Xingyi Five Elements Fist

Wu Zhen had his reasons for turning Lin Fei down and refusing to take him as a disciple.

In his eyes, Lin Fei was already this old and only just starting to practice martial arts. It was too late.

He would be wasting his time, and was unlikely to achieve much.

Besides, Lin Fei might just be acting on a whim.

Once he'd practiced for a few days and found he couldn't take the hardship, he might give up.

Then what would be the point of taking him as a disciple? He might as well refuse.

He could just teach Lin Fei a few moves—enough to show off in front of other people.

"Lin Fei, have you practiced anything before? Boxing, taekwondo, martial arts, that sort of thing?"

"No. The only exercise I ever did was the eighth set of broadcast gymnastics."

Wu Yuqing burst out laughing.

"Hahaha, Lin Fei, are you here to make us laugh? Why not say you learned eye exercises, too!"

Lin Fei awkwardly scratched his head. He really hadn't had any exposure to martial arts.

Things like boxing, taekwondo, and fighting were essentially simplified versions of martial arts—or, you could say, modern martial arts.

If someone had practiced any of them, they'd have at least a little foundation, making them easier to teach.

Otherwise, you had to start with the very basics.

"I'm not joking. I used to do nothing but study and take exams. I never tried boxing, taekwondo, or anything like that."

"I did go through military training at university, but all we did was run drills and march. I only ever watched the instructor demonstrate military boxing once."

Wu Zhen shook his head. He'd asked because he wanted to get a sense of Lin Fei's foundation.

Now it seemed he had none at all.

"It's all right if you haven't learned before. A blank sheet might even be quicker to teach."

Lin Fei knew Wu Zhen was just trying to comfort him.

"Uncle Wu, I really do want to learn."

"All right, then. I'll teach you a set of boxing techniques!"

Wu Zhen got up and walked a short distance away, motioning for Lin Fei to follow along.

"This set is called Xingyi Five Elements Fist. It consists of Splitting Fist, Drilling Fist, Crushing Fist, Cannon Fist, and Crossing Fist."

"The Five Elements Fist is connected to the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Each style corresponds to one of the elements and is linked to specific organs and meridians in the body."

"Practicing the Five Elements Fist not only strengthens the body, but also regulates the organs, helping you build a healthy physique."

Wu Zhen demonstrated each move, while Lin Fei followed along with rapt attention.

Since it was his first time learning the Five Elements Fist, Lin Fei's movements looked a little clumsy. Wu Yuqing couldn't stop laughing.

"Giggle, giggle! Lin Fei, you're so clumsy. You look just like an old hen!"

Wu Zhen shot her a glare, then turned to reassure Lin Fei.

"Lin Fei, it's normal for your movements to look awkward the first time."

"As the saying goes, practice a punch a hundred times, and its meaning will reveal itself. Keep at it, and you'll move as smoothly and freely as I do."

Wu Yuqing's teasing didn't make Lin Fei give up.

He wasn't the sort of person to back down at the first sign of difficulty.

Facing hardships head-on and growing stronger with every setback—that was what his parents had taught him from childhood.

Wu Zhen practiced the routine with Lin Fei three times, then had him continue on his own for a few rounds to get familiar with the moves. He'd give him pointers afterward.

Wu Yuqing hurried to pour Wu Zhen a cup of tea so he could sit down and rest.

"Dad, I remember you telling me when I was little that Xingyi Five Elements Fist looks simple, but is actually very profound."

"To master it, you need to coordinate it with breathing and qi circulation, and learn to engage the organs in the movements. Even you've only reached a minor level of mastery."

"Why teach Lin Fei Xingyi Five Elements Fist right off the bat? Are you trying to scare him off?"

Wu Zhen glanced at Wu Yuqing. Her face was full of mischief.

His daughter was sharp, all right—she'd seen right through him at once.

"You're partly right, but not entirely."

"Xingyi Five Elements Fist is also known as Xingyi Mother Fist. It's the essence of boxing, developed by generations of masters. Once you master it, learning other styles becomes twice as effective with half the effort."

"Of course, this set takes a lot of stamina and demands a thorough understanding of the Five Elements. Without perseverance, knowledge of the Five Elements, or someone to guide you, it's hard to even get started."

Wu Zhen took a sip of tea and looked toward Lin Fei, who was still practicing.

Many of Lin Fei's moves were still far from perfect, but he was practicing earnestly, without slacking off in the slightest.

Wu Zhen nodded to himself, then got up and went over to correct some of Lin Fei's mistakes.

After a few more rounds, Lin Fei's movements became much more precise.

Every stance and movement, every punch and kick, looked properly executed.

"Lin Fei, why don't you rest for a while?"

"Uncle Wu, I'm not tired. I'll practice a little longer."

Lin Fei wanted to strike while the iron was hot and do a few more rounds, so he wouldn't forget everything the next day.

Besides, after practicing more than a dozen times, he found that the muscles and bones throughout his body felt quite comfortable, as if someone were massaging him. They tingled pleasantly.

Lin Fei didn't know that this was the Body Strengthening Pill he'd taken starting to work.

Although he'd taken the pill some time ago, its medicinal power had remained dormant in his body and hadn't fully taken effect.

Today, as he practiced Xingyi Five Elements Fist, he'd accidentally activated that hidden medicinal power, which was why he felt so good.

One round, then another.

Lin Fei practiced Xingyi Five Elements Fist over and over, as if he didn't know the meaning of fatigue.

Even Wu Yuqing, who'd mocked him at first, now looked much more serious. She was even a little impressed.

"Dad, Lin Fei's done more than thirty rounds now, hasn't he?"

"Mm, thirty-five. I didn't expect him to have such good stamina. His movements are getting more and more polished."

Wu Zhen's expression had grown more serious, too.

As Lin Fei's movements grew more polished, the speed and power of his punches kept increasing. His Xingyi Five Elements Fist was already starting to pack a punch.

"Could this kid really have a talent for martial arts?"

After the Body Strengthening Pill had enhanced him, Lin Fei's physical condition was many times better than an ordinary person's. Naturally, he was many times better at practicing boxing, too.

The sun climbed higher, and time slipped by.

Before he knew it, Lin Fei had practiced for several hours and done more than a hundred rounds of the Five Elements Fist. Sweat covered his face, and soaked through his clothes.

"Lin Fei, that's enough. Stop and take a rest!"

Wu Zhen went over to stop him. At this point, even he was impressed with Lin Fei.

"Uncle Wu, I can practice a little longer..."

"No need. Look at the time. It's time to eat."

Wu Yuqing stretched, unconsciously showing off her stunning figure.

"You may not be tired, but we're hungry. We're already well past mealtime."

"Dad saw how seriously you were practicing and couldn't bear to interrupt you. He's been waiting to eat with you. Are you trying to starve us to death?"

Wu Zhen patted Lin Fei on the shoulder, quite pleased with how he'd done today.

"Lin Fei, I really underestimated you. I didn't expect you to be in such good shape and have such stamina. You're certainly a promising student of martial arts."

"But there's no need to rush when practicing martial arts. Have you never heard that haste makes waste? Practicing the moves of Xingyi Five Elements Fist alone is useless. You also need to learn the breathing and qi-circulation methods."

"Go wash up first. I'll explain how breathing and qi circulation work with exerting force and power when we eat. That's the true essence."