Meng Tian glanced at the middle-aged man before him, his eyes narrowed and his face seemingly full of smiles.
He charged him two thousand just to ask a question, yet provided no help at all.
After spouting nonsense, he even wanted to sweet-talk him into signing up for private lessons.
Ming Tian had money, but that did not mean he would let someone fleece him like this.
He was not an idiot.
"I already told the person in charge of the Martial Hall that I'm bringing someone to use the sparring room."
"If there's a problem, go speak to the Martial Hall's person in charge."
Xiang Benli's smile stiffened, anger rising in his heart.
He had not expected Meng Tian to choke him like that.
A few days ago, when Meng Tian had asked him to look over his problem, he had not acted like this.
He remembered charging Meng Tian two thousand for the consultation.
Could it be that Xu Zhiming had charged too little, making Meng Tian think he was a scammer?
Xiang Benli did not dare harbor any dissatisfaction toward Meng Tian.
This was someone who could directly speak with the master of Cloud Water City's Wind Thunder Martial Hall.
His background ran deep. He could not be provoked.
Besides, it was only right and proper for him to charge a consultation fee. That was perfectly normal.
And he had indeed seen that Meng Tian had a problem with his mentality and offered advice.
He needed to show Meng Tian what he was capable of.
Maybe he could even squeeze some more money out of Meng Tian.
Breaking through to the sixth level of Wind Thunder Fist in three months was impossible, even under True King Wind Thunder's personal instruction.
He considered himself rich in teaching experience, more than enough to let Meng Tian gain something.
"Today, I helped a student raise his Wind Thunder Fist to the fourth level."
"I can pinpoint his problems with great accuracy and give highly targeted advice."
Hearing Xiang Benli speak, the student beside him had an idea.
He knew Meng Tian. The man was rich.
Xiang Benli probably wanted Meng Tian to study Wind Thunder Fist under him.
If he said a few words now, perhaps Xiang Benli might give him guidance for free.
"Yes, yes! Teacher Xiang has over twenty years of teaching experience. His guidance made me feel as though enlightenment had poured over my head, and I broke through to the fourth level of Wind Thunder Fist in an instant."
"Meng Tian, I know you're practicing Wind Thunder Fist. If you ask Teacher Xiang Benli for advice, you might gain something."
"Xu Zhiming may be very skilled at Wind Thunder Fist, but he has no teaching experience after all. He can't give you proper guidance."
Xiang Benli gave the speaking student a highly pleased glance.
The boy knew how to read the room.
"With my guidance, I think I could get you to the fourth level of Wind Thunder Fist in two months."
Meng Tian sneered.
They wanted to treat him like a gullible fool.
"I have someone more suitable to teach me Wind Thunder Fist. I don't need some half-baked teacher instructing me."
Meng Tian ignored Xiang Benli's ugly expression.
Trying to scam him out of money? No chance.
"Come on, Brother Xu. Let's spar. Show me where my problems are."
Meng Tian headed straight to the sparring area with Xu Zhiming.
The area was simply arranged.
There was only a weapon rack, with all kinds of weapons laid out upon it.
Xu Zhiming had naturally heard what Xiang Benli had just said.
Was he implying that Xu Zhiming lacked ability?
His Wind Thunder Fist had come from his own hard work and the system's Critical Hits.
Every insight was held within his heart.
He was confident that no one in Cloud Water City understood Wind Thunder Fist better than he did.
Helping Meng Tian break through to the sixth level of Wind Thunder Fist would be easy.
If someone delivered their face to be slapped and he did not slap it, people might say he was not giving them face.
He had always loved giving people face.
"Teacher, I can make Meng Tian break through to the fifth level of Wind Thunder Fist today. I assume you can do the same, right?"
Meng Tian froze!
For the first time, he felt that people like Xiang Benli should have appeared sooner.
After practicing with him for so long, he understood Xu Zhiming's character very well.
One's fist revealed one's heart.
Xu Zhiming had never spoken a single lie.
"Brother Xu, you're my real brother. I'm putting these hundred-plus pounds of mine in your hands."
Xu Zhiming waved a hand.
"Come on. Let's spar."
Xiang Benli smiled, his gaze sweeping across his students.
"As your teacher, there's something else I need to tell you."
"When conducting yourselves, you must keep your feet on the ground. Don't make empty boasts."
Xiang Benli's number-one lackey immediately nodded.
