Chapter 19: Mastering It at a Glance (Please Continue Reading)

“The art of spearsmanship is truly marvelous!”
“The most basic moves can be deconstructed and recombined into an entirely new technique, forming the fierce and domineering ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique.’”
“Completing one full performance of it has improved my spear skill by 2%.”

Lin Qi felt that the key was that he had learned the entire ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’ after watching Zhang Cheng perform it only once—he didn’t even need to review the replay on his phone. Not only had he memorized all the moves, but he could execute them completely. This proved that his comprehension was at a genius level, far beyond what it had been before. Previously, it had taken him quite some time just to master the basic spear techniques enough to perform them fully.

With this thought, Lin Qi was filled with motivation and, tireless, continued to wield his spear, practicing the techniques.
The first form of the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique!’

…

Ten minutes later

“Phew~”
“Swish, swish~”

Zhang Cheng finished the last form of the saber technique with his battle knife and addressed the skinny young man, “Did you record everything? Now, practice on your own.”
“Yes, sir!”

The skinny youth nodded and silently began to study the new saber manual on an empty field, phone in hand.

Zhang Cheng, holding a Tang-style saber, walked through the classroom in search of Lin Qi’s figure, intending to offer some guidance on his new spear technique.
“Since they’re just starting to learn the new spear technique and aren’t yet familiar with the manual, the teacher’s role is to help speed up their proficiency,” he thought to himself.
“Right now, he’s probably still memorizing the moves.”

In Zhang Cheng’s view, a student with decent comprehension could memorize all the moves of a new spear technique and perform it fully within a day or two. Those with lower aptitude would need longer.
Geniuses who could learn immediately were extremely rare, and he hadn’t seen many of them.

Soon, Zhang Cheng found his target.

“What’s this...”

In Zhang Cheng’s line of sight, a figure wielded a spear with overwhelming momentum. The air was filled with the flashes of spear movements, the spear’s tip slicing through the air with roaring sounds.

Though the spear technique was somewhat rough, that wasn’t the point—the technique being performed was the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’? How much time had passed? Lin Qi was already able to perform the entire technique? Had he learned it before?

It wasn’t impossible. Zhang Cheng knew some students would do this deliberately to attract a teacher’s attention, making them believe they had encountered a genius and thus receive more guidance.

“Lin Qi, is this really your first time learning the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’?”

Zhang Cheng couldn’t help but ask.

Lin Qi retracted his spear and wiped the sweat from his face simply, nodding, “Yes, this is my first time.”

“Then perform the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’ again.”
“All right!”

Without questioning, Lin Qi began practicing the new spear technique once more.

“Swish, swish~”

The ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’ was performed again by Lin Qi, and with each execution, his mastery of the technique improved.

—

Zhang Cheng noticed this and squinted, wanting to observe more closely.
This boy’s spear technique seemed even more fluent and practiced now.

“When you perform the spear technique, pay attention to the rhythm; don’t rush the transitions between moves...”
“The fingers and wrist of the trailing hand must learn to rotate—twisting, wrapping, drilling, flipping. The little finger hooks, the thumb rubs, the palm turns—one twist, one stab...”

Zhang Cheng offered pointers, identifying the issues in Lin Qi’s spear technique.

Lin Qi’s eyes brightened, his mind rapidly processing Zhang Cheng’s advice, sensing its truth.

He then practiced the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’ once again.

“Swish, swish!”
“Piercing strike!”
“Spinning break!”
“Leaping sky!”

The spearplay was fierce and majestic, the transitions between moves more natural than before.
The spear cut through the air, tracing dazzling patterns as the technique grew increasingly polished.

[After training, your mastery of the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’ has increased. Spear skill +1%.]
[With Zhang Cheng’s guidance, you have gained new insights into the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique.’ Spear skill +2%.]
[Spear skill: Rank 1, 67% → 70%.]

…

Lin Qi sheathed his spear and looked satisfied at the improvement in his stats.
It seemed his comprehension was indeed strong, and Zhang Cheng was a capable teacher—his casual advice had noticeably enhanced Lin Qi’s spearplay.

