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 quiet. A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, dew rolling from their tips, while the fresh scent of grass and trees filled the air.

Wang Zhengyang was already standing in the center of the courtyard, his hands clasped behind his back.

He wore a brand-new gray training uniform today, his expression solemn, completely unlike his usual mild demeanor.

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

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

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

"Silk-Reeling Power emphasizes two things: reeling and silk."

Wang Zhengyang assumed a somewhat strange opening stance.

His arms bent slightly as though embracing something without quite doing so, his palms loosely clenched and fingertips hanging low. "Reeling does not mean entangling. It means your force becomes like countless strands of silk—continuous and unending, 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 clearly.

The fascia beneath Wang Zhengyang's skin was wriggling and tightening in threadlike strands.

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

Wang Zhengyang spread his fingers slightly, lightly pressed his hand toward the empty air ahead, then twisted it.

Buzz!

The air seemed to tremble with a vibration that pierced straight through the eardrums.

Wang Zhengyang slowly withdrew his stance, and the feeling of condensed force faded with it. "This art has an extremely high threshold! It cannot be taught lightly to those without solid foundations, abundant vitality, and meticulous control over their own strength. Li He, did you understand?"

Li He glanced at the panel.

A string of words was blurry and had yet to take shape.

It seemed Silk-Reeling Power truly had a high entry threshold. Even after Master Wang had demonstrated it so carefully, the system could not immediately register it.

He would need to see it a few more times.

"Master Wang, this disciple is slow-witted. I can only sense its endless mysteries and 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 several more times for you. Study it carefully. If you can gain some understanding of the changes in force within ten demonstrations, this trip will not have been in vain."

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

Back then, this old man trained day and night for over a month before I barely touched upon the essence of Silk-Reeling Power.

This brat may be talented, but he is young and high-spirited. This is the perfect chance to temper his patience and let him know that there is always someone stronger, and that there are no shortcuts on the path of martial arts.

With that thought, Wang Zhengyang's smile broadened.

"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 all 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 any insight?"

"This disciple is slow-witted. I can only sense its profundity and cannot yet grasp its true essence. Please demonstrate it once more, Master."

"Good!" The approval in Wang Zhengyang's eyes deepened. Recognizing one's own shortcomings, refusing to be discouraged, and being willing to study hard—that was the mark of good potential. He said nothing more and assumed the 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 that threadlike force took beneath his skin.

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

It worked!

Li He was overjoyed, but his face remained calm as he continued to listen attentively.

After Wang Zhengyang finished demonstrating, he looked at Li He again. He was already prepared to demonstrate it several more times, but Li He slowly closed his eyes, seemingly savoring something.

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

[Proficiency +1]

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

Though it was only an insignificant 1%, Li He could clearly feel an invisible thread quietly linking together inside his body.

He raised his right arm, spread his fingers slightly, and copied Wang Zhengyang, lightly pressing toward the empty air ahead before twisting.

Buzz!

A soft sound!

Wang Zhengyang was completely dumbfounded.

Th-this was impossible!

A monstrous wave rose in Wang Zhengyang's heart! He stared fixedly at Li He's withdrawn hand, his face full of disbelief.

The third time!

Only after the third demonstration!

It had not even been an hour,

Yet this brat had already touched upon the threshold of exerting Silk-Reeling Power?

Wang Zhengyang felt as though he could not breathe. Back then, he had trained bitterly for over a month before barely touching upon that threshold, and he had even thought himself rather gifted. Now, standing before Li He, his old face burned with embarrassment.

At that moment, Li He slowly withdrew his stance. "Master Wang, this disciple has not failed your expectations. I have gained a trace of understanding of Silk-Reeling Power."

"Uh... ha, hahahaha!" Wang Zhengyang came back to his senses. "Mm... mm! Not bad, not bad! Li He, I knew your comprehension was extraordinary. To gain insight within three demonstrations, even if... even if you have merely touched the threshold, it is still quite good."

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

"All right, Li He. The day is still young. Practice it a few more times. This old man will watch over you as well, so don't make any mistakes. Remember, the path of martial arts values persistence above all else."

"Yes, Master."

Li He assumed the stance again.

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

[Proficiency +1]

Who knew how much time had 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%)]

Six percent left.

Silk-Reeling Power truly deserved to be called an advanced martial art. It took two full cycles to 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 family, and even participate in hunts for exotic beasts. The benefits were numerous.

He turned and bowed to the four masters, who stood as still as stone statues. "Master Wang, Master Sun, Master Yin, Master Zhou, this disciple has completed today's training and will take his leave."

The four masters were startled awake by his voice, their bodies twitching.

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

"Yes, this disciple takes his leave."

Only after the wooden gate of the small courtyard gently closed and his footsteps vanished completely down the alley did the air in the courtyard seem to begin flowing again.

"Fuuu—"

Wang Zhengyang let out a long breath, finally releasing the breath he had held in all day.

"My heavens." He muttered to himself, "How did this brat make not a single mistake? Why wasn't there even one mistake? He was obviously so unpracticed... He should have made some kind of mistake, right? What sort of person can keep improving so steadily?"

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

"How long? Hmph! Back then, this old man... I had built up experience over time, and it all came naturally. How could that be the same?"

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

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

Everyone's attention immediately focused on him.

Master Yin read aloud, "Brother Wang, I have received your letter. This Li He has solid foundations and excellent character. In particular, he has displayed extraordinary comprehension in Ancient Martial Arts, making him truly rare... The martial arts hall is about to open. If your worthy nephew brings this letter, we will naturally offer him every convenience. Evergreen Martial Arts Hall, Hall Master: Chen Changqing."

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

"That is not necessarily true. With Li He's vitality, he does not need Chen Changqing to intervene. He can pass the assessment smoothly on his own!" Master Zhou said.

"Not necessarily. After all, his innate physique is what it is. There are too many wealthy children whose vitality has been piled up with resources. Li He's situation could easily make him seem like one of them, and he might be charged exorbitant tuition fees," Master Sun added.

"Ah, let us hope Li He can prove his sweat and hard work at Evergreen Martial Arts Hall," Master Wang concluded.