Chaos begins when one joins a martial arts school

Chapter 36 Breakthrough in Hidden Strength
Yang Jing made up his mind and decided that he would stay up all night if necessary to break through to the Dark Force as soon as possible. Anyway, there was still a pound of bear meat and a pound of tiger meat at home, which would be enough for his energy supply for the night.

He took a deep breath and was about to walk to the center of the courtyard to get into position when suddenly there was a knocking sound at the gate.

The night was deep, and the knocking sounded particularly clear in the quiet market.

Yang Jing paused, his brows furrowing. Who could be looking for him at this hour?

He immediately became alert, walked to the gate with a cold expression, placed his fingertips on the door latch, and peered out through the crack in the door.

A burly man stood outside the gate, dressed in shorts, but his eyes were restless as he peered through the crack in the gate, scanning the courtyard as if searching for something. His gaze met Yang Jing's, which startled the man.

"Excuse me, is this Coach Li's house?" The man's voice was hoarse, but Yang Jing could detect a deliberate attempt at casualness.

Yang Jing's fingers tightened slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "No, you've come to the wrong place."

The man said "Oh," but then paused before turning and walking towards the alley entrance. His steps were slow, but just before he turned the corner, he quickly glanced back at the courtyard gate.

Yang Jing checked the door latch once before turning around, leaning against the door panel, his palms sweating slightly.

The man's eyes were strange; he was clearly investigating. How could he have gone to the wrong door?

Most of the people living around here are ordinary folks, so where did this "Instructor Li" come from?
Thinking about the recent activities of the Righteous Gang in several neighborhoods in the western part of the city, the doubts in his heart instantly turned into a chill.

Regardless of whether the other party is a member of the Brotherhood of Loyalty, this test is definitely not a good sign.

He walked to the center of the courtyard, where the moonlight shone on the ground, giving it a cold glow.

"Can't wait any longer."

Yang Jing muttered to himself, clenching his fists.

The blood and qi in my body seemed to be stirred up by this sudden sense of crisis.

Then he lowered his waist and assumed a horse stance, and the shadow of his Mountain-Crushing Fist stretched out under the moonlight, each move appearing more fluid than before.

The medicinal properties of tiger meat continue to rise within the body, blending with the blood and qi, and flowing slowly along the meridians.

He unleashed a "mountain-pushing" punch, and before the fist even landed, the air in front of him was already being compressed and vibrated slightly.

Just as the punch was about to end, a faint "pop" sound came from inside his body, as if an invisible membrane had been broken.

In that instant, Yang Jing felt a jolt throughout his body, as if every pore on his body had opened up.

The force that had been stagnant in his shoulders and arms suddenly became unobstructed, spreading along his muscles and bones to his fingertips, and even his breathing became long and deep.

He could clearly feel that he had complete control over the contraction of every muscle and the surge of blood and qi.

When throwing a punch, one can concentrate the force within three inches of the fist tip.

When finishing the movement, the energy can be quietly withdrawn like flowing water, without any leakage.

The sense of completeness that I always felt was missing has finally been filled.

It felt as if my limbs and bones were being soaked in warm water, filled with explosive power, yet also possessing an unprecedented coordination and agility.

He looked down at his fist; his knuckles were distinct, yet it seemed to hold a weight heavier than ever before.

The peak of Ming Jin!

This is the feeling of peak Ming Jin (a type of martial arts skill).

After months of relentless hard work, I have finally reached the peak of Ming Jin today.

Yang Jing stood in the center of the courtyard, his chest rising and falling slightly, but his eyes shone with an astonishing light.

He didn't stop, but adjusted his breathing and assumed the starting stance again.

The force of the Mountain-Crushing Fist remains fierce, but it has gained an added air of effortless ease, as if each punch could shatter the void before it.

Only one step is needed to reach the hidden strength stage.

Time passed by minute by minute.

As night deepened, the moonlight in the courtyard grew increasingly bright, casting Yang Jing's long shadow.

He practiced the Mountain-Crushing Fist again and again, the wind howling through his fists, but he no longer focused on its fierceness, and instead gradually developed a sense of "sinking".

When the footsteps landed, they no longer made a heavy thud, but rather like a stone sinking into still water, quietly seeping into the ground. Even the moss in the corner of the yard seemed to be stirred by this force, trembling slightly.

Yang Jing practiced the Mountain-Crushing Fist for two hours straight, countless times.

When he unleashed the "Mountain Collapse" strike again, his fist was still an inch away from the old locust tree in the courtyard when, without warning, the bark cracked open and several withered leaves fell down.

"It's done!"

Yang Jing's heart stirred slightly, but his fist continued its momentum. He felt the force within his body, which had been surging like a river, suddenly find an undercurrent deep within the riverbed and plunge downwards.

In the past, when Ming Jin exerted his power, his muscles tensed and his blood and qi surged, and every bit of his strength was openly displayed.

