On Inner Strength
"Neigong, or inner strength, is what allows martial artists to perform the wondrous feats that they do. Every person possesses qi, their natural energy - some have are born with more than others, though there are also man-made ways to increase a person's capacity. Learning how to channel this energy is the practice of inner strength. There are various inner strength practices and techniques used to achieve mastery over qi. Qi itself can be divided into two main type: Yin or Yang. Although every person is born with both types of qi, they will usually have a naturally dominant type; either yin or yang.
Yin is slow, soft, yielding, flowing, cold and passive. A snake, or a rabbit, or a goat, can be symbols of yin.
Yang is fast, hard, focused, rigid, hot and aggressive. A dragon, or a tiger, or an dog, can be symbols of yang.
A person's natural qi can be changed via the practice of inner strength techniques. Even if they may be more inclined towards yang, with the proper teachings and effort, they can cultivate a strong yin energy. However, it is almost impossible for a person to maintain a strong presence of both yin and yang within his body - this can lead to the practitioner going berserk. Thus, most inner strength techniques will elevate one type of qi while reducing the other at the same time.
There are also more advanced inner strength techniques that allow the practitioner to incorporate various traits into their qi. Poison, ice and fire are just some of the elements that can be introduced. For example, a skilled master of poisons can gradually incorporate toxins into his qi until his techniques are lethally poisonous. Similarly, some forms of meditation may help form a chilly or fiery qi, which augments the master's attacks. Besides that, inner strength techniques can be used to improve physical performance. By mastering certain techniques, a practitioner can channel his qi into allowing him to move faster and hit harder.
Finally, qi can be transferred from one person to another. This allows restoration of internal damage - healing a person's meridians and purging of poisons, for example. Some master physicians have also developed healing qi, used specifically for its curative effect. Transfer of qi can also be used to strengthen another person - indeed, there are esoteric techniques that specialize in draining an opponent's inner strength and making it the practitioner's own. However, each person's qi is distinctive and any transfer should be approached with care. Should there be incompatibilities beween the two, it may lead to the receiver going berserk or even dying due to the clash of internal energies.
That will be all for our lectures today, Your Highness. There will be a test on this in a fortnight."
As the aged teacher rolls up his scrolls - each depicted a different view of the human body, and mapped out the pressure points in black ink - he bows deeply to the Crown Prince. His eyes flicker towards you, giving you a quick nod of acknowledgement. You bow your head in return. As your teacher walks out of the room that has been set aside for your studies within the bowels of the Imperial Palace, the Crown Prince gives the back of your chair a kick. You turn to look at his smiling face; by all that is proper, he should be sitting in front of you, but the Prince has never been too concerned with propriety. He claims that he focuses better in the back. Well, you know better.
"Pack the books away," he grins, "Did you forget? It's time for the rematch with the chambermaids."
