Chapter 125: Qi Like Thunder, Brave Inside and Out

Qin Shi returned to the Talent Apartment at four in the afternoon, driven there by Wei Zheguang.

Also accompanying him was Lao Feng, whom he had met last time.

Today's high-intensity battle yielded considerable gains; as Lao Liang and Lao Ren said, relying on virtual duels could only enrich offensive and defensive experience.

But to truly improve practical combat skills, one still had to personally experience the thrilling struggle of fist-to-head combat.

Seeking the meaning of rebirth transformation from the wondrous sensation of rapidly secreting adrenaline and being extremely tense and focused.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Qin Shi closed his eyes to review the battle, pondering why this "exam" had been so easy.

Probably because the most troublesome Gray Viper was eliminated first, reducing the pressure of the whole process by sixty percent.

"Looking baby-faced is also an advantage. After all, who would treat a high school student as a formidable enemy?"

Qin Shi curled the corner of his mouth; he quite enjoyed the exhilarating satisfaction of a solo queue passerby toppling a famous expert.

Once his reputation gradually spread, there would be no more such treatment of pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger.

"Lao Tan was eyeing you with such intensity just now, Qin Classmate. Their Action Division needs someone like you, a fierce person."

Wei Zheguang spoke while driving, not stopping all the way:

"Later they asked me for your contact information, saying they'd like more opportunities to cooperate in the future."

Brother Wei was a decent person and looked upright, but unfortunately he had a big mouth.

Qin Shi sighed inwardly; no wonder handsome men all had to act aloof.

Chattering nonstop here, indeed noisy.

He smiled and asked:

"Is the Action Division short on manpower?"

Wei Zheguang replied:

"Mainly short on field operatives. Public security in the Taian Metropolitan Area has been stable year-round, with occasional gangs causing small disturbances that don't have much impact."

But outside the main urban area, there are many lawless elements like Ox Head and Snake Boy.

They are active in the Electronic Blockade Zone and often run out to cause trouble.

If martial artist path experts are sent deep into the tiger's den, the danger is too high; it's always a source of worry."

Qin Shi nodded, understanding the trouble involved.

In places like forbidden zones, the electronic blockade level is very high; even slightly strong electronic signals could cause equipment malfunctions.

Not only would communication devices fail, but standard weapons like power chain saws and charged long staffs would also undergo abnormal changes, let alone firearms.

To sweep out or strike wanted criminals hiding there, large numbers of patrol personnel must be deployed for carpet-style search and annihilation.

The cost and return are completely disproportionate.

Moreover, causing such a big commotion, those criminals with several blood cases on their backs and extremely keen senses definitely wouldn't show their heads again, and it would easily be a wasted trip.

"The Action Division is a frontline combat agency of the Patrol Division; their casualty rate remains high, and they also get promoted the fastest."

Wei Zheguang tapped the steering wheel, his tone filled with sighs:

"As for our sub-district bureau, to put it bluntly, we're just coasting; busy all day, nothing but handling trivial matters and doing mediation work."

"Life in the Action Division is wonderful: suppressing Secret Sect propagation, clearing the wanted list, capturing major criminals; the harshest are those execution operatives who go on field duty, outside all year round, occasionally returning to headquarters to replenish equipment and apply for resources."

Qin Shi asked curiously:

"What do execution operatives mainly handle?"

He had heard Chen Yun say that usually, the Patrol Division's jurisdiction is only within the main city.

Although there are many undeveloped "wilderness" or "no man's land" or "pollution zones" outside.

But generally, marking them as dangerous zones and trying to avoid travelers mistakenly entering is enough.

"Mainly pursuing major criminals and capturing Secret Sect members. These days, too many people come into contact with the extraordinary and go astray; even in a place like Hengzhou with information isolation, it still shows a trend of rampant spread."

Wei Zheguang shrugged, expressing helplessness; not everyone accepts the upward path of reading high school, going to university, choosing a major to develop Qi Life Force.

Especially outside the urban circle, in impoverished places like Bi Lei Cheng, the bottom layer finds it hard to get opportunities; even if they obtain the gift of fate, the price behind it may not be fair, making criminals and Secret Sect members like weeds in the wilderness that cannot be burned out.

"After all, Dongxia is too big."

Lao Feng, who was buried in his terminal playing a card-drawing game, interjected.

"Just like the grander the city, the more massive its sewer drainage system; it can always accommodate creatures living in dark corners."

Wei Zheguang clicked his tongue twice and said:

"Lao Feng lives up to being a top student from Jia Kai University of Technology!"

He parked the car below the Talent Apartment Building and, with thick skin, pushed Tan Cong of the Action Division to Qin Shi.

"Qin Classmate, Lao Tan is known as the top expert of the Action Division; he is also of the Old Martial Arts school; you two can discuss when you have time."

