In the Spirit Realm, defeating special martial artists would reward you with temporary spirit energy points. The stronger the opponent, the greater the rewards. However, these points would disappear once you left the Spirit Realm, but they could enhance your strength during your time there.
"In simple terms, you will become stronger as you fight!" explained Adore to his students.
That morning, Adore stood on the podium, explaining in detail the fourth level of the Spirit Realm to his students: "The martial arts in the fourth level can be classified into two categories: External Kung Fu and Internal Cultivation Methods."
"External Kung Fu is easier to obtain. Almost every martial arts gym owner knows a few techniques, which you can learn by paying. However, External Kung Fu has a significant limitation: it only helps you reach the level of Ming Jin."
"Internal Cultivation Methods are rare and are the trump cards of famous martial artists. They're closely guarded, passed only to their personal disciples. Acquiring these techniques will depend on your luck."
Adore smiled as he continued: "I don't have any particularly good methods to offer you, but if you're unable to find Internal Cultivation Methods, you can use spirit energy points to learn more External Kung Fu!"
"To put it simply, it's good to have more skills," Adore said. "No matter the type of martial arts, each has its unique traits. Learning more is never a bad thing."
Seeing that the students were deeply focused, Adore added: "I know a few excellent External Kung Fu techniques. The first recommendation is two types of Horizontal Training Kung Fu: Golden Bell Shield and Iron Shirt."
"Although both are Horizontal Training techniques, they have different focuses. Golden Bell Shield strengthens the internal organs and muscles, offering the best defense against sharp weapons like knives and swords. When practiced perfectly, it can make you invulnerable to blades and spears."
"Iron Shirt, on the other hand, trains the bones and skin. At advanced levels, it's like wearing iron armor. It's great for resisting blunt force from fists, feet, and clubs."
Adore continued, "These two Kung Fu techniques are widespread and relatively easy to acquire. When perfected, they evolve into 'Tiger Roar Golden Bell Shield' and 'Dragon Roar Iron Shirt,' greatly boosting your defense. They're perfect for saving your life."
Adore then listed other useful martial arts techniques: Iron Sand Palm, Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Hong Family Iron Wire Fist, Morty Eight Trigram Pole, and Twelve Road Tan Leg, all of which were valuable skills.
When Leo heard this, he was shocked. These techniques were so familiar to him.
Time passed quickly, and before long, it was September 1st. At just past 9:00 AM, Ben was awakened by his alarm clock. The first thing he did was check his attribute panel.
Attribute Panel:
Race: Human
Constitution: 1310
Spirit: 377
Strength: 1310
Agility: 1310
Talent: Kryptonian Bloodline[Steel Body ③, Super Strength ③]
Skills: Fist Bone · Impact, Armament Haki (Proficient)
Spirit Energy Points: 340
This was Ben's current attribute panel. He was very satisfied with it, especially since his attributes had increased by 10 points, thanks to the 31 days in August. Ben believed that he might soon be able to stop hiding in the shadows.
After getting up, Ben washed up, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, and headed to school. Today marked the opening of the Spirit Realm.
Upon arriving at Chicago University, Ben saw that the playground was already set up with sofas. The sofas were designed for students to lie on while their consciousness entered the Spirit Realm, leaving their bodies behind in the real world. The school didn't want students to collapse on the ground, so they provided the sofas to help keep everyone comfortable.
The reason the students were brought to the playground instead of entering the Spirit Realm from their dormitories was simple: the school wanted to monitor their conditions. It was essential to know which students returned and which would remain in the Spirit Realm, possibly forever.
As Ben entered the playground, he noticed many students already lounging on the sofas, chatting with their friends. The Henry family had not yet arrived, so Ben found a spot to sit and wait for Leo.
Before long, Leo arrived, looking a bit tired and sweaty. Ben, surprised, asked, "Leo, didn't you train this morning?"
Leo nodded and replied, "Well, entering the Spirit Realm is through consciousness, so physical condition isn't too important. I thought I could train a bit longer."
Ben couldn't help but admire Leo's dedication.
"Alright, everyone, get ready!" said Aryan, a teacher, in a loud voice.
The students quickly laid back on the sofas, holding their teammates' hands. Ben and Leo did the same. A minute later, all the students relaxed completely, their consciousness leaving their bodies and entering the Spirit Realm.
The next scene transitioned to a lively street filled with vendors and small shops. The entire area had a nostalgic, antique atmosphere with simple signs selling various goods—cloth, pastries, porcelain, even straw sandals. The streets were bustling with people, most of them dressed in traditional long gowns from the Republic of China era.
Ben, now in the Spirit Realm, marveled at the strange surroundings. It was as if he had entered a different world entirely.
Shouts echoed from the stalls: "Buns! Freshly steamed meat buns!" "Don't miss it, ancestral Dit Da medicine, great for bruises and sprains!" "Iron-mouthed diviner, fortune-telling for just five yuan—no charge if it's not accurate!"
The streets were filled with activity, but the most striking was the appearance of a group of soldiers. Dressed in conical coolie hats, holding red-tasseled spears, and dragging long braids, they caused the street vendors to fall silent.
Ben had a lot to take in, but he knew his time in the Spirit Realm would be crucial for his development. His journey had only just begun.
End of Chapter 114
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