Second-Stage Breathing Method

Even a duller person than Chen Chong would have understood that Yu Feng was offering him special training, let alone someone as sharp as him.

With a flicker in his eyes, he straightened his posture:

"Thank you, Coach Yu."

Yu Feng shook his head:

"This is my job."

He first walked around the training room, opening all the windows and locking the door, before returning to the center of the room and saying simply:

"I'll demonstrate, you watch."

Yu Feng began his demonstration.

His exhaled breath was like a white dragon, and the sound of his breathing was like a gale; the commotion in the training room was simply not something a human should be able to produce!

Chen Chong felt as if he had returned to the time he first arrived at The Park.

Back then, when they had just started learning the breathing method, the four of them were here together, following Yu Feng's lead.

Li Xiaoguang was still there at that time.

A look of reminiscence appeared in Chen Chong's eyes; although it had only been a short while ago, it felt like a lifetime away.

He quickly pulled himself together and fixed his gaze on Yu Feng's demonstration.

The length and duration of the white mist highlighted the force, while the volume and intervals of the breathing sounds highlighted the rhythm; Chen Chong quickly became completely focused.

After about ten minutes, Yu Feng finished the first round:

"Did you see it clearly?"

Chen Chong frowned and said:

"This is a bit complicated."

A sense of relief unconsciously flashed in Yu Feng's eyes.

The Second-Stage Breathing Method was more than twice as complex as the basic breathing method; if Chen Chong had understood it in just one go, then...

"However, there is still a change every nine cycles, which shares common ground with the basic breathing method, though there are many brand-new steps."

Chen Chong nodded again.

In truth, this was harder to discern than the nine-cycle pattern of the basic breathing method because the rhythm changed faster and more frequently; one might not even understand the previous move before several changes had already passed by in the blink of an eye.

But with his experience practicing the basic breathing method, he was able to map what he saw to what he knew, and he quickly grasped the general pattern. It could be considered a shortcut.

Yu Feng was silent for a moment, then said:

"You're right. Mastering this pattern will make it easier to remember. Let's do it again; put your hands here and observe carefully."

He pulled Chen Chong to his side, placed one of Chen Chong's hands on his abdomen and the other on his back, and then demonstrated it once more.

This time, Chen Chong didn't just watch the white mist and listen to the breathing; he intuitively felt the vibrations of Yu Feng's chest through his hands, sensed the rhythm and force of his breath, and even vaguely perceived the flow of energy within his body.

This was far more intuitive, and since it was the second time, combined with observing the "nine-cycle change" rhythm, Chen Chong felt he saw it very clearly.

Was this what they called teaching by personal example?

After Yu Feng finished the round, he only said the word "continue" and started again immediately.

This time, Chen Chong began to try to memorize it, even consciously imitating the movements while watching.

By the end of this round, he had memorized the general outline and framework, but Yu Feng still didn't stop and continued to demonstrate.

Half an hour passed.

Seeing Yu Feng slowly conclude the breathing method, Chen Chong said:

"Coach Yu, let me try."

"Go ahead."

Chen Chong took a deep breath.

Then, he exhaled, his breath forming a dragon.

Yu Feng, standing to the side with his hands behind his back, saw a flash of brilliance erupt in his eyes.

He clenched his hands tightly behind him, his dark face deep and unreadable.

After Chen Chong finished the round, he looked at him, and the tower-like coach said slowly:

"You made 13 mistakes in that round."

Chen Chong frowned:

"I thought there were only 9."

Yu Feng then began to explain it to him.

After a while, Chen Chong nodded and said:

"I understand, let me try again."

About a quarter of an hour later, Yu Feng spoke:

"8 spots."

"I only remember 7..."

Another quarter of an hour passed.

"5 spots."

"That's right, 5 spots. There are still 5 left; the Second-Stage Breathing Method is truly difficult."

Chen Chong exhaled and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Yu Feng did not speak.

