After the pointers, the senior brothers and fellow disciples around them had all gained a great deal, and every last doubt in their hearts had been dispelled.
Chen Yuan had truly grasped Clear Force. With D-Grade Bone Structure, it had taken him just two and a half months to break through the Skin Realm and become an entry-level martial artist.
The Gu Family hadn't thought much of you, but you'd proven yourself all the more worthy.
One by one, they studied Chen Yuan with complicated expressions, envy, jealousy, and resentment all mingling in their eyes.
This disciple, who had silently devoted himself to hard training, had been quiet until now—but once he made a name for himself, he stunned everyone.
Many of the disciples who had entered the sect before him would probably have to change how they addressed him and call him Senior Brother Chen.
There were fewer than ten entry-level martial artists present.
Sun Chengjie was so impressed he could only bow in admiration. At last, he understood Chen Yuan's composure.
Since Chen Yuan was certain to become an entry-level martial artist, what did it matter if the Gu Family abandoned him?
With potential like his, he could make his way anywhere.
Xue Anping wore a wistful expression and sighed, "What have I done to deserve being placed in the same group as Chen Yuan? I used to think about competing with him, but looking back, that was laughable."
Chen Yuan had already become an entry-level martial artist, while he hadn't even reached the threshold of the Skin Realm. The difference between them was like heaven and earth.
As expected of the strongest Grade D-Upper.
He Qing was surprised, but the resolve in his heart only grew stronger.
The stronger Chen Yuan was, the better his chances.
The Zhou Brothers were the opposite. Their faces were grim, and fear showed in their eyes.
Chen Yuan's successful breakthrough had already been hard for them to accept. Now that he had suddenly displayed Clear Force, the gap between them seemed to have grown infinitely wide.
Entry-level martial artists weren't people they could afford to provoke.
Zhou Mo trembled as he said, "Brother, maybe we should swallow our pride and apologize to Chen Yuan? He doesn't look like the sort to hold a grudge."
Zhou Qian snorted. "Don't go looking for trouble. At most, we joined in with a few insults when he first arrived. He's been training all day, so he might've forgotten about it. Apologizing now could make things worse."
Zhou Mo thought it over and decided his brother was right. His fearful heart settled.
"Come on, let's go see Master Huo," Tao Ping said with a smile.
Even throughout Huo Academy, there weren't many entry-level martial artists still practicing martial arts. Chen Yuan's standing was rising by the day.
Chen Yuan nodded. He'd been wanting to ask about the Twelve Forms Boxing.
Not far away, Xu Heng watched Chen Yuan's back until he disappeared into the Inner Court.
He said softly, "He's already grasped Clear Force. That's certainly impressive. I misjudged him."
Xu Heng himself had only grasped Clear Force just over half a month ago.
Song Qiao clicked his tongue in wonder. "Remarkable. If you weren't here, I might've been tempted to recruit him."
He came from one of the Four Great Families in the Inner City. He had come to Huo Academy both because he'd heard of the Heart-Mind Six Harmonies Boxing and Master Huo's early reputation, and to scout for talent.
There were few who caught his eye. Xu Heng had far exceeded his expectations, and Chen Yuan's performance now was just about good enough.
Xu Heng looked away and continued preparing to practice his boxing. "Now this is getting interesting. I'll make it my goal to widen the gap until it reaches the horizon, and put in a little effort."
Huo Academy was finally becoming a little less boring.
As soon as he stepped into the Inner Court, he saw Master Huo practicing his boxing.
It was the same Twelve Forms Boxing, but the intent behind it was entirely different. He was even a notch above Tao Ping.
His movements seemed effortless, every gesture coming naturally. He had reached the pinnacle of mastery.
Sensing them, Huo Lin calmly finished his set and turned his gaze toward them.
"What brings you here?"
Tao Ping smiled and cupped his hands. "Master, Junior Brother Chen has broken through the Skin Realm and grasped Clear Force. He's now an entry-level martial artist."
Huo Lin's eyes narrowed at once. Slightly surprised, he looked Chen Yuan over carefully and asked, "When did you break through each?"
As far as he remembered, Chen Yuan's aptitude had been quite ordinary.
Chen Yuan cupped his hands. "I grasped Clear Force yesterday and broke through the Skin Realm today."
Huo Lin nodded in satisfaction and praised him with a smile. "Pretty good. Keep it up."
After exchanging pleasantries, he noticed the hope in Chen Yuan's eyes and said, "Since you've already grasped Clear Force, I imagine you've made some progress in Heart-Mind Six Harmonies Boxing. I'll teach you its true essence: the Twelve Forms Boxing."
