Chapter 17: The Magnificent Surrender

Zhang Ze hung up the phone and smiled faintly. As for Wang Chao and the other man, he seemed to be calculating something in his mind. Without hesitation, he transferred a million from his own account to Wang Chao.

“What are you grinning about over there?”

“I’m heading to the classroom to study some basics.”

Seeing Zhang Ze alone in the corner, Ren Fan called to him softly.

...

The so-called classroom in the martial arts hall was actually just a lounge adjacent to the training ground. By the time Zhang Ze arrived, everyone was already seated.

“Since we have new members joining us, today I’ll give a simple overview of the cultivation for first through third rank martial artists.”

Knowing that Ren Fan was a graduate of Anqing Martial Bureau, Zhang Ze looked forward to this fundamental lesson all the more. After all, though he’d been in this world for two hundred days, his understanding of martial cultivation was still stuck on that book, “Modern Martial Artists’ Outline.”

“Martial artists have existed on Earth since ancient times,” Ren Fan began. “They dedicate their lives to pushing their physical limits, always striving for breakthroughs. But in ancient times, due to shorter lifespans and the secretive transmission of martial knowledge, the number of martial artists was far less than today.”

Seeing everyone focused, Ren Fan continued in a gentle tone. It was only now that Zhang Ze realized martial artists had always existed in this world, since time immemorial. Even the opening lines of the lesson had already captivated him, an outsider.

“Liu Qianqian, do you still remember what I said was the real reason so few martial artists existed in ancient times?”

“Because ancient martial artists were isolated from one another, and very few were willing to share their cultivation insights.”

Liu Qianqian had spent half a year in the dojo, so this was clearly no challenge for her.

“Exactly.” Ren Fan added, “It was precisely because people in the past were so closed-minded. They believed their own cultivation achievements must never be shared, which greatly limited the development of martial arts.”

“But ever since entering the new era of martial artists in the last century, our country was the first to implement an open Martial Bureau policy. In just a few decades, our Dragon Nation has become a world power in martial arts.”

Hearing of such grand events, Zhang Ze felt even more at a loss, his eager expression making Ren Fan smile.

“All this information can be found in various publications, but each has its own perspective. What matters most for us is to clarify our own cultivation path at this stage.”

As he spoke, Ren Fan’s manner became much more solemn.

...

“Fortunately, with the opening of the Martial Bureau and generations of experts refining the methods, the cultivation path for martial artists is now extremely clear.”

He looked over at Zhang Ze and asked, “Zhang Ze, now that you’ve reached first rank, do you know how to proceed with your cultivation?”

Being addressed directly, Zhang Ze couldn’t help but think of his mediocre grades in his previous life, and felt a headache coming on.

“The ‘Modern Martial Artists’ Outline’ says that to become a first-rank martial artist, you must reach the limit of 100S in cellular strength and then connect the twelve major meridians within the body. So after first rank, cultivation focuses on the meridians.”

In truth, Zhang Ze wasn’t all that sure. His cellular strength had stagnated at 169S ever since his breakthrough.

“Correct. For first through third rank martial artists, cultivation centers around the meridians. The human body has twelve major meridians, divided into six yin and six yang,” Ren Fan explained, pulling out a diagram of the human anatomy.

Pointing to the chart, he went on, “The body’s twelve major meridians consist of six yin and six yang. The upper limbs and torso make up three yin and three yang, while the lower limbs and lower abdomen form the other three pairs. Once a martial artist reaches first rank, he or she can sense these twelve meridians within the body.”

“Zheng Li, tell us: after first rank and before third rank, what is the cultivation focus?”

Upon hearing his name, Zheng Li quickly answered.

“After reaching first rank, you choose either the six meridians of the upper or lower limbs to temper. Once that’s complete, you become a second-rank martial artist. After that, not only must you temper the remaining six meridians, but your cellular strength must reach 500S, and your stance training must also reach mastery.”

With that, Zheng Li fell silent. Ren Fan had just nodded in affirmation when Zhang Ze raised a question.

“Coach Ren, after first rank, what’s the difference between cultivating the six meridians of the upper limbs versus the lower limbs?”

Knowing Zhang Ze’s current level, Ren Fan patiently explained.

“From first to second rank, without the aid of elixirs, normal training takes a year or two. The difference between choosing the upper or lower meridians lies in the kind of abilities you develop during this period.”

He went into detail, taking special care for Zhang Ze’s sake.

“If you choose the six upper meridians, your explosive strength during this stage will be slightly stronger. With the right martial arts techniques, you could even stand your ground against a second-rank martial artist.”

“If you choose to temper the six lower meridians and pair this with solid stance training, your movement speed will become extremely agile.”

After that, like a curious child, Zhang Ze asked many more detailed questions. In the blink of an eye, more than an hour had passed, and the lesson came to an end.

Formal training at the dojo only took place on weekends, so for the next five days, Ren Fan would focus on his own cultivation. However, since Zhang Ze had been assigned to take the Martial Bureau’s assessment on Li Sanqing’s recommendation, Ren Fan arranged a dormitory for him in the dojo.

...

“For the next five days, I’ll be training in the small practice field here. If you have questions, come find me.”

With that reminder, Ren Fan departed. Alone, Zhang Ze began to consider his cultivation path.

“Should I start by tempering the lower meridians? Especially with the system’s support, my cellular strength recovers quickly. I believe it won’t take too long to finish tempering all six meridians.”

Having made up his mind, he quickly plunged into training.

...

At the same time.

In the interrogation room of the Mengyang County Detective Division.

“You really don’t know where Wang Chao got those elixirs?”

Wang Ting sat on the bench, glaring angrily at the fat woman before him. Just a few days ago, this plump woman had been Zhang Ze’s benefactor, but now she trembled in the interrogation room.

“Oh dear... I’m just a poor woman who gets by running little errands. How would someone as insignificant as me dare to question what kind of goods were being delivered?”

Her rolls of fat quivered as she spoke.

“And besides, I don’t even know which boss this Wang Chao you’re talking about is.”

Seeing her pitiful look, Wang Ting was momentarily at a loss.

“Is she telling the truth?”

Watching the interrogation on the monitor, Lin Ziwei’s voice was cool as she asked Luan Yun beside her.

“She doesn’t seem to be lying. And she has no reason to cover for Wang Chao and the others.”

Luan Yun’s explanation made Lin Ziwei frown all the more.

...

At the entrance to the Detective Division.

“Hurry, go inform your director. Tell him that Wang Chao, the one he’s looking for, has come to turn himself in.”

Wang Chao urged the staff at the gate, his expression calm and composed.