Chapter 25: Gratitude

Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

The more Zhang Youde fought, the more shocked he felt. No matter how he switched between the moves in the Long Rainbow Sword Technique, Chen Yiming would always be able to find a suitable countermeasure.

The trainees at the side couldn’t understand the shock in Zhang Youde’s heart. It was as if he had been completely seen through by his opponent. However, he had never displayed his clan’s Long Rainbow Sword Technique in front of Chen Yiming before this.

Chen Yiming hadn’t expected that his actions would inadvertently cause Zhang Youde’s evaluation of him to rise to another level, leading to a series of events later.

Chen Yiming was able to split his consciousness into two easily. Half of his consciousness was focused on fighting with Zhang Youde while the other half entered his mind.

There were two figures in his mind. One was imitating Zhang Youde, while the other was Chen Yiming himself, perfectly replicating the fight between Zhang Youde and Chen Yiming.

Each move of the Long Rainbow Sword Technique was recorded, then analyzed and optimized by the figure representing Chen Yiming. He swiftly mastered the technique.

By the time Zhang Youde had used up all his moves and started to repeat them, Chen Yiming had already completed his goal of secretly learning the technique.

Zhang Youde’s grasp of the Long Rainbow Sword Technique was lacking, and Chen Yiming was able to see through all the mistakes that he had made. Conversely, Chen Yiming was completely capable of teaching Zhang Youde about the Long Rainbow Sword Technique.

Accumulate resources and fortify the defense.

Chen Yiming resisted the urge to teach Zhang Youde about the Long Rainbow Sword Technique instead.

The two of them exchanged another round of blows. Zhang Youde had used up his strength, so he took the initiative to retreat and widen the distance between them. Chen Yiming didn’t close in, and in the eyes of the bystanders, it was a draw.

“How do you feel?”

Zhang Youde took several deep breaths to recover from the dizziness caused by the lack of oxygen.

He had already depleted all his strength and only stopped when he was completely exhausted.

“Thank you so much. I’ve roughly thought of a way to deal with such techniques if I face them in the future.”

Chen Yiming hugged his knees and took in deep breaths of fresh air just like his opponent.

Early on, he had noticed that Zhang Youde was about to reach his limit, so he had made preparations in advance and acted exactly like his opponent. The surrounding trainees could not tell whether it was real or fake.

At the same time, he was sincerely grateful to Zhang Youde. After all, Zhang Youde had freely allowed him to secretly learn his clan’s secret technique.

“Those of us who have truly embarked on the path of martial arts cannot avoid fighting with others. At this time, it is very important to have experience in dealing with different types of techniques. Once you join the Mutual Aid Association, you can spend your contribution points to get others to teach you different special techniques,” Zhang Youde told Chen Yiming how joining the association could help him.

“Contribution points?”

Chen Yiming remained expressionless.

In his heart, he thought to himself that the benefits of this association were not that great. Not only did they have to use his name to get things done, but he also had to work hard to buy what he needed.

“That’s right. As long as you complete the tasks issued by the association, not only will you receive remuneration, but you will also receive contribution points. Contribution points are the currency for internal transactions.”

Afraid that Chen Yiming would misunderstand, Zhang Youde added, “You don’t have to worry. Most of the ordinary tasks are for companies related to the association. It rarely requires one to be at the level of disciples, so there’s no danger.”

He waited expectantly for Chen Yiming’s reply.

“Um… I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I think the association is not for me. I’m sorry for wasting Senior Brother Zhang’s time.”

Chen Yiming wasn’t that interested in the association and didn’t want to drag things out any further. Hence, he rejected the offer.

Senior Brother Wang had already agreed to help him find a job, and the arrangement with his cousin Chen Shaojie would probably be able to get him more money in the future. The only avenue he urgently needed to spend money on was the new house. However, he could rent a house first and think of ways to earn money to buy one later.

After settling his worries about his family, he would still prefer to develop himself in the martial arts school and not get involved with any external factions.

“…Won’t you think about it for a few more days?” Zhang Youde asked in a low voice.

He had high hopes for Chen Yiming and wanted to strengthen their relationship. If he wanted Chen Yiming to become one of his connections, they would definitely need something from each other. Otherwise, no matter how close they got, their relationship would fade with time.

“I’ve already troubled Senior Brother Zhang a lot. I’ve really thought it through.”

…

The afternoon cultivation class was about to end.

Wang Bowen approached Chen Yiming and passed him a piece of paper with an address written on it.

“This is the address of the martial arts training center that I’ve found for you. The class starts from 8 pm tonight, every Monday to Friday, two hours per night.”

Chen Yiming took the note and read it carefully to memorize the address before putting it away.

“Senior Brother Wang, I know swordsmanship, but I’ve never taught anyone else. I don’t know how to start,” Chen Yiming voiced his worries.

He had many friends who were teachers in his previous life, so he knew that even if he could study well, he might not be able to teach well.

The swordsmanship talent of the students in the training center was likely to be many levels lower than his Level-1 swordsmanship talent. There would often be situations where he felt that there was no need to think, but the students would not be able to understand what to do.

“What’s there to worry about? Practicing martial arts isn’t something that can be achieved through just hard work. Talent is what determines a person’s potential. Just follow the standard sword moves and teach. How much they can learn is up to the students’ personal abilities,” Wang Bowen said with a laugh.

It was an unchanging principle since time immemorial that one had to rely on oneself for cultivation.

Hearing this, Chen Yiming knew what to do.

Of course, he understood the importance of talent. Otherwise, why would his body’s owner have achieved nothing after practicing for a few years, while he managed to surpass the achievements of others who had been practicing for years in just a few months?

His previous worry was mainly because he was afraid that he would embarrass Senior Brother Wang if he did not teach well.

“Senior Brother Wang, Zhang Youde wants to get me to join the Mutual Aid Association. I want to hear your opinion about this.”

Chen Yiming had already troubled Wang Bowen with many things. The relationship between the two of them had developed towards that of sworn buddies, so he brazenly asked him about this matter.

“I’m a member of a martial arts clan. Of course, I know about everything happening behind the scenes here, but…”

Wang Bowen chuckled and kept Chen Yiming in suspense for a few seconds before he continued.

“How should I put it? There are advantages and disadvantages to joining such an organization. The advantage is that you can directly buy cultivation techniques, mutant beast meat, equipment, potions, and other cultivation resources from the organization.

The downside is that you will be getting involved with them for a long period of time. It is easy to join them but difficult to leave. After all, you will have quite a lot of insider information about the organization. They will not be willing to let you leave for no good reason.”

Wang Bowen hit the nail on the head and listed the pros and cons in a succinct manner.

“Regarding cultivation techniques, the Mantis Snake Sword Technique can allow one to reach the warrior realm without having to switch to something else. It’s not necessary to have a second or third technique. Furthermore, I have the ability to secretly learn techniques. As time passes, I will definitely be able to secretly learn all kinds of sword techniques.

Regarding mutant beast meat, the black pork was more than enough to replenish my energy. As for the other mutant beast meat that could enhance strength, reaction, and speed, I can make up for it by upgrading my talent using Skill Points.

Regarding the equipment and potions, it shouldn’t be a problem for me to shamelessly trouble Senior Brother Wang.”

Chen Yiming broke down the situation and analyzed each point in his head.

He realized that he had made the right decision. The association would not be able to help him much.