Chapter 17 - Covert Martial Arts

Chapter 17 - Covert Martial Arts

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%]

[Explosive Technique (Power): 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.

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. ☜