Chapter 43 - 42: Training to Shape the Body like a Tiger’s Shape (Seeking More Readers)

Chapter 43: Chapter 42: Training to Shape the Body like a Tiger’s Shape (Seeking More Readers)"Section Chief Guo is too kind," Jiang Shu extended one hand, his voice calm. "Oh, we’re not at work, no need for titles. From now on, just call me Brother Guo. If there’s anything I can help with, I’ll do my best." Section Chief Guo shook his hand, his face wreathed in smiles. Sitting in the private room, he was acutely aware of how much Director Zheng valued this young man before him, whose beard had yet to fully grow. Facing someone as busy as Director Zheng, even as a section chief himself, opportunities to meet were rare. If he couldn’t meet the man, he couldn’t ride his coattails, so how could he advance? Thus, to progress, he had to take an indirect route. No sooner had he seen Director Zheng off than he was waiting in the hall. Persistence pays off. Now that I’ve established a good relationship with this student, Jiang Shu, it’s practically an indirect connection to Director Zheng. Director Guo chuckled to himself, completely oblivious to the impact his actions were having on the Jiang Family members. No one had expected that Jiang Hongfei’s superior, a section chief already doing very well among ordinary people in their eyes, would actually be shaking Jiang Shu’s hand with both of his own! In official circles, using both hands for a handshake signified great respect for the other party! If Section Chief Guo hadn’t mistaken the person, it meant Jiang Shu possessed an identity they were still unaware of! The Jiang Family members all watched this scene unfold, their eyes occasionally darting towards Jiang Hongfei. Nobody was a fool. By this point, they could probably surmise that Jiang Hongfei knew something but had simply kept it hidden. "Here’s my business card, Brother Jiang. Call me anytime you need something. It’s getting late, so I won’t disturb your family gathering any longer." Section Chief Guo, seizing the opportune moment, smiled and departed. His figure receded into the distance, but the atmosphere around the Jiang Family members remained as gloomy as overcast weather. Jiang Xiangrong was silent. Jiang Yongren was even more speechless. The reprimanding words he had previously directed at Jiang Shu now felt like a series of slaps across his own face. His son, whom he always boasted was deeply favored and valued by his superiors, didn’t even get a chance to speak with Section Chief Guo. Yet his nephew, Jiang Shu, whom he had always thought little of, could converse with Section Chief Guo on equal terms. Jiang Shu... What makes him worthy? "Mom, Dad, I’ve called a car. I’m leaving." Amidst the silence of the others, it was Jiang Shu who spoke. He knew the Jiang Family members were waiting for his explanation, but why should he explain? Should he explain that Section Chief Guo treated him so courteously because he knew Director Zheng? Or that his body was already circulating qi and blood in a grand cycle, making him a future Martial Artist? They wouldn’t understand. In their eyes, there was only power and money. They didn’t know that in this world, the fist *is* power! When the Great Change of Xuanxing happens and Xia Country releases all the information, they will naturally understand what Martial Arts represent. 「Ji City.」 「Xishan Kaiyuan Hotel.」 "Ah, Jiang Shu, I’m dying," Ye Zhenzhen couldn’t help but exclaim. She glanced at Jiang Shu, still holding his stance beside her, and rubbed her slightly trembling legs. Her voice, also a bit weak, continued, "No more standing, no more. I need to rest for a bit." After three days together, she had a general idea of Jiang Shu’s character. She had initially thought he, like other men, would play some hard-to-get games. Unexpectedly, he was genuinely devoted to Martial Arts, caring for nothing else. He arrived at the hotel at eight o’clock sharp every day to teach her stance training. If she was willing, she’d join him; if not, he’d practice alone. Apart from meals and brief rests, he spent eight hours a day maintaining the Horse Stance, without even glancing aside! For the first two days, she had wondered if her recent move to Ji City had adversely affected her complexion. But a look in the mirror showed everything was fine! If there were no issues with herself, then the problem must lie with Jiang Shu. We’re in our final year of high school; surely he’s not still... unawakened in that department? Unable to resist, she glanced over Jiang Shu’s physique and then asked, "You’re about to go to college. Jiang Shu, haven’t you thought about finding a girlfriend?" "Haven’t thought about it." Jiang Shu maintained his Horse Stance, feeling the proficiency of his Horse Stance jump on his internal panel, a sense of indescribable joy welling within him. What could be better than improving one’s strength? It’s just a pity that once the Horse Stance reaches Perfection, Xuanxing’s Martial Arts will temporarily hit a ceiling. I need to learn Guiding Skills to comprehend Ming Jin. I wonder what the difference is