### Chapter 14: The Scholar's Reward
The forest battle had left Ming Yue exhausted but victorious. As the bear let out its final, desperate roar and collapsed, he sank to his knees, breathing heavily. He knew he had pushed himself to the limit, but the rewards would be worth it.
Taking a moment to recover, Ming Yue examined the bear's body. Its blue nails and fur were unusual, and he figured they might be of value. Carefully, he collected a few nails and a patch of its fur as proof of his kill, then made his way back to the village.
The journey back was slow and arduous, each step a reminder of his bruises and cuts. But with every step, the thought of the reward spurred him on. The book on human anatomy would be invaluable for improving his skills, and the Dao sword had proven itself a worthy weapon.
When he finally reached Scholar Feng's residence, he knocked on the door and waited. Scholar Feng opened the door, a look of mild surprise on his face. "You actually did it," he remarked, his eyes scanning Ming Yue's disheveled appearance.
Ming Yue, despite his fatigue, managed a smile. "The beast won't be troubling the village anymore," he said, holding up the bear's nails and fur as proof.
Scholar Feng's eyes twinkled with a mix of admiration and amusement. "Very well. Come inside, and let's get you that book." He led Ming Yue into his study, where shelves upon shelves of books lined the walls.
Scholar Feng searched for a moment before pulling out a thick, leather-bound book. "Here it is, 'The Comprehensive Anatomy of the Human Body.' This should be exactly what you need."
Ming Yue took the book with reverence, feeling the weight of its knowledge in his hands. "Thank you, Scholar Feng," he said earnestly.
Scholar Feng waved a hand dismissively. "You've earned it. And as promised, the Dao sword is yours to keep. Treat it well, and it will serve you faithfully."
Ming Yue nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "I will."
Before he left, Scholar Feng added, "Remember, knowledge is just as important as skill. Study that book well, and it will aid you greatly in your training."
Ming Yue left the Scholar's residence with a renewed sense of purpose. He now had the tools he needed to improve his technique and prepare for the sect's entrance trials. The book on anatomy would help him understand the vital points and weaknesses of the human body, making his strikes more accurate and deadly.
As he walked back to his small home, Ming Yue couldn't help but think about the Rapid Viper Style forms he had been practicing. The battle with the bear had shown him both the strengths and weaknesses of his technique. He would need to refine his skills further, combining knowledge with practice to become a truly formidable warrior.
He settled down in his room, placing the book on his table. He opened it, the pages filled with detailed illustrations and explanations of the human body. Ming Yue knew that mastering this knowledge would take time and effort, but he was ready for the challenge.
He recalled the forms of the Rapid Viper Style that he had been working on:
1. **Spirit-Guided Strike (灵导击)**: A technique that allowed him to channel his Qi into his weapon, making his strikes swift and unpredictable.
2. **Silent Shadow Strike (寂影击)**: Combining speed and stealth, this form allowed him to strike from the shadows before his opponent realized he was there.
3. **Viper's Venom (蛇毒)**: Infusing his strikes with a powerful poison, dealing additional damage over time and potentially paralyzing the target.
4. **Heartseeker (心刺)**: An ultra-precise strike aimed directly at the opponent's heart or other vital organ, dealing a devastating blow.
5. **Death from Above (天降死击)**: A technique that allowed him to leap high into the air and rain down a series of deadly strikes on his opponent from above.
6. **Assassin's Bane (刺客克星)**: A powerful technique that combined all previous forms into a single, deadly attack that could take out even the most formidable foes.
7. **Swiftkill Strike (迅杀击)**: A form purely designed for fast killing, characterized by its incredible speed and precision, making it extremely difficult to block or evade.
Ming Yue knew that mastering these forms would be crucial for his success in the upcoming trials. He had two months left, and every moment counted. With the new knowledge from Scholar Feng's book and the refined techniques of the Rapid Viper Style, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Sitting down, he began to read the book intently. The first page caught his attention: **"Doctors use the human body to heal whilst martial artists use it to destroy."**
Ming Yue felt a chill at the profound truth of these words. As he read further, he found that the book was divided into sections for both healing and martial applications. He focused on the parts relevant to a martial artist, absorbing the detailed knowledge about the body's vital points.
One section detailed the vulnerabilities of the human body:
- **The Temples**: Striking here could disorient or even knock out an opponent.
- **The Throat**: A precise hit could crush the windpipe, cutting off the air supply.
- **The Solar Plexus**: A strong blow here could knock the wind out of someone and cause intense pain.
- **The Spine**: Attacking the spine could paralyze an opponent.
- **The Kidneys**: These organs are sensitive, and a powerful strike could cause immense pain and internal bleeding.
- **The Heart**: A strike aimed here could be fatal if executed with enough force and precision.
- **The Groin**: A vulnerable area that could incapacitate an opponent when struck.
As Ming Yue studied, he visualized how each form of the Rapid Viper Style could target these points. He imagined the Spirit-Guided Strike finding the precise spot on an opponent's throat, or the Silent Shadow Strike hitting the temple with perfect accuracy. The Heartseeker form seemed designed to exploit this knowledge, aiming for the heart or other critical areas.
Ming Yue spent hours poring over the book, internalizing the information. He practiced the forms in his mind, integrating the new knowledge with his existing skills. The more he read, the more he realized the importance of understanding the human body in combat. It wasn't just about strength or speed; it was about knowing where to strike for maximum effect.
The night grew late, but Ming Yue continued to study, driven by the desire to improve. With each page, his understanding deepened, and he felt more confident in his abilities. He knew that mastering this knowledge would give him an edge in the trials and any future battles he might face.
As dawn approached, Ming Yue finally closed the book, his mind buzzing with newfound insights. He felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that he had taken a significant step forward in his training. With Scholar Feng's book and his relentless determination, Ming Yue was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.