Xingyi Five Elements Fist

There is a reason why Wu Zhen was evasive and unwilling to take Lin Fei as his apprentice.

In his view, starting to practice martial arts at Lin Fei's age was simply too late.

Not only would it be a waste of time, but it would also be difficult to achieve any real success.

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

Once he practiced for a few days and realized he couldn't handle the hardship, he would likely give up.

If that were the case, what would be the point of taking him on? It would be better not to start at all.

Teaching Lin Fei a few moves just so he could show off in front of others would be enough.

"Lin Fei, have you ever practiced anything before? Like boxing, taekwondo, or combat sports?"

"I haven't. I've only ever done the eighth set of radio gymnastics."

Wu Yuqing burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, Lin Fei, are you here to be a comedian? Why don't you tell us you've mastered eye exercises, too!"

Lin Fei scratched his head in embarrassment; he truly had no exposure to anything related to martial arts.

Things like boxing, taekwondo, and combat sports were essentially simplified versions of martial arts, or what one might call modern martial arts.

If someone had practiced those, they would at least have a foundation, making them easier to teach.

Otherwise, one would have to start from the very basics.

"I'm not joking. In the past, I only knew how to study for exams; I never came into contact with boxing or taekwondo."

"In college, I did go through military training, but that was just running drills and marching. I only ever saw the instructor demonstrate the military boxing set once."

Wu Zhen shook his head. He had asked because he wanted to gauge Lin Fei's foundation.

Now it seemed there was no foundation at all.

"It doesn't matter if you haven't learned before. A blank slate might learn even faster."

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

"Uncle Wu, I really want to learn."

"Fine, then I will teach you a set of fist techniques!"

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

"This set is called the Xingyi Five Elements Fist, divided into Splitting Fist, Drilling Fist, Crushing Fist, Cannon Fist, and Crossing Fist."

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

"By practicing the Five Elements Fist, you can not only strengthen your physique but also regulate your organ functions to achieve the goal of holistic health."

Wu Zhen demonstrated the moves one by one, and Lin Fei followed along with total concentration.

As it was his first time, Lin Fei's movements looked somewhat clumsy, causing Wu Yuqing to giggle incessantly.

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

Wu Zhen glared at her and turned to comfort 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.' As long as you practice diligently, you will eventually be as fluid and natural as I am."

Lin Fei did not give up on his practice because of Wu Yuqing's mockery.

He was not the type of person to retreat at the first sign of frustration.

To face challenges head-on and grow stronger through adversity—that was what his parents had taught him since he was a child.

Wu Zhen led Lin Fei through the set three times, then told him to practice on his own to familiarize himself with the moves before offering further guidance.

Wu Yuqing quickly poured a cup of tea for Wu Zhen, letting him sit down to rest.

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

"To master this set, one must coordinate breathing techniques and mobilize the internal organs. Even you have only reached the minor accomplishment stage."

"By teaching Lin Fei the Xingyi Five Elements Fist right away, are you trying to make him realize the difficulty and quit?"

Wu Zhen glanced at Wu Yuqing, whose face was full of craftiness.

His daughter was truly sharp; she had seen through his intentions at once.

"You're only half right."

"The Xingyi Five Elements Fist is also known as the Xingyi Mother Fist; it is the essence of martial arts distilled by our predecessors. Once you master the Xingyi Five Elements Fist, learning any other style will yield twice the result with half the effort."

"Of course, this set is physically demanding and relies heavily on the principles of the five elements. Without perseverance, an understanding of the elements, and proper guidance, it is very difficult to even get started."

Wu Zhen sipped his tea and looked at Lin Fei, who was still practicing.

Many of Lin Fei's movements were still far from standard, but he was practicing with great seriousness, without a hint of laziness.

Wu Zhen nodded to himself, then stood up to guide Lin Fei, correcting his mistakes.

After a few more repetitions, Lin Fei's movements began to look much more standard.

Every move and every stance, every punch and every kick, was performed with precision and form.

"Lin Fei, why don't you take a break?"

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

Lin Fei wanted to strike while the iron was hot and practice a few more times, lest he forget it all by the next day.

Furthermore, after practicing a dozen times, he found that his muscles and bones felt quite comfortable, as if someone were massaging him—a tingling, numbing sensation.

Lin Fei did not know that this was actually the effect of the Body Strengthening Pill he had consumed finally taking hold.

Although it had been some time since Lin Fei took the Body Strengthening Pill, the medicinal power had remained dormant in his body and had not been fully unleashed.

Today, by practicing the Xingyi Five Elements Fist, he had inadvertently triggered that latent medicinal power, which was why he felt so comfortable.

Once, and then again.

Lin Fei seemed tireless, continuously drilling the Xingyi Five Elements Fist.

Even Wu Yuqing, who had mocked Lin Fei at the beginning, now wore a much more serious expression on her pretty face, and she even felt a hint of admiration in her heart.

"Dad, has Lin Fei practiced more than thirty times now?"

"Mm, thirty-five times. I didn't expect this kid to have such stamina; his movements are becoming increasingly proficient."

Wu Zhen's expression had also turned much more solemn.

As Lin Fei's movements grew more proficient, the speed and power of his punches were constantly increasing; he had already begun to imbue the Xingyi Five Elements Fist with a measure of true force.

Could this kid really have a talent for martial arts?

Strengthened by the Body Strengthening Pill, Lin Fei's physical fitness was several times that of an ordinary person, so naturally, his practice of the fist techniques was several times more effective than that of a commoner.

The sun climbed higher, and time slipped away quietly.

Without realizing it, Lin Fei had been practicing for several hours, performing the Five Elements Fist over a hundred times. His face was covered in sweat, and even his clothes were soaked through.

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

Wu Zhen stepped forward to call a halt to Lin Fei's practice; he was now feeling a bit of admiration for the boy himself.

"Uncle Wu, I can still practice for a while longer..."

"No need to practice anymore. Look at what time it is; it's time to eat."

Wu Yuqing stretched, inadvertently showcasing her proud figure.

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

"My dad saw how focused you were and couldn't bear to interrupt, waiting for you to eat together. Are you trying to starve us to death?"

Wu Zhen patted Lin Fei on the shoulder, very satisfied with his performance today.

"Lin Fei, I really underestimated you. I didn't expect your physical fitness and stamina to be this good; you truly are a fine seedling for martial arts."

"However, martial arts cannot be rushed. Haven't you heard that haste makes waste? Practicing only the moves of the Xingyi Five Elements Fist is useless; you must also learn the methods of breathing and meditation."

"Go wash up first. When we eat in a moment, I will explain to you in detail how to coordinate breathing and meditation with the exertion of force—that is the true essence."