Qin Shi took out his terminal and accepted the addition.

"Tiger of Action Division" has become your friend.

……

……

The next day, Qin Shi came to Dangyang East Suburbs as usual.

He pushed open the dormitory of Zi Fu No. 9 Middle School and saw Old Ren and Lao Liang being good brothers, drinking together.

"Brother Liang, fill it up, fill it up! This bottle of Jiuzhou Laomao is aged wine, one of my precious collections. As the saying goes, wine with a confidant, a thousand cups are too few; come, come, come, try it!"

"Fill it up, fill it up! The best wine I've ever drunk in my life should be 'Thousand-Day Drunk' from Jingzhou, brewed by Star Sea Products; once opened, that wine fragrance makes me feel spirited!"

Old Liang, rarely interested, talked endlessly about ancient times; seeing his disciple enter the room, he finally stopped.

Qin Shi frowned, opened the window to air out the smell, and muttered:

"Everyone says they supervise you to quit smoking and drinking. Smoking hurts the lungs, drinking hurts the liver; Master Uncle's notes write it so clearly; after forty, one should focus on health preservation. At such an age, why won't you listen to advice?"

He found many manuscripts of Master Uncle Lei Hongsheng from Old Liang, most of which were essential secrets and subtleties on how to nourish the physical body.

So he began urging his own master to quit his bad habits and get into a health-preserving rhythm.

"I'll just have one cup, I'll really quit after this."

Lao Liang sighed. Here he was the master, yet his disciple was managing him. He hurriedly changed the subject:

"I was just talking about you with Junior Brother Ren. He thought your performance yesterday was excellent, but not without flaws."

Qin Shi's expression turned serious. He pulled out a low wooden stool, sat down, and assumed a listening posture.

He never considered himself some kind of combat genius.

The fundamental reason he could bridge the life force gap was, on one hand, the huge amplification from breaking two limits, and on the other hand, the various blessings of his achievement traits.

Precisely because he lacked combat experience, Qin Shi wanted to make up for his shortcomings, insisted on selecting targets, and reviewed every night.

And he was keen on experiencing the taste of being defeated, of being crushed, again and again in the virtual combat room.

"Qin Classmate, you seem not too good at fighting."

Ren You spoke thus.

Lao Liang sipped his wine in small mouthfuls. On teaching disciples, he might truly be inferior to Nanhuang Dojo — they have many disciples, deep roots.

But hearing this, he couldn't help but wonder why Junior Brother Ren said the kid didn't know how to fight.

You have to know, yesterday he alone took down three Patrol Department wanted criminals.

However you put it, that's off-the-charts combat power, outstanding strength.

"Qin Classmate's use of force is too... rough, like a water tap with the valve fully open, releasing without restraint, almost no withdrawing of force, no holding back."

Ren You had repeatedly watched the video recording, analyzing Qin Shi's movements and reactions frame by frame in slow motion, so he knew it like the back of his hand, understood it quite thoroughly.

"This is probably a kind of Old Martial Arts path dependency, because we focus on developing the mortal body, excavating potential. Especially you, Qin Classmate, walking the limit-breaking path, your physique and physical ability are more than a cut above your peers.

But placed in the Star Cup, or the even vaster Star Sea, the powerful enemies you'll face later are also heaven's chosen who stood out from different administrative districts. They have New Martial Arts, and Old Martial Arts, and even some akin to Divine Chosen, monsters born with extraordinary endowments."

Qin Shi nodded. Lao Liang was more of a guide on his own cultivation path, giving pointers and reminders on the general direction.

"Does Ren Laoshi have any good methods? I want to make up for my shortcomings."

He said with a face full of sincerity.

"Naturally. How about this — Nanhuang Dojo is right nearby. Qin Classmate, come with me, and I'll personally demonstrate what martial artists pursue: 'Internal Breath Unmoving, Vertical Qi Like Thunder'."

About half an hour later, Qin Shi followed Ren You to the large open space east of Old Factory Street. This place was originally abandoned, dilapidated idle factory buildings.

Now demolition and renovation has begun, gradually cleared into an open area. Several construction crews have moved in, busy and bustling, noisy and clamorous.

It won't be long before neat, uniform buildings of all kinds rise from the ground.

"Nanhuang Dojo will be established here from now on. Qin Classmate, look — this is the settlement land Tai'an allocated to us."

Ren You drew a big circle with his hand, nearly encompassing several streets.

Forget a dojo — it's enough to build a large stadium.

You can see Tai'an really spent a fortune.

If this were sold as apartments or housing, or developed as an industrial park, it'd probably be a ten-billion-yuan project at the starting price.

From the side it also reflects how resounding Nanhuang Dojo's signboard is, how much importance it's given.

"Yu Hai Construction."

