Mr. Liang is quite honest!
Uncle Zhou is reliable for once!
Qin Shi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, quickly pulling out two hundred-yuan bills to offer, waiting for guidance.
The security on Old Factory Street wasn't exactly stable. As a student carrying a large sum of money, he had to be cautious.
So he followed the method from his past life of hiding money in a small pocket sewn inside his clothes, like taking a train during the spring rush.
Mr. Liang sat by the flowerbed, his eyes sharp:
"Did the teachers at New First High School teach you what cultivation is?"
Qin Shi nodded:
"They mentioned it in the first combat theory class. The concept of cultivation has been passed down from the very ancient Old Era.
Initially, it meant cultivating virtue, but it was later adopted by Buddhism and Daoism, gradually becoming a path to transcendence.
Such as refining elixirs to seek immortality, ingesting pills to ascend, and the less-known Esoteric Yoga, Yin Yang Replenishment, and later Qi Cultivation and Superpower, all exploring the 'Life Energy Domain.'"
In these times, life force development is as well-known as the 'Qi Cultivation craze' in that special era of the past life.
But the specific methods are only mastered by professionals.
The most common route is undoubtedly getting into excellent high schools and universities.
From there, one can be taught by instructors with high life force levels and access relevant textbooks.
The next option would be the uneven quality Martial Arts Classes, and fitness centers selling courses.
High-end places like Cultivation Halls are beyond the means of ordinary folks, and they cannot afford to enter.
Mr. Liang smiled:
"As expected of a New First High School student, you have a solid foundation. That's good, it saves me the trouble of talking about these dry things."
He paused, touched his slightly lame leg, and continued:
"As everyone knows, the complete definition of 'life force' was proposed by Dongxia's first Martial God, Yan Haishan.
This universally acknowledged unparalleled giant is the founder of 'Old Martial,' integrating various complex practices such as Ancient Boxing, Health Care Techniques, and Guiding Techniques, achieving Dongxia's first Supreme Life Chart.
Life force is the starting point that encompasses countless cultivation paths!
It represents your physical potential, overall quality, and determines how far you can go in the future!"
Qin Shi held his breath, concentrating on listening.
He had been in this world for several years, naturally aspiring and admiring the deeds of martial artists that he was constantly exposed to.
"Whether it's combat boxing or meditative contemplation, they are all methods to enhance the body, liberate the spirit, and further develop life force.
The purpose of physical education courses in New First High School is to stimulate life force through training, condense, and absorb it."
Mr. Liang's voice was deep and resonant; his ordinary appearance seemed more composed and dignified as he lectured:
"This is the new martial teaching proposed after the reform of Dongxia Martial Arts Association, suitable for over ninety percent of Dongxia's population, greatly reducing the risk of bodily harm.
However, it also has an unavoidable flaw—inefficiency!
You are currently in the stage where life force is the most abundant, and your physical condition is fairly good, of average level.
Even so, three years of hard work will still fall short of the standard ranking level. This is quite evident!"
New Martial?
It was the first time Qin Shi had heard this term and felt curious all of a sudden.
Mr. Liang explained patiently:
"As mentioned earlier, life force encompasses countless cultivation methods. Martial artists focusing on themselves, mechanics who please the Mechanical Soul, and Spiritual Ability Users able to navigate the Star Sea and illuminate space coordinates... They all need to develop life force.
Within this, the path of the martial artist is not fixed. You should pay attention to the Star Cup. The ten best of Dongxia's initial generation and the current top ten differ greatly in their techniques and combat styles."
Qin Shi picked up the conversation:
"Yes, Uncle Zhou and Old Master Song like Grandmaster Jiang Baichuan and Furious Vajra Kou Yunchao's group, saying their combat style is more intense and aligns with the infinite spirit of martial arts, being unrestrained.
Nowadays, the new generation of martial artists are too soft and lack vigor."
Mr. Liang nodded seriously:
"Great Demon King Qi Wuxiang, Celestial Soarer Lian Yixing, Stone Buddha He Lanchan... all were the top blazing suns of Old Martial, almost every one of them won the Star Cup championship.
Especially the match between Qi Wuxiang and Stone Buddha He Lanchan, called 'Battle of Mahasura and Tathagata,' was incredibly thrilling, and its playback rate remains unsurpassed."
Mr. Liang sighed deeply, recalling how dazzling the top ten of Dongxia were at that time, as brilliant as suns, too bright to look at directly.
However, the hidden dangers of Old Martial were too significant. These renowned martial artists either exhausted their potential or were plagued by injuries, stopping before the Martial God Sect.
Thus, Dongxia started to reorganize the Martial Arts Association, reform education, and promote New Martial teachings.
Qin Shi roughly understood. Although Old Martial progressed quickly and had better results, it was prone to bodily harm and overstretching potential.
Therefore, it was abandoned by the Martial Arts Association and the Education Commission, gradually declining.
"I remind you once more, sacrificing a longer future for a few more life force points is unwise.
On the path of a martial artist, the body is the foundation, and life force is like a flowing river. Without the former, if the latter overflows, you will suffer recoil and endure the torment of injuries for the rest of your life."
Mr. Liang's expression was solemn as he advised.
"Thank you very much for your concern, teacher, but I have my own convictions."
Qin Shi was unwavering.
On one hand, he needed a way out, a way to climb higher;
On the other hand, unlocking the Monument gave him solid confidence to face difficulties.
