Chapter 4
"Kai Zen, have you heard of Luna Ming?"
Drenched in sweat, he didn't rush to change his clothes but instead came to Kai Zen to inquire. Kai Zen had been selling tofu pudding for decades, wandering the streets and alleys, meeting people and hearing news beyond his imagination.
Kai Zen, who was wiping the tables, paused, pondered, and shook his head. "I haven't heard of her."
"Oh."
Leon Wei turned and left. If even Kai Zen hadn't heard of her, there was only one possibility: the woman's background was far beyond the knowledge of ordinary folks.
A sense of mystery filled the air.
Observing Leon Wei's damp appearance, Kai Zen felt puzzled. In just these two days, he noticed a significant change in Leon Wei. He felt like he didn't recognize him anymore. Perhaps going through experiences led to a profound transformation in his character.
Returning to the martial arts school, he changed into fresh clothes and went to the courtyard. Jin Ray, who had gone to place a bet, had not returned yet.
He found the concept of "Wish Points" intriguing. While it seemed like completing wishes to earn points for lottery draws to strengthen oneself, it was more like a simplified form of mind-reading, a basic version of telepathy.
He earned four Wish Points again.
The thrill of the lottery draw continued.
The wheel spun, displaying items he desired.
Wind and Thunder Palm Proficiency 10, Wind and Thunder Palm Proficiency 30, Wind and Thunder Palm Proficiency 60.
These were the items he drew.
He was already accustomed to this.
However, the last item caught his attention.
Qi and Blood Pill.
A pill the size of a silkworm cocoon, bright red, appeared in his palm.
There was an introduction to the pill.
[Qi and Blood Pill: A precious pill that enhances blood circulation throughout the body, helping individuals enter the realm of Qi and Blood.]
Although this pill only assisted in entering the realm of Qi and Blood, its value was high. According to his memory, ordinary people needed to train their bodies rigorously, consume foods rich in Qi and Blood, and go through a strenuous process to enter this realm.
Now, a single pill could save so much effort.
To be honest, it felt a bit domineering.
Now, only he and Jin Ray remained in the martial arts school.
Observing Jin Ray's loyalty, he was the only one who stayed by his side when the walls crumbled. Having reached the Fourth Stage of Qi and Blood, this pill was of no use to him.
Its sole purpose was to be given to Jin Ray.
Selling it was out of the question. It could lead to trouble. As the introduction stated, this was a precious pill, not an ordinary one. If word got out, regardless of whether he still had it, unscrupulous individuals wouldn't care. They would resort to all sorts of ruthless methods to extract information, and his fragile body wouldn't withstand such pressure.
He stored the pill away, leaped into the courtyard's center, and began practicing the Wind and Thunder Palm, gradually mastering its techniques.
When he obtained the Wind and Thunder Palm manual, it contained instructions.
Left palm controls wind, right palm captures thunder, combining wind and thunder to stabilize the universe.
It sounded impressive.
In reality, it was just a bunch of nonsense. Controlling wind and capturing thunder, was that even humanly possible?
Raising his hand, the Wind and Thunder Palm consisted of thirty-six forms and a hundred and eight moves, with endless variations, allowing for continuous and intuitive changes.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
The palm wind howled as his figure darted around, his palms alternating between swift and heavy, embodying the interchange of Yin and Yang. Fully immersed in his training, he felt that every movement was in sync with his thoughts, and his thoughts followed his heart.
After an unknown period, his body began to feel hot, his Qi and blood boiling, an invisible Qi wave spreading from him as dust particles were pushed away, unable to come near.
"Whoosh."
Finishing the practice, he exhaled a breath, releasing a turbid Qi that extended over a yard before dissipating into the air.
[Wind and Thunder Palm Proficiency +1]
Unexpectedly, there was a pleasant surprise. Diligent training could also improve proficiency, which was a good thing. However, compared to the lottery, the progress from training was too slow.
At that moment, he noticed Jin Ray standing at the edge, his eyes wide with amazement, watching silently.
"Master, your martial skills are invincible."
Jin Ray exclaimed in astonishment. He had seen the master practicing martial arts upon his return but didn't dare to interrupt. He stood quietly on the side, watching. Witnessing the master's skills left him in awe; he was truly impressive.
He had never seen the master practice martial arts before. In his memory, the former master was always casually strolling among the apprentices, occasionally nodding or shaking his head, and rarely saying a word.
Yes, that's right, practice until you drop.
Initially, like everyone else, he thought the master was a fraud, not knowledgeable in martial arts, just deceiving everyone together.
After the incident, he was unwilling to leave. It was indeed out of gratitude. While others could insult and curse the master, he couldn't. Even when faced with such situations, he had to rush out and confront the other party first.
Now, seeing the master's training scene, he almost wanted to kneel down to watch.
"Jin Ray, is everything settled?"
Leon Wei wiped the sweat off his face with a towel. Martial arts training involved moving the body, boiling the Qi and blood within to transform it into Qi energy, making one's strength stronger. Although he couldn't tear tigers and leopards with his hands now, taking down a dozen strong men was no big deal.
Who knew when he would reach the point where a stomp could shake a group of people.
"Master, here are the receipts." Jin Ray took out the receipts and handed them over respectfully.
