After this session of guidance, the surrounding disciples benefited greatly, and all their inner doubts were entirely dispelled. Chen Yuan had really comprehended Manifest Force. With a High-Delta Root Bone, it had only taken him two and a half months to break through the Skin Barrier and become an initiated Martial Artist.
The Gu Family had written him off, yet he was the one who proved his worth the most. One by one, they sized Chen Yuan up with complex expressions—a mix of envy, jealousy, and bitterness. This disciple, who had always trained in silent obscurity, had truly shocked everyone with his sudden rise. Many disciples who had entered the Courtyard earlier would probably have to change their tune and start calling Chen Yuan "Senior Brother."
After all, those who had actually become initiated Martial Artists present numbered no more than ten.
Sun Chengjie was completely in awe. He finally understood Chen Yuan’s calmness. Now that he was a guaranteed Martial Artist, why would he ever worry about being abandoned by the Gu Family? With such potential, he could thrive anywhere.
Xue Anping sported a melancholic expression and sighed, "What right did I have to be assigned to the same group as Chen Yuan? To think I even wanted to compete with him before—it’s laughable in retrospect." The man was already an initiated Martial Artist, while Xue Anping hadn’t even touched the threshold of the Skin Barrier. The difference between them was like heaven and earth. He was truly worthy of being the strongest High-Delta.
While He Qing was astonished, a certain thought in his mind grew increasingly persistent. The stronger Chen Yuan was, the greater their chances of success.
The Zhou Brothers were at the other extreme, sporting ugly expressions and fearful faces. Chen Yuan’s successful breakthrough was already hard enough for them to swallow. Now, his sudden display of Manifest Force widened the gap between them infinitely. An initiated Martial Artist was completely out of their league.
Zhou Mo said tremblingly, "Brother, should we yield and go apologize to Chen Yuan? He doesn’t look like someone who holds grudges."
"Don’t go looking for trouble," Zhou Qian scoffed softly. "At most, we threw a few insults his way when he first arrived. He’s been training so hard all day that he’s probably forgotten all about it. Apologizing now might just backfire."
Zhou Mo thought about it and felt it made sense, allowing his panicked heart to settle down.
"Let’s go see Master," Tao Ping smiled.
Even across the entire Huo Courtyard, there weren’t many initiated Martial Artists currently training. Chen Yuan’s status was rising steadily. Chen Yuan nodded. He had been meaning to ask for guidance on the Twelve Forms Fist anyway.
Not far away, Xu Heng, who had witnessed everything, stared at Chen Yuan’s back until it disappeared into the Inner Courtyard.
"He actually comprehended Manifest Force. That is indeed rare," he murmured softly. "I misjudged him."
It had only been a little over half a month since he himself had comprehended Manifest Force.
Song Bridge also clicked his tongue in wonder. "Amazing. If you weren’t here, I might have actually considered trying to recruit him."
Hailing from one of the four major families of the Inner City, he had come to the Huo Courtyard for two reasons: first, drawn by the early fame of the Xin Yi Liu He Fist and Master Huo; and second, to scout for talent. Very few people managed to catch his eye. Xu Heng had far exceeded his expectations, and Chen Yuan’s current performance was barely making the cut.
Xu Heng withdrew his gaze and resumed his stance to practice. "Now this is getting interesting. Let me put in a little effort, just to make sure the gap between us stretches all the way to the horizon."
The Huo Courtyard was finally not so boring anymore.
As soon as they stepped into the Inner Courtyard, they saw Master Huo practicing his forms. He was also practicing the Twelve Forms Fist, but his conceptual intent was entirely different—a full notch higher than Tao Ping’s. Every movement was effortless and flowing; he had truly reached the pinnacle of mastery.
Noticing their arrival, Huo Lin calmly concluded his routine and cast his gaze over. "What brings you here?"
"Master," Tao Ping smiled, cupping his hands in respect. "Junior Brother Chen has broken through the Skin Barrier and comprehended Manifest Force. He is now a true Martial Artist."
Huo Lin’s eyes instantly narrowed in mild surprise. He carefully sized Chen Yuan up and asked, "When exactly did you achieve these breakthroughs?"
In his memory, Chen Yuan’s aptitude had been completely mediocre.
"I comprehended Manifest Force yesterday," Chen Yuan replied, cupping his hands, "and broke through the Skin Barrier today."
"Not bad at all," Huo Lin praised with a smile, nodding in satisfaction. "Keep up the hard work."
After a few more pleasantries, seeing the eager anticipation in Chen Yuan’s eyes, he continued, "Since you have mastered Manifest Force, I assume your Xin Yi Liu He Fist has reached the Minor Achievement stage. I will now impart the true essence of the Xin Yi Liu He Fist to you—the Twelve Forms Fist."
Chen Yuan hurriedly cupped his fists. "Thank you, Master. I will study it diligently."