From the moment Chen Chong began his first attempt, neither of them had any objections regarding the completeness of his breathing technique.

Moreover, he only spoke of lapses, not errors.

By now, Chen Chong already knew exactly where each of his lapses occurred.

That was enough.

More than enough.

But seeing Chen Chong's dissatisfied expression, Yu Feng's brows twitched as he said:

"This progress is already... quite good. As long as you know how it is correctly performed, you can practice it on your own. Are you sure you've memorized it all?"

"I feel like I have. The relationship between the Second-Stage Breathing Method and the basic breathing method is similar to that of the Combat Technique and the Combat Drill, yet also different. While it's called the second stage, it isn't just a variation or advancement of the basic version; there are a massive number of added steps and changes. I can memorize the beginning by comparing it to the basic version, and I just focused on understanding the latter part, so I've managed to commit it to memory."

Chen Chong said:

"I'll try one more time, please help me check it, Coach Yu."

There were still three lapses in this attempt, which he pointed out himself after finishing. Thus, Yu Feng understood that he at least had a complete grasp of what was correct.

Yu Feng nodded, his tone deep:

"Very good. Your comprehension is high, especially regarding theoretical matters. The methods you've summarized for yourself are all very useful; I have nothing to correct."

"Thank you, Coach Yu."

Chen Chong said thoughtfully:

"Is what the Second-Stage Breathing Method has that the basic breathing method lacks the essence of the second realm of training?"

"It is the focus of the second realm of training, which is Tendon Training."

Yu Feng explained:

"However, the basic breathing method also trains the muscles and tendons, and even the blood and viscera, though the effect is slightly weaker and the progress slower. Modern cultivation methods differ from ancient martial arts; physical tempering is actually conducted comprehensively, with each realm simply having a different focus. When you are doing Bone Tempering, your fascia and muscles are certainly being exercised as well—after all, tendons and bones are inseparable—it is just not as intense as it is for the bones."

"The focus after entering the first realm is Tendon Training, also known as Bridge Building, which means building the Tendon Bridge. Ancient martial arts often say, 'If the tendons lengthen by an inch, strength increases tenfold,' and this is no lie. Once all the muscles and tendons in your body are fully extended, your explosive power will be several times greater than before."

After the Bone Beam comes the Tendon Bridge; are the subsequent hurdles the blood vessels and internal organs?

Chen Chong nodded thoughtfully.

After Yu Feng finished explaining the focus of the first realm, he added casually:

"You understand the Second-Stage Breathing Method now; it is much more complex, and not everyone can learn it. The standard version of the Second-Stage Breathing Method takes ten minutes to complete, which is difficult to pick up, so the seven-minute version I teach others is simpler. Since your aptitude is higher, I taught you this version."

He paused, then continued:

"Actually, there is a follow-up to this version as well, but... let's talk about that later."

Chen Chong understood what he meant:

"Seven minutes, fewer changes, I've got it."

This was too direct, but it was reassuring... Yu Feng coughed; he had originally wanted to advise him not to over-train at the start, as the Second-Stage Breathing Method placed a heavier burden on the body.

But he immediately remembered that Chen Chong had excellent physical adaptability and had reached the current realm on his own, so there was no need to worry too much.

This was truly a good student who constantly surprised people and required little concern.

The only drawback was that the place he appeared in was completely wrong.

Yu Feng was silent for a moment, then said:

"Since you have entered the realm, Zhou Hu will certainly sign a contract with you. After signing, your compensation will see a massive increase, which is a good thing. But the company is very busy lately, as you know. I will mention it to him when I see him in the next few days; you just wait for a bit."

"No rush, thank you, Coach Yu."

Chen Chong said sincerely.

After seeing Yu Feng off, Chen Chong checked the time; it was only nine o'clock, still early for sleep.

He first gnawed on some Nutrient Paste to replenish his energy, then habitually lingered in the Main Training Hall to continue practicing.