But this time it was different. The force seemed to be hidden in the gaps between the muscles and bones. When it was still, it was fine, but when it moved, it meandered along the meridians with a kind of penetrating power.

He tried to lightly raise his wrist, his fingertips pointing at the stone table in the distance.

No strong wind swept by, but after a moment, a small piece of stone dust silently rose from the edge of the stone table.

If this were to fall on a person, it would be a force that penetrates the skin and flesh, reaching deep into the internal organs.

"This is hidden strength," Yang Jing muttered to himself, raising his hand to press against his chest.

When he was in a state of heightened energy, he could clearly feel the powerful throbbing of his heart against his chest.

At this moment, he could "hear" the subtle sound of blood flowing in his veins, "feel" the breeze stirred up by the footsteps of passersby outside the courtyard wall, and even "touch" the damp soil several feet deep underground through the soles of his shoes.

The power of hidden strength lies not only in having more force than manifest strength, but also in its control and penetration.

Ming Jin is like chopping wood; one swing of the axe and the outcome is decided.

The hidden strength is like embroidery; it can twist force into threads and precisely place it where it should go, like threading a needle.

Just like that virtual strike, it seemed effortless, but in reality, it concentrated internal energy at the fingertips and pushed out through the void. This is something that Ming Jin (manifested strength) could never do.

When he threw another punch, the surface of his fist swept through the air, making the wind much quieter. But when it landed on the old locust tree, it was no longer a shock that shook the trunk. Instead, it sent a slight tremor through the entire tree from its roots, as if a force was silently drilling into the depths of the soil along the trunk.

Under the moonlight, Yang Jing stood still, his eyes slightly closed, and slowly exhaled.

He knew that he had crossed the mountain that had trapped countless martial artists, not by brute force, which would have severely damaged his vitality if he hadn't succeeded, but by naturally reaching the realm of Dark Strength, like a stream flowing over pebbles.

"Finally, we've reached the hidden strength stage."

Yang Jing slowly opened his eyes, feeling an indescribable sense of comfort flowing through his body, as if all the pent-up turbidity had dissipated.

Feeling an unprecedented surge of power coursing through his body, an irrepressible excitement welled up from the bottom of his heart.

He looked up at the bright moon high in the sky and couldn't help but chuckle softly. All the repression and vigilance he had felt these past few days vanished in that moment.

The Righteousness Gang? It's just two peak Ming Jin level experts.

Now that he has entered the realm of Dark Force, dealing with the Righteous Gang will not require much effort at all. If he really wants to take action, wiping out this group will not be difficult.

"If they behave themselves, fine, but they really dare to come after me." A cold glint flashed in Yang Jing's eyes.

The huge weight on my heart was lifted, and I felt much lighter all over.

He turned around, drew a bucket of well water, and took a refreshing bath, washing away the sweat and fatigue.

After changing into clean clothes and lying on the bed, I felt completely comfortable.

Moonlight streamed in through the window and shone on the edge of the bed.

Yang Jing closed his eyes, his usual tension and vigilance gone. His mind was no longer filled with the moves of boxing or the shadow of the Righteous Gang, but only with the sense of security and peace that came after breaking through to the Dark Force.

"Finally, I can get a good night's sleep."

The next day, early in the morning.

Wuzi Township, Ning Family, Study.

Sandalwood curls.

Ning Xuezhi, the head of the Ning family, sat behind a pearwood desk, flipping through account books.

"Master! Master! Great news!"

The butler, Li Zhong, spoke with barely suppressed excitement; his voice preceded his entrance.

Behind him followed a panting servant, who was none other than Ning Wenbo, the second young master of the Ning family.

Ning Xuezhi put down the ledger, looked up and said, "Why are you in such a hurry? What's wrong?"

Before Steward Li could speak, the servant stepped forward, bowed, and excitedly reported, "Reporting to Master! The Second Young Master broke through yesterday and has now successfully entered the realm of Jin, becoming a master of Ming Jin!"

"What?!" Ning Xuezhi suddenly stood up, and the account book in his hand fell to the table with a 'thud'.

He strode up to the servant, his voice trembling slightly: "Say it again? Wenbo... he's entered a state of intense meditation?"

"Absolutely true!" the servant hurriedly replied. "Master Wang of Weiyuan Martial Arts School said it himself. Young Master has now developed internal strength and become a true Ming Jin martial artist!"

"The second young master is truly remarkable; he succeeded on his third attempt! It was a close call!" Li Zhong said happily. "Master, all those years of sending the second young master to martial arts schools in the city have definitely paid off."

Generally speaking, when you become an apprentice at a martial arts school, the school has a rule that if a disciple does not achieve a certain level of proficiency within six months or a year, he or she must leave on his own.

However, there are exceptions. For example, Ning Wenbo, the second young master of the Ning family, has been at the Weiyuan Martial Arts School for two or three years. On the one hand, the Ning family is not short of money, and on the other hand, Ning Xuezhi has pulled many strings.