The Twelve Forms Fist consisted of the Dragon, Tiger, Monkey, Horse, Chicken, Sparrowhawk, Swallow, Snake, Alligator, Tai, Eagle, and Bear forms. Each form had its own corresponding moves, techniques, and distinct characteristics. It was a profound and extensive system.
Huo Lin had initially perked up, genuinely wanting to teach Chen Yuan well. After all, Chen Yuan’s ability to become a Martial Artist in just two and a half months had come as a pleasant surprise. This pace of progress proved that Chen Yuan had talent and was a highly moldable student.
But as he actually started teaching, his brows furrowed deeply. Chen Yuan’s Comprehension was no different from when he first taught him the Five Elements Fist. He had comprehended Manifest Force in two and a half months—his Comprehension shouldn’t be this bad, right?
The only comforting factor was that Chen Yuan’s foundation was excellent. His Five Elements Fist was extremely solid. His Root Bone also seemed quite good. He could practice for hours without tiring, which explained why his vitality had accumulated so quickly.
If his Comprehension was lacking, so be it. Diligence could make up for a lack of innate talent. Besides, for Chen Yuan to comprehend Manifest Force, he naturally had his own unique strengths.
Amidst the flurry of fists, over four hours quickly flew by, and lunchtime arrived.
"Go eat first," Huo Lin said, waving his hand. "I’ll teach you the rest of the Twelve Forms Fist this afternoon."
Chen Yuan bowed and took his leave. Relying on his solid foundation and Root Bone to carry him through, he had managed to learn half of the Twelve Forms Fist. After all, the Twelve Forms Fist was an extension of the Five Elements Fist, so they shared many commonalities. He had also noticed the subtle shifts in Master Huo’s gaze at times, which seemed to say, "Is this kid a bit dense?"
Chen Yuan sighed, feeling helpless. His 10 points in Comprehension really weren’t enough anymore. He had to increase it as soon as possible, otherwise, even if a profound Cultivation Technique were placed right in front of him, he wouldn’t be able to grasp it. Oh, the pain of having lopsided stats.
Fortunately, he had resisted the urge to dump his remaining four Low-key Points into the Xin Yi Liu He Fist just to save face. This way, in just two more days, he could upgrade his Comprehension.
As he approached the entrance to the Dining Hall, Chen Yuan saw He Qing waiting for him. The young man hurriedly rushed over and whispered mysteriously, "Brother Chen, I have solid intel on the location of a precious herb in the nearby Funiu Mountain. Do you want to go with me?"
Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow and politely declined without a second thought. "Brother He, I just had my breakthrough and need to consolidate my Stage, so I’ll have to pass. Since your intel is solid, you should ask one of the other senior brothers to go with you."
"Brother Chen, I swear on my life that it’s absolutely true," He Qing urged. "I’m only asking you because I trust your character, and I know you’re short on money right now. It’s a precious herb over five years old! Once we get it, we can split it seventy-thirty. You take seventy percent and I’ll take thirty. How does that sound?"
Chen Yuan was mildly surprised. He Qing spoke with such conviction that the herb likely did exist. A five-year-old precious herb could easily fetch over twenty taels of silver, which was indeed a small fortune.
Still, he shook his head decisively. "He Qing, I believe you, but I wouldn’t dare go. The mountains are far too dangerous. I’m better off sticking to my regular cultivation."
Precious herbs were typically guarded by mutant beasts of exceptional ferocity. The real reason He Qing wanted a helper was likely because he was terrified of facing one alone. Although Chen Yuan was now a true Martial Artist with offensive and defensive capabilities far surpassing an ordinary person, he knew that running into a tiger would still spell disaster. Besides, he possessed the Low-key Panel. Staying low-key was his top priority. He would have to be out of his mind to go risking his life.
He Qing pleaded with him a few more times, but Chen Yuan remained entirely unmoved, leaving him with no choice but to give up. He inwardly cursed Chen Yuan for playing it too safe. He would just have to find someone else. This money was his only hope for a successful breakthrough. He had to get it, no matter what.
After eating, Chen Yuan sat in the Dining Hall to rest, shooting the breeze with Sun Chengjie. Soon, he noticed one of his senior brothers walking straight toward him, speaking in a gentle tone.
"Junior Brother Chen, do you have a moment? I have something I’d like to discuss with you."
Chen Yuan stood up as a sign of respect but asked tentatively, "Senior Brother Fang, may I ask what this is about?"
Having been at the courtyard for over two months, he was at least acquainted with most of his fellow disciples, though the depth of their relationships varied. He only had a nodding acquaintance with this Senior Brother Fang Minghai.
Fang Minghai smiled faintly. "It’s about a sponsorship."
Chen Yuan’s eyes lit up. He immediately gestured to the side. "Senior Brother, this way, please."