446: Chapter 446 Another Path to Eternity, A Clash of Martial Intent

The mountain wind, carrying fine wisps of rain, blew into the pavilion, bringing a refreshing coolness.

The pine and cypress trees outside the pavilion swayed slightly in the wind and rain, making a rustling sound as if accompanying this secluded conversation.

"Martial arts has never been a simple method of killing, but a path leading to 'self-cognition'."

Shi Chengyi's voice echoed in the pavilion, clear and steady.

"Technology can endow people with stronger weapons, medicine can forge a stronger Physical Body, and abilities are even authority bestowed by the heavens."

"However, these are all external objects. When external objects are used for too long, people will lose themselves, become dependent, and forget who they truly are."

As he spoke, he took a step forward, reached out and patted the bluestone railing washed bright by the rain, producing a crisp snap.

"A human body is like a vessel, and external objects are the water contained within."

"Technology and abilities are constantly adding water to the vessel, yet they never think to reinforce the vessel itself."

"However, regardless of the vessel's capacity or material, it ultimately has its limits. Once it cannot withstand that surging power, the result will be the vessel shattering and the water spilling, turning everything into nothingness."

This metaphor, simple yet pointing directly to the core, caused Fang Cheng's thoughts to stir slightly.

He looked down at his palms, feeling the scorching, sun-like energy within his body, and asked:

"Therefore, when a Martial Artist polishes their Physical Body and Cultivates True Qi, is the fundamental purpose not to improve means of killing the enemy, but to continuously reinforce the body as a 'vessel' and achieve an elevation of life levels?"

"Well asked."

A flash of approval gleamed in Shi Chengyi's eyes, and he nodded, saying:

"What we Martial Artists Cultivate is indeed this 'vessel' itself. Polishing the Physical Body, standing in stance, and practicing punches are all for 'knowing one's own body', understanding the opening, closing, and limits of every inch of tendons and bones, and the operation and circulation of every wisp of vitality and blood."

"But this is only the first step, the Foundation. More importantly, it is 'knowing one's own heart'."

He extended a finger and tapped his own chest.

Then he looked at Fang Cheng, his eyes flashing with a burning brilliance, as if capable of piercing through human hearts.

"In the dull and arduous training, examine your own laziness and cowardice; in fierce combat, face your own fear and anger."

"Daoism says 'hold to the primordial and guard the One, cultivating pure yang'; Buddhism speaks of 'seeing one's mind and nature, without seeking externally'."

"The process of learning martial arts is like polishing a peerless divine weapon, quenching it with sweat and forging it with willpower, stripping away the distracting thoughts stained by the Acquired Realm one by one. What remains is your innate and purest 'True Self'."

Seeing Fang Cheng looking thoughtful, Shi Chengyi continued:

"Martial arts often speaks of 'using intent to lead Qi, and using Qi to move the body'."

"This 'intent' is the key; it originates from your 'True Self', and for us Martial Artists, it can also be called 'Martial Intent'."

"A Martial Artist without strong willpower will find even the most exquisite Punching techniques to be just an empty framework, a tree without roots."

"Therefore, our Visualization of the Inner Scene is to condense this Martial Intent, transforming illusory spirit into perceptible power."

"Ultimately, when your 'True Self' is pure enough and strong enough, you can reach the Realm of 'following the heart's desires without exceeding the bounds'."

Shi Chengyi's tone became leisurely, as if describing a breathtaking and magnificent scroll.

"That is a one-hundred-percent control over one's own life, a self-sufficient Perfection that seeks nothing externally."

"By then, every gesture you make will secretly align with the ultimate principles of heaven and earth, and a single thought from you will be able to rouse formless power."

"No matter how Advanced external technology is or how bizarre abilities are, before you, they are nothing more than flowers in a mirror and the moon in the water, because you are the only reality."

He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, casting his gaze toward the hazy, rain-veiled mountain scenery outside the pavilion, and his entire Aura correspondingly became open and lofty.

"Technological Breakthroughs give humanity the possibility of exploring the infinite Universe within a limited lifespan."

"But if we only rely on cold machines, our spirits will never be able to touch the reality of the Universe."

"And the end of the martial Dao is to use one's own heart to replace the heart of heaven, using the minuscule nature of individual life to comprehend the greatness of the Universe and all living beings, ultimately achieving the sublimation of the life level."

"This is the true meaning of the martial Dao, and another path leading to eternity."

Fine threads of rain fell from the lead-gray canopy of heaven, silently dampening every inch of land in Xishan Cemetery.

The distant mountains rolled continuously in the rain and mist, resembling a sleeping ink-colored Dragon.

The nearby tombstones stood silently, as if listening to this dialogue about the true meaning of life.

Following Shi Chengyi's line of sight, Fang Cheng also looked toward the horizon shrouded in dark clouds.

The recent discourse on the martial Dao, which reached near-philosophical heights, exploded in his heart like a thunderbolt.

