Chapter 86: Chapter 86: Master

Teng Qingshan’s expression was stiff. He knew that for Chu Lingguang to earn the title of a future Martial Arts Scholar, his strength couldn’t be underestimated, but he never imagined he could lose to him.

He had come for two reasons: to make a name for himself, and to advance his Martial Arts.

But in the end, he had only served to bolster Chu Lingguang’s reputation, and his own martial ambitions had taken a heavy blow.

Finally, he turned to Guo Wei, his face crestfallen. “Master Guo, you have taken on a fine disciple. I have lost.”

“I was merely fortunate.”

Chu Lingguang retracted his Long Spear and cupped his fist at Teng Qingshan.

“The future Martial Arts Scholar’s reputation is well-deserved.”

Teng Qingshan sighed.

By praising Chu Lingguang, he was indirectly praising himself; there was no shame in losing to a Martial Arts Scholar.

“He merely had a Flash of Inspiration and happened to catch an opening. If you were to fight again, Lin Guang would be no match for you. Teng Xiucai, you shouldn’t sell yourself short,”

Guo Wei said solemnly.

He could see that Teng Qingshan’s martial will was shaken and wanted to help him. Besides, Chu Lingguang had only defeated Teng Qingshan by using the second level of Skillful Force, catching him completely off guard and winning by a stroke of luck.

The title of “future Martial Arts Scholar” absolutely could not be allowed to stick to Chu Lingguang.

Of course, Chu Lingguang’s victory had also been completely unexpected.

Guo Wei had originally thought that with his Spear Technique at the level of Perfect Techniques, Chu Lingguang could remain evenly matched with Teng Qingshan for a hundred rounds before being defeated around the one hundred and thirtieth.

Who would have thought that Chu Lingguang would awaken the second level of Skillful Force, disrupt Teng Qingshan’s mentality, and seize victory?

He had never considered this outcome. But knowing Chu Lingguang possessed such strength made Guo Wei’s heart race with excitement. Chu Lingguang constantly brought him pleasant surprises; the more he saw, the more satisfied he became.

“Thank you, Master Guo.”

Teng Qingshan was grateful, understanding that Guo Wei wanted to help him regain his confidence and give him a way to save face.

“Master Guo, once Young Master Chu’s Qi Blood has recovered, I would like to test my skills against him,”

Lin Yuanfu said, cupping his hands.

“Very well.”

Guo Wei nodded and instructed Guo Fang to brew a medicinal tea for Chu Lingguang. At the same time, he began helping Chu Lingguang get a firm grasp on the second level of Skillful Force. He was worried it had been a mere Flash of Inspiration and that Chu Lingguang might not be able to replicate it.

So, he began to earnestly demonstrate the key principles for Chu Lingguang at the side.

Chu Lingguang watched with rapt attention. Guo Wei was instructing him on how to grasp the second level of Skillful Force right in front of Teng Qingshan and Lin Yuanfu, a process that involved sharing personal insights and the essential principles of breathing and Qi Blood control.

In Martial Arts Cultivation, having others steal one’s techniques was the greatest taboo.

Yet, Guo Wei showed no hesitation, even raising his voice intentionally. Chu Lingguang fully understood his master’s intentions. Guo Wei hoped that this public instruction would make Teng Qingshan and Lin Yuanfu feel indebted to him, so that after leaving the Martial Arts Hall, they would help shield Chu Lingguang from the storms brewing outside.

In his heart, Guo Wei was still worried that the reputation of being a “future Martial Arts Scholar” would affect Chu Lingguang’s official career and cultivation, so he was doing everything possible to mitigate the situation.

Chu Lingguang silently committed this favor to memory and began to practice earnestly. Relying on his Perfection-level value in Skillful Force, he finally managed to get a firm grasp on this second level of power, and its might far exceeded that of others.

After half an hour, Guo Fang brought the medicinal tea for Chu Lingguang to drink.

After drinking it, Chu Lingguang used a Breathing Technique to absorb the tea’s medicinal properties, while Guo Wei also stopped to rest at the side.

“Thank you, Master Guo.”

Teng Qingshan and Lin Yuanfu came before Guo Wei and bowed deeply.

Guo Wei’s meticulous guidance had been a true eye-opener for them both. They were grateful to him from the bottom of their hearts and admired his way of handling things.

