Inventing the Breath-Channeling Method

Originally.

The so-called Breath-Channeling Method was just something Lin Bei had made up to fool the villagers.

Trying to fool a martial artist with it was practically a fool's dream.

That was why Lin Bei was anxious.

Although Zhang Teng seemed obedient and compliant, Lin Bei dared not imagine what would happen if he discovered that his master was a complete fraud.

Lin Bei still vividly remembered how Zhang Teng had gritted his teeth when mentioning swindlers.

But things were different now.

Through Tai Chi, Lin Bei had truly sensed the spiritual essence between heaven and earth.

That had given Lin Bei tremendous inspiration for inventing the Breath-Channeling Method.

"The Breath-Channeling Method means breathing in and out the spiritual energy of heaven and earth..."

Lin Bei very much wanted to invent the Breath-Channeling Method through his own abilities.

But he discovered, dejectedly... that he seemed to lack the insight and talent to actually create it.

What should I do?

Still, Lin Bei did not panic. After all, he had read quite a few relevant books before transmigrating.

Now he had a direction.

It would not be difficult to extract some key terms from those books and piece together a logically consistent Breath-Channeling Method.

Soon, drawing on his perception of the spiritual energy between heaven and earth and the knowledge stored in his memory, Lin Bei began making things up.

Before long, he had fabricated a somewhat profound-sounding Breath-Channeling Method.

Zhang Teng, I've done my best to invent this based on the spiritual energy I sensed. The rest is up to you.

With that thought, Lin Bei went to the Martial Arts Grounds.

"Tieniu."

Lin Bei beckoned to Tieniu.

"Master, what is it?" Tieniu jogged over.

"I have sensed that your Senior Brother Zhang has grasped the profound meaning of Tai Chi. Tell him to wait for me in the Technique Transmission Room."

Lin Bei spoke with a warm smile.

"Really? Master, your cultivation is so high that you can even sense that!" Tieniu's face brimmed with admiration. "What are you going to teach Senior Brother Zhang?"

"His Tai Chi has reached the realm of perfection, and he is now qualified to comprehend the art of breath-channeling. Naturally, I will teach him the Breath-Channeling Method."

"Enough chatter. Off you go," Lin Bei said.

"Yes, Master."

Watching Tieniu's simple, honest manner, Lin Bei could not help marveling...

This big lug is so likable!

If only Zhang Teng were this simple and honest... at least he wouldn't suspect me of being a fraud.

Meanwhile.

In the Earth One Room.

Tieniu knocked carefully on the door.

"Senior Brother Zhang Teng."

"Who is it?" came Zhang Teng's puzzled voice.

"It's me, Tieniu. Master sent me to find you."

At those words, surprise appeared on Zhang Teng's face. Earlier, Lin Bei had instructed everyone not to disturb him while he contemplated Tai Chi.

He had just gained some insight and was digesting it, yet his master had sent someone for him. Was it a coincidence?

Puzzled, Zhang Teng asked a question.

"What did Master send you here for?"

"Master said he sensed that your understanding of Tai Chi had reached the realm of perfection. He told me to tell you to wait for him in the Technique Transmission Room," Tieniu answered honestly.

"So that's it! Master's powers truly know no bounds. I only just gained some insight, and he already sensed it."

At that moment, Zhang Teng's trust in Lin Bei began to grow, along with his admiration and respect.

"Tieniu, do you know what Master intends to teach me?" Although Zhang Teng had a guess, he could not resist asking.

Tieniu chuckled. "You asked the right person! Master said he's going to teach you the Breath-Channeling Method!"

Zhang Teng was overjoyed!

What was the Breath-Channeling Method?

It was the very foundation of immortal cultivation.

As long as he could comprehend the Breath-Channeling Method, he could step through the gates of immortal cultivation and become an immortal cultivator.

"I'll go right now!" Zhang Teng pushed the door open and strode out swiftly.

Tieniu hurried after him.

"Senior Brother, you're exceptionally gifted. Once you learn this Immortal Cultivation Method, you'll have to give us some pointers!"

"Of course!" Zhang Teng readily agreed.

The Technique Transmission Room.

Zhang Teng sat cross-legged with a solemn expression. While waiting for Lin Bei, he continued carefully contemplating the mysteries of Tai Chi.

"Very good!"

Lin Bei's voice rang out as he put on the air of a master who greatly appreciated his disciple.

"You can contemplate the principles of Tai Chi without arrogance or impatience. Although your natural aptitude is ordinary, you can still be considered suitable for immortal cultivation."

The moment he opened his mouth, he sounded like a seasoned con artist.

This boy Zhang Teng had heaven-defying comprehension and astonishing talent. Lin Bei had to knock him down a peg.

Otherwise, how could he show how impressive he was as a master?

Hearing him, Zhang Teng hurriedly said respectfully, "Greetings, Master."

"No need for formalities."

Lin Bei waved a hand.

"Master, is my aptitude for immortal cultivation very poor?" Zhang Teng asked cautiously.

"Your aptitude is average. Take comprehending Tai Chi as an example."

"Someone who comprehends it within the time an incense stick takes to burn can be called a heaven's chosen. Within two hours, a genius. Within half a day, a promising talent. You took more than half a day, so your aptitude can only be called average."

Lin Bei lied through his teeth. If Zhang Teng had comprehended it within an incense stick's time, he would certainly have measured the time in breaths instead...

When it came to bluffing, Lin Bei had it down pat.

Sure enough.

Zhang Teng, who had been feeling rather full of himself, immediately felt crestfallen.

Still, he remained somewhat unconvinced.

"Master, there is something your disciple does not understand."

"Speak!"

Unconvinced, Zhang Teng said, "Even if I took a little longer to comprehend it, surely the assessment of my aptitude shouldn't differ so much?"

Lin Bei smiled, perfectly capturing the expression of someone looking at an ignorant whelp.

"A promising talent can break through the shackles. Your aptitude is insufficient. Perfect mastery of Tai Chi is your limit."

"Break through the shackles?"

A trace of bewilderment appeared in Zhang Teng's eyes.

What did breaking through the shackles mean? He had no idea whatsoever.

He suddenly realized that perhaps this was why his master had called his aptitude average.

"Master, what does breaking through the shackles mean?"

When he did not understand, Zhang Teng asked, humbly seeking guidance.

Lin Bei nodded in satisfaction. It seemed his bluff had worked.

"If you break through the shackles, you can comprehend the principles of heaven and earth and understand the mysteries of breath-channeling."

"However, you need not worry about being unable to enter the gates of immortal cultivation."

Lin Bei continued his bluff.

"Since you have become my disciple, I will naturally teach you the Breath-Channeling Method. I hope that, in the future, your diligence will make up for your shortcomings."

Zhang Teng stopped dwelling on it and immediately said respectfully, "Please bestow the method upon me, Master."

Lin Bei smiled and continued bluffing.

"Your aptitude is too poor. If I simply teach you the method, you may find it difficult to comprehend."

"Now, I will demonstrate what Tai Chi looks like after breaking through the shackles."

Lin Bei's expression was solemn.

"Do not merely watch with your eyes. Watch with your heart as well. Do you understand?"

Zhang Teng hurriedly nodded and immediately focused all his attention.

Lin Bei stepped forward and began the opening stance of Tai Chi.

At that instant.

Zhang Teng's pupils contracted!

He could sense that, as Lin Bei performed Tai Chi, the aura surrounding him had changed completely!

An indescribable spiritual essence shone as dazzlingly as the blazing sun!

Zhang Teng was deeply shaken!

"This... could this be Tai Chi that has broken through its limits?"