Although he had only just come into contact with it, he could feel that the effects of the Second-Stage Breathing Method were far better than before.

A rough estimate suggested that his training efficiency had increased by at least thirty percent.

And this was just from starting out. Once he became more proficient, whether in training or applying it to actual combat, its power would certainly be incomparable to the basic version, and it would also have an advantage over the shortened versions used by other fighters.

But to reach that point, diligent practice was required.

At the very least, he had to eliminate his lapses first; that was the level of true entry.

However, once he had entered the door and gained proficiency, the third level would not be far off. After all, he already had the experience of training a breathing method to great success; practice makes perfect.

Therefore, all he needed to do was practice the new breathing method more and master it as soon as possible. It was simple.

The cold wind howled outside the window while Chen Chong practiced in his room.

The lights in the training room did not go out until midnight.

The next day, the Combat Masterclass continued as usual.

Yu Feng arrived at the Fighter Dormitory a little early before class to check on Chen Chong's progress.

Then, for a full half hour, the two of them did not say a word.

Chen Chong did not make a single mistake.

Yu Feng exhaled and nodded, saying:

"That will do. You must also practice your Combat Technique well. If you master both, you won't be at a disadvantage even among signed fighters. I already spoke to Zhou Hu last night; he will bring you the contract.

"The initial contract will certainly be quite basic. If you want better treatment, you will have to strive for it yourself."

Chen Chong's heart stirred. After thanking Yu Feng, he asked:

"Are there many levels for signed fighters?"

"That goes without saying. Just as there is a distinction between a Warm-up Fighter and an Official Fighter before entering a realm, signed fighters are also different from one another. In fact, everyone's contract is unique. After all, signed fighters don't just stay at the Thunder Dragon Bar; sometimes they represent Thunder Dragon to fight in other rings. The qualifications, strength, and treatment are divided quite finely, and there is even an internal ranking.

"However, generally speaking, they are divided into three tiers: Level 2, Level 1, and Special Grade. You will start with a Level 2 contract."

Chen Chong nodded to show he understood.

He hadn't started interacting with other signed fighters yet, so he was curious about where his punching power of around 700kg would rank. In any case, it shouldn't be at the bottom of Level 2.

With the class time approaching, Chen Chong was just about to continue acting as Yu Feng's assistant when the instructor said:

"You are wasting your time here. Go train on your own."

In truth, he could learn a lot by sparring with Yu Feng, but the priority at this stage was indeed the Second-Stage Breathing Method. After experiencing the training efficiency of the new technique last night, Chen Chong was quite fascinated.

Therefore, Chen Chong did not stand on ceremony. He knew that outside of training, Yu Feng was aloof and taciturn, so such things were unnecessary. He bowed and left.

Yu Feng's gaze followed Chen Chong's retreating back. After a while, he saw students with nervous expressions filing in one after another. Looking at those cowering students, his eyes turned cold:

"Come in and stand in line. Don't you even know how to form a queue?"

Chen Chong immersed himself in practicing the Second-Stage Breathing Method for two days, undisturbed by anyone or anything.

As his breathing method progressed rapidly, he also followed Yu Feng's instructions to practice his Combat Technique in his spare time to adapt to his current strength.

Under the influence of the new breathing method, combined with some of Yu Feng's previous pointers, his kung fu improved quickly and his realm rose steadily. His punching power broke through 700kg in just two days.

New techniques, new strength, and constant progress.

This feeling was addictive, drawing him completely into this world.

It wasn't until a staff member from the company arrived that he was jolted back to reality.

"Chen Chong, the boss wants you to come over."

Chen Chong received the message at the door of the training room and was stunned for a moment before he reacted.

Was it finally time to sign the contract?

"Alright, should I go to the bar?"

"The bar?"

The man gave him a strange look:

"Why would you go to the bar? The General Manager is waiting for you in his office right now."