Chapter 65: A Startling Display
Chapter 65: A Startling Display
"Okay."
Jiang Cheng responded and approached the training dummy.
In his mind, he thought, "As expected of a martial arts academy, practicing with this dummy is far more engaging than hitting the air."
He began with the closed-hand style.
Holding the stick in his right hand, he struck the dummy's left cheek with a crisp "smack."
The clear sound echoed loudly in the spacious second floor.
Next, he executed a downward chop with his left hand, followed by another strike with his right hand, both landing in the same position.
After completing these three moves, Jiang Cheng held the stick on the left side of his body.
Then, he performed a similar set of three moves, this time targeting the dummy's right cheek.
"Huh?"
Witnessing this, the people around him exchanged glances, their eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
What is this guy doing?
Zeng Shixiong had told him to exert his full strength, but he was using such little force. Had he not eaten?
Curious, they turned to look at Zeng Zhiting, expecting to see impatience on his face, but instead, he was watching intently.
"Smack!"
"Smack! Smack!"
Suddenly, the strikes became rapid and intense.
They couldn't help but focus their attention on him.
Jiang Cheng's movements gradually picked up speed.
"Smack!"
"Smack! Smack!"
"Smack! Smack! Smack!"
What was initially one strike per second gradually increased to two, then three, and eventually six strikes per second.
"Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!"
By the end, they could barely keep up with his movements.
All they could hear was a rapid succession of strikes.
At that moment, they stood frozen, gazing at Jiang Cheng as he wielded the sticks with the speed of the wind.
They glanced at the constantly swaying dummy in front of him, a hint of fear creeping into their hearts.
The power behind these short stick strikes was astonishing! And it wasn't just one strike; this guy could deliver five or six strikes in a single second, and in the next second, he'd do it again, creating an endless cycle!
If they were to face an opponent like this, what would be the outcome?
After more than ten seconds, Jiang Cheng felt his stamina waning and halted his movements.
"Senior Zeng."
He turned to face Zeng Zhiting.
Although he hadn't yet reached the 'Mastery' level with the double sticks, he had accumulated a significant amount of proficiency. He could now execute six strikes per second with the downward chop.
The onlookers snapped out of their daze and turned their attention to Zeng Zhiting.
"Not bad at all," Zeng Zhiting said, his eyes on Jiang Cheng filled with newfound appreciation.
"Your skill with the double sticks is already quite impressive. With diligent practice, you should be able to reach the 'Mastery' level soon."
Jiang Cheng's eyes lit up.
This Senior Zeng indeed had a keen eye for martial arts.
He had instantly recognized Jiang Cheng's proficiency.
"Mastery?"
"His short stick skill is almost at the Mastery level?"
Whispers of astonishment filled the room.
Whether it was martial arts or weapon techniques, proficiency levels were categorized into five stages: Novice, Skilled, Mastery, Accomplished, and Perfect.
They were all experienced members of the martial arts academy, and aside from practicing fist forms, they also trained in one or two weapon techniques.
However, even with years of fist form practice, only one or two among them had reached the Skilled level, while the rest were still at the Novice level after one or two years.
Needless to say, their weapon skills were even less advanced.
But this newcomer was already nearing Mastery with the short stick!
It seemed that Senior Zeng and the others were at this level with their weapons. As expected, Zeng Zhiting spoke up, "My stick technique is only at the Mastery level, so my guidance may be limited. Let's do this—spare with me, and perhaps through practical combat, you'll gain insights. If one day your skill in stick techniques surpasses mine, I can try to introduce you to the Master of the Dojo, and he can provide you with guidance."
Hearing this, the people around them looked at Jiang Cheng with a mix of astonishment and envy.
For several years, they had all been premium members, but in all that time, they rarely got to see the Master of the Dojo. Yet, Jiang Cheng had the opportunity to receive his guidance!
"Oh my, what incredible luck this guy has!" Jiang Cheng was taken aback.
To be honest, he wanted to showcase his potential and gain the attention of the Martial Arts Academy.
But he never expected that the opportunity would present itself so soon.
There was one prerequisite, though: he had to defeat Zeng Shixiong using Staff Technique.
For others, this wasn't an easy task, but for him, it merely meant investing more time.
If mastering dual sticks wasn't possible, then he'd settle for perfection.
With this thought in mind, Jiang Cheng forced a bitter smile and said, "Zeng Shixiong is giving me too much credit, but I, as your junior, will give it my all."
"Good!"
A hint of approval flashed in Zeng Zhiting's eyes.
"In martial arts, there's no favoritism. Even with sticks, come with me, and let's put on protective gear first."
"Yes, Senior Apprentice Brother Zeng."
In no time, they had their gear on, protecting their heads and chests.
The two stood facing each other, a distance between them, both gripping their short sticks like boxers, holding them in front of their bodies.
"The first one to get hit on the body loses," Zeng Zhiting shouted.
"Good!"
Jiang Cheng responded with a loud shout, his fighting spirit rising.
He was excited not only because of the increased experience points from practical combat but also due to the adrenaline rush and the exhilarating feeling of battle itself!
Several premium members around them seemed more nervous than Jiang Cheng, their eyes wide and unblinking.
"Let's begin!"
Zeng Zhiting took a step forward and charged at Jiang Cheng.
Jiang Cheng didn't want to show weakness, so he rushed forward to meet him.
"Smack!"
The clash of close combat produced a crisp sound.
After five rounds, Jiang Cheng was feinted with one stick, and the other stick hit his chest.
"I lost," Jiang Cheng admitted with a bitter smile.
Indeed, his proficiency level was a notch higher than his opponent's.
"Hehe," Zeng Zhiting let out a forced laugh. "Again?"
"Yes," Jiang Cheng eagerly agreed.
The two stepped back a meter apart and resumed their battle.
The sound of the short sticks clashing filled the air, and even without looking, one could feel the intensity of the fight through their ears.
This time, the battle lasted for nearly ten rounds. Jiang Cheng was hit on the face by a stick, and despite the protection of the gear, he felt a strong impact.
"Are you okay?" Zeng Zhiting asked.
He was already trying to control his strength and speed, striving to match Jiang Cheng's level, relying solely on his staff technique skills to win.
"I'm fine," Jiang Cheng shook his head. The gear, though muffled, was still effective.
"Do you want to take a break?"
"No need, let's continue."
And so, the two exchanged blows for over ten minutes.
"Senior Apprentice Brother Zeng, I need a break," Jiang Cheng requested, raising his hand to signal.
Zeng Zhiting put down his short stick and removed his helmet. Jiang Cheng's unexpected performance had surprised him.
Who would've thought that a newcomer to the Martial Arts Academy, a novice who had to start his fundamental skills from scratch, would be so proficient with dual sticks, unlike the other premium members who had no defense against him?
Though it wasn't much, the next month would be interesting.
"You should take a good rest. If you still have energy after resting, you can find me for more sparring."
"Yes, Senior Apprentice Brother Zeng," Jiang Cheng nodded eagerly.
"It's your turn now," Zeng Zhiting said, looking at the surrounding premium members.
They were startled, taking a step back.
No way, Senior Apprentice Brother Zeng, you're serious?
(End of Chapter)
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