Xiao Shao began studying the ancient scroll that the mysterious man had given him. The scroll contained extremely complex and profound information about a fighting technique that was very different from anything he had ever learned before. This technique was not just about physical movements, but about a deeper understanding of the flow of energy in the body—beyond just breathing and movement, but about manipulating the universe to work for us.
The basic principle of this technique was the "Flow of Qi Through Movement." Xiao Shao learned that the flow of energy in the body did not simply follow the known paths he had learned before, but could be directed and influenced in much more complex ways. By focusing on energy points in the body, he could change the direction of the flow, increase or decrease the power of his attacks, or even protect himself from incoming attacks.
That night, after hours of studying and understanding the theory, Xiao Shao decided to put it into practice. He stood in the center of the dojo, eyes closed, trying to calm his mind and feel every energy point in his body. He focused on his dantian, the energy center located below the navel, as described in the scroll.
Slowly, with each breath, Xiao Shao began to feel a warmth around his dantian. Something new, an energy that felt different from what he had felt before. Not just physical strength, but something deeper, more powerful. After a while, he felt the energy begin to move throughout his body, filling every muscle, every joint, every vein. He began to feel the flow of energy stronger and more controlled.
However, this process was not easy. Xiao Shao felt his body tense, as if the energy was about to explode, but he remained calm, turning his attention to the movements he had learned. He began to move slowly, following the pattern he had learned, and for the first time, he could feel a power beyond mere physical strength. His movements became smoother, smoother, and more precise.
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The next day, the next match began. Xiao Shao felt his body lighter, more controlled. He knew that this was another chance to test the new techniques he had learned. After the previous match, he had received a lot of attention from the audience and other opponents. However, this time he felt more prepared—not just physically, but mentally as well.
In the arena, his next opponent was an old man named Lei Zhong, who was renowned for his close-quarters combat skills. Lei Zhong was an experienced fighter, even older than Master Wu, but he was known for his incredible strength and precision.
Xiao Shao stood before him, feeling the tension that was beginning to fill the air. Lei Zhong only smiled faintly, as if he could already read Xiao Shao's movements. "Young man, you have improved a lot since the first time I saw you," Lei Zhong said in a deep voice. "However, your strength is still too raw. Today, you will learn something different."
The referee blew his whistle, and the match began.
Lei Zhong moved at a speed that was uncanny for his age. In an instant, he was in front of Xiao Shao, launching an open-handed attack aimed at his neck. Xiao Shao could only dodge quickly, spinning and stepping back, but Lei Zhong continued to press forward, his attacks becoming faster and more precise.
Xiao Shao knew that fighting Lei Zhong would be very different from fighting Zhen Kai. This time, he could not rely solely on speed and physical strength. He had to utilize the new techniques he had learned. He quickly calmed his mind, focusing on the Qi that was now flowing smoothly through his body. In an instant, he moved with greater precision, using counterattacks with great subtlety, exploiting the small weaknesses in Lei Zhong's movements.
Lei Zhong was surprised by the speed and precision of Xiao Shao's movements, but he did not give up. He quickly changed the direction of his attacks, using more dangerous fighting techniques. He launched attacks from various angles, trying to catch Xiao Shao by surprise and force him off balance.
However, Xiao Shao was not in a hurry this time. He felt the energy in his body rotating perfectly. Lei Zhong's every move, although fast and dangerous, was very predictable. Xiao Shao stepped back, avoiding the attack with greater calm, then moved quickly to meet it. In an instant, he channeled energy into his hand and launched a powerful punch, hitting Lei Zhong's chest.The attack was not only physical, but also used the energy within his body to increase the power of the attack. Lei Zhong staggered back, surprised by the sudden force of the attack. He winced, feeling the sharp pain.
Xiao Shao did not give him a chance to rest. With incredible speed, he moved forward, slamming his knee into Lei Zhong's stomach and twisting his body to finish the attack with a powerful kick to his back. Lei Zhong fell to the ground heavily, unable to fight against the force that came so quickly.
The referee immediately stopped the match, raising Xiao Shao's hand as the winner. The audience cheered, but Xiao Shao just stood there, his face showing no joy, only deep calm. He knew that even though he won this time, the journey to becoming the strongest was still far away.
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In the evening, after the match, Xiao Shao returned to the dojo, feeling his body exhausted but satisfied. He replayed every move in his mind, checking for any possible mistakes, and trying to understand it more deeply. Although the technique he had just learned had helped him win, he knew that it was only the beginning.
At that moment, Master Wu appeared in front of the dojo, his gaze solemn. "Xiao Shao," he said in a low voice, "you have accomplished much in a short time. However, remember, this journey is not just about winning or losing. It is about finding yourself. Victory is temporary, but the quest to become the strongest is a never-ending path."
Xiao Shao bowed his head. "I understand, Master."
Master Wu smiled. "Good. Because your path has only just begun."
With those words, Xiao Shao felt his resolve grow stronger. This battle was only a small step, and the world was still full of stronger opponents. However, he was confident—as long as he continued to train, continued to search, nothing could stop him from becoming the strongest and unrivaled.