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After meeting with Kagaya Ubuyashiki and reaching a basic agreement, Cheng Mo did not immediately decide which Breathing Technique to practice.
He made a reasonable request to Ubuyashiki.
He hoped to gain a more intuitive understanding of the characteristics of the major basic Breathing Techniques to make the choice best suited to his own conditions.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki expressed his understanding and support for this.
Soon, in a secluded training ground at the headquarters, several experienced B-rank and even A-rank swordsmen, proficient in different basic Breathing Techniques, were summoned to give Mr. Cheng Mo a non-combat demonstration.
There was no spectacular life-or-death struggle, only an exercise of the core characteristics of the Breathing Techniques.
Breathing Technique is a general term for the techniques developed by Tsugikuni Yoriichi to fight demons as a human.
Its main function is to strengthen cardiopulmonary function, thereby allowing the blood to absorb a large amount of oxygen in a short period, which can instantly increase physical ability significantly, temporarily possessing physical prowess comparable to that of a demon.
Starting with Sun Breathing, five major basic styles—Water, Thunder, Flame, Stone, and Wind—were derived, and later, new styles with various characteristics were developed based on these five major styles.
During the demonstration of Water Breathing, the swordsman's blade gleamed like flowing water, continuous and smooth, full of adaptability, integrating offense and defense, with a resilient endurance.
The Flame Breathing swordsman, on the other hand, unleashed extremely strong instantaneous power and aggression; each strike was like a burst of fierce flame, full of destructive power, but the consumption of physical energy was also evident.
The Wind Breathing swordsman displayed wide-ranging, unrestrained slashes, free and wild, adept at dealing with multiple enemies, with an offensive sweeping like a storm.
The Stone Breathing swordsman's steps were as steady as a mountain; each strike was heavy and powerful, pursuing ultimate defense and one-hit kill power, but it demanded extremely high basic strength from the user.
Finally, there was the Thunder Breathing swordsman.
His demonstration did not pursue the fastest speed but focused on showcasing the ultimate burst, concentrated instantaneous thrust, and the focused killing power that transforms all bodily strength into a thunderous strike when the Breathing Technique is activated.
Although the range of motion was relatively small, the characteristic of compressing speed and destructive power to the extreme, aiming for a decisive blow, was clearly expressed.
Cheng Mo stood quietly at the edge of the field, his gaze sharp, carefully observing the force application, footwork characteristics, energy consumption patterns, and ultimate effects of each Breathing Technique.
Although the Eye of Truth could not directly penetrate the mysteries of the Breathing Technique, it allowed him to more clearly capture the faint traces of energy flow and the extreme details of muscle movement.
His brain operated rapidly, conducting calm analysis and comparison.
Water Breathing, though balanced, was slightly too gentle and did not align with his style of pursuing efficient decision-making.
Flame Breathing had strong break out but consumed too much, potentially affecting sustained combat or tactical retreats.
Wind Breathing had a wide range, but its power was relatively dispersed, possibly inefficient against powerful single enemies.
Stone Breathing had immense power but lacked agility, which was inconsistent with the mobility he sought relying on his Myriad Realms Physique.
Finally, his gaze fell upon Thunder Breathing.
"Extreme burst speed, highly concentrated point-breakthrough killing power…"
Cheng Mo mused silently.
"This is exactly suitable for me. My Myriad Realms Physique provides physical strength and reaction nerves far beyond ordinary people, sufficient to withstand the instantaneous load of Thunder Breathing on the body.
"Its shortcomings… high demands on basic physique and relatively fewer move variations, can precisely be compensated by my advantages."
More importantly, this style of Breathing Technique highly aligned with his habitual pragmatic combat philosophy of "finding weaknesses and killing in one strike."
In all martial arts, speed is paramount!
Speed is the guarantee of survival and efficiency.
After the demonstration, Cheng Mo expressed his gratitude to Kagaya Ubuyashiki and the members of the Kakushi who arranged it, and he made his decision.
"After careful consideration, I believe the characteristics of Thunder Breathing are most suitable for me," Cheng Mo said calmly yet firmly.
"Its instantaneous burst and concentrated killing power can combine well with my martial arts. I humbly request the Master to make arrangements."
Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded slightly upon hearing this: "Thunder Breathing, you say? It is indeed a style that greatly emphasizes instantaneous burst and absolute speed. Since this is Mr. Cheng Mo's choice, I will immediately write a letter and arrange for you to go to Mount Taoshan, where the former Sound Pillar, Kuwajima Jigorō, resides."
"Mr. Jigorō is a highly respected trainer of the Thunder Breathing lineage. Although he retired due to injury, he has never neglected teaching his disciples. He will surely impart everything he knows."
"Thank you, Master!" Cheng Mo bowed solemnly.
Kuwajima Jigorō, he had an impression of that name; in the original work, he was a serious and responsible old man.
He eventually committed seppuku due to his disciple Kaigaku's betrayal and transformation into a demon.
"However, Mr. Cheng Mo…"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki added gently, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
"The practice of Thunder Breathing is known for its rigor and arduousness, posing a great test to the practitioner's willpower. Please be prepared."
"I understand."
Cheng Mo's eyes did not waver in the slightest.
Arduous? Compared to despair, arduousness was nothing at all.
To gain the power to control his destiny, he was willing to pay any price.
The plan was clear: first, head to Mount Taoshan and master Thunder Breathing.
Once his practice was successful, his nichirin blade should also be reforged.
By then, he would truly possess the capital to establish himself in this dangerous world and conduct larger-scale "transactions."
New journey, destination — Mount Taoshan.