The next day.
The four newcomers arrived at the classroom early. Gu Yi did not deliberately create a situation of lateness.
"Hello, I am your teacher for the first class of the year. Course: Martial Arts Study." Gu Yi didn't arrange the classroom too large, just thirty seats. However, compared to the current seven people, the classroom was still a bit big.
"I won't elaborate too much for these three old students. If you're interested, you can stay. Others can find something to do on their own." Gu Yi didn't want to make the course too boring. After all, this world was different from the previous one. If all the systems were copied, it wouldn't be helpful and might even cause resentment. Moderation is key, not only in the path of cultivation but also in management.
A few seconds after Gu Yi finished speaking, except for Tang San and the others, only Dai Mubai remained in the classroom, still staring at Zhu Zhuqing and occasionally glancing at Gu Yi.
"As your first class, it's about practicing martial arts." Zhu Zhuqing raised her hand to ask a question.
"Any questions?"
"What is martial arts practice? Is it meditation?" Ning Rongrong also chimed in. "Yes, I've never heard of martial arts practice before."
Gu Yi frowned. "Martial arts practice, as the name implies, is a method to help cultivate, similar to another method of cultivating spirit power called meditation."
"Hmph, I learned how to cultivate spirit power six years ago. We don't need you to teach us." Xiao Wu, still feeling unhappy about yesterday's events, retorted directly after hearing Gu Yi's explanation. Ning Rongrong also felt disappointed. After all, she was currently practicing meditation, which was the most suitable method for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, and didn't need to practice any martial arts.
Zhu Zhuqing, on the other hand, remained pensive. She was never impulsive, otherwise, she wouldn't have survived until now. At the age of twelve, being able to come here from the Star Luo Empire under pursuit by her family proved everything. Oscar's words from yesterday also echoed in her mind. This martial arts practice should not be simple.
Tang San was somewhat surprised. Although he didn't know if what Gu Yi said was internal power, he had never heard of any martial arts in this world. Perhaps this academy wasn't simple.
Gu Yi's expression became gloomy, and his aura instantly released.
"When the teacher is speaking, you should raise your hand to speak. Hasn't the Junior Spirit Master Academy taught you that?" Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong were forced by this aura and didn't even dare to breathe. Seeing this scene, Tang San directly stood in front of Xiao Wu and confronted Gu Yi.
"It's really deep sibling affection. Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, minus 5 credits each." Gu Yi didn't want to say much and just deducted points.
Withdrawing his aura, he continued, "Those who want to learn, stay. Those who don't want to can leave." He deliberately glanced at Ning Rongrong, as if he wanted to know what decision she would make. Ning Rongrong had never been in such a situation before. She stood up and walked out without hesitation. If Gu Yi hadn't touched this little witch's bottom line yet, she would probably have mentioned the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School Pagoda Clan. Xiao Wu also wanted to leave, but she was stopped by Tang San's eyes. He wanted to see what this so-called martial arts practice was.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, she would definitely not leave.
"Alright, let's continue the class." Gu Yi glanced at Ning Rongrong, who had left the classroom, with a flicker in his eyes. It was a good opportunity to change Ning Rongrong's arrogant and superior attitude.
Turning around, he outlined the meridians on the blackboard using spirit power.
"These are the meridians in the human body, including the twelve main meridians, twelve collateral meridians, eight extraordinary meridians, and fifteen connecting channels." Only Dai Mubai, who had learned about these things, remained calm.
Even Tang San was confused. After all, this was too detailed. Not a single small branch in the body was missed, and it was a complete human body meridian map. And this was still using spirit power. How far had this man mastered spirit power? And how strong was he? Tang San dared not imagine.
Although shocked and astonished, Tang San still raised his hand and asked, "How do you know all this, teacher? It's the first time I've heard of meridians in this world."
"I forgotten to mention, my martial spirit is the human body meridians."
Tang San took a deep breath. It was the first time he had heard of such a unique martial spirit. Using meridians as a martial spirit.
The class quickly passed. Gu Yi didn't drag on, but considering that Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu were beginners, he directly helped them practice the Pure Yang Gong. Of course, this Pure Yang Gong was just a preliminary version. Tang San, on the other hand, refused. Although the Pure Yang Gong Gu Yi presented was good, it was still far inferior to the Mysterious Heaven Technique, so there was no need to change his martial arts.
"One last thing, without my permission, you are not allowed to pass on any martial arts or spirit skills you learned at Shrek Academy to others. Otherwise, even if you flee to the ends of the earth, I can still find you." Now, his strength was still a bit lacking and not enough to expose too much.
"Yes, teacher," Zhu Zhuqing said seriously as she looked at Gu Yi. Just by practicing once, her spirit power increased slightly, faster than meditation. However, she was not satisfied. Even though practicing had accelerated, it was still not fast enough. The things she faced were beyond what her current strength could bear.
"Teacher, how many credits do I need to ask for your help in creating a martial art?" Zhu Zhuqing hadn't forgotten Oscar's words. Since the entry-level martial art could have such an effect, a tailored martial art would bring even greater improvement.
Gu Yi glanced at her and just said, "Understand the knowledge of meridians well." Zhu Zhuqing was somewhat puzzled. Since Gu Yi didn't plan to say more, she could only ask Oscar. Dai Mubai walked over, intending to say something, but was directly ignored by Zhu Zhuqing, who left the classroom expressionlessly.
"Damn it." Cursing, Dai Mubai walked towards Tang San. His talent was outstanding and undeniable, definitely a talent worth nurturing. If he could be brought into their camp, he would definitely be a great general.
