Chapter 65: A Single Note Astonishes All

Fine.

Jiang Cheng answered with a single word and stepped in front of the training dummy.

He thought to himself, "No wonder it's the Martial Arts Hall; training with this is far more vigorous than striking the air."

Opening: closed form.

He held the Short Staff in his right hand, and with a "crack" struck the dummy's left cheek.

The crisp sound echoed loudly on the spacious second floor.

Immediately his left hand performed a downward chop, another staff strike, then his right hand swung around the head for a downward chop, all landing on the same spot.

Having completed the three moves, Jiang Cheng placed both staffs at his left side.

Then he repeated three similar moves, this time striking the dummy's right cheek.

?

Seeing this, several people around exchanged glances, their brows suddenly furrowing.

What is this guy doing?

Senior Brother Zeng had previously said to let him use his full strength, yet this is such a small amount of force? Skipping meals? Someone curiously looked at Zeng Zhiten, expecting an impatient expression, but he stared intently.

Crack!

Crack! Crack!

Suddenly, the striking sounds quickened.

A few people couldn't help casting glances.

They saw Jiang Cheng's movements gradually speed up.

Crack!

Crack! Crack!

Crack! Crack! Crack!

Originally one strike per second, it gradually became two, three, even up to six strikes per second.

Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!

In the end, they could no longer see Jiang Cheng's movements.

All they heard was a dense flurry of striking sounds.

At that moment, the few were stunned, staring blankly at Jiang Cheng, whose double staff whirled like the wind.

They glanced again at the constantly shaking dummy before him, a hint of fear rising within.

The Short Staff's power was astonishingly great? The key was not just one strike; this guy could unleash five or six staffs per second, and the next second another five or six—an endless loop! If they faced such an opponent, what would happen? After more than ten seconds, Jiang Cheng felt his stamina drain and halted his movements.

"Senior Brother Zeng."

He turned and looked at Zeng Zhiten.

Although the Double Staff hadn't reached Mastery yet, he had accumulated considerable Proficiency, allowing him to execute just over a second, six downward chops.

The few snapped out of their reverie, all turning to look at Zeng Zhiten.

"Not bad."

Three words sprang from Zeng Zhiten's mouth, and his gaze toward Jiang Cheng changed.

"Your use of the Double Staff is already highly proficient; with diligent practice, it won't be long before you reach Mastery level."

Jiang Cheng's eyes lit up.

The Senior Brother Zeng before him was indeed skilled.

He instantly recognized his own Proficiency.

"Mastery?"

"His Short Staff is almost at Mastery level?"

Murmured whispers rose around.

Shock filled the eyes of the few.

Whether hand‑foot kungfu or weapons, Proficiency is divided into Entry, Proficient, Mastery, Great Completion, and Perfect.

They were all Old Men of the Martial Arts Hall; besides practicing Fist Technique, they also trained in one or two weapons.

However, even after years of Fist Technique, only one or two among them were at Proficient level; the rest were at Entry level of one or two years.

Weapons were even less impressive.

But this newcomer's Short Staff was already near Mastery!

It seemed their weapons were at this level, right? As expected, Zeng Zhiten spoke next: "My Staff Method is only at Mastery level, so my guidance is limited. How about we spar; perhaps in Real Combat you'll gain insight. If someday your Staff Method surpasses mine, I can try to introduce you to the Gym Master, so the Old Man can mentor you."

Hearing this, the surrounding onlookers' gazes at Jiang Cheng mixed shock with envy.

They had been Senior Members for years, yet saw the Gym Master only a few times a year; Jiang Cheng, however—

He actually got to see the Gym Master and receive guidance! My god, what luck this guy has! Jiang Cheng was also stunned.

Honestly, he wanted to showcase his potential to attract the Martial Arts Hall's attention.

He hadn't expected the opportunity to arrive so quickly.

Although there was a condition—to defeat Senior Brother Zeng using Staff Method. For others this wasn't easy, but for him it was merely a matter of spending a bit more time.

If Double Staff Mastery is unattainable, then aim for Dual Staff Mastery.

Thinking this, Jiang Cheng forced a wry smile, "Senior Brother Zeng holds me in high regard, but junior brother will give his all."

"Alright!"

A hint of approval flashed in Zeng Zhiten's eyes.

"Fist and foot have no eyes, let alone a staff. Follow me, put on protective gear first."

"Yes, Senior Brother Zeng."

In a short while, the two put on their protective gear, shielding their heads and chests.

The two stood opposite each other, a short distance apart, both gripping Short Staffs in their hands, like boxers, held in front of them.

"If you get hit in the body first, you lose."

Zeng Zhiten shouted.

"Good!"

Jiang Cheng let out a loud shout, and battle intent rose in his heart.

He became excited at that moment.

It wasn't just that Real Combat increased his Experience Value more; it was also the fight itself, that surge of adrenaline, the blood‑pumping thrill! The surrounding Senior Members looked even more tense than Jiang Cheng, their eyes never blinking.

"Begin!"

After Zeng Zhiten finished speaking, he lunged forward in a single arrow step toward Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng, unwilling to be outdone, surged forward in kind.

"Snap!"

The Short Staffs met, producing a crisp clashing sound.

After five rounds, Jiang Cheng was feinted with a staff, the stick striking his chest.

"I lost."

Jiang Cheng gave a wry smile.

It was his Mastery Level that was a notch above his.

"Heh heh."

Zeng Zhiten let out a forced laugh, "Again?"

"Mm."

Jiang Cheng could not have asked for more.

The two each stepped back a meter, exchanged a glance, and then charged at each other again.

The sound of Short Staffs colliding rang continuously; even without looking, the intensity of the battle could be felt by ear alone.

This time, lasting nearly ten rounds, Jiang Cheng was struck on the face with a staff; even with protective gear, the strong impact was felt.

"Are you okay?"

Zeng Zhiten asked.

He was already striving to control the force and speed of his strikes, working hard to stay on par with Jiang Cheng, relying solely on his Staff Method skill to win.

"I'm fine."

Jiang Cheng shook his head; the gear was a bit stifling, but its effect was still pretty good.

"No need to rest for a while?"

"No, let's go again."

Thus, the two kept trading blows, fighting for over ten minutes.

"Senior Brother Zeng, I need a short rest."

After being hit once more, Jiang Cheng raised his hand in signal.

"Alright, then rest first."

Zeng Zhiten set down his Short Staff, removed his Helmet, and a rare smile appeared on his face.

I must admit, Jiang Cheng gave him a bit of surprise.

Unexpectedly, a newcomer who had just joined the Martial Arts Hall, still needing to relearn the basics from scratch, wielded Double Staff so impressively, unlike the other Senior Members who had no defensive skill.

Although few, the next month looks rather interesting.

"Rest well first; if you recover your strength, you can come find me to continue sparring."

"Yes, Senior Brother Zeng," Jiang Cheng quickly nodded.

"Next, it's your turn."

Zeng Zhiten looked toward the surrounding Senior Members.

Several of them jumped in fright, instinctively stepping back half a meter.

"No way, Senior Brother Zeng, are you serious?" (End of chapter)