Martial Dao: Peace by Force

A warm current surged from his Dantian, traveled up his spine, then rushed through the meridians in his arm straight to the surface of his fist!

BOOM!

The sound of this punch was distinctly different.

The previous muffled booms were like thunder rolling within the clouds. This one, however, was like a lightning strike hitting the ground, carrying the crisp, violent crack of striking metal and stone.

Wan Ze came to a halt, his chest heaving as he gasped for air.

His gaze drifted downward.

...

[Illustrated Guide: Cloud-Breaking Fist] (Basic Mastered)

[New Effect: Beng Jin Enhancement (Physical Strength +0.02; Endurance +0.02; Power +0.02)]

[Conditions to reach Intermediate: Practice this Fist Technique 10,000 times]

...

”Not bad.” Wan Ze’s mood lifted as he watched the numbers flicker in his Attribute panel.

His Physical Strength, Endurance, and Power Attributes had all jumped up a notch.

This tangible progress was more reassuring than anything else.

Wan Ze stood still for a moment, feeling the warm current within him gradually subside. The understanding in his mind grew clearer.

Many Fist Techniques shared a common principle.

Both Tiger Form and Cloud-Breaking Fist followed a path of ferocious power. One emphasized Momentum, the other Strength, but in essence, both tempered the bones and sinews and refined one’s vital energy.

As he continued his Cultivation of various Fist Techniques, that feeling of drawing parallels between them grew stronger. It was like holding many puzzle pieces; each one seemed ordinary on its own, but when pieced together, they slowly began to reveal a much larger picture.

The benefits of his increased Intelligence were especially evident at this moment. Before, practicing his fist techniques was all about ”muscle memory,” relying on repetitive drills to form instinctive physical reactions.

Now, his practice had an added layer of ”understanding.”

He could deconstruct the movements, analyze their principles, and search for the optimal execution even as he trained.

This wasn’t just mindless drilling; he was bringing the techniques to life. It was an ability countless people could only dream of possessing.

Wan Ze calmed his mind, not rushing to finish for the day.

There was still the Mountain Shattering Leg.

This Leg Technique was more direct than Cloud-Breaking Fist. It had no flashy variations—just a single kick, powerful enough to shatter mountains and split stone.

But precisely because it was so simple and brutal, it consumed far more Physical Strength than any Fist Technique and placed a much heavier strain on his legs.

Without resting, Wan Ze walked over to the iron post in the corner of the courtyard. He took a deep breath, pivoted on his left foot, and whipped his right leg out like an iron lash.

CRACK!

The front of his shin viciously struck the iron post, which was sunk deep into the ground, letting out a sharp, explosive sound.

The iron post swayed, and a piece of paint flaked off its surface.

Wan Ze didn’t even frown. He switched legs and went again.

Left leg.

CRACK!

Right leg.

CRACK!

Left leg, right leg, left leg, right leg... His legs flew out in a rapid alternation, each kick delivered with his full strength, each one striking the same spot on the post.

One hundred times.

One hundred and fifty times.

Two hundred times!

Before he knew it, the sky had turned completely dark.

The courtyard lights were off. Only the glow from distant streetlights spilled over the wall, casting Wan Ze’s figure into shifting shadows. The only thing clearly visible was the blurry arc his leg traced through the air with each kick.

...

Three hundred and fifty times.

Four hundred times.

Wan Ze’s breathing grew more ragged, and his forehead was drenched in sweat. His Martial Dao Robe was long since soaked through, clinging to his back.

But still, he didn’t stop.

Four hundred and fifty times.

Five hundred times!

The moment he finished the final two hundred kicks, Wan Ze felt completely drained, as if he’d been hollowed out. He nearly collapsed onto the ground, grabbing the post to support himself as he heaved for breath.

He took the opportunity to glance down.

...

[Illustrated Guide: Mountain Shattering Leg] (Basic Mastered)

[New Effect: None]

[Conditions to reach Intermediate: Perform 1,000 total kicks with Mountain Shattering Leg (500/1000)]

...

”Damn it!”

Wan Ze couldn’t help but curse.

He’d put in so much effort, thrown five hundred kicks until his legs were about to give out, and the result... was no Attribute bonus?

He stared at the Illustrated Guide, then checked his Attribute panel, confirming it several times before he was forced to accept this reality.

”Looks like the quality of Mountain Shattering Leg is a bit low. I’ll probably only get an Effect from the Intermediate task.”

He shook his head helplessly, but he also felt a little fortunate.

Fortunately, the Intermediate task for Mountain Shattering Leg wasn’t difficult; he just had to land a thousand kicks.

He’d already completed five hundred today. Another five hundred tomorrow, and he would get the Attribute bonus.

Compared to the outrageous requirement of ten thousand repetitions for the Twelve Divine Intentions Fist, the Mountain Shattering Leg was practically a godsend.

He quickly grabbed a towel, wiped the sweat from his face, and glanced down at his legs... Even a body of iron would find this hard to bear.

”Alright, time for a shower first.”

He dragged his legs along, limping into the bathroom and turning on the cold water tap.

The icy water poured over his red, swollen shins. The sensation... was an indescribable mixture of agony and relief.

Wan Ze gritted his teeth and turned the tap to full blast, letting the cold water wash over his legs.

The water temperature seemed to go from icy to warm, and then from warm to hot.

But it wasn’t the water that was getting warmer; it was his legs that were starting to heat up.

This was a good sign. It meant his vital energy was repairing the damaged tissues. The recovery ability of a Refining Viscera Realm Martial Artist was on full display.

After his shower, Wan Ze changed into clean clothes, feeling much more refreshed.

He then took out the black communicator and glanced at it.

The screen was dark, with no message notifications.

Feng Jiuchen had said he would send an encrypted message in advance before their next meeting.

’Looks like there are no arrangements for tonight.’

Just as he stuffed the communicator into his pocket, he heard a knock at the gate.

”Ah Ze, it’s me.”

Zhou Xianchuan’s voice was hushed, as if he were up to something shady.

Wan Ze walked over and opened the gate, only to see Zhou Xianchuan standing at the entrance. He had half his head stuck out, peering into the courtyard with the cautious, furtive expression of a thief.