Returning to the Mysterious Era

Cassius was unusually excited that day.

In the corner, a figure kept punching the pale yellow wooden post. The thuds echoed across the empty training field, creating fine wrinkles on the tough leather surface.

Boom!

All of a sudden, the sound got louder, and the post shook violently! The sound of leather ripping mingled with the dull thud of wood.

Cassius withdrew his fist, and the tall post, which was originally fixed to the ground, tilted forward. The base that had been buried in soil was torn from the ground, pulling up a large clump of yellow dirt in the process. He had tore through the surface, and he could see an indistinct fist mark at the very center of the brown leather target.

"One hundred percent!" Cassius clenched his fist.

[Combat Technique (Advanced): 100.0%]

[Martial Stance (Part Two): 100.0%]

[Explosive Technique (Speed): 100.0%]

The hardest Explosive Technique of the power type had also reached full completion. A new line of text appeared in the top right corner of his vision.

[Wind Elephant Basic Combat Arts: Advanced (Stage Two)]

"Ha."Cassius looked up at the dusky sky and exhaled a long breath. He was very happy at the moment, but also a little confused.

He had spent over five months mastering the Wind Elephant Sect’s Basic Combat Arts and managed to conquer what once seemed like an insurmountable mountain. Cassius felt a rush of aimlessness and fatigue flooding his mind.

"Right, I better ask Instructor Lisa." He quickly shoved the post back in place before rushing to the canteen for his meal.

Ten minutes later at the small training field behind the hospital.

Cassius sat cross-legged on the ground, listening intently to Lisa's explanation. Soft red light filtered through the branches, casting faint patterns of irregular patches of light red mesh on their faces

"I talked about some concepts in passing before, but since you want to learn them now, I'll explain in more detail." Lisa thought for a moment and said, "The Hongli Federation divides combat into five general stages. Whether it's boxing, wrestling, sanda, or even swordsmanship, and archery, they all range from stage one to five."

"Yes." Cassius nodded as he listened attentively.

"However, this five-stage division isn't really applicable to us. While the five combat stages can be used in real combat, they're mostly done for competition purposes. What we focus on is pure killing techniques.” Lisa paused for a moment before continuing on, "If I had to explain the Federation’s five combat stages, it would be in three major tiers. The first of three tiers is what we call the amateur or hobbyist tier which is obviously also the first of the Federation’s five combat stages. If trained well, a person can easily take on multiple opponents."

Cassius nodded again.

"The second tier is the fistfighter stage, otherwise known as the professional tier. Our trainees in the youth training camp can be considered a part of this tier. We provide special training for disciples to master all basic Combat Techniques which will then get them closer to learning the sect’s Covert Arts.”

Lisa smiled at Cassius, and added, "Because you've mastered the basics of Combat Techniques but not the sect's Covert Arts, you are now a mid-tier fistfighter. As a side note, there are definitely some overlaps between the amateur and professional tiers. I would say your current stage is roughly at the top of the amateur tier."

Cassius nodded again, a thought forming in his mind. Could he dodge bullets in his current state?

Lisa, who was still standing in front of him, kept talking.

"The third tier is where one clearly begins to surpass human limits; the pugilist! Experts at that stage start to master the core technique of the Covert Martial Arts, using the core technique of the Covert Martial Arts to refine the body to a certain extent. Not only are they able to sense the flow of blood within them, they can also control it and make their blood flow faster through their veins. We call this accelerated blood flow. There are three nodes in the body and once they're fully opened, accelerated blood flow can increase fourfold, allowing one to produce strength beyond human limits."

"Beyond human limits?" Cassius murmured.

"That's right. At that stage, one can fight a hundred enemies alone. Their fists will be able to penetrate metal armor as thick as a finger joint. Their senses will be a lot sharper than ordinary people's and their reflexes so fast they can even catch a sparrow mid-flight.”

As Lisa spoke, she raised her hand, slowly closing her fingers. A visible white stream of energy poured out from between them and ripples started to form in the air.

"And the core of all this comes from the Covert Martial Arts..." She stood up slowly, placing her palm lightly on the tree trunk beside her. The tree trembled, and what few leaves there were fell from above with a loud rustle.

Cassius also stood up, ignoring the withered leaves falling on his head, his eyes fixed on the surface of the trunk she touched.

The impression of a palm print was embedded about four or five centimeters deep. It looked deep enough to bury a wrist. The insides of the indentation were extremely smooth, as if it had been polished.

Cassius did not even try to hide his intense desire. "Instructor, I want to learn Covert Martial Arts!" [1]

Lisa smiled and shook her head. "I can't teach you just yet. The sect rules require you to formally become an apprentice and swear an oath. You will only be allowed to accept your master's teachings after they assess you for a period of time.

"This is the core technique passed down in our sect. They are not the basic Combat Techniques which I can teach whenever I want. But don't worry, in seven days, the final assessment of our training camp will commence. I’ll teach you after that and the apprenticeship ceremony are done. How does that sound?”

"Thank you, Master."

Knowing that he couldn’t force it any more, Cassius didn't press further. He pondered for a moment before he asked, "Master, can you do me a favor?"

***

"Is this what you needed help with? Why does it feel so awkward?" Lisa shifted her foot slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Underneath the setting sun, Cassius lay flat on the ground. Lisa stood beside him, one foot pushing down on his chest.

"I'm being serious, Instructor." Cassius maintained an earnest gaze. He was simulating the life-and-death moment he was facing. In his real life, an antique specialist from the Huolu Antiques Company was pinning him down, ready to fire his gun at any second. "Also, Instructor, could you press a bit harder?"

"Alright." Lisa nodded helplessly and stomped down much more forcefully.

For the next half hour, they carried out their discussion in their awkward positions. Cassius kept asking Lisa about ways to counter enemy attacks in his current situation, creating a scenario where he was pinned down by someone with a crossbow aimed at his head. He wanted to know what he should do.

Lisa gradually became less uncomfortable about the entire situation and earnestly explained what he could do. She even demonstrated for him.

As the sky turned dark, their special training session for the day ended. Instructor Lisa left, leaving Cassius lying under the tree, exhausted. His clothes were covered in shoe prints.

Footsteps sounded in the distance.

Cassius opened his eyes to see Li Chu's face staring at him upside down. She wore a strange expression.

He could live with some embarrassment if it means he'd survive!

"Sis, you're just in time. Practice with me a few more times."

1. Covert Martial Arts are unique techniques that are passed down in each sect. For example, what Lisa is teaching now is the Wind Elephant Covert Marital Arts. In the future, there will be other sects with their own Covert Martial Arts. ☜

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