With the carriage, the journey was much faster, and it saved them from a lot of the hardship of the wind and snow.
Giyu Tomioka silently drove the carriage, his driving skills as steady and precise as his swordsmanship.
Inside the carriage, Tanjirou carefully protected the sleeping Nezuko, while his own eyelids kept drooping from days of sorrow and exhaustion.
But he forced himself not to fall into a deep sleep; every time he closed his eyes, the bloody scene and the final faces of his family would clearly resurface.
Cheng Mo sat on the other side of the carriage shaft, most of the time with his eyes closed, resting.
His consciousness, however, was immersed within his body, guiding the wisps of newborn Chakra to circulate along the complex meridians.
At the same time, his brain was rapidly processing information.
Breathing Technique, in essence, is about squeezing life potential, exploding with superhuman strength and speed in an instant through unique breathing rhythms and sword forms.
Chakra, on the other hand, is the product of the perfect fusion of spiritual energy and physical energy, focusing more on the refined control of energy and the transformation of its properties; its system is more self-contained, and its potential is deeper.
"One emphasizes explosive power, the other emphasizes accumulation and transformation… but in the end, both are about developing the treasure trove that is 'oneself'," Cheng Mo mused.
"The threshold for Breathing Technique is relatively low, and it takes effect quickly, suitable for combat. As for Chakra… although only I can cultivate it, its approach to unlocking potential and solidifying foundations might be something I can learn from, to refine a gentler, more fundamental foundation-building method?"
He recalled various health-preserving exercises, internal martial arts theories he had encountered in modern times, as well as the strengthening of the lungs and blood circulation by Thunder Breathing, and the subtle perception and stimulation of all cells during Chakra extraction.
Gradually, a vague framework began to form in his mind.
It wouldn't require generating Chakra, but rather, by mimicking some of its principles, combined with specific breathing rhythms and static stance training, it would awaken body consciousness at a deeper level.
Through gentle stimulation of blood circulation, strengthening internal organs, and enhancing the perception and control of one's own energy.
This was more like a "Qi Refining Technique" for building foundations and nurturing vital energy.
Night fell again, and the carriage stopped in a sheltered mountain hollow.
A bonfire was lit, dispelling some of the chill, but it couldn't dispel the gloom on Tanjirou and Nezuko's brows.
The two sat silently by the fire, the flickering flames reflecting no warmth in their eyes, only a hollow sadness.
Tanjirou would occasionally cast his gaze towards Cheng Mo, who was not far away.
Cheng Mo stood in the snow, his body slightly lowered, striking a somewhat peculiar but exceptionally stable pose, his breathing long and imbued with a unique rhythm.
With each inhale and exhale, white vapor shot far out from his mouth and nose like an arrow.
Occasionally, extremely faint azure electric arcs would flash around his body, making an almost inaudible crackling sound.
Then they would vanish, leaving only a lingering energy that made one's heart palpitate.
The aura was long and deep, carrying a sense of power that Tanjirou couldn't understand but instinctively yearned for.
Powerful, stable, as if it could control everything.
A yearning welled up in Tanjirou's heart.
If he also had such power… If… Cheng Mo slowly finished his stance, exhaling a long, turbid breath.
He had long noticed the young boy's gaze, full of longing yet timid.
He turned around and walked towards the bonfire.
"Can't sleep?" Cheng Mo's voice was calm, showing little concern, more like a statement.
Tanjirou seemed startled, quickly lowered his head, his voice trembling slightly: "Yes… as soon as I close my eyes, I… I can see…"
He didn't finish his sentence, but his clenched fists and eyes that instantly reddened said it all.
Nezuko also shrank behind her brother, her large eyes filled with sorrow.
Cheng Mo looked at them, silent for a moment.
The bonfire crackled.
"Hate and sorrow require strength to bear," he said, his tone still flat, yet it struck Tanjirou's heart like a hammer.
"Mere emotions are meaningless; you will only be crushed by them."
Tanjirou suddenly looked up.
"If you want revenge, if you want to protect the last person by your side," Cheng Mo's gaze swept over Nezuko, "then start with the very basics."
"Only by honing your body can you talk about the future."
Tanjirou instantly understood Cheng Mo's unspoken meaning!
A huge surprise dispelled some of his sadness; he practically sprang up, pulling the still somewhat bewildered Nezuko, about to perform a deep bow to Cheng Mo.
