Time seemed to flow differently in Shikkotsu Forest than in the outside world. There was no cycle of sun and moon, only an eternal, gentle glow and natural energy so dense it seemed almost tangible. From the very beginning, Ling's training entered its most grueling and fundamental phase.
The Katsuyu Sage did not teach him any specific Senjutsu outright. Instead, the sage first had him learn "perception" and "balance."
"Natural energy is no docile lamb, child." The Katsuyu Sage's vast voice echoed throughout the land like a constant undertone, guiding him. "It is a wild river, the primal restlessness of life. Draw it blindly into your body, and it will assimilate you, making you part of this sacred land-an eternal stone. First, you must learn to 'hear' its flow and 'see' its pathways."
And so, Ling sat motionless every day, casting aside all distracting thoughts and immersing his mind completely in his surroundings. His "pure water" constitution gave him an extraordinary advantage. Water was intimately connected to life and nature, and his perception of natural energy was a hundred times sharper than an ordinary person's. Soon, he could clearly "see" the multicolored ribbons of natural energy flowing through the air, as well as the far more immense rivers of energy surging beneath the ground.
Next came "balance." This was the most dangerous and essential step in Senjutsu training. Spiritual energy, physical energy, and natural energy had to be combined in a perfect 1:1:1 ratio to form the unique "senjutsu chakra."
Ling tried drawing a thread of natural energy into his body. At first, even that tiny amount instantly stirred up turmoil within him, attempting to scour away and assimilate his chakra. Parts of his body even showed slight signs of petrification! He immediately forced it out, cold sweat pouring down