High Martial Arts: Grinding for the Supreme Talent

Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Learns It Instantly

’Spear techniques are truly marvelous!’

’The most basic techniques can be deconstructed and reassembled into brand-new ones, forming a fierce and domineering, yet refined spear technique—the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique.’

’Just by performing it completely once, my Spear Technique proficiency improved by 2%.’

What Lin Qi found most crucial was that he had somehow learned the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique after watching Zhang City perform it only once. He didn’t even need to watch the recording on his phone.

Not only had he memorized all the techniques, but he could also execute them completely.

This meant his Comprehension had reached a genius level, several tiers higher than before.

Previously, it had taken him quite a while just to fully learn the Basic Spear Skill and perform it from start to finish.

At this thought, Lin Qi was filled with motivation. He tirelessly continued to brandish his Long Spear, practicing the Spear Technique.

Mountain Shattering Spear Technique, first form!

...

「Ten minutes later.」

WHOOSH—

SWISH, SWISH—

Zhang City finished the final form of his Saber Technique with a flourish of his Battle Saber and said to the skinny boy:

”Did you get all that on video? Now, practice it on your own!”

”Okay!”

The skinny boy nodded, took his phone to an empty space, and quietly began learning the new Saber Technique Secret Manual.

Holding a Tang Blade, Zhang City walked through the classroom, looking for Lin Qi. He planned to give him some pointers on the new Spear Technique.

’When students first learn a new spear technique, they’re unfamiliar with the secret manual. A teacher’s role is to help them speed up the process of becoming proficient.’

’He’s probably still memorizing the Spear Technique right now,’ Zhang City mused.

In his experience, a student with decent Comprehension could memorize all the techniques of a new spear discipline and perform it completely within a day or two.

’Those with lower Comprehension would need even more time.’

’As for geniuses who could learn it instantly, they were exceedingly rare. He hadn’t met many in his time.’

Soon, Zhang City found his target.

”This is...”

SWISH! SWISH!!

In Zhang City’s line of sight, a figure was brandishing a Long Spear with an imposing aura. Afterimages of the spear filled the air, and its tip let out a roar as it pierced through the atmosphere.

Although the Spear Technique was still a bit raw, that wasn’t the main point. Was he actually performing the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique?

How much time had passed?

This Lin Qi was already able to perform the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique in its entirety.

’Could he have learned it before?’

It wasn’t impossible.

Zhang City knew that some students would do this intentionally to attract a teacher’s attention, making them think they’d discovered a genius in order to gain more guidance and focus.

”Lin Qi, is this really your first time learning the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique?”

Zhang City couldn’t help but ask.

Lin Qi retracted his spear, briefly wiped the sweat from his face, and nodded in response to the question. ”Yes, it’s my first time.”

”Then perform the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique one more time.”

”Alright!”

Lin Qi didn’t ask why and began practicing the new Spear Technique again.

SWISH, SWISH—

Lin Qi performed the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique once more. With each execution, his proficiency with the technique increased.

Zhang City noticed this as well. He narrowed his eyes, trying to get a closer look.

’The kid’s Spear Technique... it seems to have gotten more proficient and fluid?’

”When you perform the Spear Technique, pay attention to your rhythm. Don’t rush the transitions between techniques...”

”Learn to rotate your rear hand’s fingers and wrist. When wielding the spear, twist, wrap, drill, and flip. Hook with your pinky, rub with your thumb, rotate your palm—one twist, one thrust...”

Zhang City offered his guidance, pointing out the issues in Lin Qi’s Spear Technique.

Lin Qi’s eyes lit up. His mind raced as he realized Zhang City’s advice made perfect sense.

So he practiced the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique once more.

SWISH! SWISH!

”Beng Ci!”

”Vortex Break!”

”Sky Jumping!”

The Spear Technique was fierce and powerful, and the transitions between techniques became more natural.

The Long Spear cut through the air, creating blurs of motion. Afterimages flickered as the Spear Technique grew increasingly refined.

[Through training, your proficiency with the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique has increased. Spear Technique +1%]

[Having received guidance from Zhang City, you have gained new insight into the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique. Spear Technique +2%]

[Spear Technique: Tier One 67% → 70%]

...

Lin Qi finished his form and looked at the increase in his Spear Technique data, feeling very satisfied.

’Looks like my Comprehension really is strong. And Zhang City isn’t a bad teacher, either. His casual pointers actually improved my Spear Technique.’

