Chapter 61: Basic Spear Techniques Unlocked
In the open field, Chen Fan gripped his spear. Though unsure if it was mere imagination, he felt an overwhelming heroism completely distinct from when he wielded a bow.
Zhang Ren frowned at Chen Fan's grip. For someone untrained in spears, this was understandable.
"Spear techniques are easy to learn but hard to master," Zhang Ren declared, hands clasped behind his back. "Novices find courage in a spear's three-meter reach - just thrust instinctively. But true mastery eludes most because of the weapon's length. Great spears reach twice a man's height, even four meters. Know what this means?"
Chen Fan shook his head.
"Leverage." Zhang Ren's voice sharpened. "Your left hand becomes the fulcrum, right hand and spearhead forming a laborious lever. Longer spears amplify this effect. Superior strength means nothing against proper technique - I could overpower you using ordinary strength right now. Though," he added, "this changes with realm differences."
"I believe you," Chen Fan said solemnly. He wasn't foolish enough to challenge a spear master before unlocking [Basic Spear Techniques]. His body suddenly stiffened. Wait - this confrontation might be his key to rapid improvement!
While archery sparring proved impractical, blunted spear duels... The idea kindled excitement.
Unaware of these thoughts, Zhang Ren continued: "Talent matters little here. 'Month for staff, year for blade, lifetime for spear.' Some master staffs in weeks, blades in years. But spears?" He fixed Chen Fan with a piercing stare. "No shortcuts. Proper methods trump raw talent every time."
Chen Fan nodded obediently while mentally disagreeing. His system rewarded pure repetition - advanced techniques would come through grinding practice.
"Final warning," Zhang Ren emphasized. "Wang Ping's group still makes this error. You're gripping that spear thinking of vertical chops or horizontal sweeps. These have uses, but..."
"But basics include slashing?" Chen Fan blinked.
"Because!" Zhang Ren jabbed a finger, "Once this heavy length deviates from centerline, brute strength can't correct it. Against human opponents..." He spread his hands twenty centimeters apart. "Ten-centimeter deviation at spear tip misses completely, though your hands barely shift. Understand?"
Chen Fan inhaled sharply - the classic 'inch becomes mile' principle.
"Therefore," Zhang Ren concluded, "spear tips must trace arcs - 'spear circles.' Combined with keeping the base near your waist, this feels unnatural initially. Thousands of repetitions forge proper instinct."
After demonstrating stances - thrusts, blocks, sweeps - Zhang Ren nodded at Chen Fan's first attempt. A new line appeared in Chen Fan's vision:
[Basic Spear Techniques: LV0 (0.1%)]
Twenty-jin spear in hand, Chen Fan cycled through forms. Each complete sequence granted 0.1% progress. Ten-pound weapons offered half efficiency - meaning 1,000 repetitions per level.
"Continue," Zhang Ren commanded.
Three hours later, sweat-drenched and trembling, Chen Fan checked his status:
[Basic Spear Techniques: LV0 (35.6%)]
322 repetitions remaining. His arms felt leaden, form deteriorating. Yet progress accelerated - 0.2% per cycle now. Suddenly, he froze. Why limit himself to single cycles...?
Wang Ping's group watched in awe. While they trained with seven-jin spears for an hour, Chen Fan's twenty-jin weapon danced relentlessly. Even seasoned hunters gaped at his three-hour marathon.
"Does he always train this brutally?" Gao Yang wiped sweat from his eyes.
"Always," Zhang Ren confirmed. The admission silenced the group, their own aches momentarily forgotten.
(End of Chapter)
Special Thanks: FreedomLife Reader for the 100 Coin Donation!
