The long-range combat technique Shen Xingyan chose sounded quite impressive: "Demon-Suppressing Staff." Its special feature was a swift attack with simultaneous attention to defense. The technique focused on enhancing strength, and in combination with agility, it allowed for an overwhelming advantage through speed. Upon reaching a high level of mastery, the movements of the staff, combined with Primordial energy, could create powerful shockwaves suitable for both offense and defense.
For close-quarters combat, he chose "Dragon and Elephant Fist"—a technique that also combined offense and defense. It was a versatile style that improved both speed and strength, and prolonged training contributed to the development of one's physique and spirit. According to the description, upon reaching the initial level of mastery, and in combination with Primordial energy, ethereal forms of a dragon and an elephant would appear around the body, significantly boosting both attack and defense. While the technique was quite versatile, its disadvantage was a lack of pronounced strengths.
As for the movement technique, Shen Xingyan chose the more expensive "Swift Wind Steps," which surpassed other similar techniques in speed. It gave the greatest bonus to agility among comparable combat techniques. Upon reaching the initial level of mastery, speed would increase significantly, and movements would create afterimages. Since this was the last line of defense, Shen Xingyan believed he couldn't skimp here.
Having chosen the three books, Shen Xingyan didn't bother to look at any other techniques and headed for the exit to pay and leave.
Seeing him, the previously relaxed old man finally straightened up, took the three books Shen Xingyan held out, looked at them, then at the young customer's face, and slightly shook his head, as if talking to himself: "Youth is so reckless; they don't know they can't bite off more than they can chew. Buying three books at once."
Then the old man looked at the books and said in a hoarse voice: "860 copper coins in total, but you get a discount—850."
After these words, the books slipped from the old man's hands on their own and returned to Shen Xingyan, and a Star Map automatically appeared beside the young man. The old man himself reclined in his chair again and continued to read.
Shen Xingyan understood the meaning of the old man's words. It was well-known that combat techniques were easy to learn but difficult to perfect. Buying three books at once could indeed seem like a display of greed to an outsider.
Only Shen Xingyan himself knew his true capabilities. With his Awareness skill, he could increase his comprehension by 9 points for an hour, reaching a terrifying value of 17. The effect of this was not simply a 1+1=2 sum. If he didn't have to hide his abilities and avoid unnecessary attention, he would have bought many more books. But he didn't explain this to the old man, even finding it useful that the man thought of him that way.
Now, Shen Xingyan's attention was fixed on the three books in his hands and the Star Map floating beside him. Instantly grasping the reason for this strange phenomenon, he couldn't hide the admiration in his eyes, while also understanding that this seemingly lazy old man was no simple man.
Back in school, Shen Xingyan had heard that when a professional's Mental Strength reached a certain level, it could be projected outwards to control objects. Judging by how easily the old man controlled the books and the Star Map, his Mental Strength had reached incredible heights. This remote control of objects seemed unbelievably impressive to Shen Xingyan, making him dream of having the same power in the future. Someday, when he was strong enough, he too could control his body, making it float in the air, just like the Base Commander!
However, Shen Xingyan knew this was just a dream for now. At this stage, he could only use the basic function of the Star Map, summoning it to his hand. Putting these thoughts aside, he looked at the old man, who now seemed like a mysterious sage from another world to him.
"It's better to keep a distance from people like that. If he notices something unusual in my behavior, it could lead to problems," Shen Xingyan suddenly worried. He quickly nodded to the old man in thanks and held the Star Map to his card.
After successfully paying 850 copper coins, the old man's card instantly vanished, and Shen Xingyan was left standing with his hand hanging in the air. Not feeling awkward—respect for elders was a traditional virtue of the base—Shen Xingyan silently turned and left the shop, heading for home. Only then did the old man lift his gaze to Shen Xingyan's retreating figure, sigh quietly, and return to his reading.
Shen Xingyan didn't linger anywhere on his way and went straight home. Before studying the combat techniques, he did some light exercises to warm up his body. Then, wasting no time, he took the "Dragon and Elephant Fist" book and prepared to learn, setting aside the "Demon-Suppressing Staff" book due to the lack of the necessary conditions.
Shen Xingyan checked his attributes on the Star Map, his gaze lingering on the Awareness skill. Mentally activating it, he felt his comprehension instantly surge to 17 points, more than double his base value of 8.
At that moment, Shen Xingyan felt an extraordinary clarity of mind, as if every thought were being magnified. The speed of his thinking had increased so much that it even astonished him. Although this was the second time he had used the Awareness skill, the feeling of divine understanding still seemed incredibly new. During the first use, due to the urgency of the situation, he hadn't had a chance to properly experience this state. Now, he could fully enjoy it.
"If I had this kind of comprehension in school, I wouldn't have had to study so hard!" he couldn't help but think.
After savoring this amazing feeling, Shen Xingyan didn't delay any longer and began to study the Dragon and Elephant Fist.
The five basic strikes—"cleaving," "blasting," "drilling," "cannon," and "crossing"—formed the foundation of the technique. Thanks to his incredibly high comprehension, Shen Xingyan quickly absorbed the information. As he delved deeper into the material, a little figure seemed to appear in his mind, practicing the fist technique again and again.
Gradually, the figure's movements went from clumsy and disjointed to more and more fluid and smooth. His stance became more confident, his arm and leg movements more coordinated, and his strikes stronger and faster.