Celestial Human Diagram

After leaving Motie Mountain, Chen Chuan drove toward the city. A strong wind had picked up, sending leaves and flower petals dancing through the air, and the temperature seemed to have dropped significantly.

But he found it quite comfortable. Gripping the steering wheel, he recalled his earlier conversation with Senior Brother Cao. He couldn’t help but think, ’Although the old era’s Imperial Family has been overthrown and the old era itself seemingly buried, many of its aspects undoubtedly still hold a profound influence over the present. It’s difficult to make a clean break.’

’This is true not just internally, but externally as well.’

’The remnants of the old era in the Merging Land have numerous connections with many companies around the world. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for them to engage in military confrontations with the garrisoned forces.’

’This is the case in Dashun, and other countries likely face similar problems.’

’Before the Great Collision arrives, the most governments can probably do is suppress internal conflicts as much as possible to avoid major turmoil that could lead to unforeseen consequences.’

’During this phase, every faction and group will try every means to bolster themselves. For an individual, such a world of drastic change is both a crisis and an opportunity. What I need to do is make good use of this time to propel myself toward the Upper Layer and obtain that even greater power.’

After returning to the academy, he took care of some daily matters and patiently waited for the new Wuyi semester to begin.

「Three days passed quickly.」 On February 1st, shortly before nine in the morning, he followed the instructions on the platform and went to a training room on the seventieth floor to wait.

But he waited until ten o’clock, and still, no one had appeared.

Chen Chuan was not impatient. He silently circulated his Breathing Technique. An unknown amount of time passed, and then, as it seemed to be approaching noon, the sound of footsteps came from behind him.

Chen Chuan stood up and turned to see a man in a gray-blue training uniform walk in. The man was around forty, with deep, world-weary eyes and a small mustache on his upper lip. He was a handsome, mature man with a somewhat decadent air.

At first glance, this person gave off a very easygoing and approachable impression, as if he were very casual. But Chen Chuan knew this man was far from simple.

Because he couldn’t sense the man’s Domain at all.

Jian Chengsheng, whom he had encountered before, was the most skilled opponent he had ever met in the use of a Domain. Yet even with him, Chen Chuan could still feel the presence of his Domain. This man was clearly even more masterful.

’This must be the teacher assigned to instruct me.’

After the middle-aged man entered, he scratched his head as he walked and said, "Sorry, sorry, I’m so sorry, Chen. I’m late. You’ve been waiting long?"

Chen Chuan said, "What you have to teach is worth the wait, Teacher."

The middle-aged man sighed. "Ah, I didn’t mean to be. This is my first time in Jibei Dao Central City, and the scenery was so captivating I lost all track of time."

Chen Chuan said, "Don’t you live in a Central City, Teacher?"

The middle-aged man waved his hand. "It’s not the same, not the same at all. Every Central City is different, just as every person is different. Even if two people look identical, their inner selves are still different..."

He cleared his throat. "I’ve gotten sidetracked. We’ve already wasted a lot of time, so I won’t delay you any further, Chen. Let me formally introduce myself. My surname is Xue. Xue Shou."

As he said his name, a faint light gleamed in his eyes. A moment ago, he had seemed completely casual and harmless, but now, an explosive aura radiated from him.

Chen Chuan bowed slightly and said, "Hello, Teacher Xue."

Teacher Xue returned the bow. "Hello, Chen." After straightening up, he said, "I’ve reviewed some of your past combat records and evaluations. Your foundation is undoubtedly well-polished and meets the requirements for this guidance, so we can skip the preliminaries. Let’s move on to the official instruction."

He sat down cross-legged. "Please, sit, Chen."

Chen Chuan did as he was told and sat down.

In the spacious training hall, the two sat facing each other. Sunlight shone on the bright, warm-colored floor, clearly reflecting their two figures.

Teacher Xue said, "Chen, before we begin, I’d like to ask you a question. Is there anything you’re particularly chasing after?" As he spoke, he made a gesture with his hand. "Or we can call it a goal. No matter how big or small, feel free to tell me."

Chen Chuan answered frankly and without hesitation, "My first combat instructor asked me a similar question. My answer was ’a body free from restraint, a will free from fetters,’ and my thoughts on the matter have never changed."

"Oh... a body free from restraint, a will free from fetters... That’s not easy."

Teacher Xue looked at him meaningfully. "In today’s world, there are rules and restrictions everywhere. But it’s good that you have a clear goal. That saves me a lot of trouble."

"Mm, has anyone ever told you that the Third Limit is actually the absolute limit a human body can reach?"

Chen Chuan nodded. "I’ve heard that."

Seeing that he had heard this as well, Teacher Xue nodded in satisfaction. "So the principle is very simple, Chen. No matter how well you polish your body, no matter how perfect you make it, you can’t rely on that alone to ascend to a higher level. To break through to the next stage, the key lies..."

He brought two fingers together, pointed to the spot between his eyebrows, and said with emphasis, "It lies in the spirit. Mmm, to be more precise, it lies in the application of the spirit, with the Divine Constant as its core."

