After grasping the basics of the Evergreen Technique, Lu Chen’s breathing became noticeably smoother. Even his blood and Qi had grown significantly more vigorous.
Sensing the change in him, the old steward looked astonished and said, “Young Master, you’ve already reached the beginner stage of the Evergreen Technique?”
Lu Chen had only practiced for half an hour just now. For anyone else, that amount of time wouldn’t even be enough to memorize the movements, let alone grasp the technique. But Lu Chen not only memorized the entire sequence, he had mastered it fluently—he was clearly a rare prodigy.
Among the many deathsworn of the General’s Manor, the maidservant Jin’er was considered one with exceptional martial talent. Yet when she saw Lu Chen attain the entry level of the Evergreen Technique so quickly, she was stunned.
“Young Master, I taught you stance training a few days ago—why didn’t you learn it then?” Jin’er asked curiously.
Naturally, Lu Chen wouldn’t tell her that he had just acquired the purple-grade talent ‘Exceptional Constitution’. After thinking for a moment, he replied, “Just now I practiced the Evergreen Technique as Steward Zhao instructed. I didn’t expect to master it this quickly. I’m not sure what happened either.”
The steward hesitated before asking, “Young Master, may I examine your physique to assess your bone foundation?”
Lu Chen nodded, “Please do, Sir.”
Now that Steward Zhao had become his mentor, addressing him as ‘Sir’ was only proper.
“Thank you, Young Master!”
The steward placed his hands on Lu Chen’s shoulders and back, pressing gently in several places. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “Remarkable! Young Master possesses a top-grade bone structure rarely seen in a century. No wonder you mastered the Evergreen Technique so fast.”
When he had first seen Lu Chen, his body was weak and ravaged by illness. Even with premium supplements, he was expected to live no more than a year. But now, his opinion had changed. With such exceptional bone structure, Lu Chen could very well extend his lifespan by continuing to cultivate the Evergreen Technique.
After a moment’s thought, the steward said, “Young Master, the Evergreen Technique not only strengthens the body but also prolongs life. If you practice diligently, you should soon recover from your frailty. It may even suppress the terminal illness you suffer from.”
Delighted, Lu Chen said, “That’s wonderful. Sir, you truly are my savior.”
The steward bowed respectfully, “Young Master flatters me. I only gave you a few pointers—hardly worthy of such praise.”
“Sir, the Evergreen Technique is for health and longevity. Could you also teach me a martial skill for self-defense?”
“Of course,” the steward replied, “Your body is still weak, so I don’t recommend using weapons yet. I suggest you start with a fist technique. As they say, ‘Master one technique, and all others will follow.’ Once you’ve trained your fists well, you’ll find other weapons easier to learn.”
Lu Chen nodded, “Alright, let’s begin with fists.”
The steward pulled out a martial manual from his robe and handed it to him. “This is a fist technique I created myself—it’s called the Mountain-Shaking Fist. Please review it, and then I’ll teach you how to practice it.”
“Yes, Sir,” Lu Chen said as he took the manual.
There were stone tables and benches in the courtyard. Lu Chen sat down and started reading while Jin’er thoughtfully brewed him a cup of ginseng tea.
In just the time it took for half an incense stick to burn, Lu Chen had finished reading the entire manual.
The steward began instructing him in the essence of the Mountain-Shaking Fist—from the basic form and strikes to coordinating footwork. He taught with great care, leaving out no detail.
Once Lu Chen had mostly grasped the moves, the steward nodded, “Young Master, you’ve already mastered the form, strikes, and stance of the Mountain-Shaking Fist. As long as you practice it daily, you’ll definitely see results.”
Lu Chen gave a deep bow and said, “Thank you, Sir.”
After a few polite words, the steward took his leave.
“What a powerful technique… every strike charges forward with force, as if carrying the strength to shake a mountain. Once fully mastered, even if the enemy is a mountain, this fist could blast a hole through it.”
Lu Chen practiced the Mountain-Shaking Fist several times in the courtyard and was soon drenched in sweat. Still, the benefits were clear—his body grew stronger, and he gradually began to comprehend the fist’s intent.
“Young Master, take a break before continuing,” Jin’er said as she handed him the ginseng tea.
“Thanks,” Lu Chen replied, finishing it in one gulp.
The ginseng was a century-old root, and the tea leaves came from a century-old tree. Brewed together, they complemented each other perfectly.
After drinking, Lu Chen felt refreshed and full of vitality.
“Jin’er, can you tell me about the martial realm divisions?” Lu Chen asked, fiddling with his teacup.
“Certainly.” Jin’er gathered her thoughts and said, “There are eleven stages in martial cultivation. From lowest to highest, they are: 9th grade to 1st grade Martial Arts, then Grandmaster and Supreme Grandmaster.”
“The nine grades are divided into lower, middle, and upper tiers. For example, I’m currently at the 2nd grade Profound Vein Realm, which falls under the upper three grades.”
“As for Steward Zhao, he’s at the Grandmaster level, beyond the nine-grade framework.”
…
After listening to her explanation, Lu Chen gained a clearer understanding of the martial arts system in this world.
Now that he had just entered the beginner level of the Evergreen Technique, he barely counted as 9th grade Copper Skin Realm. The next level would be 8th grade Iron Bone Realm.
According to Jin’er, with his superior bone structure, steady training would bring him to the 8th grade in less than half a year.
In the following days, Lu Chen remained in the courtyard, diligently cultivating the Evergreen Technique and practicing the Mountain-Shaking Fist. His physical strength improved greatly.
With the help of various supplements and medicinal meals, he no longer coughed up blood.
However, having lived in poverty inside the simulation world, he found it hard to adjust to this reality filled with luxurious food and rare medicinal ingredients.
[You practiced the Evergreen Technique once. Lifespan +5 days!]
That day, after finishing his practice, the familiar system prompt appeared before him.
He moved his limbs and felt stronger than ever.
Lu Chen nodded, “Recovery is going well. Looks like it’s time to re-enter the simulation world.”
As he recalled Jiang Qingyu taking the blade for him and dying tragically before his eyes, Lu Chen’s heart sank.
“Brother Chen, we’ll always be together, right?”
“Brother Chen, will you teach me that song?”
“Brother Chen, in the next life, I still want to be with you…”
…
Scene after scene replayed in his mind, and by the time he came back to his senses, his eyes were wet.
“Young Master, what’s wrong?” Jin’er asked gently, sensing something off.
Lu Chen shook his head and said, “It’s nothing.”
Back in his room, he closed the door and instructed the maidservant, “Jin’er, I’m going into seclusion to cultivate the Evergreen Technique. Don’t let anyone disturb me!”
“Understood, Young Master!”