Silk-Reeling Power

The next day,

early morning.

The thin mist had yet to disperse.

Li He arrived at Pine Listening Courtyard earlier than usual.

Pushing open the half-closed wooden gate, he found the courtyard tranquil. A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, dew rolled from their tips, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass and trees.

Wang Zhengyang was already standing in the middle of the courtyard with his hands clasped behind his back.

He wore a brand-new gray training uniform today, his expression solemn and utterly unlike his usual gentleness.

"Master Wang." Li He stepped forward and bowed.

"You're here? Good. Today, I'll teach you Silk-Reeling Power."

There was no unnecessary small talk. He went straight to the point.

"Silk-Reeling Power is all about the words 'reeling' and 'silk.'"

Wang Zhengyang assumed a somewhat peculiar opening stance.

His arms bent slightly as though embracing something without quite doing so. His palms were loosely clenched, his fingertips hanging low. "Reeling does not mean entangling. It means your force should be like fine threads—unbroken and continuous—seeping into and winding through the gaps between an enemy's muscles and bones, layer upon layer, leaving them unable to break free or exert their strength."

As he spoke, Li He saw it clearly.

The fascia beneath Wang Zhengyang's skin wriggled and tightened like countless strands of silk.

"Silk does not mean silk thread. It refers to drawing silk from a cocoon, gathering the scattered strength of the entire body and twisting it into a single stream, releasing it through the fingers and palms and penetrating the enemy's body, shattering tendons and bones, breaking acupoints and severing meridians."

Wang Zhengyang spread his five fingers slightly, then gently pressed and twisted toward the empty space before him.

Buzz!

It was as though a tremor that pierced straight through the eardrums had sounded in the air.

Wang Zhengyang slowly withdrew his stance, and the sense of condensed force dissipated with it. "This technique has an extremely high threshold! It cannot be taught lightly unless one has a solid foundation, abundant blood and qi, and precise control over one's own force. Li He, did you understand?"

Li He glanced at the panel.

A string of words was faint and blurred, not yet fully formed.

It seemed Silk-Reeling Power truly had a high barrier to entry. Even after Master Wang's careful demonstration, the system could not immediately capture it.

He would need to see it several more times.

"Master Wang, this disciple is dull-witted. I only feel that its mysteries are boundless, and I cannot grasp them all at once."

"Haha, no matter, no matter." Wang Zhengyang laughed heartily. "Li He, don't rush. This old man will demonstrate it a few more times for you. Study it carefully. If you can gain some insight into the changes in force within ten demonstrations, your trip here will not have been in vain."

Though Wang Zhengyang said that aloud, he thought to himself, Ten times? How could it possibly be that easy!

Back then, this old man had trained tirelessly for more than a month before barely touching upon the essence of Silk-Reeling Power.

This kid might be talented, but he was young and full of spirit. This would be the perfect chance to temper his temperament and let him know that there was always someone greater, that the path of martial arts had no shortcuts.

As the thought passed through his mind, Wang Zhengyang's smile widened.

"Come, watch carefully!"

He assumed that strange opening stance again. This time, his movements were slower and his explanations more detailed.

Li He held his breath and focused every bit of his attention on Wang Zhengyang.

The system's words became a little clearer, but they were still blurry.

One demonstration ended.

Wang Zhengyang slowly withdrew his stance and looked at Li He. "Well? Did you gain anything?"

"This disciple is dull-witted. I only find it profound and mysterious, and still cannot grasp its true essence. Please demonstrate it once more, Master."

"Good!" The approval in Wang Zhengyang's eyes deepened. Being able to recognize his own shortcomings, refusing to be discouraged, and being willing to study hard—this was what made good material. He said no more and assumed his stance again.

This time, his movements were even slower than before. He deliberately exaggerated the movement of his fascia so Li He could more clearly see the path of that silk-like force traveling beneath his skin.

[Silk-Reeling Power: Beginner (0%)]

It worked!

Li He was ecstatic inside, but his expression remained unchanged as he continued to listen attentively.

After Wang Zhengyang finished demonstrating, he looked at Li He again. He was already prepared to demonstrate several more times, only to see Li He slowly close his eyes, as if savoring something.

A moment later, Li He opened his eyes. Without saying a word, he assumed a stance and imitated Wang Zhengyang's movements from moments ago.

[Proficiency +1]

[Silk-Reeling Power: Beginner (0%) → (1%)]

Though it was only an insignificant 1%, Li He clearly felt an invisible thread quietly connecting within his body.