Leon Wei didn't take them but casually said, "Keep them safe; this is all our belongings."
"Okay."
Jin Ray nodded, placing the receipts securely in his innermost pocket. He was moved by this gesture of trust from the master.
"Jin Ray, your loyalty to me is evident, and I appreciate it. Do you want to learn real martial arts? Do you want to become a true warrior?"
The martial arts school had to thrive, not just exist but excel. Since he had crossed over and had the support of the "Golden Finger," he firmly believed that with his willpower, efforts, and intelligence, he could make his once dim life bright.
Therefore, he needed help, someone who could assist him in maintaining the martial arts school.
At present, Jin Ray was the only one he could trust.
Thud!
"Master, I'm willing." Jin Ray knelt down.
"Good, from now on, you are my direct disciple. I will teach you everything, so study hard and practice diligently. Don't disappoint my expectations."
"Yes, Master."
"Still calling me Master?"
"Master."
Leon Wei smiled with satisfaction. The first step to grow and strengthen was to take in disciples. He would impart true martial arts to Jin Ray. While regular strength training could enhance muscles and strength, it was impossible to comprehend Qi energy without martial arts to reach the realm of Qi and Blood.
He helped Jin Ray up, took out the Qi and Blood Pill, and said, "Don't ask, don't think, just take it. This is fate given to you. Your future path depends on you."
He handed the pill to Jin Ray, who swallowed it without hesitation. The pill dissolved instantly upon entering his mouth, and its potent effects spread through his body. Jin Ray's face turned as red as fire, his body heating up.
Jin Ray gritted his teeth, enduring the pain silently. The master's words echoed in his ears, advising him to scream if he needed to, as it could alleviate the pain. There was scientific basis behind this method.
Shaking his head, Jin Ray continued to endure. The pain he felt now was nothing compared to the humiliation and abuse he had endured in the past.
Leon Wei stood by, quietly observing.
He gained a deeper understanding of Jin Ray.
In his memories, since Jin Ray entered the martial arts school, although he hadn't learned any real skills, he had diligently trained his strength. While others rested or chatted, he continued to practice.
This dedication showed his strong will, endurance, and gratitude. Without a doubt, he would become someone significant in the future.
Moments later, as the effects of the pill were fully absorbed, Jin Ray respectfully bowed to Leon Wei, tears of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Master, for this life-changing favor."
He could clearly feel the changes within himself.
A complete transformation.
Unimaginable.
"This is what you deserve. After the competition, I will teach you the martial art of Wind and Thunder Palm," Leon Wei said.
"Yes, Master."
He noticed that Jin Ray's wish remained the same as before. It seemed that this was his determination, unchanged even now.
...
As the sun set, Jin Ray walked proudly down the street towards his home, brimming with joy and anticipation for the future. Despite the overwhelming emotions, he held back, clenching his fists tightly, filled with infinite hope for what lay ahead.
"Hey, isn't that Jin Ray?"
A teasing voice rang out.
"It's you. What do you want?" Jin Ray frowned, displeased as he recognized the person before him, Zhao Quan, the former senior disciple of the martial arts school who had led the others to leave.
Zhao Quan had a decent appearance, pointing to the word 'Red' on his chest in a circle. "Do you see this? I've joined the Red Fist Martial Arts School."
"You've joined the Red Fist Martial Arts School?" Jin Ray was familiar with the martial arts schools in Ankang County. The Red Fist Martial Arts School wasn't one of the Six Gates, but it held considerable influence in Ankang County. The school's master was known for his sharp and brutal fist techniques, earning the nickname Red Fist for his punches that left flesh bruised and bloodied.
"That's right. I heard you're still following that Leon Wei? Let me give you some advice, leave early to avoid becoming a laughingstock tomorrow. Oh, by the way, I'm now a minor leader at the Red Fist Martial Arts School. In a while, I'll be moving to the market area. I'm short on people; do you want to come and join me?"
To join the Red Fist Martial Arts School, Zhao Quan had paid a considerable entrance fee. Moreover, the school's master had been making connections recently, aiming to become an affiliated martial arts school of the Six Gates. Once that happened, their status would rise significantly, and they would be untouchable. It wouldn't be easy for ordinary people to offend them.
"Not interested."
Jin Ray didn't want to engage with Zhao Quan any further. They were no longer on the same level, and he didn't want to associate with him.
"You, you... I'll make you pay for this."
Before Zhao Quan could react, Jin Ray's fist struck him squarely in the face, breaking his facial features with a loud crack, sending several teeth flying.
Insulting him was one thing, but insulting his master was unacceptable.
"Ouch..."
Clutching his face, Zhao Quan let out a cry of pain. Onlookers stepped back, avoiding the scene but not leaving, eagerly watching.
Jin Ray said angrily, "Zhao Quan, if you dare to insult my master again, I'll tear your mouth apart."
With that, he turned and walked away.
The group following Zhao Quan looked at each other in astonishment.
Damn! Jin Ray is so fierce?
"You, you... just you wait for me."
Seated on the ground, Zhao Quan covered his mouth, pointing angrily at Jin Ray's retreating figure.
He was puzzled.
Why was this guy so strong?
Is he on drugs or something?