Over the next few days, Gu Chen's life was unexpectedly leisurely. He stayed home, gradually getting used to his body as a Pillaring Vigorous Strength Grandmaster, practicing everything from walking and running to jumping and coordinating his hands and feet.
Fortunately, he had the mental state of Shattering the Void and Seeing the Divine, which he had gained from his clone, Li Hansha. That helped him adjust to his new body fairly quickly. At least he no longer lost control of his Internal Force when he lifted a leg, walked into walls, or burst his clothes like he had at first.
Meanwhile, the people in charge were frustrated to discover they had no way to delete the novel Dragon Snake. All they could do was gather experts and martial arts masters, bring in scientific instruments, and begin studying the National Martial Arts training methods described in the book. They made some progress.
National Martial Arts had already been Refined from Falsehood Into Truth. Besides, these "martial arts masters" had spent decades practicing various styles of boxing. Some principles carried over; what they lacked was Internal Force. With experts and precision instruments helping them monitor their bodies at every moment, several became Manifesting Strength boxers in a short time.
The Human Biology experts and researchers immediately began studying the masters who had reached Manifesting Strength. They found the remarkable Internal Force born from the union of mind and body fascinating. It let a person unleash Whole-Body Force in an instant and strike with power far beyond that of an ordinary person.
"National Martial Arts really is incredible. To produce changes like this in just a few days..."
"And this is only the entry level of Manifesting Strength. No wonder the Pillaring Grandmaster in that video displayed such outrageous power. Several tons of force concentrated in one fist, combined with that speed—the impact of a single burst could probably exceed ten tons. He's a human tank..."
"The National Martial Arts handed down by our ancestors are truly astonishing."
Looking at the data produced by their instruments, the Human Biology experts and researchers could not help marveling.
As soon as the people in charge heard about the results, they sent the findings to various military units whose members were in excellent physical condition.
They had also considered what to do about the Transforming Strength Great Boxers who had appeared in the video and sparred with Li Hansha. Taking a gentler approach, they planned to invite them to serve as instructors.
The easiest to find was Fang Hansong, the Wing Chun White Crane Fist Transforming Strength Great Boxer who had been the first to spar with Li Hansha. Someone was soon assigned to approach him.
Meanwhile, in a hidden room inside the Wing Chun White Crane Boxing Gym, Fang Hansong was instructing the gym's owner, Fang Xiu. Under his personal guidance, she had experienced both Manifesting Strength and Hidden Strength. She was talented, too.
In less than a week, her progress in National Martial Arts had soared. She had entered the Manifesting Strength realm and was rapidly advancing toward Hidden Strength.
At present, she was probably the only person receiving unreserved, personal instruction from a Transforming Strength Great Boxer. Her speed was hardly surprising.
"Not bad. At this rate, observe the white crane's form more often and grasp the true essence of Wing Chun White Crane Fist. Find your own path, and Hidden Strength won't be far away..."
Fang Xiu's face lit up at his words. With a Transforming Strength Great Boxer personally teaching her and sparring with her, she had progressed at an unbelievable pace in just one week. Now that she had mastered Manifesting Strength, she could take down ten unarmed opponents by herself, so long as none of them carried a bladed weapon.
"You may be the owner of the Wing Chun White Crane Boxing Gym, but remember this: true teachings are not passed on lightly. Teaching ordinary students is fine, but when it comes to the real things—Internal Force, fighting methods, killing moves—you must be extremely careful. Never pass them on lightly..."
Fang Xiu listened to his stern warning and nodded solemnly. "I'll remember your teachings!"
Having said his piece, Fang Hansong relaxed and became an ordinary-looking old janitor once more. He slowly made his way out.
Just then, the official assigned to meet him arrived. Approaching Fang Hansong, who looked no different from any other old janitor, he said respectfully, "Master Fang, I've long heard of you. I never imagined Central Continent had someone as extraordinary as you..."
Fang Hansong rolled his eyes. "Enough. I'm just an ordinary old man who sweeps floors. Tell me what you want."
"In that case, I'll be direct, Master Fang. On behalf of the Dragon Tooth Unit, I'd like to invite you to become an instructor..."
The offer drew the attention of everyone present. Even Fang Xiu, the gym's owner, looked stunned. She had never imagined Central Continent's most elite combat unit would come in person to invite Fang Hansong to teach them.
Fang Hansong rubbed his brow, a trace of worry appearing on his aged face. "And if this old man refuses? Will you watch me day and night?"
The official froze. Before he could answer, Fang Hansong waved a hand. "Can't escape troublesome matters in this world. This old man accepts."
Delighted, the official immediately produced a contract. "That's wonderful! Welcome to the unit, Elder Fang. You won't regret today's decision."
Hundreds of miles away, Gu Chen's finger faltered. A sharp crack came from his keyboard as a key burst apart. He raised an eyebrow. "I'm still not quite able to control the Internal Force in my fingers well enough to type smoothly. I'll need a little more time to adjust..."
Over the past few days, updates to Dragon Snake had slowed drastically to barely one chapter a day. Many readers grew worried and began speculating that the author had been taken away for questioning.
Aside from adjusting to his body as a Pillaring Vigorous Strength Grandmaster and writing, Gu Chen had joined an online group called the Central Continent Martial Arts Seminar. It had been formed by people studying National Martial Arts, and quite a few of its members were readers of Dragon Snake.
He found it interesting to watch them discuss various boxing styles, Manifesting Strength, Hidden Strength, and the like. He occasionally chimed in with a comment or two, which often taught the others quite a bit. In the process, he made a few online friends.
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