Chapter 2

His original intention in creating the Five Animal Frolics was to spread it far and wide.

"Then many thanks!"

Su Xuan was overjoyed upon hearing this and quickly cupped his hands in thanks.

"Alright! Xuan'er, you should get some good rest! We are heading out now!"

Afterward, the group chatted for a few more moments before Su Lie signaled the others to leave.

Once Hua Tuo and his parents had all left, Su Xuan began to organize the memories in his mind;

at the same time, he began to contemplate his future plans.

"Since I want to contend for the world in these final years of the Han, then troops, horses, money, grain, and even official rank and power are all very important!"

"Next, I must formulate a detailed plan to prepare!"

Su Xuan thought to himself while rubbing his chin.

After all, it is already 183 AD, and next year will be the Yellow Turban Rebellion.

This is the best opportunity for him to acquire an official post and territory.

PS: New book uploaded, requesting collections, flowers, and ratings!

Three days later,

inside the county office's martial arts arena,

Su Xuan, Hua Tuo, and his three younger brothers were all present.

"Since you young masters are all interested, then please watch closely! I will begin the demonstration now; afterwards, you may ask me if you have any questions!"

As he spoke, Hua Tuo began to demonstrate the Five Animal Frolics, providing detailed explanations and breakdowns as he went.

Su Xuan felt countless insights beginning to surge within his mind.

More than ten minutes later,

"Alright! How much did you remember and understand? Everyone, try demonstrating it!"

After finishing his explanation and demonstration, Hua Tuo concluded his practice and said to Su Xuan and the others.

"Yes!"

The four of them quickly cupped their hands in acknowledgment and began to practice one after another.

At first, Su Xuan's movements were rigid and by the book; although accurate, they were quite stiff.

Even so, Hua Tuo couldn't help but stroke his beard and nod, feeling that Su Xuan's comprehension and memory were quite good.

By comparison, among Su Xuan's three younger brothers, the third and fourth were slightly better, while the second was the worst.

"Hmm?"

But soon, Hua Tuo sensed something was wrong.

He saw that Su Xuan was becoming more and more proficient with every repetition, his movements and spirit improving at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Before even finishing one full set, Hua Tuo felt that Su Xuan's understanding of the Five Animal Frolics had already skipped the introductory stage and entered the proficient stage.

However, Su Xuan seemed to have fallen into a state of sudden enlightenment; he did not stop after finishing one set and immediately began a second.

"Big..."

Seeing this, Su Yu and the others prepared to speak up and interrupt Su Xuan.

Hua Tuo quickly raised a hand to stop them, made a "shush" gesture, and whispered: "Watch carefully, your eldest brother seems to have reached sudden enlightenment."

"Sudden enlightenment?"

Su Yu and the others were astonished, their eyes widening as they began to stare at Su Xuan.

Proficient, Mastery, Minor Success, Major Success...

After only three repetitions, Hua Tuo felt that Su Xuan had already reached perfect mastery of the Five Animal Frolics.

During this process, Su Xuan's complexion had improved significantly.

His pale face had turned ruddy.

But it wasn't over yet; Su Xuan was still practicing.

Yet Hua Tuo discovered that Su Xuan's Five Animal Frolics had begun to change, appearing quite different from the version he had taught.

"This... is he creating a new technique?"

"Hiss..."

Confirming this, Hua Tuo gasped in shock.

"Who exactly is this Su Dalang?"

Hua Tuo felt he had finally seen Su Xuan for who he was.

At the same time, his gaze became fervent, and he began to observe Su Xuan's fist techniques earnestly.

[You listened to Hua Tuo teach the health-preserving and body-strengthening Five Animal Frolics, experienced repeated sudden enlightenments, and combined the inspiration from your past and present lives to create the internal body-tempering technique: Five Forms Body-Tempering Method.]

[By comprehending the mysteries of physical improvement during the practice of the Five Animal Frolics, you experienced repeated sudden enlightenments and created the Tendon-Changing and Bone-Forging Technique.]

[By comprehending the mysteries during the practice of the Five Animal Frolics, you experienced repeated sudden enlightenments and created the health-preserving and longevity-extending technique: Five Animal Health-Preserving Technique.]

The next moment, a massive amount of information regarding the three techniques surged into Su Xuan's mind.

"Whoa! Is this the power of heaven-defying comprehension? Awesome!"

Su Xuan's eyes lit up.

[Five Forms Body-Tempering Method]: An internal body-tempering technique created by improving upon the Five Animal Frolics, it is an internal martial arts technique that points directly to the realm of Gang Strength.

[Tendon-Changing and Bone-Forging Technique]: A technique separated and created from the Five Animal Frolics, it possesses the effects of changing tendons, forging bones, marrow-washing, body-strengthening, and improving aptitude.

[Five Animal Health-Preserving Technique]: A health-preserving technique created by comprehending and separating the mysteries of the Five Animal Frolics; long-term practice grants the effects of preserving health, extending life, and strengthening the body.

He immediately began to practice the Five Forms Body-Tempering Method, followed by the Tendon-Changing and Bone-Forging Technique, and finally the Five Animal Health-Preserving Technique.

"Hoo!!!"

After finishing one set, he concluded his practice and let out a long breath.

"Eldest brother! Mr. Hua Tuo said you just had a sudden enlightenment; what did you comprehend?"

At this moment, Su Yu and the others gathered around and asked curiously.

"Haha! I did have a bit of an epiphany!"

Su Xuan smiled faintly.

"It's more than just a bit!"

At this time, Hua Tuo also walked over, looking at Su Xuan in astonishment: "Although I only caught a glimpse of the three techniques you just demonstrated, I can feel that they have already broken free from the cage of my Five Animal Frolics and surpassed it; each one feels extraordinary to me."

"You kid really gave me a massive surprise!"

"I never expected your comprehension to be so terrifying."

"However, since you have such terrifying comprehension, why haven't you practiced martial arts before? I haven't heard of your talent in the literary arts either; this shouldn't be, right?"

Hua Tuo was somewhat puzzled.

If Su Xuan had been this monstrous in the past, it would be impossible for him to remain unknown.

Unless he was hiding his true self?

"Hehe!"

Facing the puzzled gazes of Hua Tuo and his brothers, Su Xuan laughed, scratched the back of his head, and replied: "In the past, my comprehension wasn't actually this good. I don't know what happened, but after recovering from this major illness, I feel my mind has become much clearer and more agile—perhaps I've had an awakening?"

"Hmm? I see!"

Hua Tuo was initially surprised, then stroked his beard and nodded affirmatively: "That is not impossible; there have been similar cases in history, though your 'awakening' is just a bit more profound."

"You have completely mastered my Five Animal Frolics, and have even surpassed the master; it seems you no longer need my instruction!"

"However, I am very interested in the three techniques you created. I wonder if you would be willing to share a little? Rest assured, without your permission, I will never pass them on to others; I can swear an oath."

Hua Tuo looked at Su Xuan with an itching heart, his eyes full of anticipation.

"That is certainly not a problem!"

Su Xuan nodded affirmatively: "These were created through the inspiration I gained from your Five Animal Frolics, sir; even if you hadn't asked, I was planning to teach them to you!"

In any case, he had no intention of turning Hua Tuo away.

He could use this to bind him here.