He raised his right arm, spread his five fingers slightly, and copied Wang Zhengyang's movements, gently pressing and twisting toward the empty space ahead.

Buzz!

A soft sound rang out!

Wang Zhengyang was completely stunned.

How, how was this possible?!

Wang Zhengyang's heart churned with monstrous waves! He stared fixedly at Li He's withdrawing hand, his face full of disbelief.

Only the third time!

Just after the third demonstration!

Not even an hour had passed,

and this kid had already touched the threshold of exerting force through Silk-Reeling Power?

Wang Zhengyang felt like he could not breathe. Back then, he had trained bitterly for more than a month before barely touching that threshold, and he had even considered himself rather gifted. Now, standing before Li He, his old face felt burning hot.

Just then, Li He slowly withdrew his stance. "Master Wang, this disciple has not failed your expectations. I have gained a little insight into Silk-Reeling Power."

"Uh... Ha, hahaha!" Wang Zhengyang came back to his senses. "Mm... mm! Not bad, not bad! Li He, this old man knew your comprehension was extraordinary. To gain insight within three demonstrations, although... although you have merely touched the threshold, it is still quite good."

He picked up the rough ceramic teacup from the nearby stone table, intending to take a sip to hide the turmoil in his heart. But his hand trembled, and he nearly spilled the tea.

"Alright, Li He, there is still plenty of time today. Practice it several more times. This old man will keep an eye on you as well, so you do not make any mistakes. Remember, the way of martial arts values perseverance above all else."

"Yes, Master."

Li He assumed his stance again.

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

No one knew how much time passed. As the sun was about to set, Li He withdrew his fists, took a gulp of water, and ended his training for the day.

[Silk-Reeling Power: Beginner (0%) → (94%)]

Only 6% remained.

As expected of an advanced martial art, Silk-Reeling Power required two full cycles before it could gain a single point of proficiency.

Tomorrow, once I max out Silk-Reeling Power, my vitality will break through 10!

Li He's heart burned with excitement.

With 10 points of vitality, one could be considered an official martial artist. He could enter the Abyss, take on missions, help support his household, and even participate in hunting mutant beasts. The benefits were plentiful.

He turned and bowed to the four masters, who stood there like stone statues. "Master Wang, Master Sun, Master Yin, Master Zhou, this disciple has finished training for today and will take his leave first."

The four masters were jolted awake by his voice and stirred slightly.

Wang Zhengyang was the first to react. "Mm... mm! Go on, go on. You trained well today. Go back and rest properly, then come again tomorrow."

"Yes, this disciple takes his leave."

Only after the courtyard's wooden gate gently closed and his footsteps completely faded into the alley did the air in the courtyard seem to begin moving again.

"Whew—"

Wang Zhengyang let out a long breath. The breath he had been holding in all day finally escaped.

"My heavens." He muttered to himself, "How did this kid not make a single mistake? Why didn't he make even one mistake? He was obviously so unpracticed... He had to make some mistake eventually, right? What kind of person can keep improving steadily like this?"

Master Sun, usually the steadiest of them all, could not help asking, "Old Wang, how long did it take you back then to reach his level?"

"How long? Hmph! This old man back then... I had built up my foundation for a long time before breaking through naturally. How could that possibly be the same?"

The courtyard fell into brief silence as the four old men exchanged looks.

As if remembering something, Master Yin took an electronic letter from his pocket. "By the way, Old Wang, Evergreen Martial Arts Hall has replied."

Everyone's gaze immediately focused on him.

Master Yin read aloud, "Brother Wang, I have received your letter. Li He has a solid foundation and an excellent temperament. In particular, he has displayed extraordinary comprehension in Ancient Martial Arts, which is truly rare... The martial arts hall awaits his arrival. Let your nephew bring this letter with him, and we will naturally make things convenient for him. Evergreen Martial Arts Hall, Hall Master: Chen Changqing."

"The hall master replied personally!" Master Wang smiled with satisfaction. "That old Chen Changqing may hold a high position now, but the bond we forged wandering together back then remains. Since he has said so, Li He's assessment is basically secure."

"That is not necessarily true. With Li He's vitality, he can pass the assessment smoothly even without Chen Changqing stepping in!" Master Zhou said.

"Not necessarily. After all, his natural frame is what it is. There are too many wealthy children who pile up their vitality with resources. Li He could very easily be mistaken for one of them and charged exorbitant tuition," Master Sun added.

"Ah, I only hope Li He can prove his sweat and hard work at Evergreen Martial Arts Hall." Master Wang gave the final word.