After Zego successfully mastered the basics of the Yin-Yang Fist, the Elder gave him a break. "Rest for a while, kid. You've mastered the basic technique faster than I expected. That shows that the Yin-Yang core inside you is incredibly balanced."
Zego felt proud, but he wasn't complacent. He knew this was just the beginning. The Elder then led Zego into his small temple. Inside, Zego saw an old scroll made of animal hide, with ancient writings that were almost faded.
"This is the second technique, Taichi Breathing," the Elder said, unrolling the scroll. "This technique isn't about attacking, but about unifying power. It's the foundation of all the other Yin-Yang techniques."
"Taichi Breathing?" Zego frowned. "What is that?"
The Elder smiled. "Taichi Breathing isn't ordinary breathing. It unifies Aura and Qi energy into one. When you succeed, you'll be able to create a stable and powerful flow of energy within yourself."
"But aren't Aura and Qi two different things, Elder?" Zego asked, confused. "How can they be unified?"
"That's your uniqueness, kid," the Elder replied, patting Zego's shoulder. "With the two cores you have in your body, you are the only one who can do this. What you need is a perfect balance of both."
The Elder began to explain the process. Zego had to take a deep breath, drawing in Aura energy from the core inside his body and Qi energy from the nature around him. Then, he had to unify the two inside himself, around his cores, through a special breathing method the Elder taught him.
"This is like merging two different rivers into one," the Elder said. "If you make even a slight mistake, you'll feel uncomfortable, and the energies will repel each other. But if you succeed, you'll have extraordinary power."
Zego felt tense. This was far more dangerous than the first technique. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and began to try. He took a deep breath, feeling the thick black Aura within him and the pure white Qi in the surrounding nature.
He tried to unify the two, but they repelled each other. The black Aura rejected the white Qi, and vice versa. Zego felt like two opposing forces were clashing inside him. He felt an intense pain in his chest.
"Arrgh!" Zego groaned, feeling the collision of energies within him.
The Elder saw this and gave Zego a small punch on the back. "Focus! Don't rush! Let them flow naturally! This isn't about forcing, but about balancing! Imagine them as two friends who want to unite."
Zego tried again. He took a deep breath, and this time he didn't try to force them. He allowed them to flow. Slowly, the black Aura and the white Qi began to interact, swirling around his core, like two fish in a Yin-Yang symbol. Zego felt his new breath, a fusion of Aura and Qi, flowing through his entire body. This power wasn't cold or hot; it felt like calm water.
"I did it, Elder!" Zego exclaimed.
The Elder smiled. "Good, kid. Now, try to feel that power. Imagine yourself surrounded by it."
Zego tried. He imagined himself surrounded by the power, and slowly, a clear, almost invisible shield began to form around him. The shield spun calmly, radiating a balanced Yin and Yang energy.
"That shield is the result of your Taichi Breathing. It can protect you from both physical and energy attacks," the Elder said. "This training is still long, kid. You must be able to make this shield a part of you."
Zego continued his training, day after day. He sat under the waterfall, practicing Taichi Breathing. His shield became stronger, thicker, and more stable. He could even sense invisible attacks, and his shield would automatically protect him.
After a month had passed, the Elder came to Zego. "That's enough. You've mastered Taichi Breathing. But now, you look a little tense."
Zego nodded. "Yes, Elder. This training is very intense. I feel like I've forgotten the world outside."
The Elder smiled. "In that case, let's go out. We'll go to a nearby village. You need to clear your mind. Remember, balance is important, kid. Not just in your techniques, but also in your life."
Zego was surprised. He never expected the Elder to take him out. They left the gorge. Zego felt the cool wind on his face. He saw the beautiful scenery around him, green trees, a blue sky. He felt like he had just been released from a prison.
They arrived at a small, bustling village. Zego saw many people busy with their activities. He saw children playing, and merchants busy at their stalls. Zego felt nostalgic. He remembered his village, his friends who were gone.
The Elder saw this and patted Zego's shoulder. "Kid, don't be sad. They may be gone, but their memories will live on within you. Let that be your motivation, kid."
Zego nodded, then he smiled. He bought some food at a stall and ate it heartily. He felt like it had been a long time since he had eaten such delicious food. The Elder saw this and smiled.
After eating, they walked around the village. The Elder bought some strange objects and put them in his bag. Zego just watched, curious.
"Elder, what are those?" Zego asked.
"These are just small things I got from this village," the Elder replied. "They might be useful for our next training."
Zego nodded, then he saw a group of children playing. Zego was reminded of his own childhood, and he smiled. He joined them in their game.
The children were surprised. They had never seen an adult who would play with them. They played with Zego, laughing and running around. Zego felt very happy. He felt like he had returned to the past.
The Elder saw this and smiled. He knew that Zego needed some time to relax. He knew that Zego needed to be a child again, if only for a short while.
After a few hours, the Elder came to Zego. "That's enough, kid. We have to go back. There are still many things we have to learn."
Zego nodded. He said goodbye to the children, then he left with the Elder. Zego felt refreshed. He felt that he was ready to face the next challenge.
They returned to the gorge. Zego felt stronger, more energetic. He knew that he would never give up. He would continue to fight, for himself, for the Elder, and for his past.
"Alright, kid, it's time for us to get back to training. But this time, I'm going to give you a new task. You must be able to create the Taichi Shield while moving, while running, and while fighting. This is a much greater challenge. But I'm sure you can do it."
Zego smiled. "I won't disappoint you, Elder."