Chapter 8: The Five Beast Fist

After passing through the side gate of the martial arts school, Jiangning entered a large courtyard.

Inside, he saw more than a dozen shirtless men practicing martial arts. Some were practicing punches, while others were lifting large stones to build strength.

Noticing the arrival of a newcomer, they merely glanced at Jiangning briefly before returning to their training, paying him no further attention.

But then

Jiangning's gaze sharpened as he was drawn to a scene in the corner of the courtyard.

In one corner of the front yard stood a massive iron cage, inside which a magnificent tiger lay sleeping.

The tiger was enormous, measuring about four meters in length, exuding an overwhelming sense of power.

Its thick limbs hinted at terrifying explosive strength.

"Stop staring and keep following me," the burly man said.

Jiangning nodded and averted his gaze, continuing to follow the man.

Passing through the front yard, the two soon arrived at the backyard of the martial arts school.

Under the shade of a tree, an elderly man with a beard reclined in a rattan chair, leisurely fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan.

The man appeared to be in his fifties, but unlike the frailness typical of old age, his limbs were thick and muscular, his body covered in well-defined muscles.

Beside him stood a tall, slender woman dressed in a blue martial arts uniform.

She wore her hair in a high ponytail, and her sharp eyebrows gave her an air of confidence. Her long, swan-like neck was as fair as snow, clearly indicating her noble upbringing.

After all, most martial artists had tanned skin, but hers was as fair as if she had never been exposed to the sun.

"You're Jiangning?" the old man asked, opening his eyes and looking at Jiangning.

"Yes," Jiangning replied, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Elder Wang."

"Polite. Not bad," the old man nodded slightly, seeming somewhat satisfied.

"Come here," the old man said.

Jiangning stepped forward, and the old man stood up.

He placed his hand on Jiangning's shoulder and gave it a slight shake. Instantly, Jiangning felt a jolt run through his body as if he had been struck by lightning.

For a moment, it felt as if all his bones had been dislocated.

The old man's hands then quickly swept over Jiangning's limbs, chest, and back.

In just a few breaths, the bone assessment was complete, and the old man returned to his rattan chair.

"Your physique is a bit weak. Your talent is neither good nor bad. You can practice basic martial arts without issue," the old man said.

Jiangning wasn't surprised by this assessment.

What kind of person was suited for martial arts?

Someone with broad shoulders, a thick waist, and natural strength.

Or someone with naturally sturdy bones and a robust build.

Jiangning didn't fit any of these descriptions.

But he wasn't disappointed. His reliance wasn't on natural talent but on the miraculous panel.

Seeing Jiangning's calm demeanor, the old man nodded slightly. "Your temperament is decent. You're not easily swayed by praise or criticism."

Then he asked, "Can you read?"

Jiangning nodded. "Yes, I can."

"Can you understand martial arts manuals?" the old man asked again.

Jiangning nodded once more. "I can."

"Good. It's rare to find someone who can understand manuals. If you can't even read a martial arts manual, what's the point of practicing martial arts?" The old man seemed somewhat pleased. "Later, go and read the manual a few times. Try to memorize the essence of the techniques, then come back to me."

"Thank you, Master," Jiangning said, bowing respectfully.

The old man waved his hand. "It's too early to call me Master. Wait until you pass the entrance exam. For now, you're just a provisional disciple. If you don't pass the exam within six months, you'll have to pack up and leave."

"Even so, you've guided me into the world of martial arts. In my heart, you are my teacher. Moreover, a provisional disciple is still a disciple, and as a disciple, I should address you as Master," Jiangning said with utmost sincerity.

"Suit yourself," the old man said, waving his hand again. He then turned to the woman in the blue martial arts uniform beside him. "Li Qing, take him to my study and give him the Five Beast Fist manual to read."

"Yes," the woman nodded, then looked at Jiangning. "Follow me."

"My name is Li Qing. You can call me Senior Sister Li from now on," the woman said as they walked out of the backyard.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Li," Jiangning said with a smile. "My name is Jiangning."

The woman smiled slightly in return, and with that, the two seemed to have become somewhat familiar.

As they walked, Li Qing spoke, "Junior Brother Jiang, your goal in coming to the Canglang Martial Arts School is to pass Master Wang's exam and become a true disciple, right?"

"Yes," Jiangning nodded repeatedly, his smile friendly.

"Do you know how to become a true disciple of the school?" Li Qing asked as they walked.

Jiangning shook his head slightly. "I don't. Please enlighten me, Senior Sister."

