Frost Sky Fist

On the other side.

Qin Hao had already found the Brother Zhong he spoke of to explain the situation and introduce Hong Ming.

Brother Zhong's real name was Zhong Shaoying, and he truly carried the air of a wandering knight-errant.

Hearing Qin Hao's unreserved praise for Hong Ming, he said quite heroically, "Since he is someone recommended by old Qin, he must have some extraordinary qualities. Zhong shall provide the sponsorship."

The process went more smoothly than Qin Hao had imagined; Zhong Shaoying agreed without a moment's hesitation.

Hearing this, Qin Hao felt quite surprised, but he quickly reacted and offered his thanks, "In that case, I thank Brother Zhong on behalf of Hong Ming!"

"We are brothers, why stand on ceremony!"

Zhong Shaoying spoke boldly, his attitude quite sincere, and he then asked, "By the way, old Qin, I wonder what his aptitude is like? I need to know so I can decide on the details of the sponsorship."

Mentioning this, Qin Hao's expression froze, and he suddenly became somewhat unnatural.

He had been so busy handling this matter just now that he had forgotten this point.

In the Preparatory Camp, not just anyone could receive sponsorship; the most important factor was talent.

If he remembered correctly, Hong Ming only possessed low-grade aptitude.

In the eyes of many factions, such aptitude held no potential for investment.

"What? Is there a problem with Hong Ming's aptitude?"

Seeing Qin Hao's abnormality, Zhong Shaoying guessed as much.

Qin Hao forced a bitter smile and told the truth, "I won't hide it from you, Brother Zhong. Hong Ming's aptitude is on the lower side; it hasn't reached the middle grade."

Not reaching the middle grade meant it was low-grade aptitude.

Zhong Shaoying understood instantly and fell into a brief silence.

Seeing this, Qin Hao hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Brother Zhong, this matter was my rashness. If you find it difficult, then let it be. I will explain it to Hong Ming myself."

He saw Zhong Shaoying's dilemma and did not want him to waste resources for nothing.

Sponsorship was not just empty talk; it required real money and silver, which was clearly not a small sum.

Zhong Shaoying's initial swift agreement had already given him enough face.

He certainly could not push his luck or take advantage of the situation.

"Wait."

Zhong Shaoying stopped Qin Hao and feigned anger, "Old Qin, what kind of person do you take me for? Since I promised to sponsor him, how could I go back on my word?"

Qin Hao began to consider things for Zhong Shaoying instead, "But Hong Ming's talent..."

"How about this: I am willing to provide Hong Ming with ten taels of silver in monthly sponsorship. Although it is not as much as yours, it should be enough for you to have an answer when you go back. How about that?"

Zhong Shaoying interrupted Qin Hao and laid out his compromise.

"Many thanks, Brother Zhong!" Upon hearing this, Qin Hao was deeply moved.

He knew that Zhong Shaoying was only willing to make this concession for his sake.

Although this money was not a large amount, the favor was as heavy as a mountain, and he kept it firmly in his heart, waiting for a day to repay it.

Just as he was about to tell Hong Ming the good news, a voice as loud as thunder suddenly spread across the training ground.

It was the instructor Lin Zhen who had arrived, summoning everyone to line up and assemble.

As the voice fell, the Water Soldiers, who had been scattered like stars in the sky, immediately gathered urgently like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea.

All noise receded like a tide, leaving only the sound of wind blowing through sand and light footsteps.

The entire process was orderly, and in less than a hundred breaths, they had formed into neat phalanxes.

Except for Hong Ming and Shen Lin.

The two were newcomers and did not know how to line up or where to stand.

"Are you two new here? What are your names?"

Lin Zhen noticed the two standing out like cranes in a flock of chickens, but instead of blaming them, he asked in a deep voice.

Shen Lin and Hong Ming reported their names one after another.

"Are all the others here?"

After a brief understanding, Lin Zhen turned to Wang Heng, who was at the head.

Playing the role of the squad leader, Wang Heng said, "Reporting to the instructor, everyone else has arrived."

"Good. The rest of you, practice the Frost Sky Fist on your own. You two, stay behind."

Lin Zhen specifically named Hong Ming and Shen Lin to stay behind, intending to teach them the fist technique.

After a moment, only the three of them remained on the field, and Hong Ming took the opportunity to cast an inspection on Lin Zhen.

[Trait: Average Bone Structure]

[Status: Solidifiable]

[Required Luck: 66 points]

[Solidification Effect: Greatly increases efficiency when practicing any martial art.]