When he looked back at Zhang City, he saw the teacher’s brow was tightly furrowed.

He stared at Lin Qi, astonished.

’This kid... The moment I gave him a pointer, his Spear Technique changed immediately.’

’The entire set became visibly more proficient.’

’It seems he really did just learn the Mountain Shattering Spear Technique today.’

’And his Comprehension is truly excellent. It’s rare to see someone become so proficient right after learning a technique.’

’Interesting. Ranked 45th in the year, yet he has such high Comprehension. I’m starting to look forward to the coming days.’

Zhang City made his assessment, and his impression of Lin Qi deepened.

”Keep practicing. Keep up the good work!”

After a few words of encouragement, Zhang City went to instruct Jiangtao and the skinny boy.

「A few minutes later.」

Watching Jiangtao and the skinny boy stumble through their Saber Technique practice, Zhang City was lost in thought.

’Strange. How did three geniuses with such good Comprehension all show up today?’

This felt like a great start to Zhang City, making him feel a little hopeful for the future of the Elite Class.

...

RING RING RING!

”Class dismissed!”

After speaking, Zhang City walked out, while the others went to wash up and change their clothes.

”Brother Qi, we both learned new secret manuals, so why does it feel like you’re way more proficient than me?”

Jiangtao couldn’t help but ask curiously as they walked back to their classroom.

”Maybe my Comprehension is just higher than yours?”

Lin Qi said with a smile.

”For real? I’m ranked 12th in our year,” Jiangtao said, unconvinced.

”By the way, what Saber Technique did you learn?” Lin Qi asked.

Jiangtao put his hands behind his head and answered, ”I chose the Heavy Mountain Saber Technique. It specializes in defense and counterattacks.”

Lin Qi was surprised to hear that. The energetic and restless Jiangtao was actually learning a calm, defensive Saber Technique.

”Also, Chen Zichuan is practicing the Tornado Saber Technique. And Brother Qi, his body type is similar to yours. The Drip Water Spear Skill should have been the most suitable for you.”

Jiangtao couldn’t help but ask again, looking at Lin Qi’s physique.

Chen Zichuan was the skinny boy.

”Haha, you’ll find out in the future.”

”The Mountain Shattering Spear Technique is the one that’s most suitable for me.”

Lin Qi didn’t explain. After some time passed, no one would bring this up anymore.

Jiangtao’s heart stirred, and he didn’t ask any more questions. Since Lin Qi was so confident, he could only trust him.

After all, ever since they were kids, his friend had never done anything he wasn’t sure about.

The two returned to Class 3, started packing their things, and said goodbye to their classmates.

”Wang Qiang, Daddy’s leaving. Don’t miss me too much.”

”Get lost, son!”

”Lao Hei, don’t you dare embarrass Class 3 now that you’re in the Elite class.”

”Don’t worry. After the monthly exam, you’ll see my name in the top ten of the year-end rankings.”

Amid the playful banter and insults, Jiangtao and his classmates said their goodbyes.

Watching Lin Qi, Jiangtao, and the others leave, the class was suddenly smaller by eight people.

A strange feeling lingered in everyone’s hearts.

They all knew that from now on, they wouldn’t be students of the same caliber anymore.

Meanwhile, Lin Qi and Jiangtao, out in the hallway, were stepping into a new future.

No. 2 Middle School had three U-shaped academic buildings. One side of the ”U” was for classrooms, and the other side was for Martial Arts Classrooms.

All third-year high school students had their classes in Academic Building No. 3.

The Elite Class’s classroom was on the 5th floor, near the top. It was the only classroom on the entire floor; the rest of the rooms were Martial Arts Rooms.

A moment later, Lin Qi and Jiangtao entered the Elite Class, along with several other students.

”Find a seat on your own. Taller students should try to sit in the back.”

A familiar figure on the podium began to speak. She wore a black suit and had a beautiful face.

”Holy crap, it’s our old homeroom teacher!”

Jiangtao’s eyes went wide as he exclaimed in shock.

The person on the podium was none other than the protector of Class 3—Yan Hong!

Confused, Lin Qi and Jiangtao found two seats in the middle row against the wall.

An unfamiliar atmosphere still hung over the classroom.

RING RING RING!

The class bell rang. Seeing that everyone had arrived, Yan Hong slowly began to speak:

”Welcome, everyone, to the Elite Class!”

...