At this point, his tone grew more solemn. "When the cultivation of the body reaches its end, or when the limitations of the human form prevent you from breaking through its barriers, then you must use the spirit as a starting point to drive your entire being onward and upward."

"Most of your training in the past has focused on your body. Although your spirit has also advanced along with it, you’ve never used any techniques to polish it."

He raised his palm and spread his five fingers.

"An ordinary Fighter’s spirit is scattered and lacks cohesive force. But when faced with danger, it will instinctively condense."

As he spoke, he abruptly clenched his hand into a fist.

"A life-or-death crisis will force a Fighter’s spirit to converge on its own, but this state is transient and forced. Once they relax, their spirit becomes even more scattered and weak than before."

"It’s like an untrained muscle. It might be able to erupt with sufficient strength for a moment, but afterward, it’s almost impossible to use. It needs a period of rest and recovery before it can be used again."

"So our first step is to condense and strengthen your spirit."

Chen Chuan listened intently. He then said, "Please guide me, Teacher."

Xue Shou said, "Third Limit Fighters often speak of nourishing and refining the Divine Constant. This isn’t just a casual saying. The keys are the two main points: ’nourishing’ and ’refining.’"

"Your previous daily exercises were a form of ’nourishing,’ not ’refining.’ There’s a special method for nourishing, which I’ll teach you later. Right now, we’re going to focus on ’refining.’ Only by ’refining’ it properly can you bring out your Spiritual Power, instead of letting it dissipate uselessly."

"The first step of ’refining’ is to find the most steadfast and unwavering goal in your heart. This is because, when not facing a life-or-death crisis, only such a conviction can condense your spirit and give it an anchor, like a root taking hold in the soil."

"That’s why I asked you about your goal just now. Regardless of what that goal is, whether it’s good or bad, you must follow it without wavering."

"If, during this process, you start to doubt yourself or abandon this path, then I can only say that you are not suited for it, and it would be better to give up as soon as possible."

"So you must ensure this is what you truly desire in your heart. It cannot be mere lip service; you must genuinely recognize your true self and act upon it."

Chen Chuan nodded. He involuntarily thought of what Wei Wusheng had said about Heart Thought. It seemed that man had to act in accordance with his own heart’s desires for his "heart" to grant him greater returns. ’I wonder if it’s the same principle?’

Teacher Xue noticed his momentary contemplation and said, "Chen, do you have a question? If you have any doubts, you can voice them. I can help you resolve them."

Chen Chuan thought for a moment and then recounted the matter concerning Wei Wusheng.

After hearing his account, Teacher Xue stroked his chin and said, "I’ve seen the recording of your battle with that Wei Wusheng. Although that is also a method of spiritual cultivation, it’s actually a different matter entirely from this."

"What Wei Wusheng cultivates should be a method from the old era’s Martial Scripture for training Military Officers. It might have even incorporated some Cult techniques, but the core principle should be unchanged. This Dharma Gate is about taking the strengths of others to compensate for one’s own weaknesses. It’s a method used to make up for a lack of personal aptitude in a certain area."

"Although that kind of Heart Thought can also be considered a form of spiritual cultivation, its main purpose is to subjugate another power that has been integrated. The method is very good, but... how should I put this... the foundation you currently possess is precisely what he hopes to achieve after complete Fusion."

He said meaningfully, "He is searching for the door that will let him pass, while you are already standing before it. So, do you understand?"

Chen Chuan understood now. He said slowly, "He is trying to make up for his own shortcomings in order to reach a higher level."

Xue Shou slapped his knee. "Exactly. Not everyone can walk this path. For so many Fighters, the Third Limit is often their absolute peak. If they don’t break through this limit, they can’t even find the door, let alone think about the next step."

"Alright, let’s get back on topic. I see you’ve been keeping your Domain retracted. You must have learned Domain techniques, right?"

Chen Chuan nodded.

"Good. That saves me another step."

Teacher Xue looked even more satisfied. Since some of the prerequisites were already met, he wouldn’t have to spend extra effort on them.

"A Domain is an expression of the body’s information, but altering the Domain is precisely a way of using Spiritual Power. We can also use it to directly observe the changes in your spirit. Wait for me a moment."

He stood up and walked out, returning a moment later with a bowl of medicinal liquid that he placed in front of Chen Chuan. "This isn’t for you to drink. Use your Domain to carefully sense it."

Chen Chuan tried sensing it and was slightly surprised. He could actually feel a faint Domain coming from it, and as he probed it, it actually rippled slightly.

Teacher Xue said, "You felt it, right? That’s right. This thing is actually alive. It’s extremely sensitive to any external Domains and even gazes."

His smile vanished, and his expression turned serious. "Chen, the first thing you must do is gather your countless, chaotic thoughts into one and completely retract them. I need you to look at this bowl of liquid until you no longer cause a single ripple. I’m only giving you one Hour." He gestured with his hand. "Begin now."

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