Shao. He realized that every path to power did not have to follow a single pattern. His power might not come in the form he had hoped for, but he could achieve it in a way that suited him.
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Over the next few weeks, Xiao Shao began to develop more advanced techniques, based on the principles he had learned. He became more involved in the concept of meditation, realizing that in order to master the body, he must first master the mind.
One of the more intense exercises was the "Static Exercise."This is a training that requires Xiao Shao to stay in one position for hours, be it standing, sitting, or even standing on one leg. This training helps increase physical and mental strength, because the body has to endure pain and tension for a long time.
One day, after completing the training, Xiao Shao felt something different. The pain he felt before began to disappear, and his body felt light, as if there were no more limitations. Decisions that he had previously considered difficult now felt easier. Even the tension that often haunted his mind began to fade.
"I begin to understand," Xiao Shao whispered to himself. "True strength does not come from the body alone, but from how we control it. A strong body is born from a strong mind."
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Every day, Xiao Shao felt more and more real improvement. New techniques began to integrate into him, and he felt more ready to face greater challenges. However, even though he had made tremendous progress, Xiao Shao knew that this was far from the end. This world was full of secrets and greater powers, and he was not ready to face them all.
However, with his determination burning even harder, Xiao Shao knew one thing—this journey had only just begun. There was much more for him to learn, and he would continue to train, relentlessly, until he truly became the strongest and unrivaled.