After the apprenticeship ceremony, the atmosphere in the main hall was warm enough, but Ye Lanzen was clearly someone who cared more about substance than appearances.
Once he set down his teacup, Master Ye rose and beckoned to Qin Geng. "Xiao Wu, come with me to the rear courtyard. Now that you've entered the family, there are some things that need to be made clear first. I have to set you on the right path."
Qin Geng hurriedly stood and followed.
Zheng Tonghe and Lu Xingmin exchanged a glance, then followed behind with beaming smiles.
They passed through the corridor and arrived at the rear courtyard's practice yard, where old elm logs were piled high.
The winter sunlight was not harsh, but it carried little warmth. Instead, the split elm logs exuded a cold, hard, murderous air.
Ye Lanzen stopped and stood with his hands behind his back. Rather than hastening to teach him boxing, he asked, "Xiao Wu, you've now stepped through the threshold and reached the level of Bright Force. In your view, what does one train when one trains martial arts to the end?"
Qin Geng thought briefly before answering honestly, "This disciple thinks it's strength, speed, and that killing force."
"Right, and wrong."
Ye Lanzen turned around, his gaze blazing. "If you strip martial arts down to the core, there are really only two words—levels."
"No matter the school or sect, whether Baji or Taiji, or our Xingyi, all roads lead to the same source."
"There are ten words in all: first refine the flesh and bones, then refine Essence, Qi, and Spirit."
Qin Geng's expression tightened. He straightened his back, afraid he might miss a single word.
Ye Lanzen extended one hand. His palm was broad and thick, his knuckles massive, looking as though they