During Tuesday morning's recess, Chen Chu and Xia Youhui relaxed in the stairwell, discussing a crucial topic: the differences between high and low-level exercises.
As Chen Chu contemplated participating in the ranking competition, he felt it essential to familiarize himself with the basics of his potential opponents. However, when he tried to find information about the distinctions between high and low-level exercises online, he discovered that the authorities seemed to have deliberately blocked such knowledge.
Xia Youhui offered some insight, saying, "One key difference lies in their upper limits. Advanced exercises can be cultivated up to the sixth heaven, whereas low-level exercises are limited to the third heaven."
Chen Chu was puzzled and inquired, "Advanced exercises can only reach the sixth level? I thought there were nine levels in the realm of martial arts?"
He had always assumed that advanced exercises could be cultivated up to the ninth level.
Xia Youhui shook his head, clarifying, "Indeed, there are exercises that can be cultivated up to the ninth level, but they are considered top-level secrets. They not only require exceptional talent but are also highly precious."
He continued, "It's worth noting that several decades ago, there were no standardized exercise practices. People were essentially pioneering their paths, and combined with other factors, the world was in chaos."
"Gradually, as more individuals delved into martial arts, they began to form a rudimentary structure for practice, which evolved further to include concepts, realms, and levels."
"So, even though the Dragon Elephant Kungfu you practice only goes up to the third level, if it were available in the early days, it would have been highly coveted and valued."
"The upper limit of low-level exercises is indeed the third level, but this doesn't mean you can't progress to the fourth level. Subsequent exercises must be deduced independently."
Chen Chu nodded in understanding.
Xia Youhui added, "Even today, it's only at school that you can easily access complete exercises. It's quite challenging to find comprehensive exercises outside."
"Although major cities have martial arts gyms, their fees are exorbitant, and they typically offer rudimentary exercises, mostly low-level ones."
"For example, the advanced exercises I practice—trying to learn them in a high-level martial arts school will cost you at least 100,000 yuan, and they only teach one level at a time."
Chen Chu was taken aback, "A 100,000 yuan tuition fee for one level? That means you 'genius' students..."
He suddenly saw a potential business opportunity. Given that at least a hundred students in the school practiced advanced exercises, he could potentially profit.
Xia Youhui, however, discouraged him, saying, "I understand what you're thinking, but I strongly advise against it. Remember the agreement you signed earlier?"
"Moreover, freshmen are only allowed to learn the first three levels of advanced exercises. Subsequent exercises can only be acquired through contribution points."
"Additionally, each advanced exercise has unique traits, making it easy to identify. If anyone tries to disseminate them privately, they'll be easily caught."
"Following the trail could lead to dire consequences if one is caught, so nobody would risk it for such a small sum."
"Furthermore, the 100,000 yuan fee is for legitimate channels, making it less valuable on the black market. After all, both buyers and sellers face significant risks."
"Affluent individuals don't need to buy from such sources; they can access the exercises through legal channels. Those without the means simply can't afford it."
Xia Youhui then shrugged, saying, "Advanced exercises aren't as crucial as you might think. The real focus of the three major alliances is resource monopolies, top-level exercises, and secret manuals."
Despite the world being united under the United States of America, it was, in essence, a loose coalition of human factions. Within it, three dominant nations led the way, with several medium-sized and dozens of small nations participating.
"The Secret Code," Chen Chu inquired.
Xia Youhui shook his head, saying, "I don't know the specifics of the Secret Code. I've only heard my brother mention it."
At that moment, Xia Youhui changed the topic, asking Chen Chu, "I heard you had a little tiff with Lu Haitao a few days ago. How about a taste of advanced exercises?"
Chen Chu asked in surprise, "You want to spar with me?"
Xia Youhui chuckled, "Why? Are you afraid?"
After lunch, Chen Chu took a short break, then met with Xia Youhui in a classroom to prepare for their match. But before they could begin, a small crowd gathered.