Having once witnessed the crazy mutations of experimental subjects like Majima Goro and seen the powerful yet out-of-control powers of those extraordinary people.

Along with the personal teachings of the elders in the Martial Arts Research Association, and his own day-to-day experiences of Cultivating True Qi and Meditation...

Countless scattered images and realizations were now completely threaded together by a golden string, finally linking into a complete system.

The sound of rain became exceptionally clear at this moment, and the sound of every raindrop striking the pavilion eaves seemed to verify the words echoing within the pavilion.

"What a pity..."

As Shi Chengyi spoke, his tone shifted, carrying a trace of obvious regret and criticism:

"Now, many people in the team have forgotten this point, or rather, they simply don't believe it."

"They are obsessed with genetic optimization, enthusiastic about human experiments, and think that by relying on potions and surgery, they can mass-produce powerhouses."

"Little do they know that the spirits and wills of those hastily cultivated warriors are already riddled with holes, their Foundation unstable, like a tower on sand—seemingly powerful, but actually vulnerable to a single blow."

"If it is just for pursuing the most efficient lethality, the shortcut they are taking might not be wrong."

"But on this path of self-evolution, they are merely constantly piling up a sand tower with a gorgeous exterior."

"And we Martial Artists hone ourselves daily, tempering the true gold in that furnace, pursuing that reality and infinity that belong exclusively to ourselves."

Fang Cheng listened quietly without interrupting.

The insight and vision of the old man before him could be said to far surpass Ma Jianguo.

After pondering for a long time, he bowed solemnly to Shi Chengyi in a bow of salute:

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Shi. This Junior has been enlightened."

"Haha, no need for such formalities."

Shi Chengyi smiled and waved his hand, the look of appreciation in his eyes growing even stronger:

"These words were actually mostly taught to us Juniors back then by Chief Li Guizhen."

"At my age, I have only comprehended a mere surface, and being able to exchange verifications with an up-and-coming Genius like you today is also a great joy for me."

Li Guizhen...

Hearing the name of this martial Dao myth once again, Fang Cheng's expression stirred slightly.

"Jianguo said that you have successfully established your intent, Visualized a blazing great sun, and even begun to set about condensing your True Self."

Shi Chengyi paused slightly in his tone, his gaze turning sharp:

"This old man is untalented, but I wish to ask for some pointers."

Hearing this, Fang Cheng was slightly startled.

Although he could feel that the old man before him had exceptionally vigorous vitality and blood, far surpassing ordinary Martial Artists.

But when it came to the degree of True Qi abundance, he probably still couldn't be mentioned in the same breath as a freak like himself.

If it was just a contest of hand-to-hand combat skills, that would be even more like a child's play.

Fang Cheng was truly afraid that if he failed to control his strength slightly, a single punch would dismantle the other party's old bones.

"Of course."

Seeing the look of surprise on Fang Cheng's face, Shi Chengyi immediately explained:

"It is not by means of fists and feet, nor is it a comparison of True Qi thickness, but by another unique method belonging to us Martial Artists."

As he spoke, he smiled slightly, planted his feet in a non-standard stance, hugged his hands in front of his chest, and struck an ancient Hunyuan stance posture.

The next moment, Shi Chengyi's eyes slowly closed, his entire person's Qi and breath converging to the extreme.

It was as if he instantly transformed from a living person into a silent boulder, unfathomable.

However, Fang Cheng felt as though the surrounding air had frozen.

An invisible Aura, as condensed as a mountain and as heavy as the earth, permeated from Shi Chengyi's body, enveloping the entire stone pavilion.

Under this Aura, even the wisps of rain outside the pavilion seemed to become sluggish.

This was not True Qi release, but a pure spiritual willpower, the "Martial Intent" condensed by Shi Chengyi through a lifetime of military service and experiencing wind and waves!

Fang Cheng understood; this was a contest on the spiritual level.

He showed not the slightest fear and similarly closed his eyes slowly.

If Shi Chengyi's Martial Intent was a heavy mountain suppressing all things.

Then in Fang Cheng's perceptive world, a golden sun abruptly rose.

There was no earth-shattering collision, no deafening roar.

That sun simply hung quietly there, radiating endless light and heat.

Shi Chengyi's mountain-like condensed willpower, under the illumination of this sun, began to melt and disintegrate silently like snow in spring.

It was not defeated, but assimilated and embraced.

Shi Chengyi abruptly opened his eyes, his face filled with unbelievable shock, even stumbling backward by half a step before steadying his footing.

The look in his eyes as he gazed at Fang Cheng had changed from appreciation to thorough shock and awe.

"Ignite a sun in the heart, and there is no other heaven beyond my body..."

Shi Chengyi muttered to himself, seemingly recalling a line of poetry he had seen in some water prison.

Then he gave a bitter smile and, cupping his fists and bowing solemnly toward Fang Cheng:

"This old man is convinced heart and soul."

He originally wanted to take this opportunity to weigh Fang Cheng's capabilities, and even harbored some thoughts of offering guidance in the capacity of a Senior.

