Chapter 267: Learning
Chapter 267: Learning
Chen Chuan had previously found the recommendation opportunities at the academy too expensive, but this time he decided to give it a shot and apply. He always felt that the money lying in his platform account would be taken away by someone else if he didn't use it, so he might as well exchange it for something valuable sooner rather than later.
After contacting the academy's platform, he found the application section and was provided with an application form. The form included an appendix explaining that every official student of Wu Yi Academy could apply once a month. The academy would adjust the order based on factors such as the student's application time, evaluation points, and the number of applicants, charging an internal fee of three to five thousand yuan per application.
Chen Chuan looked at the numbers and realized that even this ten thousand yuan wouldn't last long, perhaps only enough for two or three applications. Still, it would be enough for two or three months, which was acceptable. He could look for other solutions later.
After filling out the form, he submitted it and soon received a notification that he had been added to the queue and was asked to wait patiently for a specific response.
After a while, the platform notified him that all the quotas for the month had already been allocated at the beginning of the month, so he would have to wait until next month, and a fee of three thousand yuan would be charged. The message also included an offer of a loan service for students who couldn't afford the fee, with an interest rate of only 25%.
Chen Chuan casually dismissed the loan offer, as waiting in the queue wasn't an issue as long as he eventually got his turn. He then organized his belongings, took a shower, and returned to pull down the curtains, browsing through the day's news.
Despite the significant loss of life, the Taowowo Market explosion was not featured on mainstream news, possibly due to time constraints or eligibility requirements. However, it was mentioned in the fringe news.
The report described the incident as a violent act by a fighter, swiftly dealt with by the Handling Bureau's enforcers. As usual, the comment section was filled with arguments.
Chen Chuan noticed himself in the footage from the scene. From the angle of the video, it was likely that one of the security patrol officers had released this footage.
There was a debate about Chen Chuan's abilities in the comments, with most people believing he was a Third Limit Fighter due to his exceptionally fast speed, almost impossible for an ordinary person to discern.
However, Chen Chuan noticed an interesting comment by a user named "Dancing on Bottle Caps":
"I'm sure this is a Second Limit Fighter.
The difference between Second Limit and Third Limit is subtle. The reason you can't clearly see his movements is that this person has excellent overall coordination. From the leap to crashing through the window and landing inside the market, the entire process is seamless, with no pauses. The force is distributed perfectly, not a bit too much or too little."
This comment immediately triggered a wave of ridicule, with others accusing the user of pretending to be knowledgeable. More analyses were posted to prove that the user was wrong.
However, Chen Chuan knew that "Bottle Caps" was correct because he hadn't used speed and strength comparable to a Third Limit Fighter during the incident.
In the comments, there was also support for "Bottle Caps." Someone agreed with the user, stating that the leap was extremely smooth and provided a comfortable experience for those who understood fighting.
Since Chen Chuan was facing away from the camera in the footage, there was also a discussion about his identity. Some believed he wasn't from the Handling Bureau, as his clothes weren't their uniform. But this comment quickly disappeared, and the user didn't seem to post again.
As Chen Chuan was browsing, he received a call from Tan Zhi, who wanted to introduce him to some classmates. Chen Chuan agreed, and Tan Zhi's voice echoed:
"I'm saying, Chen Chuan, how about a relaxing day out? I'll introduce you to some classmates, and who knows, we might be able to help each other out in the future."
"Where are we going?" Chen Chuan asked.
"A one-day cruise on a cruise ship," Tan Zhi replied. "A senior classmate will take us, and there will be plenty of interesting activities."
Chen Chuan was open to this kind of interaction, as these classmates might become future colleagues. Moreover, such exchanges could provide valuable insights.
"Is it safe?" Chen Chuan inquired.
"Absolutely," Tan Zhi assured him. "These events have been held many times before, and we won't leave the Central City Sea area. All interface tokens will work, and it won't be boring."
"Alright, Tan Zhi, I'll be there. Thank you." Chen Chuan expressed his gratitude.
Tan Zhi said, "No problem. I guided you through the enrollment process, so we should stay in touch, Chen Chuan. You'll understand in time."
After the call, Chen Chuan continued browsing the news for a while before switching to the movies below. In his past life, he enjoyed watching movies, but the classic movies were different from those in Central City, which offered a true immersive experience, especially when wearing the interface token provided by the Handling Bureau.
Even old movies could provide a fresh and unique feelings, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the protagonist's world.
However, after watching for three minutes, including the advertisements, a fee prompt appeared. Chen Chuan promptly closed the movie and noticed it was almost 10:00 PM, so he decided to rest.
