Chapter 24: Mastery of the Fist Technique
[Skill]: Five Animal Forms (Beginner 90/100)
Looking at his status panel, Jiang Ning thought to himself, "I'm only ten experience points away from breaking through the beginner level and reaching proficiency."
"With the support of the wild ginseng, I can grind out these ten points in just one morning!"
With this in mind, Jiang Ning moved to an open area nearby. After adjusting his state, he began practicing the fist techniques.
[Five Animal Forms Experience +1]
After completing one round of the fist technique, he took out a brocade box from his pocket. Opening it, he saw that only about a third of the wild ginseng remained.
After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Ning tore off half of the remaining ginseng and chewed it slowly. Soon, the crushed ginseng entered his stomach.
Within moments, he felt his stamina recovering rapidly. His skin turned slightly red, his blood circulation accelerated, and his heartbeat grew stronger. The medicinal effects of the wild ginseng were taking effect.
With his stamina quickly restored, Jiang Ning wasted no time and continued practicing.
[Five Animal Forms Experience +1]
[Five Animal Forms Experience +1]
[Five Animal Forms Experience +2]
With the support of the ginseng's medicinal power, Jiang Ning only needed a brief moment to recover after each round of practice. He no longer had to worry about physical exhaustion.
His efficiency had also improved significantly. Initially, it took him half an hour to complete one round of the Five Animal Forms. Now, within an hour, including the two to three minutes of recovery time, he could practice three rounds.
As long as he had medicinal support, his efficiency in grinding experience points for the Five Animal Forms increased dramatically.
By midday.
[Five Animal Forms Experience +1]
Jiang Ning glanced at his status panel.
[Skill]: Five Animal Forms (Beginner 99/100)
The experience points for the Five Animal Forms had accumulated to 99. With this latest addition, it finally broke through to 100.
[Skill]: Five Animal Forms (Proficient 0/200)
As the Five Animal Forms reached the proficient level, Jiang Ning closed his eyes.
In his mind, countless insights about the Five Animal Forms flashed by. Memories of the dozens, if not hundreds, of practice sessions raced through his thoughts like a montage before death.
After a few breaths, the countless images merged into one.
Jiang Ning felt a slight electric current flowing through his muscles, leaving a tingling sensation throughout his body.
When he opened his eyes, a gleam of sharpness shone within them.
Without delay, he began practicing the fist techniques again.
Each move now carried subtle changes compared to before. Some indescribable shifts made his punches and stretches more natural and fluid. Even his breathing rhythm had become instinctive as if it were second nature.
After completing one round, Jiang Ning stood still, his chest rising and falling gently with long, steady breaths.
[Five Animal Forms Experience +1]
This notification appeared before his eyes, but he paid it no mind. His attention was entirely focused on the changes within his body.
He could feel that after completing one round of the fist techniques, two strands of Qi and Blood had been refined within him.
"At the proficient level, practicing one round of the Five Animal Forms refines two strands of Qi and Blood. This is twice the efficiency of before. With this, my physical strength and Qi and Blood will grow even faster!"
"I'm getting closer to meeting Wang Jin's requirements and achieving a martial rank!"
Jiang Ning felt a surge of excitement as he sensed the changes within his body.
The faster he accumulated Qi and Blood, the sooner he would reach perfection, circulating it throughout his entire body.
Only then would he have enough time to achieve a martial rank.
The Inspection Bureau I must join!!!
Jiang Ning clenched his fists.
He knew this was the place that could change his destiny.
As long as he had time and resources, he was confident he could overcome any challenge.
The Inspection Bureau, within the entire Great Xia Kingdom, was one of the two largest power structures.
The Human Emperor and the Martial Saint.
The Martial Saint's authority was no less than that of the Human Emperor.
As the saying goes, "It's easier to rest in the shade of a large tree."
By joining the Inspection Bureau, he could rely on one of the two largest power structures, giving him time to grow steadily.
Moreover, the Inspection Bureau had ample resources to support his growth.
Jiang Ning clenched his fists again, feeling the surging Qi and Blood in his right arm.
I wonder how much strength I have now?
Curious, Jiang Ning's gaze fell on the stone locks by the right wall of the front courtyard.
Let's test my current strength.
According to Wang Jin, joining the Inspection Bureau would inevitably involve battles and conflicts.
Every bit of strength I gain will increase my combat power.
With this thought, Jiang Ning walked over to the stone locks.
"Junior Brother Jiang Ning, are you testing your strength again?" Cheng Ran, who had noticed Jiang Ning approaching the stone locks, walked over.
Jiang Ning turned his head. "Senior Brother Cheng Ran, aren't you practicing? Why are you paying attention to me? Have you lost heart because of Xiao Peng?"
"Ah!" Cheng Ran sighed. "Xiao Peng has hidden his abilities too well! Major mastery in the Tiger Fist and minor mastery in the Ape Fist he's far ahead of me!"
Jiang Ning comforted him, "Senior Brother Cheng Ran, why the hurry? There are still three months left! Achieving major mastery in fist techniques depends on comprehension and the right opportunity. Who knows? You might have a sudden insight, and both your Tiger and Crane Forms could reach major mastery!"
"Before the outcome is decided, anything is possible!"
"Besides, Senior Brother Cheng Ran, your Qi, and Blood have already reached perfection. In that aspect, you're far ahead of Xiao Peng."
As he spoke, Jiang Ning removed his upper garment, revealing a noticeably stronger physique. His muscles were now visible, a far cry from his previously frail appearance.
Hearing Jiang Ning's words, Cheng Ran couldn't help but laugh.
"Junior Brother Jiang, you know how to comfort people! I feel much better now!"
"You're right. The game isn't over yet. Both of us are dark horses!!!"
At that moment, a smile appeared on Cheng Ran's face.
"Junior Brother Jiang, your talent is truly remarkable. Your strength is already above average."
Under Jiang Ning's exertion, the 100-pound stone lock lifted off the ground effortlessly.
He hefted the stone lock in his hand, clearly feeling the increase in his strength. The 100-pound stone lock posed no challenge to him.
Seeing Jiang Ning's calm and relaxed demeanor, Cheng Ran praised again, "Junior Brother Jiang, your strength is extraordinary!"
Jiang Ning smiled. "After a few days of practice, there should be some progress!"
He then set the stone lockdown.
"Junior Brother Jiang, do you want to challenge the 150-pound stone lock?" Cheng Ran asked.
Jiang Ning nodded. "Of course, I'll give it a try!"
With that, he moved to the 150-pound stone lock.
For an ordinary person without training, lifting a 150-pound stone lock would be a significant challenge.
For Jiang Ning, it had been impossible before.
After all, he had been frail, unable to even lift the 100-pound stone lock, let alone the 150-pound one.