Chapter 38: Tai Chi, First Steps Toward Mastery
It was difficult—at least in Zhang Ren’s eyes.
For those with talent in the martial arts world, mastering the basics of Tai Chi took at least three years. To truly excel required another five years. Reaching the next tier, the realm of great mastery, demanded a decade more. Eighteen years in total, and even that was considered fast. Achieving great mastery in twenty to thirty years was already extraordinary.
The pinnacle beyond great mastery—perfection—had been attainable by only a handful of masters a decade ago. Though their hair turned silver, their spirits remained vibrant, their voices resonant, a testament to lifelong dedication.
As for the legendary state of completion beyond that? It existed only in myths.
This was why many practitioners, after plateauing in one style, turned to secondary arts like Xingyi Quan or Baguazhang. On one hand, cross-training could spark unexpected breakthroughs. On the other, those who devoted decades to martial arts did so out of genuine passion. Exploring different styles, savoring their unique nuances, was its own reward.
Of course, with the world now transformed, past wisdom might no longer apply. Yet Chen Fan, who hadn’t even grasped Tai Chi’s basics, was already eyeing a second martial art. Naïve, Zhang Ren thought.
Shaking his head, Zhang Ren moved to instruct Wang Ping and the others in spear techniques.
Meanwhile, Chen Fan focused on his skill panel. With a mental nudge, he allocated a point of experience.
His Tai Chi proficiency jumped by 5%.
Simultaneously, his understanding deepened. Movements that had once seemed flawless now revealed glaring imperfections.
"Still faster to use points," Chen Fan muttered, though it pained him.
Was Tai Chi’s experience cost excessive? Twenty points just to begin? The foundational Tai Chi Form had only required four.
"This is just the start," he realized. "The costs will only rise from here."
Excitement and unease tangled in his chest.
Patience, he told himself. If the basics demanded such effort, the rewards would match. Eagerness aside, progress needed to look gradual—even if that "gradual" meant rocket-paced.
He inhaled, relaxed, and resumed practicing.
This time, his proficiency inched up by 0.03%.
"Three years aren’t mandatory. Better form means faster gains. But I’ll stick to points."
He allocated another point. Another 5% surge.
Minutes slipped by.
"Hiss—"
Zhang Ren, observing nearby, sucked in a breath.
He’d watched Chen Fan cycle through drills, initially dismissive. But now—the boy’s movements sharpened with each repetition. Precise. Flawless. Progress defying reason.
At this rate, a dozen more rounds might propel Chen Fan to mastery on the spot.
Impossible. Hours to master Tai Chi? Unheard of!
A shocking thought struck: Have I stumbled upon a once-in-an-era prodigy?
Chen Fan hid a smirk. Exactly the reaction I wanted.
If Tai Chi alone were his goal, he’d have retreated to grind points privately. But future plans required Zhang Ren’s approval. Showing up one day declaring "I’ve mastered Tai Chi" would raise eyebrows. Better to display "rapid" progress now, however absurd it seemed.
"Uncle Zhang?" Chen Fan feigned innocence. "Is something wrong?"
Zhang Ren coughed. "No. Keep going." He walked off, stealing glances over his shoulder.
Round after round...
Zhang Ren’s throat tightened. Still improving. Could he truly reach mastery today?
Then Chen Fan halted, pacing the clearing.
Zhang Ren exhaled. Not today. But two or three days? What’s the difference?
He froze.
No difference at all.
This boy... a prodigy. Shouldn’t I rejoice? His strength shields the village. Then why this hollow ache?
Tilting his head skyward, Zhang Ren blinked back a traitorous tear.
At least he’s prepared, Chen Fan noted, relieved.
But he wasn’t done. With tomorrow’s expedition looming, strength was paramount. He dumped over a dozen experience points into Tai Chi.
Thud!
His heart lurched. Silence swallowed the world.
Heat erupted—tenfold the Tai Chi Form’s upgrade—scorching through veins, bones crackling, feet light as air. Muscle memory flooded him: centuries of practice compressed into seconds.
Five heartbeats passed before the fire faded. Chen Fan lingered in its afterglow.
Another breath steadied him. His body hummed with transformation.
[Tai Chi: First Steps Toward Mastery (1.2%)
Traits: Longevity Lv.1, Strength Lv.1, Agility Lv.1]
"Three traits?!"
[Longevity: +5 Constitution per level]
[Strength: +3 Power per level]
[Agility: +3 Speed per level]
"Five... three... three. Eleven attributes per level?!" Chen Fan’s voice shook. The Tai Chi Form paled in comparison.
