Martial Arts Minor Accomplishment

Time flew by in focused cultivation.

In the courtyard.

Wang Zhengyang, Master Sun, Master Yin, and Master Zhou sat around a stone table, their eyes fixed on the upright figure in the center of the yard.

Li He took a deep breath, his body shifting slightly as his light footwork unfolded.

Wild Goose Eight Steps!

Like wind skimming over flat sand, his turns resembled a startled swan stepping across snow as he darted and maneuvered through the cramped courtyard.

"Good! Your steps follow your body, your body follows your heart. You've grasped the essence of Wild Goose Walk!" Master Yin praised lavishly.

Li He did not stop moving as his arms spread open.

Cloud Hand Eighteen Forms.

His arms flowed like drifting clouds and running water, turning smoothly. As his wrists flipped, the force he released drew even the surrounding air into motion.

Master Zhou beamed. "Wonderful! Relaxed shoulders, dropped elbows, lively wrists. Your force flows without interruption and turns as naturally as you please. Li He, you've already grasped the true essence of Cloud Hands."

Next, Li He stilled his body and lowered his center of gravity.

Turtle-Crane Health Stance!

His breathing instantly became long and steady, as though he had merged with the whispering pines and rustling bamboo in the courtyard. A warm, gentle current radiated from within him.

Like a divine turtle of the Eastern Sea, yet also like an immortal crane folding its wings.

Master Sun nodded slightly, his eyes full of approval. "A tranquil heart, focused spirit, and long, steady breath. Your Turtle-Crane stillness training has reached an excellent level."

Finally, Li He's gaze sharpened as he spread his arms into that strange opening stance.

Silk-Reeling Power.

Strands of force crawled over his skin, making him look savage and terrifying. Then he spread his fingers slightly and gently pressed toward the empty space before him.

Hum!

A vibration clearer and more solid than any before rang through the air!

The air before Li He's palm visibly warped ever so slightly.

Wang Zhengyang stroked his beard in praise. "Your foundation has been established, and your future is boundless. Li He, you've cultivated all four of our Ancient Martial Arts to the level of Minor Accomplishment. What remains is merely patient polishing. There's nothing more we can teach you."

Looking at the four white-haired masters, all stirred with emotion, Li He felt both touched and exhilarated. He suppressed his surging emotions and summoned his attribute panel.

[Name: Li He]

[Vitality: 11.4 (↑2.5)]

[Skill: Federation Body Forging Fist: Proficient (19%)]

[Skill: Old Ape Stretches Arms: Minor Accomplishment (0%) (↑100%)]

[Skill: Cloud Hand Eighteen Forms: Minor Accomplishment (0%) (↑171%)]

[Skill: Wild Goose Eight Steps: Minor Accomplishment (0%) (↑123%)]

[Skill: Turtle-Crane Health Stance: Minor Accomplishment (0%) (↑75%)]

[Skill: Silk-Reeling Power: Minor Accomplishment (0%) ↑(206%)]

All five Ancient Martial Arts had reached Minor Accomplishment!

This was not only the result of Li He's own efforts; he also owed much to Master Zhou, who brought him chunks of Exotic Beast Meat every few days.

His vitality had soared directly to 11.4, firmly securing his position as a First-Rank Martial Artist!

"Three days from now will be the martial arts hall assessment. Li He, you must perform well!" Master Wang said.

"This disciple will certainly give his all and not disappoint my masters' expectations."

Li He answered firmly.

Two days later.

One day remained until the martial arts hall assessment.

As usual, Li He walked through the thin morning mist toward the alley where Pine Listening Courtyard was located.

The moment he turned into the familiar intersection, the sight before him stopped him in his tracks.

The usually tranquil alley had become exceptionally noisy.

Yellow caution tape had been strung across the entrance. Several massive construction machines were parked along the roadside, their tracks crushing the bluestone pavement and leaving deep ruts behind.

A group of local residents had gathered there, arguing with several staff members in matching uniforms, Oceanwide Real Estate badges hanging from their chests.

"Who says you can demolish this place just because you want to? We've lived here for decades!"

"The compensation is far too low! Where are we supposed to move with this little money?"

"This is forced demolition! Is there no law anymore?"

