Chapter 8: Five Beasts Fist

Chapter 8: Five Beasts Fist

Stepping through the side entrance of the martial arts academy, Jiang Ning found himself in a large courtyard. About a dozen bare-chested men were practicing their punches in the open space, while others were lifting heavy stones to build their strength.

Upon noticing the new arrival, they merely glanced at Jiang Ning briefly and then returned to their own tasks, paying him no further attention.

Jiang Ning's gaze suddenly froze as he was captivated by a scene in one corner of the front courtyard.

In that corner stood a massive iron cage, inside which a striped tiger was lying prostrate, fast asleep.

This tiger was a formidable sight, measuring a full four meters in length and exuding an immense sense of oppression.

Its robust limbs further showcased its terrifying explosive power.

"Stop staring and follow me!" The bulky man instructed.

Jiang Ning nodded and continued following behind him.

Passing through the front courtyard, the two soon arrived at the academy's rear courtyard.

Under the shade of a tree, an elderly man with a beard leaned back against a grapevine arbor, leisurely fanning himself with a bamboo fan.

This elderly man appeared to be in his fifties, but his physique was far from the typical frailty of his age; instead, his limbs were significantly more robust than the average person, adorned with bulging muscles.

Standing by his side was a tall and slender woman, dressed in a tight-fitting blue training attire.

Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, and her brows exuded a spirited aura. Her long, graceful neck was as white as snow, indicating an extraordinary background.

Typically, those who practiced martial arts would have tanned skin, making it impossible for them to have such fair complexions like this woman.

"Are you Jiang Ning?" The old man opened his eyes and spoke, looking at Jiang Ning.

"Yes, sir!" Jiang Ning bowed respectfully, "This junior greets Senior Wang."

"You have some manners, that's good!" The old man nodded slightly, appearing somewhat satisfied with Jiang Ning.

"Come here!" The old man instructed.

Jiang Ning approached, and the old man stood up.

He placed his palm on Jiang Ning's shoulder, and Jiang Ning instantly felt a jolt, as if struck by lightning, coursing through his entire body.

In that moment, his bones seemed to shatter.

The old man's palm swiftly scanned over Jiang Ning's limbs, arms, chest, and back.

Within just a few breaths, the bone examination was complete, and the old man sat back down on the grapevine arbor.

"Your body is a bit weak, but your talent is not bad. You can practice the preliminary martial arts without any issues!" The old man said.

Jiang Ning was not surprised by this assessment.

What kind of person is suitable for martial arts training?

Those with strong arms and sturdy builds, naturally endowed with immense strength.

Or those with naturally tough skeletons and robust physiques.

However, Jiang Ning did not fit into either of these categories.

He was not disappointed by this, as his reliance was not on his martial arts talent but on that miraculous panel.

Noticing Jiang Ning's calm demeanor, the old man nodded slightly, "Your temperament is decent, unmoved by gains or losses."

Then he asked, "Can you read?"

Jiang Ning nodded, "I can read."

"Can you understand the secret scrolls?" The old man inquired further.

Jiang Ning nodded again, "I can understand them."

"Good, it's rare to find someone who can understand the secret scrolls! If you can't even read a few characters and can't comprehend the scrolls, then what's the point of practicing martial arts?" The old man expressed his satisfaction, "Later, you'll go through the scrolls a few times and try to memorize the key points of the fist technique. Then come back to me!"

"Thank you, Master!" Jiang Ning bowed deeply.

The old man waved his hand, "It's too early to call me Master. Wait until you pass the assessment; then we can talk about it. You've just joined the academy, and for now, you're only considered a disciple by name. If you can't pass the assessment within six months, you'll have to pack up and leave!"

"To guide and enlighten me in martial arts is to be my teacher!" Jiang Ning said earnestly.

"As you wish!" The old man waved his hand and then turned to the woman beside him, dressed in a tight-fitting blue training attire, "Li Qing, take him to my study and give him the Five Beasts Fist manual to read."

"Yes!" The woman nodded and looked at Jiang Ning, "Follow me!"

"I'm Li Qing, and you can call me Li Shijie from now on!"

After leaving the rear courtyard, the woman in blue training attire spoke to Jiang Ning.

"Greetings, Li Shijie!" Jiang Ning smiled, "I'm Jiang Ning!"

Seeing this, Li Qing also smiled and nodded at Jiang Ning.

With that smile, the two seemed to become more familiar with each other.

As Li Qing led the way, she said, "Jiang Shidi, I assume you came to Waveflow Martial Academy to pass Master Wang's assessment and become a true disciple of the academy, right?"

"Yes!" Jiang Ning nodded repeatedly, showing a friendly smile.

"Then do you know how to become a true disciple of the academy?" Li Qing asked as they walked.

