Starting with fishing, I've traversed a chaotic world of demons and martial arts.

Li Tianxing cleanly and efficiently closed the door of Boguzhai.

Following Manager Chen's footsteps, they arrived at the backyard, which was Manager Chen's home.

There is a large willow tree in the backyard.

On the stone table under the willow tree, there were three old-looking martial arts manuals.

It seems that Manager Chen has already arranged everything.

Li Tianxing's gaze was fixed on three books on cultivation techniques.

His eyes were calm, but his heart was beginning to race with anxiety...

Whether I can learn martial arts by myself through books depends on what I gain today.

Manager Chen led Li Tianxing to the stone table, and the two sat down facing each other.

Shopkeeper Chen casually picked up a martial arts manual and handed it to Li Tianxing:

"There aren't many literate people in Anlan County..."

But you should be able to read, right?

Through my previous contact with Li Tianxing when I sold the Four Treasures of the Study.

Manager Chen deduced that the young man should be literate.

Otherwise, Li Tianxing would not have had the idea of ​​learning martial arts on his own.

Li Tianxing nodded: "He can read."

He took the martial arts manual from Manager Chen and saw the words "Splitting Pine Palm" written on it.

He opened the book and began to read:

"Chop the pine palm, using the palm as a knife."

It incorporates the techniques used by hunters in the mountains at the end of the previous dynasty for splitting pine trees for timber and cutting branches to clear paths...

He had only read two sentences when Li Tianxing's panel suddenly appeared before his eyes.

[Technique: Reading (Beginner)]

Progress: (1/300)

[Abilities: Excellent hearing and eyesight; able to recognize and understand scriptures.]

"Hmm... this is inputting the reading information into the panel?!"

And they reached the beginner level right from the start!

It seems that my predecessor wasn't entirely useless after all!

"It must be because my predecessor enjoyed reading and had already accumulated some proficiency, so when I read again, it naturally entered into the panel."

Li Tianxing suddenly felt his mind was exceptionally clear, and even his vision became much sharper.

This is the effect of improving hearing and vision!

"Once I've mastered the basics of 'reading,' the difficulty of learning other techniques should decrease, right...?"

It seems that as long as I keep delving into a certain field and reach a certain milestone, my panel will automatically record the results!

Li Tianxing gained a further assessment of his own abilities.

He was reading "The Pine Splitting Palm" with his head down.

The words in front of me began to come alive, and I could vaguely sense that they were forming a picture!

The effects of seeing and understanding the scriptures are helping Li Tianxing comprehend this practice.

"Someone like me, who has never been exposed to martial arts, can actually understand the meaning of some of these obscure terms..."

It seems that reading really is useful. The ancients said, "In books, there are houses of gold; in books, there are beauties like jade." How true that is!

Li Tianxing read through it roughly, then clasped the book, "The Pine-Splitting Palm," together with his palms.

"You finished reading it so quickly?"

Manager Chen, smoking his pipe, was somewhat shocked.

He had expected Li Tianxing to ask him what some obscure and difficult words meant, but he didn't.

Could it be that this kid is too embarrassed to ask me...?

Manager Chen glanced at the fruit basket on the stone table again, and then gave up on the idea.

Clearly, the young people in front of us are too eager to improve; they wouldn't have such naive ideas...

"I've finished reading it, Manager Chen."

But... this skill isn't really suitable for me.

After mastering the basics, it requires the assistance of various medicinal herbs for training.

And since it only targets the hands, it's of little value to me.

Li Tianxing stated the facts truthfully.

He would rather practice a martial art that could improve his physical fitness.

His foundation is too weak; this kind of martial arts that only targets the hands is somewhat useless for him now.

This "Pine Splitting Palm" is somewhat similar to the "Iron Sand Palm" from my previous life.

It's just more powerful and fierce, capable of using the palm as a knife.

However, the fact that such a skill can be found on the streets suggests that the martial arts of this world must be quite extraordinary...

Shopkeeper Chen collected these books; I wonder if he knows any martial arts...

Li Tianxing thought to himself.

"Hmm, it seems you really absorbed it."

Furthermore, the ability to consider one's own circumstances is commendable.

People who have never been exposed to martial arts before will definitely want to learn this technique as soon as possible.

Very few people have the patience to think about whether a particular martial art is suitable for them.

