Drawing a Sword, Waving a Fist, Or Giving Oneself a Heavy Slap?

Everyone nodded in silent agreement with this comment.

Indeed, there were numerous influential individuals in this world. In the past, affluent families had squandered vast resources, relying solely on supplements to turn promising martial artists into extraordinary prodigies.

However, the path of progress via external means was inherently flawed, especially after reaching the C-rank. The drawbacks of relying on supplements became increasingly apparent daily, making further advancement exceedingly tricky.

"I am looking forward to the day when he reaches A-rank," Xiang Zhen remarked.

With such unparalleled talent, and as long as nothing unforeseen occurred, sustained diligent cultivation would likely lead him to attain A-rank one day.

The path of martial arts was nothing short of miraculous yet incredibly grueling. The higher one ascended, the more treacherous the journey became.

Upon reaching the D-rank, many martial artists found it arduous to make significant improvements for decades.

Xu Zhong, however, couldn't help but feel somewhat sad. Should he focus on honing his swordsmanship and cultivating his sword intent in the coming days? Or perhaps devote himself to training the Thunder Fist with punches? Alternatively, should he provide a slap to cultivate the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms?

How wonderful it would be if he could obtain another hack-like system.

Xu Zhong believed that he could potentially elevate his vitality to around 300 within the next month with enough time. During the martial arts examination, he would undoubtedly astonish everyone.

Unbeknownst to anyone, a shadowy figure concealed in the shadows discreetly placed a call.

…

Upon Xu Zhong's return to the martial arts class, Instructor Yang Yufei had already been escorted away to recover. A different instructor was now conducting the class.

As Xu Zhong entered the martial arts room, everyone's breath seemed to catch in their throats, including the instructor teaching at the front.

All eyes converged on Xu Zhong.

'Please don't look at me like that. It's embarrassing.'

Silently, Xu Zhong proceeded to his usual spot and began basking in the sunlight. He then drew his sword.

He decided to enhance his sword intent first.

[Azure Wave Sword Technique Proficiency+5]

[Sword Intent +1]

[Azure Wave Sword Technique Proficiency+5]

[Sword Intent +1]

[Pure Divine Art Proficiency +1]

[Vitality+0.01]

[Azure Wave Sword Technique Proficiency+5]

[Sword Intent +1]

…

With the practiced hand speed that Xu Zhong had honed each night, he unsheathed and sheathed his sword repeatedly in a seamless rhythm.

Furthermore, this action bore a striking resemblance to a certain other action. Xu Zhong felt as if he had performed it countless times before.

The level of proficiency stunned Xu Zhong.

Nevertheless, in the eyes of the surrounding students, Xu Zhong's peculiar behavior was perceived as extraordinary and distinctive.

Personality!

As Xu Zhong disregarded the observing students, the entire martial arts room regained its liveliness.

It was like a ferocious tiger had entered a herd of sheep, instantly silencing the entire flock.

However, the agitated lambs gradually resumed their clamor once the tiger settled down.

In the eyes of these students, Xu Zhong was that fearsome tiger.

Everyone realized one thing. This classmate they had always looked down upon had become so unfamiliar, so distant.

At that moment, Chen Yingying, who had a small geomancy compass hanging from her waist, approached with a smile. "Are you still up for teaming up with me?"

"Of course," Xu Zhong replied with a smile. "By the way, I suggest you consider taking out a loan and betting on this year's martial arts examination at the sports center. I'll be the top scorer. I guarantee you'll skyrocket to riches overnight!"

Chen Yingying pondered momentarily before responding, "Alright, I'll take out life insurance on you tomorrow, with me as the beneficiary. After you're gone, I'll soar to riches like never before."

Xu Zhong chuckled, appreciating her ability to jest. With a smile, he quipped, "So, you treat me as a comrade, yet you're ready to stab me in the back?"

Chen Yingying rolled her eyes at Xu Zhong, teasing, "And you treat me as a good sister, yet you want me to go bankrupt?"

Everyone looked at Chen Yingying with envy.

At that moment, the instructor, who had been observing, spoke earnestly, "Remember, obtaining qualifications for the martial arts examination doesn't guarantee a bright future. No one can foresee what lies ahead. Take my own experience, for example. I aimed to pass the martial arts examination in high school and enter a university. In pursuing that goal, I sacrificed many things, like enjoying a life of leisure."

This instructor, a recent graduate of a martial arts university whom the Elephant Dojo had recruited, probably wouldn't have had such sentiments as a freshman in his previous life.

However, in this world, all martial artists share similar sentiments.

In high school, they toiled to pass the martial arts examination.

Afterward, having passed the examination, they strove to become martial artists again.

After becoming martial artists, they continued to labor, striving for greater strength.

For some, the journey required immense sacrifices, especially those from less fortunate backgrounds.

However, Xu Zhong suddenly realized something else. Practically all martial artists opted to join either the Red British Alliance or one of these martial arts schools. He had yet to come across many private martial artists.

Upon reflection, this seemed entirely reasonable.

As the saying goes, enjoying the shade under a big tree is more effortless. For ordinary martial artists, aligning with powerful organizations was often the best choice.

Such organizations provided protection and resources.

Xiang Man, the A-rank martial artist who led the Elephant Dojo. He was renowned for his extraordinary strength.

The more formidable the organization, the more appealing it became. Of course, the entrance requirements were proportionally higher. However, from the looks of it, both the Elephant Dojo and the Lin Martial Arts School had invited him. He did not know when the Red British Alliance would extend his invitation.

Still, Xu Zhong wasn't concerned about being underestimated. He simply hoped the treatment wouldn't be subpar.

…

In the afternoon, Xu Zhong took a leave of absence and skipped class. He had been instructing the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms for the past few days, making it unproductive to continue attending.

He planned to return once the next martial technique was taught.

After witnessing the Azure Wave Sword Technique earlier, Xu Zhong felt inspired.

The Azure Wave Sword Technique might have appeared as pedestrian street merchandise, but it unexpectedly turned out to be a cultivation technique.

Xu Zhong now considered whether he should frequent stalls and shops to scout for hidden, peerless martial techniques.

While others might remain oblivious, he had the system. Wouldn't that be accurate?

After exploring numerous street vendors, Xu Zhong was disheartened not to have found any useful cultivation techniques.

"Indian yoga?"

"Tibetan Buddhist Palm Print?"

"Marrow Cleansing Scripture, Muscle-bone Strengthening Scripture?"

Muscle-bone Strengthening Scripture?!

The Muscle-bone Strengthening Scripture originated from the Shaolin Temple, a guiding technique initially cultivated by ancient warlocks during the Qin and Han Dynasties. Subsequently, it was transmitted to the Shaolin Temple during the Tang and Song Dynasties, evolving into a physical exercise that enhanced monks' blood circulation during meditation.

Regardless of its history, what truly mattered was his system's potential to simplify it.