C18 Practicing Taoist Fist

The square was bustling with an ever-growing crowd of about a hundred people, all standing around and engaging in lively chatter.

Wu Shanbao surveyed the scene with curiosity. Spotting Liu Yun, he paused in surprise. "Brother Hu, why is only Liu Yun here? Where's Ye Lang?"

Shen Hu glanced over and explained, "The Taoist Fist Technique is intended for those at or below the Body Refining Stage. Ye Lang has advanced to the Qi Refining Stage, so he's moved on to a more advanced fist technique for his cultivation."

Wu Shanbao recalled the more intricate fist technique he had witnessed in the square the day before, understanding a bit more about it.

The chatter subsided unexpectedly, and Wu Shanbao, on his tiptoes, peered ahead to see a man dressed in Taoist robes standing at the forefront. The man cleared his throat and projected his voice, "Except for the newcomers who arrived yesterday, the rest of you should practice the Taoist Fist as previously arranged. Liu Yun, lead the way."

"Yes," came Liu Yun's somewhat casual response as he stepped to the front of the line.

"New Taoist acolytes from yesterday, come with me to the left."

Shen Hu gave Wu Shanbao a nudge and flashed a grin. "Off you go."

"Okay."

Wu Shanbao headed toward the Taoist priest, joining the line.

A dozen or so acolytes, dressed like Wu Shanbao, stepped forward with a mix of curiosity and anticipation in their eyes. Wu Shanbao took his place quietly on the far right of the line, waiting patiently.

The Taoist priest, noting that everyone was in position, spoke up, "You may address me as Elder Chen. I'll be teaching you the foundational Taoist Fist Technique. The extent to which you master it will depend on your own innate talent."

He swept his gaze over the group, and Wu Shanbao felt a lingering look when the elder's eyes met his.

"I'll demonstrate first. Watch closely," Elder Chen instructed before turning his back to the young teens and beginning his demonstration.

The Taoist Fist Technique, a foundational practice, was not overly complex, yet each movement was executed with considerable force. As Elder Chen threw each punch, the air seemed to break with the sound of the wind, his form impressively fluid and powerful.

Wu Shanbao watched the Fist Technique with a rapt attention, sensing a faint resemblance to the punches Liu Yun had thrown the day before. The stark difference, however, was that Liu Yun's full-force punch produced a wind-breaking sound, whereas the Elder's effortless flick of the wrist seemed immeasurably more powerful than Liu Yun's.

Incredibly powerful.

A spark of excitement ignited in Wu Shanbao's heart as he committed Elder Chen's movements to memory, his hand tracing the air in imitation. Remarkably, his gestures bore a striking resemblance to the Elder's.

Every so often, Elder Chen glanced over and caught sight of Wu Shanbao's intentional movements, his eyes brightening. The pace of his punches noticeably slowed.

Unaware that Elder Chen was deliberately slowing his movements to aid his memorization, Wu Shanbao felt the techniques become more ingrained in his mind, filling him with elation.

After the Fist Technique session, Daoist Priest Chen exhaled deeply, turned to face the group, and asked, "Within the Fist Technique, what did you all perceive?"

Most were bewildered, with only a couple sketching in the air with their hands and feet, seemingly on the cusp of an insight yet unsure how to articulate it.

Wu Shanbao, head bowed, pondered silently.

Elder Chen's gaze settled on the silent Wu Shanbao. After a moment of contemplation, he inquired, "Wu Shanbao, share with us, what did you discern in this Fist Technique?"

Caught off guard by Elder Chen addressing him directly, Wu Shanbao looked up, surprised, and confessed his thoughts, "Elder, my aptitude is lacking, and I struggle to grasp the intricacies within."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Elder Chen's face, though he remained silent.

"But..." Wu Shanbao hesitated, then continued, "I sensed that this Fist Technique might be connected to something. Reflecting on it, since it's named the Taoist Fist, both its inception and conclusion should converge on the concept of 'Tao.' But as to what that specifically entails, I'm at a loss."

At Wu Shanbao's mention of "Tao," those few youths who had shown signs of understanding now looked contemplative. Elder Chen's stern expression softened into a warm smile, and he chuckled, "Exactly, it is 'Tao.' Wu Shanbao, observe closely as I demonstrate once more."

Wu Shanbao's eyes sparkled with understanding as he listened to Elder Chen. He focused intently on the elder, not missing a single movement.

The sense of enlightenment within him grew even more profound.

Given that Wu Shanbao's mother was one of the most gifted geniuses above the Sixth Heaven, it was only natural that Wu Shanbao would have a strong aptitude for the Fist Technique.

By the second demonstration of the Fist Technique by Elder Chen, Wu Shanbao had already grasped its essence.

Once the Fist Technique demonstration concluded, Wu Shanbao didn't wait for Elder Chen to speak. He eagerly said, "It's about the Dao and the body. The Fist Technique emerges from the body, is rooted in the Dao, and returns to the body. To train in the Fist Technique is to train in the Dao itself!"

"Good boy," Elder Chen said, his eyes brimming with approval.

Wu Shanbao was correct. This Fist Technique, designed as an introductory practice, held deep meaning. Each punch not only served to fortify the body but more importantly, it purified the practitioner's heart, subtly stabilizing the mind and guiding them toward their ultimate purpose.

"Training the body and the Dao is training the Dao." This simple phrase is not easily understood. In Level One Heaven, even the most advanced Dao disciples average five repetitions of the Fist Technique to grasp this concept. Yet, Wu Shanbao had fully comprehended it after just two. Even Ye Lang, hailed as the foremost figure in the True Dao for a century, was outshone by Wu Shanbao's insight. This clearly affirmed Wu Shanbao's status as a true genius.

Elder Chen's gaze shifted to the rest of the group, noting the confusion on many faces. He sighed inwardly, making a mental note of the few youths who seemed to have caught on to something, earmarking them for closer observation.

There are inherent differences among people, and in the journey of cultivation, talent and potential can indeed shape one's destiny.

"Wu Shanbao is right," Elder Chen declared. "I will now teach you this Fist Technique one by one. From here on, you will each practice on your own. Until you reach the Qi Refining Stage, you must diligently train in this Fist Technique. Have you all understood?"

"Yes," came the voices in unison. Yet within this chorus, some rang with confidence, while others carried a note of dejection.