Chi Manifestation

"Orthodox Chi is also referred to as Heavenly mana. It goes with the flow of the heavens."

Qing had just created his mana core with both Chi's and the Hermit was already rushing him to learn more about Chi.

"Unorthodox Chi is referred to as Underworld mana. This goes against the flow of heaven. This is also the energy of the underworld beings."

"Your body can now use both, you have achieved Yin-Yang unity,"

Qing checked his abdomen and sensed a core made of mana was there. His body could not naturally absorb chi from the air around him.

"We will now use a simple tool to help you understand balance."

The hermit took out 2 pairs of sticks attached to a chain and gave one to Qing and Ning.

"Both of you, These are called nunchucks. We will start by mastering them one at a time."

The hermit demonstrated how to hold the nunchucks properly and started with the basic spinning technique. Qing and Ning watched closely, observing the hermit's movements and the way he balanced his body while spinning the nunchucks.

"Remember, having good control will result in balance," the hermit emphasized. "The nunchucks require precise control over your body, and that includes your center of gravity."

Qing and Ning practiced with the nunchucks, each attempting to spin them with precision and control. It was a difficult task, and Qing would hit himself several times attempting to add spins into the movements.

Ning on the other hand quickly mastered the nunchucks. Spinning the nunchuck on one hand effortlessly from one hand to the other. The nunchucks were like an extension of Ning's body gracefully springing around Ning.

"You better catch up,"

Qing attempted to spin the nunchucks around his hand to no avail. Qing found it catching the nunchucks smoothly when they went around his hand. His hand would often grip the chain, disrupting the flow of the spin and causing the nunchuck to fly out of his grasp. He even tried using only one nunchuck, but he still struggled to coordinate his hand and eye movements.

"First try spinning them around your hand first."

Ning demonstrated by spinning the Nunchuck around. Ning made sure to show Qing this was an important step before he could start randomly spinning the nunchucks.

The movement was simple and easy as Qing balanced himself on his right side. Ning saw how well Qing accepted the advice and continued to advise him.

"Now cross the nunchuck from your left and right side as you spin them."

This spin was hander and Qing would often hit his elbows as he spun the nunchucks.

"Stop closing your eyes. The nunchuck isn't going to hit you from there anyways. Keep your eyes wide open and see your mistakes."

Qing's hand-eye coordination was terrible. Added to the fact he kept closing his eye in the middle he might never learn to use nunchucks.

Qing's attention was fixed on the nunchucks as he twirled them around. However, he found himself frequently hitting his elbow, a consequence of not relying on his wrist as the primary source of movement. Occasionally, he would attempt to add more force to his wrist flick, only to find that his elbow would involuntarily bend and work against the motion.

Qing diverted his attention now to keep his arm straight as he flicked his wrist to spin the nunchucks.

The Hermit watched closely, offering encouragement and corrections as Qing continued to practice. After some time, Qing began to get the hang of it. He focused on using his wrist as the primary source of movement, and slowly but surely, his technique improved. The nunchucks spun more smoothly and with greater control.

Ning proceeds to juggle the nunchucks in the background.

Qing tried to feel a flow from the nunchuck however, no matter how he tried there was no flow.

The Hermit spoke up, noticing Qing's struggle. "The nunchucks are an extension of your body, just like your mana. You need to feel the flow of energy in the small motions, in the way the nunchucks move and respond to your actions."

Qing focused on the small motions. He tried to feel how the slight movement in his arm would improve the rotation of the nunchucks.

Ning's swings were wild and chaotic, with almost animalistic aggression behind each movement. The nunchucks seemed to be extensions of Ning's body as if Ning were possessed by a demon with an insatiable thirst for destruction. The sound of the chains whipping through the air was like the roar of a beast, and the impact of the nunchucks against the ground seemed to shake the very earth. Qing couldn't help but feel a sense of fear and awe at the sheer power and ferocity of Ning's movements. It was as if he were watching a demon unleashed, with the nunchucks serving as the physical manifestation of that infernal power.