between Ming Jin and the ’Strength’ in "Famished Tiger Roar Mountain Strength." Are the Martial Arts of the Two Realms different in approach but similar in principle, or are they completely divergent paths? I might only grasp some understanding after reaching the entry-level in "Famished Tiger Roar Mountain Strength" and Guiding Skills. Jiang Shu mused internally, his Horse Stance growing ever steadier. For him at this moment, it didn’t matter where he practiced Martial Arts. He had come to teach Ye Zhenzhen the Horse Stance. If she could practice, she practiced; all she needed was to manage a basic stance. After all, a Martial Arts promotional film was just for promotion; no one would take it *that* seriously. Jiang Shu replied casually, but Ye Zhenzhen’s question was anything but. Could he... be gay? Looking at Jiang Shu, whose hair was now noticeably longer than that of other boys his age, Ye Zhenzhen tilted her head, pondered for a moment, and then continued, "Jiang Shu, I heard a Taoist say once that those with Dao Practice gather Qi. Since it’s still early, why don’t we go up the mountain and take a look?" "Either works." Already feeling a bit cooped up in the hotel suite, Jiang Shu readily agreed. The Xishan Kaiyuan Hotel was located at the foot of the Ji City mountain range. Secluded and boasting fresh air, Ye Zhenzhen had chosen this place for her temporary residence precisely for these reasons. Before long, the two left the hotel and ascended the mountain via the stone steps. The bamboo forest was dense, birdsong echoing in the serene mountains. The fresh scent of soil, carried by the breeze, reached Jiang Shu’s nose. Jiang Shu took a gentle breath, stood in a clearing, and decided to stop. "This should be about right. The view here is open, most conducive for Martial Arts practice. I told you on the first day, the Horse Stance emphasizes ’an empty and lofty crown, form and spirit open.’ Come, try standing here." Practicing Martial Arts even when we’re just out for a stroll on the mountain... I’m doomed! she thought, but didn’t dare say it aloud. Ye Zhenzhen’s face was full of resignation; she was now almost ninety percent certain Jiang Shu was gay. A normal guy, upon meeting a big celebrity like her, would at least make some small talk to build rapport, right? In the hotel, he always said his agent might come in, making him too embarrassed to talk much. But now, it’s just the two of them, isolated on this secluded mountain. This terrain... this atmosphere... And yet the first thing he does is ask me to practice Martial Arts? She was genuinely impressed. Ye Zhenzhen steadied her breathing and, beside Jiang Shu, also assumed the Horse Stance. However, just as she had firmly positioned herself, rustling noises suddenly arose from the bushes nearby. Instinctively, she looked down. There, among the sparse bushes, a viper as thick as an arm, its body grey-brown, lay coiled, its triangular head raised high, hissing at her! Had it not been for the somewhat stable Horse Stance she had just assumed, that single glance would have been enough to make her collapse! "Jiang... Jiang Shu... there’s... there’s a snake..." Ye Zhenzhen stammered, her voice very light. She didn’t dare make any movement, terrified of attracting the viper’s attention. "Don’t move." Beside her, Jiang Shu’s Horse Stance instantly shifted into the ’Famished Tiger Sitting in the Cave’ stance. The ’Famished Tiger Sitting in the Cave’ stance at the Great Success level, along with the Tiger’s Breath technique. In just one breath, Jiang Shu’s entire aura condensed; the Tiger’s Three Forms, at the Great Success level, could be unleashed at any moment! His gaze was fixed on the viper in the bushes. "Good. Now, move towards me, little by little." Listening to Jiang Shu’s voice beside her, which was indescribably steady, she remembered that no matter how composed he sounded, she was still facing a venomous viper! Ye Zhenzhen closed her eyes and bit her lip. Right now, she could only choose to trust Jiang Shu. Forget it, I’ll gamble! If I get bitten, at worst I’ll spend a few months in the hospital! With resolution hardening in her heart, Ye Zhenzhen took a step towards Jiang Shu. But just as she did, the viper in the bushes shot out like a spring-loaded missile. Its forked tongue flicked, a foul stench assaulting her senses! Ye Zhenzhen froze, unsure what to do. She only heard the sound of a fist cutting through the air behind her. Tiger’s Three Forms. POUNCE! Jiang Shu lunged, his fist striking the viper in mid-air. Then, he spun with a kick. WHIP! His leg whipped out, the kick sending the viper flying, slamming it against the nearest large tree! THUD! Countless leaves rustled down. In that instant, the arm-thick viper was kicked in half by Jiang Shu’s immense force! Only its two severed halves remained, twitching and writhing on the ground. Pulling the still-dazed Ye Zhenzhen behind him, Jiang Shu stepped forward and stomped on the viper’s head as it attempted another attack. Crushing it hard, blood flowed freely. Without turning back, he spoke softly, "It’s alright now."