Chen Yuan quickly clasped his fists. "Thank you, Master. I'll study it diligently."
The Twelve Forms Boxing consisted of Dragon Form, Tiger Form, Monkey Form, Horse Form, Chicken Form, Sparrowhawk Form, Swallow Form, Snake Form, Alligator Form, Horse-like Form, Eagle Form, and Bear Form.
Each form had its own corresponding techniques and methods. Their characteristics differed, and the art was vast and profound.
Huo Lin had been in high spirits, intent on teaching Chen Yuan properly.
After all, Chen Yuan had become a martial artist in just two and a half months, which had pleasantly surprised him.
That pace also proved Chen Yuan had talent and could be molded.
But once he actually started teaching him, Huo Lin's brows furrowed. Chen Yuan's comprehension was no different from when he'd taught him Five Elements Boxing.
If Chen Yuan could grasp Clear Force in two and a half months, shouldn't his comprehension be decent?
The one thing that comforted him was that Chen Yuan had a solid foundation and had practiced Five Elements Boxing exceptionally well.
His bone structure seemed pretty good too. He'd practiced for an hour or two without tiring, which explained why he'd built up his vitality so quickly.
So what if his comprehension was poor? Diligence could make up for a lack of talent.
Besides, if Chen Yuan had grasped Clear Force, he must have had his own unique strengths.
Amid the flurry of fists, more than two hours passed in the blink of an eye, and lunchtime arrived.
"Go have your meal first. This afternoon, I'll teach you the rest of the Twelve Forms Boxing." Huo Lin waved a hand.
Chen Yuan bowed and took his leave.
Relying on his previous foundation and bone structure, he had finally learned half of the Twelve Forms Boxing.
After all, the Twelve Forms Boxing was an extension of Five Elements Boxing, and the two shared quite a few similarities.
He had also noticed the subtle changes in Master Huo's expression from time to time, as if he were thinking, Is this kid a little slow?
Chen Yuan sighed, feeling helpless.
Ten points of Comprehension really wasn't enough. He had to raise it soon. Otherwise, even if he had profound techniques laid out before him in the future, he wouldn't be able to understand them.
The pain of being lopsidedly talented.
Fortunately, he'd resisted the urge to spend his last four Dao of Survival Points on Heart-Mind Six Harmonies Boxing just to save face. That way, in two more days, he'd be able to raise his Comprehension.
When he reached the Dining Hall entrance, Chen Yuan saw He Qing waiting outside. He Qing hurried over and said in a secretive tone, "Brother Chen, I have reliable news about the location of a precious herb in nearby Funiu Mountain. Do you want to go with me?"
Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow and refused without a second thought. "Brother He, I've just broken through and need to stabilize my realm, so I won't go. Since you have reliable information, you should find another senior brother."
He Qing hurriedly said, "Brother Chen, I swear on my life that it's absolutely true. I'm asking you because I trust your character. I also know you're short on money right now. The herb is at least five years old. Once we get it, we'll split it seventy-thirty—you take seventy, I take thirty. How does that sound?"
Chen Yuan was a little surprised. He Qing sounded so certain that the herb must really be there. A five-year-old precious herb could sell for more than twenty taels of silver. It was no small fortune.
But he still shook his head decisively. "He Qing, I believe you, but I don't dare go. The mountains are dangerous. I'd rather stick to my training and take things one step at a time."
Strange beasts usually lurked near precious herbs, and they were exceptionally fierce. He Qing wanted to find a partner, probably because he feared them.
Although Chen Yuan had become an entry-level martial artist, with offense and defense beyond an ordinary person's, he believed he'd still be in serious danger if he ran into a tiger.
Besides, he was the owner of the Survival Path Panel. The word "caution" came first. He'd have to be out of his mind to take such a risk.
He Qing tried to persuade him again and again, but Chen Yuan wouldn't budge. In the end, he could only give up.
He thought to himself that Chen Yuan was far too cautious.
He'd have to look for someone else.
This money was his only hope of breaking through. He was determined to get it.
After the meal, Chen Yuan sat resting in the Dining Hall, chatting with Sun Chengjie. Then another senior brother walked straight over and said warmly, "Junior Brother Chen, are you free right now? I'd like to talk to you about something."
Chen Yuan stood to show respect, but first asked, "Senior Brother Fang, may I ask what it's about?"
After more than two months, he knew most of the senior brothers and fellow disciples at the academy, though some were closer acquaintances than others.
This Senior Brother Fang Minghai was someone he'd only exchanged nods with.
Fang Minghai smiled faintly. "About providing you with financial support."
Chen Yuan's eyes lit up, and he quickly said, "Senior Brother, this way, please."
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