[Standing still for one stick of incense, hard training finally pays off, with great increase in internal Qi and blood]
[Standing still for half an hour, with full concentration, there is a slight improvement in muscles and bones]
[Standing still for an hour, breathing through mouth and nose continually, comprehending the standing Qi circulation of the Big Character]
The almost exhausted Bai Qi opened his eyes, detaching from that mysterious state of training.
His dark eyes flickered, seeming to contain a piercing light, with an inexplicable compelling air.
The autumn air carried a slight chill, yet threads of heat emerged from his bones, instantly evaporating the sweat.
"The Golden Core Great Strength Skill's first form, which is slow in progress and gentle in health cultivation, has truly been mastered by him?"
Liang Laoshu's mouth slightly opened, once again feeling shocked by Bai Ahqi's talent.
To reach inner strength in five days can be said to be due to good roots.
But to comprehend martial arts so quickly, it seems there is no impediment or bottleneck.
This kind of talent is too rare!
If he had entered the fishery to learn martial arts earlier, he might have been a promising candidate for a Double Flower Red Stick.
What a pity, truly a pity!
Liang Laoshu couldn't help but sigh, being delayed until seventeen to start learning boxing and kicking, is indeed a bit late.
Because the roots and bones of the human body are about to set, the potential to be tapped is not that great.
"Big Character Standing Qi Circulation! Ostensibly is to nourish Qi and blood through standing, but actually through breathing, activating the large muscles of the waist, back, chest, and abdomen, promoting Qi and blood circulation, it is truly the external manifestation of inner strength!
It emphasizes a relaxation and tension, the former can prolong life;
The latter can train sturdy muscles, no wonder this skill is also called 'Vigorous Qi Iron Cloth Shirt'!"
Countless images flickered across Bai Qi's mind, like a Fist Manual flipping rapidly.
The stick figures on it became lively, changing moves, honing skills.
With the ink talisman vibrating, the words flickering.
These past few days, he had not relaxed for a moment, standing in meditation to brush up progress.
The accumulated insights surged out, instantly pouring into his body.
[Skill: Golden Core Great Strength Skill (Slight Accomplishment)]
[Progress: 65/800]
[Effect: Like wearing iron armor, strengthen oneself to resist the enemy]
"Progressing so swiftly, it truly is captivating!
It's like I really trained diligently in the heat of summer and cold of winter, persevering for twenty years.
Finally, the Celestial Dao rewards diligence, allowing me to grasp the essence of the cultivation technique!"
Bai Qi's eyelids drooped, silently sensing.
The thick Qi and blood within him grew ever stronger, lurking under every inch of muscle.
If he just clenches his fist and exerts a little force, he seems capable of unleashing a ferocious strength that can obliterate everything in its path!
"The next step is continuous tempering, until it runs through the entire body.
Let the muscles be full and firm enough to pull open a 70 to 80-pound longbow continuously without exhausting strength.
This is the great accomplishment, worthy of being called 'Golden Flesh and Jade Veins'!"
Liang Laoshu sat up straight, staring blankly at that increasingly tall and upright frame, suddenly tossing the coarse porcelain bowl set with snacks in his hand.
"Hmm?"
Bai Qi's eyes narrowed, his arm trembling instantly, activating the muscles in his right hand, producing a crisp sound!
Pop!
It was like a long whip striking the air, shattering the coarse porcelain bowl into powder!
"Exerting force can be tight or loose, moving with Qi and blood, indeed has entered the beginner level."
Liang Laoshu supported himself with both hands on the rocking chair, slowly standing up, pinching Bai Qi's broad shoulder and arm:
"Later let Sanshui fetch a piece of hardwood, see if you can press an impression with one palm.
Half an inch deep would be slight accomplishment, still needing more Qi and blood tempering.
Two inches would be great accomplishment, about the level Yangquan is at, this is an old method to test strength.
As for strength, at the East Market Wharf, there are 500-pound and 800-pound iron anchors.
See which one you can drag."
Liang Sanshui beside him was deeply shocked, how fierce would a punch be with this much strength?
He hadn't been practicing martial arts for long, and hadn't seen real practitioners fight, indeed had no clear understanding.
"Thanks to Elder Liang's prescription, I made a special trip to Huichun Hall.
Got the medicine according to the prescription, used externally and taken internally, never stopped.
That's how I've been able to practice this well, this fast!"
Bai Qi put on rough cloth short clothes, letting his breathing calm down.
Previously bumping into Yangquan, that Plague Deity, choosing to endure temporarily.
Now in hindsight, it seemed to be a wise choice.
The human body being skin and flesh wrapping bones, definitely not as solid as hardwood.
Once force training begins, you can press a two-inch-deep handprint.
