High Martial Arts: Enlightenment after Practices-Chapter 72: Body Technique Selection

"Against an all-around opponent like Chu Shanhe, your biggest shortcoming is your Body Technique."

Wang Wenhai’s tone shifted as he pointed out Xu Wuyi’s most critical problem.

Xu Wuyi fell into thought, glanced down at his feet, and said slowly, "If my Body Technique is too poor, does that mean I’ll never have the initiative?"

"Exactly!" Wang Wenhai clapped his hands sharply. "Your Wind-Settling Spear has a steady defense, integrating offense and defense, and excels at defensive counterattacks. But Chu Shanhe knows a wide variety of Martial Arts. His tactics are flexible and ever-changing. He’ll never clash with you head-on; he’ll choose a hit-and-run fighting style."

Wang Wenhai’s analysis was spot-on. After all, that was exactly how he had fought during their guidance match.

Even back during the three-school joint exam, Su Yueling had discovered this weakness and used her speed to fight a guerilla battle against him.

If Xu Wuyi hadn’t caught her off guard and secured a surprise victory with his True Intention of Martial Arts, she probably wouldn’t have been defeated so easily.

Passively defending while looking for an opportunity to counterattack... in the face of an absolute disparity in speed and agility, the success rate of such a tactic is drastically reduced.

The solution offered by the Wind-Settling Spear is to use the Silk Binding Force to slowly "stack debuffs" on the opponent, but this method is still very passive.

If the opponent’s attacks are powerful enough, and they are patient enough to deny Xu Wuyi opportunities to make contact, then the Silk Binding Force will struggle to be effective.

After all, the Wind-Settling Spear is only a C-Level Spear Technique. It can’t be omnipotent; it’s bound to have weaknesses.

And what Chu Shanhe excels at is exploiting the weaknesses in his opponents’ Martial Arts.

If he tries to face him with the same old methods, defeat is all but certain.

Wang Wenhai continued, "When you two fight, your greatest advantage is your Qi and Blood. It’s so condensed it’s like a solid bolt, completely surpassing the level of a Martial Disciple. You’ll definitely have the upper hand in a head-on clash."

"So you have to force Chu Shanhe into a direct confrontation. You can’t give him any room to maneuver. This will require your Body Technique—it doesn’t have to surpass his, but at the very least, it needs to be on par."

Xu Wuyi took a deep breath, his gaze firming. "I understand, Teacher Wang. I’ll start training in a Body Technique as soon as possible."

"Do you have any in mind?" Wang Wenhai asked. "The Star Martial Battle Network’s Armory has plenty of Body Techniques. You need to choose one that suits your current condition. It’s best to pick one that focuses on short-distance movement, bursts of speed, and evasion, rather than one for long-distance sprints."

’The traits of the Martial Arts Diligence Record and the physical changes brought by the Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace flashed through Xu Wuyi’s mind. Abundant Qi and Blood, condensed like mercury, powerful explosive force, fast recovery speed...’

"I want to find a Body Technique that can fully leverage the advantages of my Qi and Blood and my physique," Xu Wuyi said, looking up, his eyes glinting with contemplation. "Maybe... one that doesn’t focus on endurance, but instead pursues the ultimate in instantaneous bursts and evasive speed."

A glimmer of approval flashed in Wang Wenhai’s eyes. "Very good. It seems you know exactly what you need. The Battle Network Armory’s search function is very powerful; you can filter based on your requirements. Remember, what’s most suitable for you is what’s best."

"Yes, Teacher Wang."

"Go on," Wang Wenhai said with a wave of his hand. "You don’t need to train this afternoon. Go home and focus on researching Body Techniques. Let me know once you’ve picked one, and I’ll help you look it over."

Xu Wuyi nodded firmly and left the training room.

Watching his departing figure, a smile of anticipation spread across Wang Wenhai’s face.

’Chu Shanhe... Little Eight Extremes? Just you wait. This year, our Honghe First Middle School has prepared a real ’monster’ for you.’

...

That afternoon, Xu Wuyi wasted no time. His consciousness connected directly to the Star Martial Battle Network.