This was especially true for Teng Qingshan. The foundation for rebuilding his confidence was seeing a path to improving his own strength. Guo Wei’s public lesson had given him the confidence that he could fully master the second level of Skillful Force before next year’s Provincial Examination.

In their hearts, Guo Wei was truly worthy of the three words, “Master Guo.”

“Master” was a title of respect reserved for a First Generation Grandmaster.

Tie Zhennan’s strength was no less than Guo Wei’s, yet people only ever addressed him as Master Tie, the head of his hall. Few used the title “Master” for him in the same revered way they did for Guo Wei. This was a point of constant frustration for Tie Zhennan and a reason he always wanted to surpass Guo Wei.

Guo Wei waved his hand lightly, signaling that they shouldn’t trouble themselves over it.

「Half an hour later.」

Chu Lingguang finished his Breathing and Exhaling exercises, stood up, and said, “Master, I’m ready.”

Lin Yuanfu had been waiting for some time. Hearing this, he picked up his iron staff, walked to the center of the courtyard, and cupped his hands toward Chu Lingguang. “Young Master Chu, please!”

Guo Wei nodded his approval.

Chu Lingguang immediately walked toward Lin Yuanfu. They stood five meters apart. He had already learned from Guo Wei that Lin Yuanfu’s signature skill was the Dragon Stick Technique.

Staff Technique and Spear Technique came from the same roots.

The staff was versatile and ever-changing.

The spear excelled in attack.

This was the first time Chu Lingguang had ever sparred with a Staff Technique expert.

“WHOOSH!”

Lin Yuanfu did not stand on ceremony. In his mind, he already considered Chu Lingguang an opponent of a similar level. Seeing Chu Lingguang assume his stance and ready himself, he launched the first attack.

He executed a Pointing Stick strike, aiming for Chu Lingguang’s upper body.

Chu Lingguang quickly went on the defensive. He had seen Guo Wei demonstrate the Pointing Stick skill before; a light tap could shatter a stone brick. The technique was to concentrate all one’s Power into a single point and release it in an instant.

Chu Lingguang’s Basic Stick Skill techniques were already at Perfection level, but he had yet to master the Pointing Stick skill. He could only feel Lin Yuanfu’s staff tip coming at him like a raptor diving from the night sky, or a Spiritual Snake ambushing from its hiding place in the grass.

Its accuracy was greater than that of a flying spear thrown from horseback.

Chu Lingguang had to use a continuous series of parries, cleaves, and sweeps just to neutralize Lin Yuanfu’s initial six Pointing Stick strikes. Shifting from defense to offense, he unleashed his Continuous Spear Technique, covering Lin Yuanfu’s upper body.

Lin Yuanfu advanced and retreated with ease, his Staff Technique adapting to Chu Lingguang’s Spear Technique. He didn’t compete with Chu Lingguang’s Qi Power at first, intending to find an opening in his opponent’s techniques.

Unfortunately, while Chu Lingguang’s offense might not have been ferocious, his techniques were watertight.

Lin Yuanfu used the versatility of his Staff Technique to keep up with Chu Lingguang’s rhythm, sometimes even moving faster and more accurately. Yet, he always found himself just one step away from breaking through Chu Lingguang’s defense and overwhelming his attacks.

He was shocked to discover that although his Staff Technique was ever-changing, he couldn’t disrupt the rhythm of Chu Lingguang’s Spear Technique with surprise moves. No matter how cunning or bizarre his attacks were, Chu Lingguang’s spear would always form the final layer of defense, intercepting his staff.

“BOOM!”

So, he stirred his Qi Blood Power.

His breathing synchronized with the vibrations of his staff, his Qi Blood resonating with the long weapon. A burst of Skillful Force erupted through his Staff Technique. The long staff whipped out wildly, descending upon Chu Lingguang like a tornado.

Chu Lingguang felt the pressure mount. Lin Yuanfu’s Staff Technique had suddenly become much faster, with afterimages of the staff trying to penetrate his techniques.

When the Long Spear and iron staff collided, Chu Lingguang could withstand the rebounding force. But Lin Yuanfu’s Staff Technique was ever-changing. Aided by Skillful Force, the iron staff finally broke through Chu Lingguang’s defense and pointed toward his shoulder.

Chu Lingguang felt as if a Poisonous Snake had suddenly lunged forward to bite his shoulder. The rhythm of his Spear Technique was on the verge of collapsing. His pupils dilated rapidly, and it felt as if the world had vanished, leaving only the afterimage of that single staff.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep