The third update,

...

Cai Qing's personality? Qin Fang had already gotten a rough idea on their first day of meeting. It seemed that such a woman might be kept in check with absolute strength; otherwise... it was best to keep a respectful distance.

Moreover, given her particular sexual orientation, it was even less likely for Qin Fang to become entangled with her. In fact, Qin Fang might very well keep opposing her to put an end to this unrequited love, all for the sake of Ning Yumo.

Of course, Qin Fang had his own beautiful and lovely girlfriend, Tang Feifei. Regardless of whether he ended up with Tang Feifei or not, there were other incredible beauties around Qin Fang; Cai Qing, the violent Lily, didn't stand a chance.

It was for these various reasons that Qin Fang found it even more impossible to agree to Master Cai's request.

"Xiao Qin, I know what's on your mind! Haha, you might have misunderstood..."

Seeing Qin Fang's somewhat troubled expression, Cai Pingyuan laughed, "These years, I've come to terms with the fact that relying on the family's good-for-nothing descendants won't uphold our ancestors' martial arts. But I, as an old man, can't just watch Cai Family's Xingyi Fist fall into decay. There must be a successor..."

"The reason I chose you is because, although you've just started learning martial arts, your foundation and comprehension are quite good. The fact that you've learned the Breathing Technique in a mere month and have made some accomplishments is proof enough! My request is actually quite simple, I only hope that, once you've mastered it, you will help take care of this martial arts hall when necessary... As for the matter of marrying into the family, it was just an old man's previous idea, which I've long abandoned!"

"Really?"

Qin Fang was still somewhat incredulous. If things were as Master Cai had said, then he would essentially be getting all the benefits without really needing to take on any responsibilities.

"Of course, it's true. What, do you think an old man like myself would deceive you?"

Master Cai's expression became stern as he spoke seriously, "Xiao Qin, you have no need for any worry. I have but one word—if you wish to learn, this old man will teach you with all his heart. If you truly do not want to learn, I absolutely won't force you!"

"If that's the case, then I can agree to it!"

Seeing Master Cai speak to this extent, Qin Fang felt a bit embarrassed to refuse any longer, so he simply nodded his head in agreement.

"Good, good, good... Come on, let's go inside. Kowtowing will suffice! Even though you young people don't care for these traditions anymore, there are still some old customs that should be respected!"

Seeing that Qin Fang had finally nodded in agreement, a smile finally appeared on Master Cai's face. He took Qin Fang by the hand and led him into the ancestral hall, pointing to the cushion placed on the ground.

Qin Fang hesitated for a moment, then gently nodded his head. He knelt on the cushion and respectfully kowtowed nine times to the ancestral tablets above, a gesture he had learned from watching television.

Indeed, Qin Fang's actions greatly pleased Cai Pingyuan, who nearly squinted his eyes into slits, a knowing smile flickering within them.

"Master..."

After the kowtows, Qin Fang stood up and respectfully bowed to Cai Pingyuan, calling him master.

"Xiao Qin, there's no need to be so formal. Even though you're my disciple now, you can address me however you want in the future. Don't worry too much about it!"

Cai Pingyuan said cheerfully, "It just so happens I'm free today. Come, let's start with Xingyi Fist..."

"Isn't it all supposed to start with the basics?"

Qin Fang was slightly taken aback, curiously asking, as at least Luo Shixiong and the others had been conditioning their bodies first; only once their bodies had reached a certain level were they able to practice Cai's Xingyi Fist.

"Haha, you've misunderstood. They start with basics and train bit by bit to build up their bodies to increase the success rate of learning the Breathing Technique. Even if they ultimately can't succeed, having such a physique as a foundation means they can still make accomplishments in external fist techniques..."

Cai Pingyuan then happily explained the reason to Qin Fang.

"I see..."

Qin Fang finally understood; since he had already learned the Breathing Technique, meaning his Qi cultivation was successful, such basic training was not as critical. No wonder Cai Pingyuan directly accepted him as a disciple.

"Alright, as you've already succeeded in your Qi cultivation, you've obtained what's most crucial for Xingyi Fist. Now, I'll start teaching you the techniques... Xingyi Fist is based on the Five Elements Fist and the Twelve Shape Fist. Furthermore, the twelve essential techniques are the true essence of our Cai Family's Xingyi Fist. Watch carefully!"

The two moved to a spacious area in the west wing, where it was very quiet and devoid of people. Cai Pingyuan began to explain the essentials of Xingyi Fist and at the same time, demonstrated the techniques.

Qin Fang's eyes widened as he carefully watched each and every move Cai Pingyuan showed, imprinting these techniques deeply in his mind.