Really wanting to disarm someone or break someone's leg.
Feels like it's not a difficult task!
Bai Qi secretly rejoiced:
"For a Martial Artist who has practiced boxing and kicking, dealing with ordinary people is so easy.
I'm not sure, just how powerful are the top practitioners in Black River County?
Third level? Fourth level?"
...
...
Black River County, Outer City.
On Xinyi Street, the food stall hadn't opened yet, and there were already two people occupying a table and chairs.
It was Yangquan, with furrowed brows and an unhappy expression, alongside Wang Laizi, whose face was bruised and not fully healed.
The former was dressed in neat, tight-fitting clothes, with his arms crossed in front of his chest and strong muscles bulging high.
He squinted and asked:
"Bai Ahqi beat you up?"
Wang Laizi pointed to his broken nose, whining and complaining:
"Yeah, he not only beat me up but also severely thrashed one of your men!
I heard from the fishermen at the wharf that Bai Ahqi has been gaining skills, catching lots of valuable fish, and every time he secretly gifts them to Donglai Tower's Liang Sanshui's father.
He's found a backer and doesn't take you seriously anymore!"
Yangquan remained expressionless, muttering the name "Liang Laoshu" with a cold laugh:
"I give the Fishery some face, that's why I call him Elder Liang.
Does he really think that an old man halfway to the grave can back him up?
These low-class fishermen are too short-sighted, even fawning by sending valuable fish!
Once I take over Chen the Lame's position as steward, the first thing I'll do is kick that Liang family out of the shop!"
Hearing Yangquan say this, Wang Laizi seemed to forget his pain and hurriedly flattered:
"Brother Quan has already connected with the young master of the Fishery, how could the Liang father and son compete?
Bai Ahqi really is shortsighted, doesn't know who's truly the top dog in East Market..."
Yangquan impatiently raised his hand to interrupt:
"How many Ghost Pattern Fish have you gathered? The day after tomorrow is the end of the month, don't make me have to deal with you personally!"
Wang Laizi felt a chill in his heart, his smile stiffened:
"It's almost enough, just a little short, it'll definitely be done the day after tomorrow!"
Yangquan was satisfied with this answer, his tone slightly softened:
"I know your parents are sick and need a lot of silver coins for medicine every month.
If we pull off this Ghost Pattern Fish deal, and I become the steward, I can set you up with a fish stall.
At the dock, many fishermen owe the Fishery money; by then, you can use their boats as debt repayment.
With people under you, boats, and the skill to make bait, you'll never worry about not having catches or earning silver."
Even though he knew it was just a pie-in-the-sky promise, Wang Laizi couldn't help but be tempted:
"Thank you, Brother Quan! I'll definitely work hard and do my best!"
Yangquan didn't linger much, and before leaving, he patted Wang Laizi on the shoulder, leaving two strings of coins:
"Take these to get medicine and heal up. Don't worry, Bai Ahqi laying hands on you is like slapping me in the face; this matter isn't over.
Let him be arrogant for a few days, I'll deal with him later."
...
...
Inner City, Donglai Tower.
Red lanterns hung high at the entrance, with melodious music wafting inside.
The main hall was bustling, people toasting and exchanging drinks, chatting loudly.
Seven or eight waiters were busy taking orders and serving dishes, while four or five servants rushed to greet guests and clean tables.
Yangquan walked in with his head held high, reaching the staircase leading to the second floor.
He slightly bowed to a follower dressed in Fishery attendant attire:
"I'm Yangquan from the Fishery East Market. I met the young master once at the Scattered Garden meeting.
I know the young master needs Ghost Pattern Fish for cultivation, so I've prepared twenty as a gesture of goodwill."
The follower seemed to have some impression of Yangquan and went upstairs to relay the message.
About a cup of tea's time later, he returned to the main hall:
"The young master said to deliver the valuable fish to his residence.
Tonight is an event hosted by Second Young Master Song at the Chai Market, so it's inconvenient for the young master to see you, but you'll meet another day."
The first part was the young master's reply, and the latter was the follower's explanation.
Yangquan took out a few coins and handed them over politely as thanks.
As long as the young master remembers his name and accepts the gifted Ghost Pattern Fish,
then the position of steward is almost guaranteed.
With this in mind, he prepared to leave.
As he reached the door, he suddenly turned around.
The tall and burly Yangquan slightly raised his head, looking towards the brightly lit second floor.
Behind the mountain and water screen that blocked the view, he could vaguely see shadows mingling, undoubtedly those young lords and ladies toasting and laughing.
"Born without status, there's no chance to rise above others? I refuse to believe it!"
Yangquan's eyelids covered his eyes as he strode out of Donglai Tower.