Recently, Artoria had immersed herself in merging the things she had obtained to fully prepare for actual combat. She had sought out many Guoshu Masters to learn practical fighting styles. She couldn't just rely on brute force; that would be too unprofessional. Not everyone could have a 50/50 chance like Captain America.
"Phew~!"
Twisting her waist, driving her shoulder, and throwing a punch—it wasn't just Guoshu she had to learn. She also had to properly study the boxing style most suitable for her current situation, 'Wing Chun.' This was a southern fist style with distinct characteristics. The technique emphasized using correct concepts, awareness, and thinking patterns to guide the flexible application of the limbs. It was quite suitable for women with weaker strength but high physical agility. Although she had drawn the'Steel of Apology' Craft Essence which used a Bajiquan style, she found after trying it that such wide-open and forceful boxing wasn't actually very suitable for her.
Consequently, Artoria began to look toward her homeland from her past life, China, for help. She sought out wandering Chinese martial artists who were forced by life to fight in underground matches. Artoria gave them enough money to live on, and they taught her their skills. It was a win-win situation. As for those who didn't want their techniques passed on, Artoria had no other choice but to give them some money and let them go. Regardless, she was 'Chinese' in her past life.
"Bang!"
The sound of steel expanding rang out, and a small, cute indentation appeared on the steel wall. This was the result of Artoria's recent training. With a body modeled after the White Lion King, Artoria possessed the legendary Red Dragon Factor. Even without using Magic Circuits to enhance her body, she could deform steel with her strikes.
"Clap! Clap!"
"Very good, Miss Artoria's strength has reached another level."
After finishing a full set of forms, Artoria took a break. A spirited 'old man' in his fifties walked out from the corner. He was very happy with Artoria's progress. When Artoria first found him, he was in dire straits. At the time, he thought it was just a young lady's passing curiosity for Chinese Kung Fu, but he didn't expect her to be a martial arts genius. In just three months, she had already reached the level of Ming Jin in Guoshu. In time, reaching An Jin wouldn't be impossible.
Back then, he hadn't held much hope, thinking it was just a child's fleeting interest, especially for a foreigner. But he soon changed his mind. He hadn't expected this girl to love Chinese culture so much. She didn't use a knife and fork like others but used chopsticks very skillfully. Her three meals a day were also authentic Chinese dishes, allowing him, a Chinese man, to benefit and eat authentic food from his hometown.
For expatriates who came here and wanted to run a restaurant, the taste of the food had to be modified, otherwise it would be hard for locals to get used to it. This was a hardship for those who loved the taste of home.
"Not at all! It's also because Teacher Huang taught me well."
Artoria said modestly. She had a clear understanding of her own situation; she couldn't compare to those martial artists who honed their bodies and wills day after day for decades. She was simply benefiting from the powerful genes in her body.
"This old man has nothing left to teach you. If I had entered Kunlun back then, I suppose I wouldn't have ended up in such a state."
Although Artoria's small bit of flattery made him feel good, he was still very sentimental about the past. Hearing him speak in Chinese, Artoria's eyes lit up. Kunlun? Had the Iron Fist already appeared in this world? Did that mysterious Qi really exist? Or had Shou-Lao died yet again? Although her mind was racing, Artoria didn't plan to reveal that she knew about Kunlun. Pretending to know nothing, she continued to exchange thoughts with her boxing teacher before going to practice her marksmanship. She had to properly learn the spear techniques left to her by the Master; after all, these were god-slaying spear techniques!
As for the matters of Kunlun and the Iron Fist, she would find a way later. She was very busy now and couldn't possibly leave America for China. It was a pity, but the Iron Fist wasn't her favorite anyway.