Luo Fei explained, "Xia Youhui informed us and invited us to come to support you. We're just worried you might end up crying later."
Chen Chu was rendered speechless. Did he appear that fragile? Besides, the match hadn't even started, so it was impossible to predict the outcome.
Xia Youhui interjected, "I just wanted to be prepared, that's all."
At that moment, a short-haired girl named Li Wenwen clenched her fists and shouted to Chen Chu, "Come on, Chen Chu! Beat Xia Youhui to a pulp!"
Next to her, Lin Xue, arms folded, watched with interest. Lu Haitao, who had sparred with Chen Chu a few days ago, stood nearby, equally intrigued.
Their squad leader interjected, "This is a learning opportunity for students. Let's begin."
The two combatants, standing five meters apart, immediately assumed focused stances, their figures subtly shifting as a powerful aura of strength enveloped them.
Xia Youhui spoke with gravitas, "Ah Chu, the technique I cultivate is called Xuanwu Houtu Zhenjue. It's renowned for its defense and strength. Its power comes with a shock, so be cautious."
Chen Chu drew in a deep breath, responding in the same resolute tone, "Let's do this."
With a deliberate step, Xia Youhui moved like a colossal turtle flipping over, causing the ground to tremble slightly as he advanced toward Chen Chu. His approach was notably slower than Lu Haitao's, yet his aura exuded immense strength and dominance. Upon reaching Chen Chu, he thrust his palms forward.
Chen Chu activated his Dragon Elephant Kungfu, causing his muscles to swell instantly, and a ferocious aura emanated from him. Unyielding, he met Xia Youhui with his own palm strike.
Bang! Bang!
Their palms collided, and the air was compressed by the intense force, creating a muffled explosion. However, Chen Chu's expression shifted slightly as a potent shockwave emanated from the opposite side, pushing him half a step back. Undeterred, he let out a low growl.
"Again!"
Roar! Accompanied by the faint elephantine roar, Chen Chu's muscles swelled further, and his bones seemed to become sturdier, unleashing an even more explosive force.
Bang! Bang!
Once more, their fists and palms collided, generating another resonant explosion. Their powerful forces dispersed along their bodies, causing tremors in the ground beneath them.
"Keep going," Xia Youhui urged, growing increasingly excited. His breath grew thicker and heavier, resembling a spiky-shelled tortoise relentlessly attacking.
Chen Chu, akin to a rampaging giant elephant, grappled with Xia Youhui, resembling two newborn behemoths wrestling. The training room resounded with the dull thuds of heavy blows.
Amidst the powerful forces, the two engaged in a fierce clash, their movements accompanied by howling winds, creating a staggering spectacle.
However, it didn't take long for Chen Chu to find himself at a disadvantage. Xia Youhui had an overall strength advantage, stemming from various factors.
Dragon Elephant Kung Fu emphasized strength, effectively doubling Chen Chu's power upon breaking through to the first level, while also providing increased defense. In contrast, Xia Youhui's Basaltic Thick Earth True Art boosted his strength by roughly 1.5 times, and advanced exercises bestowed a more concentrated and solid power.
Moreover, Xia Youhui possessed commendable defensive capabilities, his peculiar counter-shock force discomforting Chen Chu as it neutralized portions of his power. Additionally, Xia Youhui held a slight edge in foundational strength.
Despite these setbacks, as the battle raged on, Chen Chu grew more adept at employing Dragon Elephant Kung Fu techniques. Many previously unfamiliar moves became fluid, bolstered by the enhanced perception cultivated through his Mind's Eye practice. Chen Chu learned to anticipate Xia Youhui's attacks and launch counterattacks, causing Xia Youhui to become flustered. As a result, Chen Chu managed to hold his ground.
Watching intently, Luo Fei and the others contemplated their own defenses and counterattacks, absorbing valuable experience. When unarmed, the difference between first-level rebirths wasn't insurmountable. It was primarily the characteristics of their respective exercises that determined their strengths and weaknesses.