"Teacher Xiang is right. I practiced Wind Thunder Fist for over five years, taking one solid step at a time, building up strength until it burst forth. With Teacher Xiang's instruction, I broke through to the fourth level of Wind Thunder Fist today."
"I don't believe anyone can break through from the third level of Wind Thunder Fist to the fifth level in such a short time."
"If he can break through to the fifth level of Wind Thunder Fist, I'll immediately kneel and—"
"I'll bark like a dog today."
Xiang Benli chuckled, his eyes slightly narrowed.
He wanted to see just how capable Xu Zhiming was.
His experience was right here before them. He did not believe Xu Zhiming could be that impressive.
If Xu Zhiming could not help Meng Tian break through to the fifth level, Xiang Benli would make sure he lost face spectacularly.
Meng Tian glanced at the speaking male student and memorized his face.
As long as he broke through to the fifth level of Wind Thunder Fist today, he would immediately arrange Rolling Heavenly Thunder for Xu Zhiming.
Xu Zhiming assumed the opening stance of Wind Thunder Fist.
It was a simple opening stance: he half-crouched, his five fingers clenched into fists.
"Use the moves of Wind Thunder Fist and mobilize all your vitality to spar with me."
Meng Tian shook his head. He was afraid of injuring Xu Zhiming.
Treatment would be a minor matter, but it might delay Xu Zhiming's vitality improvement and also delay Meng Tian's fist training.
"Xu Zhiming, my Vitality Quality may be higher than yours."
"If we use all our strength, you might not be my match."
Xu Zhiming glanced overhead.
"More than double?"
"More or less."
Xu Zhiming nodded. His own Vitality Quality was also double that of an ordinary person.
At the same realm, relying on Wind Thunder Fist in battle—
How could he possibly lose?
Xu Zhiming crooked a finger at him.
"You're afraid."
Meng Tian froze.
His comprehension had always been high, and he instantly understood what Xu Zhiming meant.
He took a deep breath.
"Alright."
Meng Tian went all out.
Xu Zhiming waved a hand.
"Do you remember what I told you when I taught you how to break through to the fourth level of Wind Thunder Fist?"
Meng Tian closed his eyes and carefully savored the memory in his mind.
"Hold thunder in your chest, yet keep your face calm as a placid lake?"
Xu Zhiming nodded.
"Remember those words."
Meng Tian repeated them several times, indicating that he remembered.
"Brother Xu, here I come."
Using the same move, Meng Tian clashed head-on with Xu Zhiming at full force.
At first, he used only eighty percent of his strength, yet the man opposite him was like a mountain, utterly unmoving.
Meng Tian was astonished. He continued increasing his strength, probing again and again.
Beside them—
Xiang Benli stood with his arms folded, wearing the expression of someone high above commenting on those below.
Hearing those words, he shook his head slightly. He had thought Xu Zhiming would say something impressive.
"Hold thunder in your chest, yet keep your face calm as a placid lake—those words are recorded in Wind Thunder Fist."
"You think you can bluff people with just that?"
"Shut up. If I can't break through to the sixth level of Wind Thunder Fist, you—"
Meng Tian stopped and glared fiercely at Xiang Benli.
Xu Zhiming ignored it and continued throwing punches.
Because Meng Tian had shouted angrily at Xiang Benli, Xu Zhiming struck him once.
Electric currents coursed through his body, stimulating him.
Meng Tian focused himself, gathered his mind, and continued punching.
After completing one round of the fist technique, Meng Tian received no command to stop.
Suppressing the doubts in his heart, he continued.
You diligently practiced Wind Thunder Fist once, triggering a 50x Critical Hit
The second round.
Meng Tian used all his strength.
Xu Zhiming still stood firm as Mount Tai, leaving Meng Tian inwardly shocked beyond measure.
He had the Martial Dao Visualization Chart and double Vitality Quality.
He was certain Xu Zhiming had not cultivated a Visualization Diagram, so what was going on?
His heart became even more eager for Wind Thunder Fist to break through to the sixth level.
Once he broke through to the sixth level of Wind Thunder Fist, he would have a chance to return and take revenge!
"Meng Tian, you're a coward."
Meng Tian stiffened, and his movements slowed again. Xu Zhiming struck him hard in the body.
A coward?
His older sister had said that about him too.
A blaze of anger rose in Meng Tian's heart.
If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you won't lose it next time.
His older sister could say that about him, but what right did Xu Zhiming have to say it?
"Meng Tian, you're avoiding it. You're afraid. You regret it."