Upon hearing the words of the steward Li Zhong and the servant, Ning Xuezhi's wrinkles instantly smoothed out, and an indescribable sense of joy and excitement welled up in his heart.

He slapped his thigh hard, "Good! Good! My son is truly remarkable, truly remarkable!"

In martial arts, physical constitution is the foundation.

Among the next generation of the Ning family, only the second son, Ning Wenbo, was found to have inferior aptitude. Although he was not outstanding, he was the Ning family's only hope.

Over the years, he specially sent his son to the Weiyuan Martial Arts School in the city, spent a lot of money to hire famous teachers to guide him, and continuously sent him nourishing medicinal herbs, hoping that his son could achieve mastery. Now his wish has finally come true.

He knew better than anyone what a Ming Jin martial artist meant to a gentry family.

That's the confidence to protect one's family and business, and the capital to gain a foothold in the village.

Previously, Yang Jingcheng of Yangjia Village had become a martial artist who had entered the realm of "Entering the Core" (入劲), which had startled him. Now that he learned that his son had also become a "Manifestation" (明劲), the gloom in his heart immediately vanished.

Yang Jing was, after all, just a farmer. Even if he had mastered the martial arts, so what? His own son, Wenbo, was taught by renowned masters at the Weiyuan Martial Arts Academy, and the Ning family had a constant stream of resources to hone his martial arts skills. He was far superior to those farmers.

"Prepare some generous gifts and send them to Master Wang of Weiyuan Martial Arts School." Ning Xuezhi sat back in his chair, picked up his teacup, but his hands were still trembling slightly. "Go to the accounting office and get twenty taels of silver to buy Wenbo some good fabric to make him a new outfit. Also, take out that thirty-year-old ginseng from the storeroom and have someone send it to the martial arts school to help him recover."

"Yes!" the steward replied, and left the study with his servant.

The study returned to silence. Ning Xuezhi held his teacup, looked out the window at the rising sun, and let out a long sigh of relief.

With their own Ming Jin master, the Ning family can stand taller in Wazi Township from now on.

As for Yang Jing, he had long since forgotten about him.

Tongyifang, the county seat of Yuhe County.

Yang Jing woke up just as dawn was breaking.

After a good night's sleep, the internal energy flowed freely within my body, leaving me feeling exceptionally refreshed.

He went to the kitchen, cut a piece of bear meat, put it in a pot, boiled it in water, sprinkled some salt, and the aroma of the meat quickly filled the entire courtyard.

After swallowing a large piece of bear meat, the warm energy slid down his throat, merging with the internal energy within him, creating a warm and comfortable feeling.

After he finished getting ready, he pushed open the door and walked briskly towards the Sun Family Martial Arts School, feeling exceptionally relaxed and happy.

Now that he has entered the realm of Dark Force, he can continue to cultivate the subsequent techniques of the "Crushing Mountain Fist" manual. However, he needs to go to his master, Sun Yong, to ask for it and also tell his master about his breakthrough to Dark Force.

According to the rules, after breaking through to the Dark Force realm, the master will give a reward, which can be considered a prize for becoming the master's core disciple.

Dark Force martial artists are rare masters in the entire Yuhe County. Master Sun Yong will value them highly, since these Dark Force disciples can basically hold important positions whether they start their own businesses or join other forces. These will be valuable connections in the future.

Yang Jing was thinking about meeting his master later, but he took a slightly roundabout route and passed through Guang'anfang.

Upon arriving at Guang'anfang, Yang Jing deliberately slowed his pace.

In the past, when he passed by here, he would always walk quickly with his head down, not only to gather information but also to avoid being noticed by the Righteous Gang.

But today, Yang Jing was not in a hurry. He glanced at the men gathered in twos and threes on the street corner, his eyes calm and unwavering.

Those men, with bulging waists and arrogant expressions, were members of the Righteousness Gang.

He stood by the tea stall on the street corner, pretending to wait for someone, listening to the idle chatter of several vendors at the next table, occasionally interspersed with a few words about the Righteous Gang.

He felt no tension at all, but rather a sense of relief that everything had settled down. Even though he had just broken through to the Dark Force realm, he was still someone the Righteous Gang could not withstand.

After a moment, Yang Jing withdrew his gaze and turned to continue walking towards the martial arts school.

Sunlight streamed through the archway of the market, casting a steady shadow at his feet. A subtle inner strength flowed within him, carrying an air of effortless control.

After Yang Jing disappeared around the street corner, a man wearing a hat askew next to the tea stall slowly stood up.

He had been pretending to drink tea, but he was secretly watching Yang Jing out of the corner of his eye. Only when Yang Jing was far away did he raise the brim of his hat, and a glint of shrewdness flashed in his triangular eyes.

(End of this chapter)