He didn’t queue for a Rank Battle, but instead went straight to the grand "Armory" system.

A holographic screen unfolded before him, and countless names and icons of Martial Arts swirled past like a river of stars.

Under the filter criteria, Xu Wuyi checked the "Body Technique/Step Technique" category and set the quality requirement to "C-Level."

The list on the screen was instantly streamlined, but there were still hundreds of options.

Xu Wuyi began to browse through them one by one.

Willow Wind Step, C-Level. Focuses on borrowing and redirecting force, making one’s movements erratic. Suitable for drawn-out battles. Consumes little Qi and Blood, emphasizing technique over power.

Blast Step, C-Level. Pursues instantaneous, linear bursts of speed. Lacks variation and is suitable for charging, but turning is clumsy.

Wandering Dragon Body Technique, C+ Level. Movements are fluid and graceful, possessing both speed and agility. However, it has extremely high requirements for coordination and flexibility, making it difficult to master.

Seven-Star Step, C+ Level. The Step Technique follows the positions of the Big Dipper. It is exceptionally profound, involving complex ritualistic pacing, and requires immense calculation ability and spatial awareness...

The descriptions and characteristics of one Body Technique after another scrolled past his eyes, and Xu Wuyi studied them carefully.

Considering his own condition, he continuously eliminated unsuitable options.

’The Willow Wind Step is too focused on technique and can’t leverage my advantage of abundant Qi and Blood. The Blast Step is too one-dimensional and easily countered.’

’The Wandering Dragon Body Technique and Seven-Star Step are high-grade, but they either have niche physical requirements or the learning curve is too steep. I’d have to spend a ton of time and energy drilling the Basic Step Technique, and it would be difficult to make them combat-effective in the short term.’

’I need a Body Technique that can complement my existing Wind-Settling Spear and Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace—one that could even create synergy between them.’

Time ticked by as Xu Wuyi immersed himself in the sea of information, repeatedly comparing and weighing his options.

Finally, his gaze landed on a C-Level Body Technique called Instant Shadow Step.

Instant Shadow Step (C+ Level)

Core Principle: Condense Qi and Blood into the acupoints of the soles and unleash it in an instant, creating extreme speed. Follows like a shadow, moves like a startled swan.

Characteristics: Extreme focus on instantaneous start-up speed and short-range evasive maneuvers. Possesses immense explosive power but has high requirements for both the quality and quantity of one’s Qi and Blood. However, its endurance is poor, and prolonged use places a massive strain on one’s Qi and Blood.

Cultivation Threshold: Requires condensed Qi and Blood, unobstructed meridians in the feet, and a robust constitution. Recommended for those at Life Energy Level 11 or higher.

Note: This Body Technique can be used in conjunction with most offensive Martial Arts. It particularly excels at creating openings in close quarters.

"’Condense Qi and Blood into the acupoints of the soles and unleash it in an instant...’" Xu Wuyi murmured, his eyes shining brighter and brighter.

’Of all the Body Techniques I’ve seen, the philosophy behind this Instant Shadow Step is the most suitable for me!’

’The condensed Qi and Blood I’ve cultivated with the Hundred Refinements Melting Furnace provides the perfect ’high-quality fuel’ needed for these instantaneous bursts. And my increasingly formidable physique, especially my sinews and bones that have undergone the furnace’s initial tempering, is more than enough to withstand the immense strain from the explosions of power.’

"This is the one!" Xu Wuyi no longer hesitated, his finger tapping the purchase option.

Do you wish to spend 15,000 Federation Coins (student discount) to purchase the basic transmission of Instant Shadow Step?

Fifteen thousand Federation Coins. While not exorbitantly expensive for the current Xu Wuyi, it was still a full fifteen times more expensive than the Wind-Settling Spear had been.

And that was with his high school student discount.

The Instant Shadow Step was C+ Level. That single small ’+’ symbol caused the price to multiply drastically.

But Xu Wuyi didn’t hesitate. Money was meant to be spent; it only had value when converted into personal strength.

"Confirm!"