But Li Tianxing was actually able to make his own judgment.

Shopkeeper Chen picked up the second book with great interest:

"In that case, take a look at this book. It's not a martial arts manual, but it will give you a general understanding of martial arts."

Li Tianxing took the book with both hands, and saw that the cover had the four large characters "Four Realms of Mortal Body" written on it.

Is this a classification of realm levels?

Li Tianxing eagerly opened the book and began to study it carefully:

"The first realm is the Body Tempering Realm. Some people also call it 'Skin and flesh as armor'."

It is divided into four levels: forging the skin, forging the flesh, strengthening the tendons, and combining strength.

Manager Chen continued:

"If you can master the first stage and achieve the combined power, you'll be qualified to open a small martial arts school in the county."

Li Tianxing voiced the question that had been lingering in his mind:

"Does Manager Chen perhaps also know a little about martial arts?"

Manager Chen showed a hint of reminiscence, exhaled a puff of smoke, and remained silent.

Li Tianxing didn't know whether Manager Chen was ignorant of martial arts or unwilling to teach him.

However, his face did not show any expression.

After all, it's already quite kind of them to give me this book to read.

Manager Chen and I are not related. Even if he knows martial arts, why should he teach me?

Li Tianxing regained his composure and continued flipping through the pages:

"The second realm is the Blood and Bone Realm. It is also known in folk tradition as the 'Blood and Bone Furnace'."

It is divided into four levels: blood circulation, bone strengthening, marrow nourishment, and furnace fusion.

Manager Chen kindly reminded him:

"This second realm is the end point for ordinary people."

Just the simple act of "blood circulation" requires a huge investment of resources.

Young people shouldn't aim too high.

Li Tianxing glanced at Manager Chen, then closed his book:

"What Manager Chen reminded me of is that I'd like to see the third book."

Shopkeeper Chen squinted, picked up the third book, and handed it to Li Tianxing:

"This third book isn't about martial arts that focuses on killing, but I feel it would suit you quite well."

Li Tianxing took a closer look and saw that the book was titled "The Art of Chasing Waves"!

Li Tianxing opened the homepage and saw eight large characters:

"Go with the flow, leverage the momentum without competing."

He looked up at Manager Chen and felt a warmth in his heart.

Could this technique have been specially prepared for me by this old man?

Because he knew I was a fisherman on the Qinghe River.

So what he meant by what he just said was that I shouldn't get hung up on what state I'm in right now.

Instead, she focused on practicing this skill...

Li Tianxing put down the "Chasing Waves Kung Fu".

He stood up and bowed slightly, saying:

"Thank you, Manager Chen."

Manager Chen nodded.

He had no children, and he was quite satisfied with the respect Li Tianxing showed him from the bottom of his heart.

"Don't overthink it, kid. I just happen to have these three books."

At most, the combined power of "Chasing Waves Skill" and "Splitting Pine Palm" can only be achieved through practice.

So it's not really worth much, otherwise it wouldn't have ended up in my hands.

In addition, there's the book "The Four Realms of Mortals"...

Take all three books; they're useless to me.

Li Tianxing was somewhat surprised; he had thought that Manager Chen would let him choose a book.

But to his surprise, they all ended up being given to him.

"Even a poor boy like you can take out a silver dollar to find a way out."

As the manager of Boguzhai, these few books are nothing to me.

Take it.

Manager Chen stood up and smoked his pipe.

Li Tianxing knew that this meant they were about to see the guests off.

He stuffed the three books into his pocket, his tone sincere:

"Thank you so much, Uncle Chen. I'll come and chat with you often when I have time!"

When Manager Chen heard Li Tianxing call him Uncle Chen, he smiled and said:

"Alright, go figure it out yourself."

Oh, by the way... next time you come, bring me a fish to try.

Don't waste money buying fruit; save that money for your martial arts training.

"good!"

Li Tianxing nodded and walked out of Boguzhai.

Manager Chen watched Li Tianxing's retreating figure, wondering if it was just his imagination.

He always felt that this young fisherman...

The back view seems a bit wider than it did a couple of days ago...

"This kid is interesting."

If you can truly learn without a teacher, this old man wouldn't mind giving you a few pointers..."

Manager Chen sounded somewhat melancholy, as if he were recalling some past events.