Qing awkwardly tried to mimic Ning's movements but found himself struggling to find the right balance. If he put too much energy into the turn, he would overextend and his elbow would move in to compensate for the recoil. On the other hand, if he put too little energy into the turn, the nunchucks would slow down and lose their momentum.

Despite his clumsiness, Qing remained focused, determined to get the technique right. He kept adjusting his movements, trying to find that sweet spot where the energy was just right. It was a delicate balance, one that he had yet to master.

"Visualize your next movements and create a pattern in your mind,"

The Hermit's voice broke Qing out of his concentration. He looked at the old man, who was now holding a wooden staff. The Hermit began to twirl the staff with effortless grace, and Qing couldn't help but marvel at the fluidity of his movements.

"Visualization is an important aspect of mastering any technique," the Hermit continued. "It helps you anticipate your next moves and adjust your body accordingly. Try to visualize the path of the nunchucks and how they will move with each flick of your wrist."

Ning possessed a remarkable aptitude for wielding weaponry. With a mere few minutes of experimentation, the child could intuitively grasp the mechanics of a weapon. Meanwhile, Qing had to invest a greater amount of labor and duration to attain proficiency in the weapons. Unlike the majority of renowned champions, who relied on their innate abilities or lineage, Qing stood apart as an exception.

Qing closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind of distractions. He then began to visualize the nunchucks moving in a pattern as if he were creating a dance with them. He could see the nunchucks moving smoothly in his mind's eye, and he tried to match that image with his actual movement.

He projects himself attempting to use the nunchucks as an extension of himself. Qing's body swayed as he moved the nunchucks. They slowly became an extension of his arm as he spun them around his hands like a shield to block imaginary attacks. He could see the flow of energy in his hand where the bright energy pushed the nunchuck and the black energy pulled them around his hand.

As Qing continued to practice, he could feel his movements becoming more fluid and controlled. The nunchucks were starting to feel like an extension of his body, and he could sense the flow of energy in the small motions.

He opened his eyes and saw that Ning had stopped her wild swinging and was watching him with interest. The Hermit was nodding his approval.

"You're getting there," the old man said. "Keep practicing and refining your technique, and you'll be able to use the nunchucks as a natural extension of your body."

The Hermit smiled and put down his wooden staff, then stood up and faced Qing and Ning. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, centering himself.

Then, he began to move, with a grace and fluidity that seemed almost supernatural. Every movement was precise and controlled, with no wasted energy or unnecessary motion.

Qing watched in amazement as the old Hermit moved, his body seemingly in perfect alignment with his mind and his chi. The movements were effortless, yet incredibly powerful, and Qing could sense the energy radiating from the Hermit's body.

As the Hermit continued to move, Qing noticed that his breathing had become slower and deeper, as if he were drawing in the energy of the universe itself. The Hermit's movements seemed to flow seamlessly from one to the next, each one building on the last and creating a pattern of energy that pulsed through the air.

Though he had no staff when the hermit jabbed at him the air around them rushed at them like a raging river. Each movement was precise and focused, with a clarity that seemed to cut through the air. As the Hermit moved, the energy around him seemed to shift and flow, responding to his every gesture. Qing could feel the power of the Hermit's movements, and he could sense the immense control that the old man had over his own body and energy.

The Hermit's movements were like a dance, a beautiful and deadly display of martial prowess that left Qing in awe. It was clear to him that the old man had spent his entire life studying and practicing the art of combat, and that he had achieved a level of mastery that few could ever hope to attain.

As the Hermit came to a stop, Qing felt a sense of reverence wash over him. He knew that he had witnessed something truly special, something that he would carry with him for the rest of his life. The Hermit smiled at him and Ning, then turned and walked back to his spot by the fire.

"That," said the Hermit, "is what happens when your mind, body, and chi are aligned. It is the ultimate expression of martial arts, and it is a state that can only be achieved through years of practice and dedication."

""Chi Manifestation"