.....
Since seeing Zhu Zhuqing yesterday, a thought had appeared in Gu Yi's mind. A suitable martial spirit, suitable temperament, and even suitable emotions. If this person didn't practice this martial arts, it would be a waste of talent.
"Spirit is truly mysterious and unpredictable," Gu Yi muttered to himself, then disappeared from the spot and arrived at a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle. Absorbing his own emotions.
At this time, Zhu Zhuqing also approached Oscar and explained her intentions. Oscar took a few steps back, looked at Zhu Zhuqing, and pondered. However, he was calculating the possibility mentioned by Xiao Wu yesterday.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Zhu Zhuqing didn't understand. She just asked a question, but it made Oscar show such an expression and gaze.
"It's nothing. Just understand the knowledge of meridians well," Oscar said before turning and leaving.
Zhu Zhuqing was even more confused. Does he think I'm too ambitious and unwilling to tell me? For a while, this young girl's heart was filled with thoughts.
Days passed by, time kept moving forward.
After spending a week here, Zhu Zhuqing and the others understood the importance of credits. Each semester had different credit assessments, and failing to meet the required credits meant one couldn't graduate. More importantly, these credits could be used to exchange for self-created spirit skills, which was a great opportunity for auxiliary spirit masters.
Ning Rongrong now felt some regret, especially after seeing Oscar's self-created spirit skill, Tai Chi[1], which allowed the originally auxiliary spirit master Oscar to fight on par with powerful attack-type spirit masters. She became even more envious. What she didn't know was that Oscar had not only practiced a martial art but also various other methods like the Tiger Leopard Thunder Roar which contributed to his current strength.
"Teach me the Pure Yang Gong," Ning Rongrong requested. She had witnessed the effectiveness of the Pure Yang Gong during this time. Zhu Zhuqing had successfully broken through in just one week, despite having spirit power only one level higher than hers. While her imminent breakthrough contributed to it, the Pure Yang Gong also played a significant role. After inquiring further, Ning Rongrong realized she had missed a great opportunity.
"People must take responsibility for their choices. If you missed that opportunity and want to learn martial arts, exchange credits for it. The Pure Yang Gong isn't expensive; it costs thirty credits per session," Gu Yi said, showing no favoritism. As he said, once a choice was made, there should be no regrets.
"You bully people! I've checked, and the Pure Yang Gong is the entry-level martial art of the academy. I have the right to learn it!" Ning Rongrong protested.
"The academy isn't your home. Don't waste my time," Gu Yi replied coldly, walking away with a flash of red in his eyes.
However, Ning Rongrong was unyielding. "You're just a lowly Spirit King. How dare you target me like this? No one has ever dared to treat me like this before!"
Blocking Gu Yi's path, Ning Rongrong refused to move. "I won't let you go until you teach me the martial art today."
With a low voice, Gu Yi ordered, "Move aside!" His eyes turned crimson. Although Ning Rongrong had been unreasonable before, she now felt immobilized as if under a petrification technique. She remained motionless until Gu Yi walked far away. Then, tears filled her eyes as if she saw hell in his gaze, feeling like her soul was being devoured.
.....
Gu Yi returned to the rear mountain and sat in the most open area. When he opened his eyes again, the crimson in them had faded.
"I can't delay any longer. The backlash grows stronger each time," he muttered before calming his breath.
.....
After Ning Rongrong's scare, she dared not cause trouble for Gu Yi again and sought Xiao Wu's help. She had tried to learn martial arts from Zhu Zhuqing before but failed. Now, she hoped to learn from Xiao Wu. Perhaps due to being girls, Xiao Wu didn't take Gu Yi's warning seriously and taught Ning Rongrong the Pure Yang Gong.
"Be careful when practicing. Third brother said that dealing with meridians requires extreme caution," Xiao Wu reminded Ning Rongrong. Unaware of the trouble she had caused, Ning Rongrong thanked Xiao Wu and began practicing diligently.
In the following days, Gu Yi didn't appear, but classes continued as usual, focusing on learning about martial spirits, spirit beasts, and practicing spirit skills and combat drills. Zhao Wuji and the others, having practiced for many years, had some understanding of spirit power. They earned credits based on their performance in each class, determined by the respective teachers.
On the rear mountain, Gu Yi concluded his training session but felt a bit unsettled. The influence of the demonic seed in his spiritual sea was becoming more pronounced, affecting his daily life.
.....
Gathered on the field, the seven of them had no idea what was happening.
"What's wrong with Oscar? I haven't finished shopping yet," Xiao Wu complained.
"Yeah, I left my carrots in the field," Ning Rongrong added, expressing her dissatisfaction.
Dai Mubai, still trying to please Zhu Zhuqing, could only endure disappointment.
"We don't know what's going on. But I'm sure something big has happened. I've never seen Brother Yi so angry before," Oscar said with lingering fear. The flash of red in Gu Yi's eyes had shaken him.
"Brother Yi is angry?" Ma Hongjun, who hadn't taken it seriously before, suddenly became serious.
(End of this chapter)
Glossary
[1]Tai Chi- Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan, is a traditional Chinese martial art that originated centuries ago. It is characterized by slow, flowing movements, relaxed postures, and deep breathing techniques. Tai Chi is not just a martial art; it is also practiced for its health benefits and as a form of moving meditation. Tai Chi forms consist of a series of choreographed movements performed in a continuous, circular manner. Each style has its own set of forms, which can range from simple to complex sequences.