Chapter 13
The next day, Lin Yun went early to the martial arts hall.
Having secured first place in the clan competition, Lin Yun's status within the clan had now risen to the same level as Lin Xia, Lin Hong, and others, making him one of the most privileged juniors in the clan.
Entering and exiting the martial arts hall was smooth; aside from the clan's martial arts, anything else could be borrowed as long as he registered.
Arriving at the entrance of the martial arts hall, Lin Yun first established his tasks as usual.
[Task: Obtain a third-rank boxing martial art. Reward: One bottle of third-rank Pulse Protection Pill.]
[Task: Obtain a third-rank body technique martial art. Reward: A 200-pound weighted iron suit.]
This time, his goals were straightforward: to find boxing techniques and body techniques.
He already had these two talents, and continuing to cultivate these two types of martial arts would allow him to reach the peak faster. Moreover, the boxing and body techniques he had previously practiced were about to reach a level close to the Dao; as long as he succeeded, he would gain an enhancement in talent.
Thus, cultivating similar martial arts was not only a quick way to enhance strength but also the best method to upgrade his talents.
He thought about how easy it would be to practice similar martial arts once these two talents reached their peak; it would be like grasping it instantly, learning it effortlessly.
Upon entering the martial arts hall, the guards at the entrance recognized Lin Yun and greeted him with smiles.
Previously, no one would bother to look at him twice.
After gaining fame, he was surrounded by good people, all of whom were very warm to him.
Inside the hall, Lin Yun directly bypassed the front bookshelves and went to the last shelf.
"All the third-rank martial arts of the Lin family are here; there are so few."
Lin Yun surveyed the shelf, which held only ten ancient yellow scrolls. Compared to first and second-rank martial arts, the number of third-rank martial arts had sharply decreased.
Next to each scroll stood a separate wooden plaque with detailed descriptions of the martial arts.
"Third-rank martial arts: Returning Wind Soft Hands... No Trace Claw... Ancient Ang Boxing... Flowing Wind Body Technique... Qi Men Seal (fragment)…"
Lin Yun browsed through them one by one and quickly got an overview of the ten third-rank martial arts.
There was only one body technique martial art, Flowing Wind Body Technique, with no other options.
For boxing, there were two options: Ancient Ang Boxing and Shock Mountain Boxing.
After a rough comparison, Ancient Ang Boxing emphasized technique, with moves not limited to punches but also including palm strikes, elbow strikes, shoulder pushes, etc. Its complex attack styles made it hard to defend against.
Shock Mountain Boxing was simpler; its style was similar to Falling Rock Boxing, but it was deeper and more profound, with great strength and power. Not only was its explosive force high, but it also produced a震荡 effect.
After some thought, Lin Yun chose Shock Mountain Boxing.
In his view, strength in attack was more important than skill; technique was sufficient for body techniques. With proper body technique and speed, he could take the initiative in attacks, and at that time, the simpler and more powerful the attack method, the more effective it would be.
As for the Qi Men Seal fragment, this martial art was like a trump card for Lin Dong in the early stages of the original story. The first move was comparable to third-rank martial arts, and once completed, it could reach fifth rank, which was very powerful. However, Lin Yun did not hesitate or dwell on it.
He had no way to complete the martial art, and taking it would be of little use. It was better to wait until Lin Dong had researched it thoroughly before taking advantage of it.
For now, he would focus on practicing the ordinary third-rank martial arts.
Reaching full proficiency in third-rank martial arts would be comparable to minor success in fourth-rank martial arts, and achieving a state of perfection would be comparable to major success in fourth-rank.
The strongest martial art in the Lin family was only a single fourth-rank martial art.
It was not stored in the martial arts hall but kept as a clan treasure, personally guarded by Lin Zhentian.
Fourth-rank martial arts were already intermediate martial arts and had high requirements for Yuan power.
It was difficult for a body refining realm warrior to practice, and even if they succeeded, it would be hard to unleash the true power of fourth-rank martial arts. A slight application would likely consume most of their Yuan power.
Thus, in the Lin family, only those who broke through to the Earth Yuan realm were qualified to learn that fourth-rank martial art.
"Eh, Brother Lin Yun, you're here to select martial arts too."
Just as Lin Yun was about to leave, a figure suddenly approached.
"Lin Dong, I've already chosen."
Seeing that the person was Lin Dong, Lin Yun's eyes lit up and he said, "All the third-rank martial arts are here. What martial art do you want? I can help you with some references."
While speaking, Lin Yun tried to establish a task in his mind.
[Task: Help Lin Dong select the incomplete scroll of the Qimen Seal martial arts. Reward: Qimen Seal (complete version).]
"It worked!"
Seeing the prompt that the task was successfully generated, Lin Yun was secretly delighted; this system was quite perceptive.
In the original story, Lin Dong would have chosen the Qimen Seal anyway, so he considered this a lucky break.
"Brother Lin Yun, what martial arts did you choose?" Lin Dong asked curiously.
Given that Lin Yun had better martial arts talent than him and had previously practiced two similar martial arts, Lin Dong was naturally very interested in what martial arts he would practice next.
"I chose these two!"
Lin Yun pointed at the Zhenshan Fist and the Liufeng Body Technique.
"Body technique martial arts?" Lin Dong murmured, seemingly a bit tempted.
Previously, during his battle with Lin Yun, he had noticed that Lin Yun's body technique and speed were very fast. Lin Yun could always maintain the initiative in the attack and control the rhythm of the battle largely because of his speed.
"I should also learn from Brother Lin Yun and develop in multiple areas; I can't have any weaknesses."
After weighing it in his mind, Lin Dong decided to follow suit, especially since he had the mysterious stone talisman to help him, giving him some unique advantages in practicing martial arts.
