Chapter 2: Iron Thread Fist, Redirecting Force Against the Hound

Chapter 2: Iron Thread Fist, Redirecting Force Against the Hound

"You want to become a disciple?"

In the courtyard, a gaunt old man scrutinized Su Chen. His piercing gaze seemed to strip away every layer of pretense, as if peeling back Su Chen's very soul.

Su Chen nodded, his expression earnest.

The old man continued, "Five taels of silver for apprenticeship—three months as an apprentice disciple. If you haven’t grasped the basics by then, you pay again. Are you sure?"

Su Chen clasped his hands. "I’ve made my decision."

Unmoved, the old man added, "You’re past your prime. Your bones have set. Even with relentless training, success isn’t guaranteed. If you insist… pay up."

Without hesitation, Su Chen handed over the prepared coins.

The old man gestured to a burly man nearby. "Li Mo, take him under your wing for now."

"Yes, Master Hong", Li Mo replied, nodding at Su Chen. "Junior brother, come with me."

Li Mo led Su Chen to collect a martial arts uniform and explained their master’s identity along the way.

The old man was Hong Ming, founder of Hong Martial Arts Hall.

Li Mo, the seventh formal disciple of Hong Ming, oversaw training for several outer courtyard disciples.

"We cultivate in this courtyard", Li Mo said, guiding Su Chen inside. "As a newcomer, start with the Standing Stake and build your arm strength. I’ll teach you the fist techniques later."

He moved to demonstrate the foundational stance, but Su Chen’s brow furrowed. He hadn’t come here to practice basics—he wanted to learn martial arts immediately.

"Senior brother", he interjected, "could you teach me the fist techniques directly?"

Li Mo chuckled. "Junior brother, I know your eagerness. Everyone rushes when they first arrive."

"Remember, martial arts demand patience. Master the foundation first, and I’ll teach you the techniques", Li Mo advised, hoping to temper Su Chen’s ambition.

But Su Chen remained silent. Instead, he pulled out a silver ingot and handed it to Li Mo. "Senior brother, could you demonstrate the techniques for me? Just a few rounds?"

Li Mo froze, staring at Su Chen, momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he sighed. "Fine. Since you’re determined…"

"Thank you, Senior brother", Su Chen said, offering the silver. Li Mo accepted it wordlessly, his expression unreadable.

Then, Li Mo began his demonstration.

"This is the Hong Family Iron Thread Fist—thirty-six forms in total. Watch carefully!"

His movements flowed seamlessly, each form connecting like a river carving through stone. Within minutes, the entire sequence unfolded before Su Chen.

"Did you see it clearly?"

Su Chen shook his head. Li Mo, unsurprised, repeated, "One last time. I’ll slow down."

As Li Mo moved again, Su Chen’s pupils dilated slightly, though Li Mo failed to notice.

[Name: Su Chen]
[Martial Arts: Iron Thread Fist (Novice 1%)]
[Easy Mode: Iron Thread Fist (0/1 tael of silver per session)]

A translucent progress panel materialized in Su Chen’s mind. His martial arts section now displayed the Iron Thread Fist.

"Easy Mode? One tael per session?" Excitement flickered—until he saw the "Gold-Fueled Enhancement" requirement. His funds, already below one tael, dashed his hopes.

"Junior brother, I’ve shown you twice", Li Mo said after finishing. "Now let’s focus on your foundation."

This time, Su Chen acquiesced. Half a day later, Li Mo imparted the Standing Stake essentials before leaving him to practice alone.

Among the dozen disciples in the courtyard, Su Chen was just another face.

Once Li Mo departed, Su Chen practiced the stance while pondering.

"I thought activating my Golden Gift would accelerate my progress. But now…" He grimaced. "I’ve angered the Black Water Gang and drained my funds."

Yet hope lingered. His panel showed progress—though slow. "If I cultivate diligently, maybe the technique will advance naturally."

He began practicing in secret, but after half an hour, the progress bar hadn’t budged. By evening, it had crawled to 2%.

Li Mo observed him repeatedly, eventually giving up on correcting his stubbornness.

As dusk fell, most disciples left. Li Mo packed his gear, surprised when Su Chen approached to help.

"You don’t need to assist with this", Li Mo said.

Su Chen smiled, continuing his task. Li Mo, sensing his intent, waited until finishing before asking, "What’s on your mind, Junior Brother?"

After a pause, Su Chen bowed. "Senior brother, could you walk me home?"

Li Mo studied him, then nodded. "Wait a moment."

---

On Pingshi Street, Chen Erdog and two henchmen loitered near Su Chen’s home, their patience fraying.

"Little bastard", Chen Erdog spat, recalling his humiliating defeat. "Tonight, we settle this."

His men, weapons ready, lay in wait.

"There he is!" one hissed.

Chen Erdog gripped his iron rod, eyes narrowing as two figures approached under the dim starlight.

But when he recognized Li Mo’s uniform, his confidence faltered.

"Hong Martial Arts Hall? Since when did that brat ally with them?"

He spat, torn between rage and caution. "Retreat. We’ll ambush him another day. Let’s see how long Hong protects him."

Watching them vanish, Su Chen exhaled. "Thanks again, Senior Brother."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end