"The technique you'll be learning is the Five Beast Fist. To earn Master Wang's recognition, you must master one of the five forms Tiger, Bear, Ape, Crane, or Deer within six months. Only by reaching the Great Accomplishment stage in one form can you qualify to become a true disciple of the school," Li Qing explained.

"Senior Sister, is reaching the Great Accomplishment stage difficult?" Jiangning asked.

"Very difficult. Even for young men from wealthy or influential families, reaching the Great Accomplishment stage within six months is a challenge," Li Qing continued. "The Five Beast Fist is a lower-grade martial art that has been ranked. Reaching the Great Accomplishment stage requires exceptional comprehension. It took me nearly five months to master the Deer form and reach the Great Accomplishment stage, and that was with frequent guidance from Master Wang. Without his guidance, it will be several times harder for you."

"Senior Sister, you're amazing!" Jiangning praised without hesitation.

Hearing this, Li Qing couldn't help but smile, a hint of pride in her expression.

Even within the inner city, becoming a disciple of the Canglang Martial Arts School was an achievement worth boasting about.

Since becoming Master Wang's true disciple, she had noticed a significant rise in her status within her social circle.

After all, Master Wang's strength was among the top in Luoshui County, not to mention his deeper connections.

However, most people couldn't even dream of enrolling in Master Wang's school, simply because of his neutral stance in the ongoing power struggles.

Li Qing then said, "Since you've called me Senior Sister, I'll do my best to guide you over the next six months. How much you can comprehend will depend on your talent."

"Thank you, Senior Sister," Jiangning said sincerely.

He had no reason to refuse the opportunity to build a relationship with Li Qing.

From the way she stood beside Master Wang earlier, it was clear that she was a core member of the Canglang Martial Arts School.

Based on his understanding, any core disciple who passed Master Wang's exam would soon become a ranked martial artist.

In other words, this seemingly youthful and elegant young woman might soon become a ranked martial artist if she wasn't one already.

Moreover, her appearance and demeanor suggested she came from a prominent family, and her close relationship with Master Wang further indicated her extraordinary background.

Jiangning had no reason to decline her offer.

Seeing Jiangning's expression, Li Qing nodded in satisfaction. She then added, "After learning the Five Beast Fist, Junior Brother Jiang, you must carefully ponder its true meaning. Only if you become a true disciple of the school, like me, will you have the chance to receive Master Wang's true teachings and understand why our school is named Canglang."

Jiangning nodded solemnly. "I understand, Senior Sister."

"Good," Li Qing said, satisfied.

Soon, the two arrived at a secluded study in a corner of the martial arts school.

"Wait outside," Li Qing said.

Jiangning nodded.

A moment later, Li Qing pushed open the study door and stepped inside.

Jiangning waited quietly outside, his heart filled with anticipation.

He was about to obtain a martial arts manual!

And not just any manual it was a lower-grade martial art that had been officially ranked. From what he knew, even his elder brother didn't possess a ranked martial art, which showed just how valuable such techniques were.

Now he understood why his elder brother had insisted he enroll in the martial arts school. The gap between the two was simply too vast.

A ranked lower-grade martial art was merely the entrance exam for the Canglang Martial Arts School. Only by passing the exam, as Li Qing had mentioned, could one truly access the school's core teachings.

The name "Canglang" undoubtedly represented the school's true legacy.

Jiangning's heart swelled with longing.

After about ten breaths.

Creak

The study door opened again, and Li Qing reappeared.

"This is the Five Beast Fist manual," Li Qing said, handing Jiangning a slightly yellowed book. "Spend the next few days memorizing everything in the manual. If there's anything you don't understand, come to me. Once you've mostly memorized it, return to Master Wang. He'll personally demonstrate the techniques for you."

After saying this, Li Qing added, "Remember, you cannot take this manual out of the school. Before leaving each day, you must return it to me."

Jiangning took the manual and felt its thickness. It wasn't very long.

He then shook his head slightly. "I won't need that long to memorize it. A cup of tea's time will suffice."

"A cup of tea's time?" Li Qing frowned, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Jiangning smiled and tapped his temple. "Senior Sister Li, I have a natural talent for photographic memory."

"Alright then. I'll wait here. If you can do it, I'll take you to see Master Wang later, and you can start learning the techniques today," Li Qing said, crossing her arms and standing to the side. As she breathed, her demeanor exuded a serene, natural grace, like a resting deer in the forest.

Jiangning didn't waste any more time. He opened the Five Beast Fist manual and began reading carefully from the first page.

[Literacy Experience +1]

[Literacy Experience +1]

Time passed slowly, and the courtyard was filled with a tranquil silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Li Qing stood quietly beside Jiangning, her presence calm and natural.