179 Fist Training (1/2)

Old man Hai had not even started on his 'compensation.' Kidnapping Jiang Fei was already a reward in itself. On top of that, Jiang Fei had displayed such raw natural talent, further impressing him.

Old man Hai Started correcting Jiang Fei's movements, quickly noticing that Jiang Fei was a very fast learner. He was not sure if Jiang Fei was naturally gifted at learning martial arts, or if it was some other reason. As it was, Jiang Fei was picking things up at a breakneck pace. By the time the sun was over their heads, Jiang Fei was already capable of recreating the techniques to perfection.

Of course, recreating them on the outside was just as far as he went. He could pose and use them as some demonstration in performance arts. However, they were no good in an actual battle. They did not even have the power of the practical, military techniques that Chen Xi had taught Jiang Fei.

”Alright! Young man, you're a real fast learner. You've got the basics pat down. Next, I will teach you the verbal cues. Only after you have mastered both its form and spirit -- would you be able to unleash its true might!” said old man Hai as he laughed. Jiang Fei had already become an unpolished gem in old man Hai's eyes. If not for Jiang Fei's insistence that he had a master, old man Hai would have taken him in as his own disciple.

”Alright!”

Jiang Fei had grown very enthusiastic indeed. He could not believe that he had benefited from this misfortune. This sadistic old man was not all that terrifying as he believed. On the contrary, he was very kind and willing to teach the younger generation of disciples.

The old man soon established a chain of verbal cues that Jiang Fei was soon chanting as he went through the steps. It was an easy feat for his memory. Despite being able to recite it all word for word, he could not quite comprehend every single bit.

These verbal cues used ancient Chinese and involved philosophy and concepts like Yin and Yang. For the uninitiated like Jiang Fei, it was like attempting to learn a foreign language!

”Old man, what do these words all mean? You have said a bunch of things, yet I understand nothing…” said Jiang Fei as he laughed apologetically.

”Alright! Let me explain!”

Old man Hai had gotten to know more about Jiang Fei. Therefore, he was not too surprised when Jiang Fei said he could not understand the verbal cues.

As each line was interpreted into laymen terms, Jiang Fei's grasp of the fist techniques gradually improved. He quickly progressed into a new level of mastery. Jiang Fei now understood when he should exert force, and when he should pull back. He also knew how to use his energy to extend the impact of his fist's might and how to work on his breath to smoothen the transition of techniques. Without those words, he would have never learned any of this!

”Alright! You know all the words now. Now, go and try it out again!”

Old man Hai was truly treating Jiang Fei like his own disciple.

”Alright!”

Armed with his newfound understanding, Jiang Fei was eager to make another attempt. It was time to put himself to the test!

When he stood at the center of the stone ring, Jiang Fei gently shut his eyes and repeated the verbal cues in his heart. Something clicked inside. His eyes flashed open, producing supernatural light. After crossing one forearm over the other with his fists clenched, he started the cycle. He no moved, with at least ten times the fluidity and grace compared to before.

He was now far more certain of himself. His movements were no longer weighed down by hesitance and self-doubt. As his fists and legs moved, strong gusts of winds were emanated around his person.

”This is interesting! This young man has really good comprehension. And his physical qualities, tsk tsk…”

Old man Hai could not help but nod his head approvingly.

In all honesty, Jiang Fei's fist techniques were still rather undeveloped. If he squared off against Chen Xi at this moment, she would only make an impression of his face on the ground. However, Jiang Fei had been able to improve significantly in just a few hours. Old man Hai took note of that.

”It's a shame that this young man's veins are clogged up. He is also far too old to train Inner Qi!” old man sighed pitifully, while still admiring the show of talent.