Chapter 28: Ancient Body Tempering, Soul Forged in Iron and Blood

“Sink your breath into your lower abdomen, keep your head light and upright, relax your waist and sit into your hips...” My voice echoed across the empty training ground, clearly guiding each movement’s essentials.

The members of Dragon Fang were standing in a most awkward posture. Born warriors, they were accustomed to taut muscles and a readiness to erupt at any moment. But the Hunyuan Stance I was teaching demanded complete relaxation, guiding an elusive energy with the mind alone.

It was even more uncomfortable than slogging ten kilometers through a muddy swamp with heavy gear.

Within ten minutes, someone began to sway, sweat beading on his forehead.

“Sir! Instructor! I... I feel like my legs are about to break!” a young team member called out, unable to hold back.

I walked up to him, glanced at his posture, and shook my head. “Your mind is too restless, your focus hasn’t settled in your abdomen, and your energy is scattered. You’re still relying on brute muscle force—of course you’re exhausted.”

I extended a finger and gently tapped three inches below his navel. “Focus your intent here. Imagine yourself as a tree, roots growing beneath your feet, your crown touching the sky.”

The young man felt a cool breath emanate from my fingertip, surging instantly into his abdomen. Miraculously, his agitated mind calmed. Following my guidance, he visualized the scene, and the soreness in his body eased considerably.

I said nothing more, simply pacing slowly among the ranks, occasionally correcting their posture, offering the simplest words to awaken their inner understanding.

An hour later, I called for a halt.

Everyone, as if granted amnesty, collapsed to the ground, drenched in sweat—more exhausted than after a high-intensity sparring match.

“How do you feel?” I asked.

“Tired! So tired!” Shi Lei gasped, but the rebelliousness in his eyes had faded, replaced by contemplation. “But... Instructor, just now, for a moment, I felt a warm current moving inside me. It was... comfortable.”

“I felt it too!” “Me as well!” Several others chimed in immediately.

I nodded. “That’s the sensation of energy. It’s the latent life force within you, just beginning to awaken. This is only the start.”

For the rest of the morning, I taught them nothing new, simply instructing them to repeat the stance, savoring that energy sensation.

During their break, I requested a batch of training wooden dummies from Long Zhan.

“Watch closely.”

I approached a wooden dummy, took a deep breath, and assumed an ancient boxing stance.

“What I’ll teach you next is a set of fists called ‘Eight Directions Shake.’”

As soon as I finished speaking, I moved.

My movements were not fast—almost slow—each action clear and precise. Yet every punch carried a dull, cutting sound in the air. My fist never touched the wooden dummy, always kept an inch away.

Bang!

A muffled boom rang out—the ironwood dummy shuddered violently, the sound erupting from within.

Everyone stared wide-eyed.

“Is this... striking through a mountain?” Long Zhan exclaimed in disbelief.

“This isn’t some trick,” I withdrew my fist, speaking calmly. “This is the application of internal power. The energy you cultivate is condensed into force, penetrating objects to strike their core. The ‘Eight Directions Shake’ is the method for cultivating this internal strength.”

I broke down the stances of ‘Eight Directions Shake,’ teaching them each movement.

This boxing style was bold, open, brimming with masculine ferocity—perfect for warriors in the military.

Watching these elite soldiers of China, their iron will fueling the practice of ancient, nearly lost arts, I felt a strange emotion stir within me.

It was as if I saw ancient heritage blending with modern steel and blood, forging a sharper, more unbreakable sword to protect the nation.

The half-day lesson quickly came to an end.

As I prepared to leave, Long Zhan led all the team members to form ranks before me once more.

“All units, attention!” Long Zhan thundered.

“Salute!”

Swish!

Thirty Dragon Fang members offered a flawless, solemn military salute. Their eyes held no trace of doubt—only pure admiration and unwavering trust.

They knew the man before them was opening a door to an entirely new world.

I accepted their salute calmly, then turned and walked away.

I needed neither their gratitude nor their reverence. I only hoped they would wield this power to safeguard this land, and protect those who most need protection.

Because somewhere in this land lies the one I most wish to protect.