--

[Trait: Fist Technique Expert (Level 2 · Gold)]

[Status: Solidifiable]

[Required Luck: 49 points]

[Solidification Effect: Doubles efficiency when practicing fist-style martial arts.]

--

[Trait: Leg Technique Expert (Level 2 · Gold)]

[Status: Solidifiable]

[Required Luck: 49 points]

[Solidification Effect: Doubles efficiency when practicing leg-style martial arts.]

--

[Trait: Breathing and Exhalation (Level 2 · White)]

[Status: Solidifiable]

[Required Luck: 32 points]

[Solidification Effect: Adjusts one's breathing to harmonize with the rhythm of all things.]

A full four traits—they were enough to dazzle Hong Ming.

In particular, every trait was of a high enough level that he could solidify them.

The only regret was that the landlord's pantry was running low on grain.

Just as he was eyeing them greedily, the crisp and extremely decisive voice of Lin Zhen rang out: "Watch closely!"

Without any wasted words, he began directly teaching the Frost Sky Fist.

Hearing this, Hong Ming immediately put away his wandering thoughts, braced himself, and stared intently, terrified of missing even a fraction of a movement.

Lin Zhen assumed the starting stance of the Frost Sky Fist, introducing it as he demonstrated:

"The Frost Sky Fist is of the same tier as the Coiling Dragon Stake, both divided into Entry, Minor Accomplishment, and Major Accomplishment."

"This is the first form, 'Frost Sky Standing Snow', which emphasizes sinking your qi into the dantian, gathering strength, and condensing momentum."

"This is the ninth form, 'Cold River Condensing Frost', aimed at hiding strength within, releasing it in an instant, using the waist and abdomen as an axis, with the fist carrying frost energy."

"..."

Various moves were displayed on Lin Zhen's body; dropping his shoulders, clenching his fists, chopping with his palms, and sweeping his legs—every single move was powerful and forceful.

The wind from his fists swept past, sometimes heavy and condensed like falling snow, sometimes sharp like a frost blade, sometimes swift and fierce like a cold gale, as if even the light had been stained with a touch of chill.

The entire set of Frost Sky Fist consisted of thirty-six movements, and under such detailed explanation, it took a long time to finish.

Lin Zhen slowly withdrew his energy and asked the two of them: "Did you both memorize it?"

Who could possibly memorize that?

Shen Lin scratched his head and glanced at Hong Ming. Seeing him shake his head, he felt relieved and whispered: "No."

"Once more."

Lin Zhen did not find it strange; after a short rest, he continued the instruction.

Two quarters of an hour later, the second round of teaching ended. Lin Zhen swept his gaze toward the two of them and asked the same question again: "How about this time?"

"I remembered a portion," Hong Ming replied honestly.

Shen Lin quickly took over the conversation: "I remembered most of it."

Lin Zhen did not say much more; his attitude remained cold, but his actions seemed to have taken note of them.

When he performed the third demonstration, he clearly leaned more toward Shen Lin.

Shen Lin sensed this, and the moment it ended, he hurriedly said: "I've remembered seven or eight tenths; two more times, and I will be able to memorize it all."

"Not bad." Lin Zhen offered a rare word of praise.

These words made Shen Lin's face beam with joy.

Just as he thought the other party would accommodate him and go through it two more times, Lin Zhen gathered everyone back into formation.

Then, he acted like an absentee manager: "Which of you is willing to teach them?"

This was clearly not the first time Lin Zhen had done this, as the Water Soldiers in the field all looked as calm as usual.

They scrutinized Hong Ming and Shen Lin, remaining silent.

Their revealed attitudes made it clear that they were unwilling to undertake such a thankless task.

Shen Lin's expression grew anxious upon seeing this; he had a mind to speak up, but catching a glimpse of the composed Hong Ming beside him, he was forced to hold his tongue.

Good fortune seemed to arrive in its wake as a voice rang out: "Instructor Lin, I am willing to instruct Shen Lin."

It was Wang Heng, who had taken the initiative to shoulder the task.

He had already gauged the talents of Hong Ming and Shen Lin; though the latter was not on par with Qin Hao, he still possessed mid-tier aptitude.

He was worth instructing and befriending.

Lin Zhen had no objections to this and added: "One person remains. If no one speaks up, I shall appoint someone myself."

He was clearly aware of Hong Ming's predicament.

The majority in the field remained silent.

At the end of the line, Qin Hao swept his gaze around several times, and seeing there was still no response, he was just about to speak when he was preempted: "Instructor Lin, Chen Yao says she is willing."