Meng Tian's eyes widened as he stared fixedly at Xu Zhiming.
He felt as though a fire were burning in his chest.
The vitality within his body was boiling without end.
But he still retained the last thread of reason.
No matter how Xu Zhiming knew, Meng Tian would vent his anger fiercely.
Using Wind Thunder Fist and his higher Vitality Quality, he would make Xu Zhiming take back those words and apologize to him.
He mobilized all the vitality in his body and launched a fierce attack at Xu Zhiming with the moves of Wind Thunder Fist.
"Weak. Still far too weak."
At that moment—
Meng Tian felt as though Xu Zhiming had become the person who had driven him to flee to Cloud Water City.
Disgust. Utter disgust.
When he met Xu Zhiming's serious eyes—
A flash of inspiration streaked through Meng Tian's mind.
It was as if he had grasped something.
He continued attacking with all his strength.
Xu Zhiming sensed Meng Tian's power growing stronger and stronger.
The guess in his heart became ever more certain.
Thinking back on how he had met Meng Tian before.
Just by following him in practicing the fourth level of the Wind Thunder Fist, he had managed to break through the fourth level?
Even A-grade aptitude could not be this terrifying.
Meng Tian had also mentioned that he had practiced the Wind Thunder Fist for only around three months.
If A-grade aptitude were really that formidable, Great Xia would have cleared out the Demon Beasts long ago.
Xu Zhiming continued fighting Meng Tian with the Wind Thunder Fist.
From Meng Tian's gradually calming eyes, he knew that Meng Tian should have understood.
After feeding him several more rounds of punches.
Meng Tian spoke softly.
"Brother Xu, let me do it."
His heart grew calmer and calmer.
He gently touched the vicious scar on his face.
In the dead of night, he would once stroke that scar, thinking of the person who had left it behind.
Humiliation? Rage? Helplessness?
He had felt them all.
Thunder in one's breast, yet a placid lake upon one's face?
Was it merely a state of mind?
Meng Tian felt that it was more than that.
He thought of the methods Xu Zhiming had displayed when faced with Peng Sixiong's oppression.
By saving someone, Xu Zhiming's counterattack had made it difficult for Peng Sixiong to ever turn his life around again.
Thunder? Thunder...
Memories of the past surfaced.
Meng Tian's blood gradually boiled hotter, yet the smile on his face grew increasingly broad.
The scar on his face was the road he had traveled.
Being forced into the little city of Cloud Water City was his humiliation.
He truly regretted not having his older sister deal with his enemy directly back then.
But that matter should have been handled by him.
Of course, his luck had been decent. He had met Brother Xu, so there was still a little hope.
Xu Zhiming withdrew his fists, turned his back to Xiangben Li and the others, and clasped his hands behind him.
His palms gently kneaded together, easing the pain.
Seeing the two stop so quickly, Xiangben Li thought Meng Tian was about to break through.
In his perception, Meng Tian's vitality and blood had not improved much, nor had his aura changed.
Based on Meng Tian's fight with Xu Zhiming just now, he believed he had seen through the problem with Meng Tian's Wind Thunder Fist.
With his head raised and his hands behind his back, he walked toward Xu Zhiming.
"Young man, your comprehension is quite good, but breakthroughs in the Wind Thunder Fist are not achieved overnight."
"With my many years of teaching students and my many years of diligent practice in the Wind Thunder Fist, I already understand Meng Tian's problem seven or eight parts out of ten."
When Xiangben Li saw that Xu Zhiming did not respond, a trace of contempt flashed across his lips.
"I have taught Wind Thunder martial arts for many years, and I have trained more than ten people to the fourth level of the Wind Thunder Fist."
"Meng Tian's eagerness to break through has altered his state of mind. The words you used to provoke him just now are nothing but crooked tricks and evil paths."
Xiangben Li saw Xu Zhiming open his mouth, seemingly about to argue.
He waved a hand.
"Student Xu Zhiming, I admit that you are a genius when it comes to the Wind Thunder Fist."
"But your knowledge of practicing martial techniques and everything else is far too shallow."
"I am a Level Seven Martial Artist. You must listen to the experience I offer you."
Xu Zhiming was not angered by those words. His knowledge truly was shallow.
He had taken first place in his academic classes, which was enough to prove that there was nothing wrong with his intelligence.
He only had two martial techniques: the Wind Thunder Fist and Coiling Dragon Surging Waves.