Jiang Ning shook his head slightly as he kept up with her pace, "I don't know, please enlighten me, Li Shijie!"

"What you're about to learn is the Five Beasts Fist. To gain Master Wang's approval, you must understand the essence of any one of the five forms—Tiger, Bear, Ape, Crane, or Deer—and achieve the Great Achievement within six months. Only then will you be qualified to become a true disciple of the academy!" Li Qing explained.

"Shijie, how difficult is it to achieve Great Achievement?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Very difficult!" Li Qing continued, "Even the wealthy and noble families' children find it challenging to achieve Great Achievement within six months. The Five Beasts Fist is a lower-ranked martial art that has entered the ranks. To break through and achieve Great Achievement requires extremely high comprehension. I myself took nearly five months to comprehend the essence of the Deer form and achieve the Great Achievement in one style. And that was with my extraordinary relationship with Master Wang, who often guided me. Without his guidance, it will be even more challenging for you!"

"You're amazing, Senior Sister!" Jiang Ning praised her without holding back.

Hearing this, a slight smile appeared on the woman's face, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.

Even in the inner city, becoming a disciple of the Waveflow Martial Academy was a notable achievement.

Since becoming Wang Jin's direct disciple, she had clearly felt a significant improvement in her status within their circle.

After all, Wang Jin was one of the top warriors in Luoshui County, and his true identity ran even deeper.

However, most people couldn't even dream of becoming his disciple, all because of factions. Wang Jin's true identity was that of a representative of the Neutral Faction.

"Since you call me Senior Sister, I'll do my best to guide you over the next six months. As for how much you can comprehend, that depends on your own understanding!" she said.

"Thank you, Senior Sister!" Jiang Ning sincerely expressed his gratitude.

Having established a connection with Senior Sister Li, he naturally had no reason to refuse.

From the moment he saw her by Wang Jin's side, he knew she was a core member of the Waveflow Martial Academy.

Based on his understanding, those who passed the academy's trials and became core disciples would soon become Rank 1 Martial Practitioners.

In other words, the seemingly youthful and vibrant young lady before him might soon become a Rank 1 Martial Practitioner... or perhaps she already is one!

Moreover, her demeanor and bearing indicated an extraordinary background. Just her close relationship with the academy's master was a testament to her exceptional origins.

Jiang Ning had no reason to refuse.

Seeing Jiang Ning's expression, the woman nodded in satisfaction and said, "After learning the Five Beasts Fist, Jiang Shidi, you must carefully study its true meaning. Only then will you be qualified to receive Master Wang's true legacy and understand why our academy is named Waveflow Martial Academy!"

Jiang Ning nodded solemnly, "Shidi understands!"

"Good!" The woman nodded in agreement.

Soon, the two arrived at a secluded study in a corner of the academy.

"Wait for me outside!" she instructed.

Jiang Ning nodded.

The next moment, the woman pushed open the study door and stepped inside.

Jiang Ning waited quietly outside, his heart filled with anticipation.

Martial techniques were within reach!

Moreover, it was a lower-ranked technique, and according to his understanding, even his elder brother didn't possess such a technique. This showed how precious a lower-ranked technique was.

Now he understood why his brother had insisted on him joining the academy; the difference in their skills was vast.

A lower-ranked technique was merely a trial for the Waveflow Martial Academy. If he passed, according to Senior Sister Li, he would truly gain access to the academy's legacy.

The name 'Waveflow' undoubtedly represented the academy's true legacy.

Jiang Ning's heart yearned for it.

In just over ten breaths...

Creak!

The door opened again, and the woman reappeared before Jiang Ning.

"This is the manual for the Five Beasts Fist!" She handed him a slightly yellowed book, "Study everything in this manual carefully. If you have any questions, come to me. After you've memorized it, go to Master Wang, and he'll demonstrate it for you!"

"Remember, this manual cannot leave the academy. Every day before you leave, you must return it to me," she emphasized.

Jiang Ning took the manual and flipped through it; it wasn't thick.

He shook his head slightly, "I won't need that long. Give me the time it takes to brew a cup of tea."

"The time it takes to brew tea?" The woman furrowed her brows, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Jiang Ning smiled and lightly touched his temple, "Senior Sister Li, I was born with a photographic memory."

"In that case, I'll wait here for you! If you can do it, I'll take you to see Master Wang right away, and we'll start learning the fist technique today." She stood with her arms crossed, her breathing calm and serene, like a resting fawn in the forest.

Jiang Ning wasted no more time. He opened the manual for the Five Beasts Fist and carefully studied it from the first page.

[Literacy Experience Points +1]



[Literacy Experience Points +1]



Time passed slowly, and the courtyard became quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

The woman stood by Jiang Ning's side, her serene presence adding to the tranquility.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end