ROAR—!
The stadium instantly erupted.
"What's going on? Han Mengmeng lost?"
"Did Xu Wuyi use the Mountain-Shattering Fist?"
"No, I think it was a Bow Step Punch!"
"How is that possible? Han Mengmeng's Spiritual Snake Hand was actually defeated by a Basic Fist Technique?"
"I didn't see that wrong, did I? That last move from Xu Wuyi seemed a little different..."
Zhou Heng pumped his fist excitedly. "That was awesome! Ah Yi!"
Han Mengmeng stood up, her expression shifting as she stared at her hand, seemingly unable to accept the result.
'I clearly had the advantage in technique, so how could I...?'
Teacher Wang walked over at that moment. He glanced at Xu Wuyi and nodded before turning to Han Mengmeng.
"Feeling indignant? You think your Martial Technique is superior, your Martial Arts are better than your opponent's, and you shouldn't have lost?"
Han Mengmeng bit her lip and said nothing, but her eyes clearly conveyed that sentiment.
"Your Spiritual Snake Hand is indeed well-practiced. Your moves are skilled and varied," Teacher Wang said faintly. "But you rely on it too much."
"You only pursue the cleverness of your moves, neglecting the most fundamental things. Strength, speed, and perception. No matter how exquisite your technique, it's useless if it can't hit your enemy."
He pointed at Xu Wuyi. "As for him, he may not know any advanced Martial Techniques, but he has trained his Basic Body Refining Technique to the 'Entry Level,' his Qi and Blood Control is more refined than yours, and his stance is more stable."
"So, in the instant your move grew old and exposed a flaw, he was able to use the most basic Fist Technique to shatter your stance in a flash."
"Technique is certainly important, but any technique must be built upon a solid foundation. Otherwise, it's like water without a source or a tree without roots. The moment you encounter a truly tough opponent, it will all fall apart."
Teacher Wang looked at Han Mengmeng, his tone profound. "This is the importance of the basics. Think it over carefully."
Han Mengmeng stood frozen on the spot, the indignation on her face gradually fading as she fell into deep thought.
Only then did Teacher Wang turn back to Xu Wuyi. "A good fight. You knew your advantages and were able to leverage them under pressure. That's very good."
"However, your shortcomings are just as obvious. Your foundation is solid, but it's *only* the foundation. If your opponent hadn't been careless and had instead fought you steadily, you would have lost without a doubt."
Xu Wuyi took a deep breath. He understood that Teacher Wang was absolutely right. If Han Mengmeng had engaged him in a battle of attrition, he never would have lasted long enough for her to reveal an opening.
He said solemnly, "Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."
...
The bell rang, signaling the end of class, and the students began to leave in twos and threes.
The rules for this practical combat class were simple, and many students fought with great spirit, largely simulating real combat situations.
Just as Xu Wuyi finished packing his things and was about to leave, Teacher Wang's voice came from behind him. "Xu Wuyi, stay for a moment."
After all the other students had gone, only the two of them remained in the empty training hall. Teacher Wang walked up to him and sized him up. "You fought well today. What are your plans for the future?"
Xu Wuyi was taken aback for a moment, then answered, "First, train my Qi and Blood, and then... the College Entrance Examination?"
Teacher Wang didn't comment on his plan. Instead, he asked, "At your current rate of progress, how long do you think it will take for your Life Energy Level to reach 10.0?"
Xu Wuyi fell silent for a moment.
He felt that he had been improving rapidly recently, especially after reaching the Entry Level in the Basic Body Refining Technique. Within half a month, his Life Energy Level could probably reach the undergraduate threshold, which was Level 9.0.
But as for reaching Level 10 after that, he had no confidence at all.
Teacher Wang looked at him and said, "After the winter break, the school will organize a sprint class for the Martial Arts College Entrance Examination."
"According to the rules from previous years, aside from Class One, which contributes half the students, the other classes will have at most one or two people selected. And the minimum Life Energy Level required is Level 9.5."
Xu Wuyi was, of course, aware of the Martial Arts sprint class.
Honghe First Middle School was the best middle school in Red River City. Every year, more than thirty of its students were admitted to Martial Arts Universities, and the main force behind this was the students from the Martial Arts sprint class.
As long as one could get into the sprint class, they would not only receive guidance from famous teachers but also receive subsidized resources from the school.
Poor scholars, rich warriors—those four words held true in any era.
This was even more true in the modern era. Due to technological advancements, the supplements used to assist in Martial Arts training became increasingly effective, and the investment required for a Martial Artist also grew higher and higher.
Even for an ordinary family like Xu Wuyi's, although they couldn't afford Qi Blood Potions, the two nutritious meals he had each week were indispensable.
'Is there still enough time for me to get into the sprint class?'
Teacher Wang seemed to see through his thoughts and changed the subject. "Where there's a will, there's a way. You've already reached the Entry Level in the Basic Body Refining Technique, which proves your aptitude surpasses most of your classmates. That is your true potential, the thing that will support you in going further."
He paused, then took a small metal box from his gym bag and handed it to Xu Wuyi.
"This is..." Xu Wuyi took it, puzzled. It felt slightly heavy and cool to the touch.
"Open it and see."
Xu Wuyi did as he was told and opened the lid. Inside, five transparent, finger-thick glass tubes were neatly secured. They were filled with a viscous, crimson liquid that refracted a subtle sheen under the light. Faint specks of energy could be seen flowing within.
"Qi Blood Potions," Teacher Wang's voice was calm. "E-level, standard type. They're most suitable for stabilizing and enhancing Qi and Blood during the Martial Disciple Stage."
"Take them. Use one every five days. That will last you exactly until the end of winter break."
Xu Wuyi's head shot up to look at Teacher Wang, his hand trembling so violently he almost dropped the metal box.
Qi Blood Potions!
He had only ever seen these things in TV commercials. Even the lowest grade, the E-level standard type, cost several thousand a piece on the market.
Five of them would be twenty to thirty thousand—that was almost half a year's income for his parents!
"Teacher Wang, this is too valuable! I..." Xu Wuyi instinctively wanted to refuse. The gift was too much, so much that he didn't know how he could possibly accept it.
"Take them." Teacher Wang's tone was indisputable, cutting him off. "Consider these five Potions an investment in you. What I value isn't your current achievements, but your patience in polishing your foundation and your aptitude."
"Besides, I'm not giving them to you for free. If you can get into the sprint class, the school rewards us Martial Arts Teachers as well. Just consider this an advance on my part."
Teacher Wang smiled at Xu Wuyi.
Xu Wuyi clutched the cool metal box, but his palm felt scorching hot.
He swallowed all the words of refusal, took a deep breath, straightened his back, and gave Teacher Wang a deep bow.
"Thank you, Teacher Wang! I definitely... won't let you down!" His voice was hoarse with emotion, filled with a do-or-die determination.
"Alright, you can go now." A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on Teacher Wang's face as he waved his hand. "The instructions for the Potion are in the box. For best results, take it half an hour before you train."
"Remember, external aids are ultimately just aids. True improvement must be forged by your own hard work, bit by bit."
"I understand, Teacher Wang!"