Cai Pingyuan did exactly as he said, demonstrating all the moves to Qin Fang without holding anything back.

When he finished the demonstration, he noticed Qin Fang's eyes seemed a bit vacant and immediately said with a chuckle, "Don't worry, I'll show you again..."

He had never seen anyone who could remember everything just by watching once. When he used to teach disciples, many had reacted just like Qin Fang, so he wasn't surprised at all. He started the second demonstration, slowing down his movements even more.

However, what he probably didn't expect was that Qin Fang hadn't failed to see the moves clearly; he had seen them too clearly...

"Learned skill: Xingyi Fist, Skill Level: Beginner Level, Proficiency: 0%."

"Due to the instructor being a Grandmaster Level Martial Artist, Xingyi Fist level automatically upgraded to Intermediate, Proficiency: 0%."

"Skill Xingyi Fist upgraded to Intermediate, expanding the Mainline Skill category: National Arts, Skill Level: Intermediate, Proficiency: 0%, all skills in the category of National Arts automatically upgraded to Intermediate Level."

"Beginner Level skill Nameless Technique upgraded to Intermediate, Proficiency 0%."

"Beginner Level skill Nameless Fist Technique upgraded to Intermediate, Proficiency 0%."

As a series of notifications explosively went off in Qin Fang's mind, he almost lost control of his emotions for a moment. It took him several deep breaths before he managed to steady himself.

The skill Xingyi Fist was within Qin Fang's expectations, so when it was the first to arrive, a knowing smile spread across his face.

What he didn't expect, however, was that merely because the skill was personally imparted by Cai Pingyuan, its initial level jumped from Beginner to Intermediate, saving Qin Fang a great deal of time and effort.

As the third skill to be promoted to Intermediate, Qin Fang was even more surprised to discover that it evolved like his Noodle-Pulling Skill did before, branching into a broader category of National Arts Skill, encompassing all martial arts and automatically upgrading all related category skills to Intermediate, including the Breathing Technique and the simplified Nameless Fist Technique he had already learned.

"This is just too cool!"

After Xingyi Fist and Breathing Technique were promoted to Intermediate, Qin Fang suddenly felt as if he had undergone a transformation. His perception of his surroundings became even more acute, especially sensing an incredibly strong energy aura nearby.

Master Cai!

Without a doubt, the powerful energy aura next to Qin Fang belonged to Master Cai, recognized by the system as a Grandmaster Level Martial Artist.

Before the skill upgrade, Qin Fang only knew that Cai Pingyuan was very powerful because his Scouting Skill couldn't detect it, but now he could clearly sense Cai Pingyuan's formidable energy aura, a qualitative change.

"Eh, Xiao Qin..."

It wasn't just Qin Fang who noticed the change; even Cai Pingyuan, who was slowly demonstrating the Xingyi Fist moves for Qin Fang, spotted it, immediately halting his actions in astonishment, his gaze filled with disbelief.

"What's wrong, Master?"

Fortunately, Qin Fang had gradually calmed down by then, and immediately looked at Master Cai with an innocent expression.

"Just now... never mind, let's continue!"

Master Cai opened his mouth, the sudden transformation moments before had indeed been too abrupt; he had felt the energy aura within Qin Fang suddenly turn violent, but now it had settled back down, becoming even more contained. The words reached his lips but were then swallowed back down.

"Alright, let's continue..."

Qin Fang didn't want to flaunt his abilities and tell Cai Pingyuan that he had already learned Cai's Xingyi Fist. Instead, he obediently followed Cai Pingyuan, slowly practicing the moves.

Just like with his Cooking Skill before, Qin Fang could learn automatically and upgrade to Intermediate, but without having tried it himself, it still felt somewhat unfamiliar. With just a little exploration, however, he would quickly become extremely proficient.

Now with the Xingyi Fist, it was the same; Qin Fang had the Intermediate skill, but the moves were all in his mind and not yet fully integrated with his body.

"Hmm, not bad..."

As soon as Qin Fang started practicing, it was different; each move was exceptionally standard, his actions were precise, and even errors common to beginners were absent, leaving Cai Pingyuan speechless in amazement and unable to help but praise him.

As for whether he was praising Qin Fang's performance or complimenting his own exceptional eye for talent, only he would know.

And when Qin Fang finally completed the set of Xingyi Fist moves under Cai Pingyuan's guidance, he knew his Xingyi Fist had become quite proficient. What he lacked was the application of the moves. (To be continued... For more, please visit www.qidian.com. More chapters are available there, supporting the author, supporting genuine reading!)

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