Chapter 100: Upper Limit

Shi Yan, hearing Jiang Cheng's question, said without a second thought:

"Breaking Jade Skill Entry: after opening the first acupoint and fully adapting, you can easily pass the First-level Force Warrior test."

"Proficient in Breaking Jade Skill, opening the first four acupoints, lets you pass the Second-level Force Warrior test."

"Mastery of Breaking Jade Skill, opening the first ten acupoints, allows you to become a Level 3 Original Force Warrior."

"Great Completion of Breaking Jade Skill, opening the first twenty acupoints, lets you become a Level 4 Original Force Warrior," Shi Yan inhaled deeply, "with a maximum punch force of one ton, speed of 30 meters per second, and it can ignore small‑caliber handguns; even a close‑range headshot leaves you unharmed."

"That powerful?"

Jiang Cheng felt a surge of excitement.

"Otherwise, how could my family's ancestral Secret Martial Arts be just an empty name?"

Shi Yan's face showed a hint of pride, then the smile faded, replaced by a yearning.

"If you open all twenty‑eight acupoints and reach the Perfect Realm, theoretically you could become a Fifth-level Force Warrior. At Fifth-level, the maximum punch force is three tons, enough to flip a car easily, speed 40 meters per second, and even a jump from three stories leaves you unharmed; the body becomes so tough it can stop rifle bullets."

"Fifth-level…"

Jiang Cheng muttered to himself.

Fifth-level is the ultimate ceiling this Secret Martial Arts can reach.

"Indeed, Fifth-level."

Seeing Jiang Cheng calm, Shi Yan explained, "A Fifth-level Force Warrior is already an extremely formidable person; even a hundred years ago, a town of twenty‑to‑thirty thousand could only produce one or two Fifth-levels."

"One in ten thousand?"

"About that."

Shi Yan nodded, "Now you see how powerful our Secret Martial Arts are, right?"

"I understand."

Jiang Cheng was both amused and exasperated.

He wondered internally how many levels the Gym Master of Feiying Martial Arts Hall was; the opponent's morning strike examined his bone structure so fast he couldn't even react.

Fortunately he had a specialist nearby, so he raised his question again.

"What's the strength of the Gym Masters of the few martial arts halls on the street?"

Shi Yan scratched his head, "I really don't know; I haven't even entered their halls' main doors. But those pushed out of Outer City District to open halls in the Poor District probably aren't very strong—around Level Three or Four, and the disciples they take in are likely Level One or Two, not higher."

Because even his ancestors a hundred years ago produced only a handful of Force Warriors, and the strongest were only Level Four.

Back then there was no Martial Arts Ban, Secret Medicine was easy to obtain, and even after spending huge resources, none reached Fifth-level—so the difficulty was immense.

The three halls on the street might have some connections to obtain Secret Medicine, but the cultivation speed would still be far from fast.

"Brother Shi really knows a lot," Jiang Cheng chuckled after listening.

In the realm of Secret Martial Arts, Shi Yan knows a great deal, and his words are still very valuable as reference.

"Nothing, just some useless knowledge."

Shi Yan, embarrassed, waved his hand and returned to the point, "Xiao Cheng, you've already copied the mental cultivation method and obtained the fist technique; shouldn't you…?"

He coughed twice.

"Heh, of course."

Jiang Cheng took out the pre‑counted five thousand yuan from his coat pocket and handed it over, saying, "Brother Shi, here's the agreed five thousand; count it, and I'll give you the remaining five thousand next month."

"Alright, I'll count it."

Shi Yan took the money, which included hundreds and dozens, sat down, and began counting each note.

Jiang Cheng looked at the Fist Manual, familiarizing himself with the movements.

Although the panel already displayed them, the motions still had to be memorized personally.

It's a pity it's only a diagram; it would be better to watch someone perform a set. Shi Yan counted once—neither more nor less, exactly five thousand yuan—and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

With this money, he no longer had to worry about being unable to pay the Protection Fee later.

"Xiao Cheng, I've counted; the amount is exact."

He smiled, "The remaining five thousand, just give it to me in a month. By the way, remember not to tell anyone about today's matter; hide the secret manual well, lest anyone sees it—otherwise not only you but also I will be implicated."

"Brother Shi, don't worry, I'll be very careful."

Jiang Cheng said earnestly.

In a way, the two were like grasshoppers on the same rope.

But since the other has kept secrets for so many years, the chance of exposure later is small; on his side, he indeed must be more vigilant.

Seeing Jiang Cheng's solemn expression, Shi Yan nodded.

If not forced, he wouldn't want to tell his secret to anyone.

"By the way, Xiao Cheng, when we were at your place earlier, you said you still wanted to buy a bottle of Black Jade Paste, right?"

"Yeah, a thousand per bottle, right?"

"Yes, it could have been cheaper, but the ingredients are scarce now, only a few bottles left," Shi Yan sighed and asked,

"Then after I finish making it, shall I deliver it to you tonight?"

After all, Jiang Cheng still had to set up his stall.

He was quite envious of Jiang Cheng; in all 360 trades, each can produce a champion, and even roasting sweet potatoes can carve out a realm.

"No need to wait for night; just deliver it to my house once it's ready."

Jiang Cheng gave a slight smile.

Now that he finally obtained the long‑awaited Secret Martial Arts, how could he still have leisure to roast sweet potatoes on the street all afternoon? Moreover, with about 26,000 yuan left, he should devote his time to strengthening himself.

Of course, if Grandma were at home, he wouldn't be so free; for an elderly person, paying the Stall Fee and not setting up a stall is worse than killing her.

"Alright."

Shi Yan also understood.

He faced Jiang Cheng, clasped his fists, and said, "Then I wish you, Xiao Cheng, an early Entry and some achievement; when that time comes, just don't forget your older brother."

"If that day really comes, I definitely won't forget," Jiang Cheng said with a smile.

After seeing Jiang Cheng off, the woman outside the house entered with her daughter; she said nothing, but her eyes showed a questioning look.

Shi Yan gave her a reassuring look and took out the money he had in his pocket.

The woman instantly felt a weight lifted.

"There's still five thousand; I'll give it next month, but those few bottles should all be sellable to him, roughly the same amount."

Shi Yan said in a low voice.

"So that means, it'll be ten thousand?"

"Hmm, it's a bit low, but there's no way around it. If we look for others, even if we can sell at a higher price, we might not get it. Xiao Cheng grew up under my watch; the person is decent and also has some money."

"That's good then."

The woman was silent for a while, then suddenly asked, "Honey, do you think he can achieve Entry?"

Shi Yan shook his head, slowly letting out a single word, "Difficult."

(End of chapter)