"This body technique martial art is good; I want to try it too," Lin Dong said.
"Great! Then we can discuss our training together. However, while body techniques are exquisite, they often cannot be the decisive martial art in battle; they can only serve as auxiliary means. To defeat the enemy, you still need to learn a powerful attacking martial art to complement it," Lin Yun analyzed with a somewhat serious tone.
Lin Dong nodded in agreement and then humbly asked, "Then Brother Lin Yun, which attacking martial art do you think I am suited for?"
Lin Yun wasn't very interested in the Zhenshan Fist he had chosen. Firstly, this martial art was simple and crude, focusing on physical strength and explosive power, with not much technique involved. Secondly, he didn't want to practice the same martial art as Lin Yun completely; although he wanted to surpass Lin Yun in the same type of martial arts, to defeat Lin Yun, he had to surprise him with something different.
With the same martial arts, he couldn't break through the moves.
"I observed your Tongbei Fist and Bahuang Palm; your moves are smooth, the offense and defense are orderly, and the details are abundant. Clearly, you are a person with delicate thoughts."
"This Ancient Ang Fist is more suitable for you; it can utilize all parts of the body, with varied offensive changes. If you can perfectly combine the moves, it will surely leave opponents at a loss and unable to defend."
"However, this martial art is somewhat difficult to practice, which is also why I didn't choose it."
After a round of analysis, with a mix of truth and embellishment, Lin Yun changed the subject and said, "But you can give it a try. You've only been learning martial arts for a year, shorter than anyone else, yet you have managed to practice two martial arts to such a profound level, proving that your martial arts talent is excellent. This Ancient Ang Fist might flourish in your hands."
"Really?" Lin Dong was somewhat excited after hearing this, clearly not expecting such a high evaluation from Brother Lin Yun.
He had given up on the martial arts, yet Lin Yun believed he could practice it.
However, with the stone talisman, he indeed didn't need to worry about the difficulty of martial arts.
"Of course it's true. Brother Lin Dong, you need to have confidence. Just think about it: who in the clan can reach your level in such a short time of practice?" Lin Yun continued to encourage Lin Dong.
Lin Dong clearly hadn't realized the seriousness of the situation and was already immersed in the excitement of being recognized by his idol cousin.
"Okay, then I'll practice the Ancient Ang Fist!" Lin Dong decisively decided.
Lin Yun suddenly picked up the nearby incomplete scroll of the Qimen Seal and sighed, "Alas, actually, among these martial arts, the Ancient Ang Fist is not the most suitable for you. The one that suits you best should be this Qimen Seal, but unfortunately, it's only an incomplete version."
"Qimen Seal?"
Lin Dong's gaze was immediately drawn to the Qimen Seal.
"This martial art only has the first move, but it has reached the level of a third-grade martial art. This martial art is unique and different from the routine martial arts we encountered before. It draws upon the internal elemental force through a marvelous sealing method to unleash powerful strength, incredibly exquisite. Just the opening seal technique left me in awe."
"If it could be completed, it would at least reach the level of a fourth-grade martial art, or even stronger. What a pity!"
Lin Yun sighed deeply, expressing great regret, which moved Lin Dong and made him even more curious about the Qimen Seal.
Unable to help but take the Qi Men Seal and start reading it.
"The stone symbol's light and shadow are so magical, perhaps I can restore and perfect it. Such exquisite martial arts, if I can successfully cultivate it, wouldn't it be possible to surpass Brother Lin Yun?" Lin Dong's eyes suddenly brightened. The stone symbol's light and shadow automatically evolve martial arts, and it's very likely to complete the Qi Men Seal.
Lin Dong felt this was his opportunity to surpass Lin Yun.
"Brother Lin Yun, your martial arts talent is so good, your understanding of basic martial arts is such that even my father and grandfather feel inferior. Why not try cultivating it? Perhaps you can comprehend and complete the Qi Men Seal," Lin Dong suggested.
Lin Yun's achievements in martial arts are evident; he can turn decay into marvel, and even simple moves are executed by him with extraordinary skill.
Lin Dong thought that if Lin Yun cultivated the Qi Men Seal, he might really gain something.
Of course, he also had the thought of competing with Lin Yun. If both of them cultivated the Qi Men Seal at the same time.
In the end, he would complete the Qi Men Seal, and Lin Yun's expression would surely be quite spectacular.
Once he learned the complete Qi Men Seal and defeated Brother Lin Yun with it, Brother Lin Yun would definitely be astonished.
Then he would pass the Qi Men Seal to Lin Yun, letting Lin Yun seek his guidance.
Thinking about the scene where he would instruct Lin Yun in martial arts, Lin Dong couldn't help but show a smile like an aunt.
He didn't particularly want to defeat Lin Yun, but rather, he regarded Lin Yun as an idol. To surpass an idol and have the idol admire him in return—just thinking about that feeling was exhilarating.
"Well, your martial arts talent is also quite good. Why don't we both give it a try? After all, this incomplete text is just gathering dust here. Trying it out wouldn't be a big deal even if we fail," Lin Yun thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
He could roughly guess Lin Dong's thoughts.
Anyway, his goal was to have Lin Dong choose the Qi Men Seal, so he might as well go along with it.
Having the complete Qi Men Seal now, borrowing the incomplete Qi Men Seal would provide a reasonable explanation later.
As for why he could complete it, he could only say that he was exceptionally gifted and had extraordinary comprehension.
Lin Yun also wanted to see what Lin Dong's expression would be when he relied on the ancestral stone to evolve and then painstakingly learned the Qi Men Seal, only to find that he had already mastered it.
That shocked expression would surely be very exciting!