Looking at Zhang Cheng, his brow was furrowed in thought.
He watched Lin Qi and was inwardly astonished:

“This guy instantly changed his spear technique just from my pointers.”
“The entire set of techniques visibly became more proficient.”
“It really seems this is his first time learning the ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique.’”
“And his comprehension is truly impressive—rare to become this proficient so quickly.”
“Interesting. Ranked 45th in the grade but with such aptitude. I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

Zhang Cheng formed his judgment, his impression of Lin Qi growing deeper.

“Keep practicing, and do your best!”

After offering encouragement, Zhang Cheng went back to instruct Jiang Tao and the skinny youth.

A few minutes later, Zhang Cheng watched Jiang Tao and the skinny youth stumble through their saber practice, lost in thought.

“Strange, why have three talents suddenly appeared today, all with decent comprehension?”

This gave Zhang Cheng a promising start, making him optimistic about the future of the elite class.

…

“Ding ding ding!”
“Class dismissed!”

Zhang Cheng announced and walked outside, while the others went to wash and change.

“Qi, why do you seem more proficient than me at the same new manual?”

On the way back to class, Jiang Tao couldn’t help but ask curiously.

“Maybe my comprehension is higher than yours,” Lin Qi replied with a smile.

“Really? I’m ranked 12th in the grade,” Jiang Tao said skeptically.

Lin Qi asked, “By the way, what saber technique are you learning?”

Jiang Tao clasped his hands behind his head and answered, “I chose the ‘Heavy Mountain Saber Technique,’ which focuses on defense and counterattacks.”

Lin Qi was surprised—Jiang Tao’s lively and restless personality didn’t seem to fit a calm, defensive style.

“Also, Chen Zichuan is practicing the ‘Whirlwind Saber Technique.’ Qi, he’s similar in build to you; the ‘Dripping Water Spear Technique’ would suit you best.”

Jiang Tao looked at Lin Qi’s physique and asked again.
Chen Zichuan was the skinny youth.

“Ha ha, you’ll understand eventually.”
“The ‘Mountain-Splitting Spear Technique’ is truly the one that fits me best.”

Lin Qi didn’t explain further; after some time, no one would question it again.

Jiang Tao felt moved and didn’t ask more. Since Lin Qi was confident, he could only trust him—Lin Qi never did things without certainty.

The two returned to Class 3, began packing up, and said their goodbyes to classmates.

“Wang Qiang, Dad’s leaving now. Don’t miss me too much.”
“Get lost, son!”
“Old Hei, don’t embarrass Class 3 when you join the elite.”
“Don’t worry, after the monthly exams, you’ll see my name in the top ten on the grade leaderboard.”

Jiang Tao and the others exchanged jokes and farewells.

Watching Lin Qi, Jiang Tao, and the others leave, the class suddenly felt emptier by eight students.
A strange emotion lingered in everyone’s hearts.
They all knew that from now on, they would no longer be on the same level.

In the hallway, Lin Qi and Jiang Tao were stepping into a new future.

The Second High School had three teaching buildings, all shaped like a “U,” with classrooms on one side and martial arts training rooms on the other.
Senior year students all attended classes in Building No. 3.
The elite class’s classroom was on the fifth floor, near the top, with only one class occupying the entire floor; the rest were martial arts rooms.

After a moment, Lin Qi and several students entered the elite class one after another.

“Find a seat and sit down. Taller students, please sit toward the back.”

From the podium came a familiar figure speaking—a well-dressed man in a black suit with a handsome face.

“Wow, it’s the old class advisor!” Jiang Tao exclaimed, eyes wide in surprise.

On the podium stood Yan Hong, the protector of Class 3.

With curiosity, Lin Qi and Jiang Tao found seats near the middle by the wall.
The classroom was still cloaked in an unfamiliar atmosphere.

“Ding ding ding!”
The class bell rang.

Seeing everyone settled, Yan Hong slowly began,
“Welcome, students, to the elite class!”

…