"My shop was just renovated! You can't do this!"

Cries of protest rose one after another.

Li He's heart sank as a sense of foreboding surged within him. He quickly stepped forward and grabbed a familiar neighbor. "Sir, what's going on?"

"Li He?" The old man recognized the young man who came to Pine Listening Courtyard every day to practice martial arts. "Oceanwide Real Estate, that huge conglomerate, wants to flatten this entire old district and build some new city center development project. None of us want to move, so we're arguing with them."

"Flatten the entire district? What about Pine Listening Courtyard?"

"Ah." The old man sighed. "Ask Old Wang. I don't know whether the courtyard is included."

Without further hesitation, Li He took out his phone.

"Hello, Li He?" Wang Zhengyang's voice came through.

"Master Wang, there are a lot of people gathered at the alley entrance. They say this place is being demolished?"

"So you saw it. Sigh!" Wang Zhengyang's voice carried a calm helplessness. "Li He, don't come to the courtyard to practice today. I found a restaurant and will send you the location shortly. Tonight... us old fellows will treat you to a meal."

Li He's heart sank.

"Alright, Master. I understand."

He hung up.

Wang Zhengyang soon sent him a location.

Though he had not asked directly, Li He already understood what Wang Zhengyang meant. Pine Listening Courtyard was clearly also within the demolition zone.

"Hah..." Li He exhaled a breath of stale air and quickly steadied himself.

He had long known the history of this district, including Pine Listening Courtyard.

This had once been one of the major transportation routes connecting north and south in the old era. After the arrival of the new era, the streets had become too narrow, forcing vehicles to crowd onto surrounding roads and take detours. It had always been a nuisance.

Demolition and reconstruction were simply matters of sooner or later.

He recalled running into Su Yutong some days ago. Her hovering car, so out of place in the neighborhood, had apparently not been there by chance. As the eldest daughter of the Su Family, she had likely come on behalf of the family foundation or some related interested party to inspect the area.

Pine Listening Courtyard and this old district were merely a waystation on his path. As long as his masters were well and their bond remained, the courtyard itself was only a vessel.

Evening.

A private room at a restaurant.

Wang Zhengyang, Master Sun, Master Yin, and Master Zhou were all there.

Just as Li He had expected, the four masters did not show much emotional turmoil. Their expressions held calmness and acceptance.

"Li He, you're here? Sit quickly." Wang Zhengyang greeted him.

Li He bowed to each of them before choosing a seat.

The four masters began finding things to talk about, discussing the ups and downs Pine Listening Courtyard had gone through. He heard that there had once been many old men in the courtyard, but they had all left one after another for various reasons.

That was why they had learned to let things go.

"Li He." Master Wang took a sip of tea. "Master Sun plans to return to his hometown and take in the mountains and rivers. Master Yin and Master Zhou are preparing to find a quiet little courtyard on the outskirts of the city. As for me, I also plan to go back to my hometown for a visit."

Master Sun added, "We old bones have already taught you everything we could. Now that your foundation has been formed and your wings are gradually growing, it is time for you to spread them and soar."

Master Yin was brief and direct. "Train hard."

Master Zhou cheerfully placed a serving of food onto Li He's plate. "Exactly. Li He, don't overthink it. Let those Federation Martial Artists who look down their noses at everyone see that disciples of our Ancient Martial Arts are no worse than anyone! When the time comes, us old fellows will wait to hear your good news. It'll bring honor to us too!"

Looking at the four white-haired elders before him, who were about to go their separate ways, Li He stood. Without saying much, he gave his four masters a deep bow.

The four masters exchanged glances.

Wang Zhengyang said, "Li He, can you demonstrate the Ancient Martial Arts we taught you one more time?"

Li He did not refuse. In the somewhat cramped open space of the private room, he assumed his stance and darted, turned, and maneuvered within that tiny area, demonstrating each form in turn.

"Good!"

Wang Zhengyang lifted the teacup before him.

"Come! Let us old fellows use tea in place of wine to see you off. May your martial fortunes flourish on this journey, and may your future be bright!"

Master Sun, Master Yin, and Master Zhou raised their cups as well.

"May your martial fortunes flourish, and may your future be bright!"