Chen Chuan spent over an hour teaching Chen Xiaojin a set of Breathing Method and stance force techniques he had worked out.
This method had evolved from the original Breathing Method. Once mastered, it would allow him to bring out both kinds of force without causing any conflict between them.
Chen Xiaojin gave it a brief try and found that it was not especially difficult.
However, after so many matches against others, he knew that was only how it felt in practice. Actual combat demanded reactions many times faster than that. To make such changes instinctive was far from easy, and would definitely require long-term tempering.
Chen Chuan said, "From now on, Freehand Force will still be your main focus. The force from hard-body training is only supplementary. It will further improve your ability to withstand blows and give you more room for error, ensuring that you can last until the end of a match.
"That way, even if you face an opponent empty-handed, you can withstand weapons. But remember, that is only a choice made out of necessity. If your opponent uses a weapon against you, it is best that you use one as well.
"My suggestion is that you should at least keep a reliable pair of Gauntlets on hand."
Chen Xiaojin listened and nodded earnestly. "Teacher, I understand."
Next, Chen Chuan corrected some of the mistakes Chen Xiaojin was prone to making in combat, as well as some bad habits in applying force while attacking and adjusting his breathing.
His guidance for Chen Xiaojin was not all-encompassing. He only focused on the crucial points and left the rest for his student to develop on his own.
If Chen Xiaojin went the wrong way or strayed from the path, Chen Chuan would correct him and steer him back.