Chapter 279: The Invitation
Chapter 279: The Invitation
On the first day of March, Chen Chuan arrived at Teacher Zheng's residence early in the morning. Today, he would learn the art of offense, entering the most crucial training phase in his entire martial arts education.
After their customary greetings, Teacher Zheng, following past traditions, began by teaching him various offensive power techniques when wielding the sword. Once Chen Chuan grasped the basics, Teacher Zheng instructed him:
"Offensive power and defensive power are different, but the altered tissues summoned for both are complementary. Only when both are possessed can one be considered complete. So, remember to not neglect the defensive training from the previous stage."
After this concise instruction, Teacher Zheng led Chen Chuan to the familiar training ground. He took a long sword similar to the Xuejun Sword from the rack and tossed it to Chen Chuan.
Upon catching it, Chen Chuan immediately felt its weight. He realized it was a heavy blade. Looking up, he saw that Zheng Tongtong also held a similar sword.
Teacher Zheng said, "Now, it's your turn to attack. You can only use the power techniques I just taught you. Try to force Tongtong back from her position."
Zheng Tongtong gracefully waved her sword, and beneath her muscular arms, it seemed as effortless as holding a straw. She said, "Junior Brother, go ahead."
Chen Chuan understood that it was time to switch from defense to offense. He wanted to see how Zheng Tongtong defended herself. Twisting his wrist, he said, "Senior Sister Zheng, I'm ready."
Knowing that both father and daughter were straightforward, he stepped forward after speaking. Using the method Teacher Zheng had taught him, he summoned his altered tissues and channeled his power, aiming a powerful strike at Zheng Tongtong!
However, this powerful and heavy strike only produced a faint sound upon contact. Despite the clash of their swords, it felt as if he hadn't struck her at all, and the force seemed to have vanished.
Zheng Tongtong's posture was relaxed, showing no sign of exertion. Yet, with a casual block, she effortlessly neutralized all his power.
Her feet didn't even seem to sink, as if she had used her entire altered tissues to bear the full force without leaking a hint of it outward.
Chen Chuan took a breath, adjusted his stance, and slowly raised his sword. To break through her defense, he had to increase the efficiency of his power channeling, allowing him to exert more force in an instant.
Just as he had to experience power channeling during defense, he now had to do the same during offense, repeatedly practicing and grasping the art of power transformation to overcome the obstacles before him.
Offense seemed easier than defense, but in reality, it was a greater test of one's abilities.
However, one thing was certain: offense was always proactive. When to initiate an attack and how to do so were entirely within his control.
This time, he raised his hands, holding the long sword high. He mobilized his altered tissues, strand by strand, fiber by fiber. When he felt he couldn't increase the force further, he took a step forward in a bow stance and delivered a heavy downward slash!
Zheng Tongtong lifted her sword to block, and with a 'clang,' she stood firm like an immovable weight, her wrist not budging an inch as she bore the full force of his strike, absorbing even the subsequent surge of power.
Chen Chuan clearly felt that this was far from Zheng Tongtong's limit. Her robust physique seemed capable of withstanding more force, and his strike hadn't yet pushed her to employ all her defensive skills.
However, Chen Chuan was aware that Zheng Tongtong had far fewer altered tissues than him. The mere fact that she could neutralize his attacks with such efficiency and versatility in using her altered tissues was precisely what he needed to learn.
Far from being disappointed, Chen Chuan felt invigorated. Through observing Zheng Tongtong's techniques, he discovered better defensive applications. He was learning defensive skills even while practicing offense—a double reward.
"Continue!"
He stepped back, spun, and slashed horizontally. Zheng Tongtong supported the sword handle with one hand and held the spine of the sword with the other, pushing it forward. With a 'clang,' she blocked his strike once more.
This time, Chen Chuan's strike was more powerful due to his momentum and the weight of the sword itself. Yet, Zheng Tongtong, relying on her robust physique and altered tissues, absorbed the force entirely, and the impact on her sword seemed minimal.
As Chen Chuan continued his attacks, his power channeling efficiency improved, increasing both the speed of his strikes and the force behind each blow.
But no matter how much he improved, Senior Sister Zheng was like a sponge, always absorbing and neutralizing his power, preventing him from fully exerting the force of his sword.
After three full days, he still hadn't made any progress.
However, Chen Chuan wasn't discouraged. He genuinely felt his improvement, and the effects of the Yao Guang Exposure were gradually becoming apparent as his physical strength steadily increased.
Especially towards the end, he noticed that Zheng Tongtong was no longer standing her ground as she had initially. Instead, she adopted the same approach he had used earlier, actively blocking his strikes before the blade fully descended, indicating that he was gradually approaching her defensive limit.
In the following days, his strikes became less frequent, and he would often pause before delivering a blow, gradually increasing the rhythm of his attacks.
On the seventh day, as Chen Chuan struck, Zheng Tongtong's sword suddenly vibrated like a wave, causing her to involuntarily take a half-step back. She couldn't help but give him a thumbs-up, genuinely pleased for him, "Junior Brother, well done!"
Chen Chuan held his sword and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Senior Sister. You're too kind."
This was indeed a kind gesture, as Zheng Tongtong was likely using a less familiar sword. If she had used her preferred weapon, that last strike wouldn't have been so easily deflected. In terms of technique, he still had a long way to go.