"Very well, this is the path you have chosen for yourself. I hope you won't regret it in the future."
Mr. Liang's eyes were complex; Qin Shi's determination seemed more like youthful ignorance and fearlessness to him at this moment.
"Alright then, let's start the class. In the early stages, New Martial trains 'breathing,' while Old Martial begins with 'tendons and bones.'
What are tendons and bones? Tendons refer to ligaments and tendons, which enable the body's limbs to stretch, fingers to grip, and feet to move.
Dongxia's first Martial God, Yan Haishan, clearly wrote in the "Inner Scripture," 'Tendons are strong, bones are firm, stretch tendons to exert strength!'"
After speaking, Mr. Liang stood up, and his originally medium stature suddenly expanded. His bones cracked like firecrackers, growing inch by inch, instantly towering half a head above Qin Shi.
Intense life force surged like steam from a boiling furnace!
"As the saying goes, training tendons should be 'loose but not slack, tight but not stiff.' Most people sit for long periods, lack exercise, their muscles are tense and dispersed.
Therefore when exerting force, the main tendons cannot twist into a single rope, causing the strength to be unfocused and actions to be less agile.
First, I'll teach you to 'coil tendons,' to loosen them, and bring the flesh to life!"
...
...
On the playground, beads of sweat rolled down, moistening the dry ground.
At the front, seemingly the leaders, were two students from the Ninth High School, whispering during the break:
"Another one joined the class. Tsk tsk, Old Liang is really going hard; coiling tendons in the first class, who could withstand that!"
"Did they offend Old Liang and get singled out? It's too brutal!"
A thunderous roar suddenly interrupted them from slacking off—
"Li Yuan, Xie Yucheng! Not done practicing yet? Run twenty more laps!"
The two named shrank their necks and, amidst the laughter of their classmates, hung their heads and obediently accepted their punishment.
"You! Stand firm! Stretch your waist, back, and hips, extend and tighten every major tendon, no slacking!"
Away from the playground, under the shade of a tree, Qin Shi was not much better off than the Ninth High students being drilled.
His legs spread, knees bent, body squatting in a horse stance.
Mr. Liang's clasped fingers, for some reason, were extremely sharp, carrying a stinging pain.
Like a fascia knife from his past life, unexpectedly stabbing Qin Shi.
Sometimes poking the scapula, sometimes scraping across the entire latissimus dorsi muscle.
Each time, it felt like a red-hot needle piercing into his bones, causing pain and swelling, making him want to scream to vent his pain!
In just five minutes, Qin Shi, who considered himself tough, was already sweating on his forehead, his skin reddening, and breathing heavily.
"If you can't take it, just say so, I can ease up."
Seeing the delicate-looking student gritting his teeth, Mr. Liang offered.
"Teacher... is it more effective with heavier or lighter intensity?"
Qin Shi asked with a trembling voice.
"Of course, heavier intensity is more effective."
Mr. Liang answered.
"Then...it's okay. I can endure it!"
Qin Shi continued to hold his posture.
"Another stubborn one."
Mr. Liang shook his head.
Fifteen minutes later.
Qin Shi's breathing became more labored, his body emanating tremendous heat, and every muscle seemed to convulse with spasms.
This 'coiling tendons' method was too harsh for ordinary people, akin to torture!
"Alright, that's enough! Today's lesson ends here!"
Judging from his breathing rhythm and physical signs, Mr. Liang roughly estimated that this was Qin Shi's limit.
"When you feel like 'ribs are wings, fascia is feathers,' fully connected and clear throughout your body, then you have succeeded.
Life force can probably be increased by about half a point."
Qin Shi wobbled, barely standing with support from his legs, his entire body immersed in the soreness and pain, almost out of control.
Even walking was incredibly difficult.
"Xie Yucheng!"
"Here!"
"I remember you live near Baogong Street. Take the new classmate home!"
Mr. Liang beckoned to a tall, thin boy.
Xie Yucheng grinned and asked:
"Alright! Old Liang, do I still have to finish the remaining laps?"
"Put it on account, do it tomorrow."
With this said, Xie Yucheng immediately stopped grinning, carried Qin Shi with a bitter face, and ran towards the school gate.
The sun set in the west, the orange-red afterglow falling on Ninth High, the students from the extra class disbanding in threes and fives after their training.
Mr. Liang dragged his lame leg, walking slowly.
Passing by the guards' booth, he was stopped by the old man preparing to buy groceries after work.
The old man handed out a cigarette:
"Old Liang, I saw that kid being carried out today. What happened?"
Mr. Liang spoke indifferently:
"He enrolled in my class for extra training, I didn't hold back, and it might have been too much."
The guard was surprised:
"But that kid is an outside student. You're breaking the rules..."
Mr. Liang shook his head:
"Don't worry, Grandpa Han. It's just this once, he won't come back after today."
He knew in his heart that after such high-intensity training on the first day, Qin Shi would definitely not be able to get up tomorrow.
"Old Martial not only hurts the body but also has high thresholds. Taking shortcuts always comes with a price.
No talent, no background, wasting life force, not beneficial for the future."
Mr. Liang held the cigarette but didn't light it, thinking secretly:
"After coiling tendons and feeling the pain, this kid will understand the difficulties and dangers of Old Martial training and should retreat.
In youth, people always yearn to stand out, not understanding that living peacefully and simply is enough."