Qin Shi's peripheral vision caught a not-unfamiliar company logo, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"What? Does Qin Classmate know this company? We just arrived, there's a lot we don't know."

Ren You was sharp in observation, noticed Qin Shi's expression change, and took the initiative to ask.

"Never dealt with them, just heard some bad rumors. They were previously responsible for the demolition work on Old Factory Street, stirred up a lot of negative news."

Qin Shi's tone was flat, not adding oil and vinegar to slander them in one breath. His personal preference wouldn't influence Nanhuang Dojo's bidding decisions anyway.

"Is that so."

Ren You nodded, didn't say more.

He brought Qin Shi to a temporarily converted dojo location. It kept an ancient-style design: the gate vermilion red, very imposing. Stepping inside was a spacious front courtyard, paved with flat bluestone, black tiles and white walls, lush forests and tall bamboos, very full of charm.

"Just a few days and they've made this kind of foothold. Truly extraordinary foundation."

Qin Shi sighed in his heart, and couldn't help but be full of imagination and anticipation for that legendary Nanhuang Dojo Master.

Must be an old-generation senior with immortal bearing and transcendent temperament!

Passing through the corridor, stepping into the backyard, rockery and water pool formed a natural scene, letting one relax in body and mind.

Ren You led Qin Shi to a room. Compared to the antique elegance outside, the style inside was completely different.

Solid and unyielding, a cold floor full of metallic texture, as if an uncut ultra-large steel plate were padded underneath.

The four walls were the same, smooth and gleaming, reflecting human shadows.

The space was even more exaggeratedly large, with a kind of extreme depth perception.

"Qin Classmate, this is the training room."

Ren You put on a micro earphone, then spoke:

"Xuan Ming, set up the scene."

Qin Shi's vision blurred, as if hundreds of light beams interwove. Within seconds the empty, dim room switched into a crowded highway.

He was astonished, reached out to touch a car body, and actually got quite realistic sensory feedback.

"'Xuan Ming' is a 'consciousness body' cultivated by Nanhuang Dojo, just like Qiguang Heng University's 'Crimson' and Jia Kai University of Technology's 'Queen Bee'. They are aggregates of electronic consciousness, specially handling complicated work and maintaining various facilities.

However Dangyang East Suburbs' electronic blockade level is high, not as relaxed as Taian Metropolitan Area, so only a portion of Xuan Ming's consciousness was transplanted, enabling cultivation and life assistance functions."

Old Ren explained.

The Old Martial Arts school isn't actually that conservative.

Qin Shi slandered in his thoughts.

Even this kind of electronic consciousness body is being used.

"Qin Classmate, pay attention."

Old Ren stood ten meters away, lifting a car as if it were weightless, as though throwing a shot put, and hurled it with all his might.

Wind howled against his face; Qin Shi planted his feet and threw out a punch.

With a "boom," the car's hood caved in, and a mighty force surged violently, penetrating and crushing the entire vehicle, striking it heavily.

The headlights, the windows—all shattered, falling helplessly to the side.

"This is because your power control isn't exquisite enough."

Old Ren wore an earphone, repeating aloud the voice coming through.

"Qin Classmate, try smashing a car at me."

Qin Shi circulated his breath, operated his hundred bones, making his mortal body hot and steaming.

He opened his arms and embraced a sedan, as if lifting a heavy object, slowly raising it and pushing it toward Old Ren.

The latter extended his hand, using only two fingers, and lightly flicked it.

The instant he touched the heavy vehicle, his body opened like a black hole, instantly absorbing the tremendous kinetic energy that could crush flesh and blood, using an extremely skillful method to dispel all force and shift the car aside.

Watching this, Qin Shi's eyes lit up.

"The so-called 'Internal Breath Unmoving' means that in combat, in the process of exchanging blows, to remain invincible, one must always steady the center of gravity and not have one's stance destroyed by external force. And 'Vertical Qi Like Thunder' means operating force must be fast, fierce, reaching the hundred bones, omnipresent."

Old Ren recited from the textbook according to the teacher's impassioned words in the earphone.

"Tendon Strong Savage Power, Bone Strong Divine Power, Skin Strong Skillful Power, Membrane Strong Soft Power. Qin Classmate, you have only savage power and divine power, but not skillful power or soft power."

Qin Shi pondered, thinking it seemed to be the principle.

He said very sincerely:

"Ren Laoshi, may you teach me?"

Old Ren waved his hand, and the highway scene dissipated, changing into a normal Martial Arts Platform.

His right hand in front, transforming the palm to push aside, his left hand bracing, forming a very stable stance.

"Qin Classmate, your tendon is mature, your bone still lacks. Our Nanhuang Dojo has a not-high-level 'Internal External Divine Brave Power Qi Art'; if you want to learn it, it can be transmitted."

(Chapter End)