At 5 a.m. on the second day, he woke up right on time. After his daily morning routine and training, he contacted Professor Zheng, an expert in sword techniques, at 8 a.m., who informed him that he was available and could come over if it was convenient for him. So, he got ready and left the house.
Professor Zheng's residence was in Wuding District, not far from Xuan Gong Tower, and it only took about ten minutes to get there by car. So, he arrived before 8:30 a.m. and knocked on the door. Professor Zheng himself opened the door, smiling as he led the way inside.
The professor was in his late forties, with a robust build, a ruddy complexion, and a full beard. He had a deep voice and spoke directly, giving off a very cheerful and straightforward vibe.
Upon entering the front yard, there were various types of swords displayed under retractable rain shelters on both sides. Dozens of swords of different shapes and styles from both domestic and international origins were on display.
Professor Zheng said, "This place looks quite big, huh? Well, it is big, and I'm still paying off loans. I also have to complete some assigned tasks from the Handling Bureau. Young man, you should consider your future too. When you graduate from the academy and want to make a name for yourself in Central City, you'll need a place to call your own."
As he spoke, he walked over to the sword rack and continued, "Let me see your foundation first." He casually picked up a sword from the rack and gently swung it towards Chen Chuan.
His movements were not fast, allowing Chen Chuan to observe clearly. However, Chen Chuan had a feeling that he couldn't dodge. He quickly raised his sword to block the incoming sword, but he didn't sense any force on the sword, as if it were a mere gentle swing.
Just as Chen Chuan thought this, a sudden force rushed towards him again. His reaction was swift, and he quickly adjusted, but the force guided him to take half a step to the side.
Professor Zheng put down the sword and said, "I roughly know your standard now."
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment. Since entering, he had been keeping a low profile, which was more effective for training. Otherwise, if he relied solely on strength and speed, this training session would lose its meaning.
But with that sword, he felt that even if he let go of his low profile, he might not be able to block it. It was highly likely that the result would still be the same.
There was nothing special about it. It was just that Professor Zheng's skill in force manipulation far surpassed his own. Even if Chen Chuan understood the subtlety of that sword technique, his force adjustment might not be able to keep up.
Of course, a life-or-death battle was a different matter. But in terms of technique, he was undoubtedly being completely outclassed. However, this was precisely why he came here to learn.
At this moment, Professor Zheng said, "If your technique is lacking, you can practice. But a person's courage and confidence are not easily gathered. Just now, you didn't block my sword, but I saw your eyes, full of determination and resilience. That's great! It's not shameful to be outdone in technique; you just need to find a way to catch up. If you lose this drive, then practicing is pointless."
"Mhm, your foundation is solid. Many steps can be omitted based on your situation. According to your condition, I will divide this training into several phases. Today, I'll start by teaching you how to defend."
He got straight to the point, not beating around the bush, and began to demonstrate with the sword, teaching Chen Chuan how to coordinate his breathing and altered tissue for unloading and redirecting force.
He was very patient when teaching, not at all like his fiery and vigorous appearance. At critical moments, he could always point out the details that Chen Chuan overlooked. His teaching was like his sword techniques—coarse yet delicate.
After practicing for the entire morning, Chen Chuan basically grasped the use of these forces, thanks to his solid foundation and the Zhou Yuan Force Method, which allowed him to coordinate his altered tissue exceptionally well. He didn't need to struggle with adjustments like others.
In fact, if the altered tissue is insufficient to support the original force, the teacher should find a way to adjust the student's force application or consider medication. In areas with an existing foundation, they can try to grow some altered tissue to assist.
This is what a teacher of technique should truly do.
Often, they cannot teach the complete technique to students. Instead, they selectively choose or adjust the force application based on the student's altered tissue, which requires knowledge and professional skills. A fighter, even with strong combat power, may not have the ability to teach students in this way.
Chen Chuan's quick grasp of the technique delighted Professor Zheng, who was very surprised. This meant they could skip those adjustment steps and go straight to the critical part.
"The best way to master technique is through real combat sparring. There's nothing better to train a fighter than this."
Professor Zheng called out, "Zheng Tongtong!"
From outside, rhythmic footsteps approached, and soon, a young woman in her early twenties entered. She was robust and solid, resembling Professor Zheng, with a round face and thick arms. Yet, she didn't appear bulky; instead, she moved with a nimble grace.
Professor Zheng said, "This is Chen Chuan, you two spar a few moves."
"Okay."
Zheng Tongtong, inheriting her father's cheerful personality, didn't hesitate. She picked up a heavy-backed sword from the rack and faced Chen Chuan with a fist, "Junior, please teach me."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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