Chapter 24: Next Time, For Sure
Chapter 24: Next Time, For Sure
The Short Stick's power mechanism can be summarized as three key points: Body Expansion and Contraction, Hip Swivel, and Wrist Rotation.
Body Expansion and Contraction involves maximizing the body's contraction and expansion. For example, when performing a diagonal strike with the right hand holding the stick and chopping down to the left, the body should twist to the left, shrink downward, and the right shoulder should tuck in. Conversely, when performing an outer sweep, the body should fully expand to the right.
When applying Body Expansion and Contraction, one must pay attention to coordinating the body and the arms, unifying the body and the stick, and using the body's movements to swing the arms and the stick with force!
Hip Swivel refers to the moment the stick is drawn out, where the hips and thighs move in harmony with the stick's direction, creating a subtle half-circle motion.
For instance, when performing an inner sweep, the hips should swivel inward, and for an outer sweep, the hips should swivel outward. Due to the small range of motion of the hips, from an external perspective, it appears as an inner hip sink and an outer hip sink.
Additionally, the hip movement should always be half a beat earlier than the body and stick movements.
Mastering these two techniques brings significant benefits, making learning Internal Martial Arts much easier.
However, there is one more technique for Short Stick power generation: Wrist Rotation.
Just before the stick strikes, the wrist holding the stick makes a subtle rotating motion. When attacking toward the inside, the wrist rotates counterclockwise, and for outside attacks, it rotates clockwise.
This wrist rotation not only enhances the power generation of the stick techniques but also makes the strikes smoother and more natural.
By truly understanding and executing Body Expansion and Contraction, Hip Swivel, and Wrist Rotation, one can significantly increase the force of the stick techniques within a short period!
Those who believe that the Short Stick has no power and think they can withstand a few strikes before getting close to the stick wielder might never realize the truth of their mistake.
Jiang Cheng gripped the Short Stick, and as his body twisted, he forcefully chopped downward.
A louder sound of breaking the air rang out than before.
"The power of this strike is at least 30% stronger than before," Jiang Cheng thought to himself.
He turned his gaze to the panel.
[Short Stick: Mastery (1/2000)]
His all-out strike just now had earned him one experience point.
Jiang Cheng then tried Hip Swivel and Wrist Rotation, each earning him an additional experience point.
However, after performing these three moves, he felt a bit breathless.
The previous hour of training had already exhausted much of his stamina, and these three powerful moves further depleted his energy.
"Let's call it a night for training."
Jiang Cheng put away the Short Stick.
Continuing to practice while fatigued would only lead to distorted movements. It was better to get a good night's rest and resume practice in the morning.
...
A night passed.
The next day, Jiang Cheng woke up early, had a quick wash, and started eating breakfast.
After breakfast, he would practice the Short Stick for another hour or two before heading out to his stall.
If it weren't for his grumbling stomach, he would have eagerly picked up the Short Stick early in the morning to practice those three power generation techniques.
As he ate, familiar footsteps approached from outside—it was Chen Sao, carrying the bowl from the night before.
"Good morning, Chen Sao! Are you eating?" Jiang Cheng greeted her with a smile.
"I just finished cooking, and when I saw the bowl you brought last night, I thought I'd bring it to you," Chen Sao explained.
"Hehe, just leave it here," Jiang Cheng said, taking another big sip of porridge.
"Xiao Cheng, thank you for the two roasted sweet potatoes you sent last night. They were indeed delicious," Chen Sao said as she placed the bowl down.
"I told you so!" Jiang Cheng said proudly. "When I come back tonight, I'll roast some more and send a couple over to you."
"No, no!" Chen Sao exclaimed, waving her hands in refusal. "Xiao Cheng, I appreciate your kindness, but you keep them for yourself."
"Nothing to worry about, it’s not a big deal to lose those two."
"No, no, if you insist on giving them to me, Aunt Chen wouldn’t accept them."
With that, Chen Sao hurriedly left.
Jiang Cheng retracted his gaze and smiled at his grandmother.
He had guessed this would be the outcome, so it didn’t surprise him.
After finishing his meal and taking a short rest, Jiang Cheng continued his practice.
More than an hour passed, and Jiang Cheng was drenched in sweat, not just his arms but his entire body aching.
The power mechanism wasn’t easy to master. He had failed too many times, gaining no experience points and wasting a lot of effort.
More than once, Jiang Cheng thought about continuing to improve his short stick proficiency through the twelve-step combo technique.
Once he reached the Master Level, he could complete the combo in about three seconds, gaining 2 experience points. If he could achieve the same effect at the Proficient Level, he would gain at least 5 to 6 points.
But then he thought again.
Wouldn’t it be better to resolve a fight with just one or two moves? And if he mastered the power mechanism, the twelve-step combo technique would be even more powerful.
Thus, he continued his practice.
Currently, his short stick experience points had risen to over 60. If he added the practice he would do in the evening, his daily proficiency growth would be around 120 to 130 points.
In other words, it would take at least a week to advance his short stick skills to the Mastery level.
"No rush. Now, those thugs in the slum district avoid me, and I’ve already reached the Proficient Level with the short stick. Apart from the Wild Wolf Gang and the martial arts academies on the street, I can pretty much go wherever I want. I’ll take it slow."
Jiang Cheng tucked the short stick behind his back. "Grandma, I’m going to set up my stall."
"Alright, be careful on the way. If anything happens, don’t act rashly."
The elderly woman handed over the lunch she had prepared and reminded him.
"Sure, I’ll be careful."
Jiang Cheng put the lunch box away, pushed the tricycle, and headed for the street.
As he passed Chen Sao’s house, he called out a greeting.
He was full of energy from practicing the short stick, and now he was looking forward to setting up his stall.
Moreover, combining his short stick practice with his street vending was a good way to balance work and rest, making everything more efficient.
Ten minutes later, Jiang Cheng arrived at his stall, skillfully lit the charcoal, and placed the sweet potatoes on it.
Since it was still morning, not only his stall but those of other vendors were slow.
But after more than an hour, the street began to fill with people.
"Quick, quick."
Someone was hurrying over from a distance and soon reached Jiang Cheng.
"Boss, are the sweet potatoes ready?"
"Sure, sure."
Jiang Cheng smiled, "How many would you like, sir?"
"Two, one for him and one for me."
The man pointed to himself and then to his companion behind him.
"Little brother, do you remember us?"
The man behind him asked with a smile.
"Of course, I remember."
Jiang Cheng replied while skillfully bagging the sweet potatoes. "You two were the earliest customers yesterday, waiting for over an hour. How could I forget?"
"Then shouldn’t you give us one for free since this is our second visit?"
"Sure, next time for sure."
Jiang Cheng laughed.
"Ha ha ha."
The two men exchanged glances and laughed.
As soon as they got their roasted sweet potatoes, even though they were still steaming hot, they tore off the outer skin and took a bite, savoring the flavor.
Just then, a few more customers walked over.
(End of Chapter)
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