Yet he never expected that the other party's martial Dao willpower would be so blazing and magnificent, tyrannical and peerless!

"Elder Shi exaggerates."

Fang Cheng opened his eyes, his expression calm.

"Not at all, not exaggerated in the slightest!"

Shi Chengyi waved his hand, his expression unable to conceal his excitement:

"Your path of the True Self has already walked ahead of us old fellows. Even when Chief Li was young, I'm afraid he wouldn't have been much stronger than you."

Fang Cheng's heart stirred slightly, and then he asked for advice in a sincere tone:

"This Junior indeed has many confusions regarding martial Dao cultivation."

"Especially in the process of condensing the True Self, although I have successfully established your intent and Visualized a great sun in the Inner Scene World, carving out a side of heaven and earth, that world currently has no vitality to speak of."

"This Junior does not know how to walk the subsequent path, nor how to successfully achieve the external manifestation of the Inner Scene to interfere with reality."

Hearing this, the look of approval in Shi Chengyi's eyes grew even stronger.

Neither arrogant nor impetuous, facing problems head-on—this was truly the Heart-Nature of a seeker of the Dao.

After pondering slightly, he said in a deep voice:

"I remember Chief Li once taught that the key to condensing the True Self lies in 'the unity of knowledge and action'."

"The Visualization of the Inner Scene World is 'knowledge', and the code of conduct in the real world is 'action'."

"That great sun in your Inner Scene World is currently still just a seed, a concept."

"The reason it lacks vitality is because you have not yet used the 'action' of reality to water it and endow it with true 'spirit'."

"Only when your actions completely align with the Dao of the 'True Self' you Visualized can 'knowledge' and 'action' merge into one, and your Inner Scene World can transform from illusory to real, achieving true Perfection."

He looked at Fang Cheng, his gaze flickering, seemingly recalling the feelings when contesting Martial Intent earlier.

Then, he expounded word by word:

"Your Dao can be said to be the Dao of the Sun."

"The Dao of the Sun has two sides: one side is the 'vitality' that illuminates all things and bestows grace upon all living beings, and the other side is the 'tyranny' that burns away all haze and darkness."

"When you perform acts of protection in reality, your Inner Scene will glow with vitality and nourish all things."

"Conversely, when you execute the might of thunder in reality, your great sun will become increasingly scorching, blazing and magnificent."

"This path is very difficult to walk, but once successfully traversed, the future will be boundless!"

Shi Chengyi held nothing back, pouring out the experience taught by Li Guizhen, and the expectation in his eyes was almost overflowing.

Fang Cheng listened with an open mind, recording each of these precious experiences in his heart one by one, feeling as though his eyes were suddenly enlightened.

After a long talk, the relationship between the two had unconsciously drawn much closer.

Shi Chengyi looked at Fang Cheng with a flood of emotions:

"I originally thought that the martial Dao path would decline day by day after our generation, reduced to the dust of history. I didn't expect heaven to leave no dead end, unexpectedly allowing a Genius like you to emerge out of nowhere."

He took a deep breath and finally stated the true purpose of his trip, his expression exceptionally solemn.

"Nephew Fang, I now in my personal name formally invite you to join the Special Investigation Team and revitalize the Dao of martial arts."

As his voice fell, no response was received.

Within the stone pavilion, for a moment only the "rustling" sound of the rain remained.

Fang Cheng stood there with a calm expression, looking outside the pavilion as if he hadn't heard what was just said.

Seeing this, Shi Chengyi paused for a moment, and his voice immediately became impassioned:

"Nephew Fang, do you know what you harbor? That is not merely martial arts, but a power sufficient to change the trajectory of the era!"

"If such a power is only used to hide in a corner and preserve oneself, it is simply a bright pearl gathering dust and the greatest waste."

"Today's world has undercurrents surging, extraordinary people appearing frequently, and even overseas forces eyeing covetously; it is right in the midst of a great change unseen in hundreds of years."

"And amidst such a torrent, a true powerhouse is like a pillar in the surging stream, a calming sea needle."

"Therefore, the country needs you, the people need you, and our increasingly declining martial Dao even more so needs a Genius figure like you to act as a banner to unite human hearts!"

However, facing these deafening words, Fang Cheng still just quietly looked at the mountain scenery outside the pavilion, his eyes clear and calm.

Shi Chengyi also seemed to realize that simple national righteousness might not be able to move the young man before him.

His tone shifted, becoming a bit softer:

"I know you have concerns. Joining the Special Investigation Team means responsibility, and it also means danger."

"But it can equally bring protection. Your family, your mother and your maternal grandfather, will receive the highest level of security assurance; you do not need to worry about this point."

"Anyone who dares to disturb their peaceful lives will face the thunderous fury of the entire state apparatus."

Finishing his words, he looked expectantly at Fang Cheng, believing this condition was enough to make anyone who valued family ties tempted.

Fang Cheng's gaze flickered slightly, as if seriously considering it.