"Sir! Please…"
"Stand straight," Cheng Mo interrupted him, "watch carefully, listen clearly, I will only teach it once."
He did not avoid Giyu Tomioka, who was nearby, and immediately began to explain and demonstrate the "Qi Refining Technique" he had just developed.
"Feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly inward, knees slightly bent, as if sitting but not quite… Yes, just like that, hold it."
"Sink your center of gravity, feel your soles rooting into the ground… Coordinate breathing with movement, when inhaling, imagine the breath sinking into your dantian, when exhaling, gently stir your qi and blood…"
He began to explain the key points of the movements in detail, accompanied by a unique breathing rhythm that was deep, long, subtle, and even.
His explanation was not abstruse; instead, it was very practical, involving many subtle adjustments of muscles and bones and coordination of breathing, even interspersed with some simple, gentle dynamic exercises for stretching tendons and bones.
Many of the concepts within it aligned with his previous ideas of purchasing medicinal ingredients and brewing medicated meals, all focused on strengthening the foundation, nurturing vitality, and tapping into one's own potential.
Giyu Tomioka had initially just watched silently, but the more he watched, the more focused and serious his gaze became.
As the Water Hashira, his understanding of body control and Breathing Technique far surpassed that of ordinary people.
He immediately realized that what Mr. Cheng Mo was teaching, while completely unrelated to combat and unable to directly produce the explosive power like Breathing Technique, had extremely profound principles!
It was fundamentally nurturing and strengthening a person's "foundation"—qi and blood, tendons and bones, internal organs, and the perception of one's own energy!
This was undoubtedly an excellent supplement for Demon Slayer Corps members who needed to squeeze their life potential to fight.
It might even reduce the hidden injuries caused by cultivating Breathing Technique and extend the professional careers and lifespans of the members!
Its value, to some extent, was even comparable to a new Breathing Technique!
Cheng Mo did not hold back, explaining in great detail, even deliberately slowing down to ensure Tanjirou could understand and that Giyu Tomioka could hear every detail.
Tanjirou watched with utmost seriousness, diligently mimicking Cheng Mo's movements, stiff but meticulous.
Nezuko also followed her brother's lead; her body seemed to have an instinctive adaptability to this slow, deep breathing and static posture.
By the time Tanjirou and Nezuko had barely memorized the key points of the standing stance and breathing, feeling a strange sense of comfort despite being slightly sweaty and tired, Giyu Tomioka finally walked over.
His expression was still serious, even somewhat rigid.
He asked, "Mr. Cheng Mo, what you just taught… this Qi Refining Technique. It seems to have an excellent effect on solidifying the foundation and nourishing the body."
He paused, seemingly deliberating, and finally asked directly, "May I ask if this method can be promoted within the Demon Slayer Corps? Many members, especially newcomers, do not have a strong foundation."
He asked directly, even somewhat abruptly, but this was precisely Giyu Tomioka's personality.
If he saw something that could benefit the overall strength of the Demon Slayer Corps, he would bring it up directly, without beating around the bush.
He also knew that Cheng Mo had not avoided him just now, perhaps implying this intention.
But he still needed to ask explicitly; this was basic respect and etiquette.
Cheng Mo looked at him, nodded, and said in a calm tone, "Yes, this is not some secret technique. If it can be of assistance to the cause of slaying demons, it is naturally a good thing."
"I can write down the detailed key points and breathing charts for you later."
Upon hearing this, Giyu Tomioka's heart settled.
He bowed to Cheng Mo again, with extreme solemnity: "On behalf of the Demon Slayer Corps, I thank you for your selflessness. The Master will surely be pleased to know."
He knew the value of this "Qi Refining Technique."
While it couldn't directly increase combat power, it could have a profound impact on the physical fitness, recovery ability, and even mental stability of the members, especially newcomers.
Cheng Mo's easy agreement added a few more points of respect to his perception of this man.
Cheng Mo waved his hand, signaling him not to be overly polite.
He understood Giyu Tomioka's rigid personality and did not feel offended.
Moreover, the increase in the Demon Slayer Corps' combat power would only benefit him, representing a further deepening of his interference with the world's main storyline.
The bonfire continued to burn, illuminating their silent figures.
From the carriage in the distance, the gradually steady breathing of Tanjirou and Nezuko could be heard.