Zheng Teacher smiled and said, "It's good to be aware of your shortcomings, but don't be too modest. How long have you been practicing? Your performance is quite decent. You've passed this training session. Next up is light saber training, followed by light and heavy saber training."
"At your current pace, you should have a basic grasp of these skills by the end of this month. After that, we'll move on to real combat training, which is the real focus. If you don't practice well, don't expect to pass my assessment." Zheng Teacher added, "Alright, go and take a rest now. Come back in mid-month."
Chen Chuan thanked Teacher Zheng and his daughter. If possible, he would have preferred to continue training non-stop. However, they both had their own matters to attend to, and he couldn't neglect his daily training routines.
Before he knew it, it was another rest day. He called his family and Cheng Teacher, updating them on his recent situation and assuring them not to worry.
He also received a telegram from Gao Ming, informing him that the matter at hand was almost resolved, and the necessary procedures were in place. Gao Ming was preparing to come to Central City.
The arrival would be slightly later than initially planned, likely by the end of March, and he would notify Chen Chuan in advance.
Around noon, as Chen Chuan was reviewing some publicly available combat data from the academy, he received a call from Ni Xixi. Thinking it might be related to the Processing Bureau, he answered the call. Ni Xixi's voice came through, "Chen, are you at the academy building?"
"Yes, is there another mission to carry out?" Chen Chuan asked.
"It's both yes and no. Are you available? I'll take you to a place; I'll be there soon." Ni Xixi said.
"I have time," Chen Chuan replied.
"See you later, then," Ni Xixi said before hanging up.
Chen Chuan was quite concerned about the Processing Bureau's affairs, as they were his investors and provided resources that genuinely benefited him. After a quick preparation, he left his room and headed downstairs.
After a short wait, a red sports car appeared from the corner opposite and performed a drift, stopping right in front of him. Ni Xixi lifted her purple goggles, shook her wavy long hair, and said, "Chen, get in."
Chen Chuan walked over, opened the passenger door, and buckled up. The car sped off instantly.
As Ni Xixi drove, she said, "Wei Wusheng is really good at hiding. Recently, he's completely off the radar. Remember that case we were involved in? Do you recall those attackers?"
"Yes, it seems the leader escaped," Chen Chuan replied.
"That's him. We were tracking him, but he managed to escape to the Lower City District through the Moss Gang's channels. Someone at the bureau suggested sending you to track him down. I immediately rejected the idea. What a joke! The Lower City District is a big trouble spot, and although you have the skills, you're not at that level yet." Ni Xixi explained.
"But I vetoed that proposal. They might assign you to another, more complicated matter soon. Stay alert," Ni Xixi added.
"Thanks for the heads-up, Ni Sister," Chen Chuan said.
"Mhm. There's another thing. Someone wants to meet you today, and they specifically asked me to find you," Ni Xixi continued.
"Meet me?" Chen Chuan wondered, then realized who it might be.
The sports car didn't leave the Wuding District but headed to the largest private green park in the area. Ni Xixi parked the car outside and signaled to Chen Chuan. She showed their identification to the security guards at the entrance and led him inside.
Within the park was a vast lake where people leisurely rowed boats. The spring breeze blew, gently swaying the willows along the shore. Unlike the colorful, vibrant lights commonly seen outside, the park had a clean and serene atmosphere.
Crossing an arched bridge and walking through a wooden corridor, they arrived at a pavilion. An unassuming old man was instructing a child. As they approached, the old man turned and glanced at Chen Chuan, "Young man, you're here."
"Uncle Cheng," Chen Chuan greeted the old man, who was none other than Cheng Shang, the uncle of Cheng Zi Tong, whom he had met and briefly conversed with at the Trial Chamber in Yangzhi City.
Cheng Shang waved his hand, signaling the child to play on their own. He walked to the stone table in the center of the pavilion and sat down, saying, "You two, take a seat."
Ni Xixi sat on a bench to the side, while Chen Chuan thanked him and took a seat on a stone stool in front of Cheng Shang.
Cheng Shang said, "Young man, when you were in Yangzhi City, Zi Tong spoke highly of you. Since you came to Central City, I've been keeping an eye on you, and you seem to be adapting well. I've called you here today because there's an internal exchange tournament, and I'd like to know if you're willing to participate. Ni Xixi, please explain the details."
Ni Xixi spoke up, "Chen, you should know that apart from Wu Yi Academy, there are also traditional teaching methods and legacies in Central City, right?"
Chen Chuan nodded, indicating that he was aware. For instance, Teacher Cheng Zi Tong's senior brother, who was technically his classmate, was someone he had never met. At most, he might have seen his name on the Wu Yi Academy's records.
Ni Xixi pointed to herself with her slender fingers, "As for me, I was taught using traditional methods. However, it's not advisable to be closed off. Therefore, every year, the disciples taught through traditional methods seek opportunities to spar and exchange with Wu Yi Academy's students for internal assessment and improvement."
"Since you're also an acquaintance, Uncle Cheng suggested inviting you to participate. But don't worry, there will be rewards. Chen, what do you think?" Ni Xixi asked.
"I'm more than willing to spar and improve alongside the other students," Chen Chuan replied sincerely.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