There were also many things that remained purely theoretical, like castles in the air.
If he had practiced enough martial techniques, perhaps the seventh level of the Wind Thunder Fist would have been refined somewhat through critical strikes already.
Xu Zhiming had always known about this weakness.
He would strive to enter Martial Arts University in two months and absorb knowledge to make up for it.
When Xiangben Li saw Xu Zhiming nod, a trace of suspicion flashed through his heart.
Why was this brat not refuting him?
He must have been intimidated by his aura as a famous teacher and unable to think of any excuse.
Xiangben Li watched Xu Zhiming's silent yet hesitant expression.
The heroic pride in his heart reached its peak.
In the distance.
Xiangben Li's students also cast admiring looks toward their instructor.
"We shouldn't have doubted Teacher Xiangben's ability before."
"Yeah, as expected of a teacher with twenty-five years of teaching experience. He hit the nail on the head and pointed out Xu Zhiming's problem."
"Hahaha, do you think Xu Zhiming might come ask Teacher Xiangben for guidance too?"
Xiangben Li held his head high, and his gaze grew ever more smug.
Suddenly, he sensed a weak electric current coming from behind him.
He had not expected anyone to launch a sneak attack in broad daylight.
"Idiot, what the hell do you know about the Wind Thunder Fist?"
"Watch closely. This is the fifth level of the Wind Thunder Fist—Lightning Flash!"
Meng Tian's unruly voice came from behind Xiangben Li. He truly could not stand it any longer.
Brother Xu was worried that Xiangben Li would retaliate, but he was not afraid.
A mediocre teacher misled his students.
Xiangben Li rubbed the hair that had been shocked straight up, then turned and stared at Meng Tian.
"How could you possibly have broken through to the fifth level of the Wind Thunder Fist? By my estimation, it should take at least a year."
Meng Tian sneered.
"I broke through. Stay out of my sight from now on."
"And Xiangben Li, apologize to my Brother Xu."
"Otherwise, you'll pay for it today."
Meng Tian swept a cold glance toward the distance.
His gaze landed among Xiangben Li's students and locked onto one person at a glance.
"And that nameless one—you said that if I broke through to the fifth level of the Wind Thunder Fist, you'd bark like a dog."
"Come over. Let me hear you bark."
The male student looked to Xiangben Li as though asking for help, only to find Xiangben Li's gaze flickering.
"I... I'm from the Qiu Family..."
Meng Tian grinned.
He would not allow anyone to slander Brother Xu.
What a joke.
If not for Brother Xu, he probably would never have untied the knot in his heart and would never have been able to break through to twenty points of vitality and blood.
Without breaking through twenty points of vitality and blood, he would have been nothing but a clown in his Lineage's eyes for the rest of his life.
Who cared who they were? In Cloud Water City, he feared no one.
His older sister did not count as a person from Cloud Water City.
"Hurry up. Believe it or not, I'll slap that big mouth of yours!"
Xu Zhiming quietly watched Meng Tian show off from the side.
Someone else was making a move, so why should he make one himself?
Seeing how Meng Tian feared neither heaven nor earth and snapped at everything under the sky, Meng Tian's background was perhaps far from simple.
"Hurry up. Don't waste my time."
"Xiangben Li, that includes you."
Xiangben Li's expression shifted repeatedly at the side.
Apologize to Xu Zhiming? Would that not be saying that he was inferior to someone else?
He was nearly fifty years old, yet he had to apologize to a student.
Would he still be able to teach students afterward? How would he continue to survive among the instructors of Wind Thunder Martial Hall?
With a cold snort, he turned and walked away.
"Refusing to apologize? You'll regret it."
Xiangben Li ignored Meng Tian's threat.
At most, Meng Tian was wealthy and acquainted with the master of Wind Thunder Martial Hall.
As an instructor at Cloud Water City's Wind Thunder Martial Hall, he brought in tens of millions in revenue for Cloud Water City every year.
At most, the master of Wind Thunder Martial Hall would scold him a few times in private.
So what if a Martial Artist in their twenties said a few words to him?
Meng Tian took out his phone and directly made a call.
Beep, beep, beep...
"The vast horizon..."
Xiangben Li vaguely felt that this ringtone was familiar. It seemed to be the hall master's ringtone.
"Xiangben Li..."
Upon hearing that voice, Xiangben Li's body trembled slightly.
A bad premonition boiled within him, and his body felt as though it had been struck by lightning.
Before you continue