Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Iron Stone Fist (Seeking Follow-up Reads on Tuesday) Gu’s Manor Martial Training Grounds. The blue stone tiles were neatly laid flat, and training wooden posts of varying heights stood scattered around. Rows of weapon racks held numerous blunt weapons that had yet to be sharpened. At the very center. Dozens of youths were practicing their punches scattered across the grounds. The air was filled with shouts and grunts, creating a fervent and lively atmosphere. Gu Sheng could see. Some youths had determined expressions, their punches and kicks accompanied by fierce gusts of wind. These were clearly not beginners; their proficiency in fist techniques was quite evident. Even more striking were the youths whose arms and fists were reddened, as if some kind of ointment had been applied. After completing a set of fist techniques, their whole bodies resembled steamed shrimp, leaving Gu Sheng astonished. Gu Jingang’s voice rang out from beside him: "The human body’s potential is limitless. Practicing martial arts is nothing less than the process of uncovering that potential and forging the physical body. For this, body refining martial arts are essential!" "The body refining martial arts we cultivate at Gu’s Manor is called the Iron Stone Fist!" "Although the Iron Stone Fist is merely considered a third-rate martial art, if one can train it to an advanced realm, fists as hard as ironstone, with strength equal to lifting ten thousand pounds, it will hardly be inferior to second-rate martial arts!" Gu Jingang’s expression radiated pride. He was the only one in Gu’s Manor to have trained the Iron Stone Fist to the Great Achievement Realm. His iron fists could withstand bladed weapons, earning him the fearsome title of Iron Fist Jingang. Gu Sheng’s heart stirred. He recalled the scene from that day when Gu Jingang fought Wang Chong. Gu Jingang slapped away the wolf fang club barehanded without suffering a single injury—truly ferocious. "Body refining is divided into four steps: tempering the skin, refining the blood and muscles, strengthening the bones, and conditioning the marrow and organs. These correspond to the Refining Skin Realm, Blood Refining Realm, Bone Refining Realm, and Marrow Refining Realm!" "If one day you achieve mastery in the Bone Refining Realm, you could roam across Canghe County unchallenged." "A tower of a thousand feet rises from the ground. The initial stages of martial arts begin with toughening the skin. To toughen the skin, you must first achieve entry-level prowess in Iron Stone Fist!" "Don’t underestimate this first step. The number of people who fall at this stage is staggering. Many exhaust their time and energy but fail to achieve even entry-level!" Gu Sheng’s expression turned serious. Gu Erniu had experienced this fate. He spent a fortune but couldn’t achieve entry-level proficiency, ultimately having to abandon the endeavor—a lifelong regret. "Even if you achieve entry-level proficiency in Iron Stone Fist, the skin must be honed to the Stone Skin Stage to be considered a true martial artist. This process may take as little as two to three months or as long as two to three years. Some may never succeed—it all depends on personal talent!" "From today onward, you will follow me to learn Iron Stone Fist. Once you achieve entry-level proficiency, you can decide whether to continue practicing here. But remember, Iron Stone Fist must not be shared with outsiders!" "Don’t forget to claim your monthly allocation of two portions of Body Refining Ointment. Use it to improve your progress—it’s a benefit that Dajiang has secured for you. If you have your own money, you can also purchase additional portions, one tael of silver per portion." "Thank you for your guidance, Instructor!" Gu Sheng expressed his gratitude, though he couldn’t help but click his tongue mentally in awe. Youths in the manor could start learning martial arts by paying one tael of silver upon turning fifteen. Many families could scrape together the money with some effort. However, the real expenses came after starting the practice. Martial arts training required consuming substantial amounts of meat. Once one achieved entry-level proficiency in Iron Stone Fist, using the Body Refining Ointment was essential for faster progress in the Refining Skin stage. It was obvious. Becoming a true martial artist was an expensive path. And this was only at the Stone Skin Stage. The costs for the subsequent Iron Skin Stage and Jade Skin Stage would only increase exponentially! Just imagining it was enough to make one’s scalp tingle. As Gu Sheng was calculating. Gu Jingang’s commanding voice rang out across the training grounds. "Alright, you little brats, stop what you’re doing. Today we have a newcomer. I’ll demonstrate Iron Stone Fist for you all again!" He gestured for Gu Sheng to line up. The youths were curious about the newcomer but quickly turned their attention to Gu Jingang. After all, Gu Jingang also needed time to train and couldn’t always personally demonstrate the Iron Stone Fist. Typically, he would only provide detailed explanations when he was in a good mood or when new students arrived, making the opportunity highly valuable for everyone. Most of the youths on the training grounds were still working toward entry-level proficiency in Iron Stone Fist. Gu Sheng focused intently. The opportunity to practice martial arts had been hard-won, and he couldn’t afford to waste it. Gu Jingang’s gaze swept over the youths, as imposing and heavy as a hammer. "Iron Stone Fist is a body refining martial art that combines training methods with combat techniques. A punch as solid as ironstone not only tempers the skin but also serves as a lethal combat technique!" "However, there is a distinction between the training method and the combat application." "Today, I will demonstrate Iron Stone Fist for you in full detail again!" After speaking. Gu Jingang’s aura shifted dramatically, becoming as steady and unyielding as a boulder rooted to the earth, exuding a deep sense of gravitas. He slowly began to throw punches, each movement deliberate and smooth. As the sequence of punches unfolded, white vapor visibly steamed from his body. His voice echoed as well: "In training, focus on the heart. The fist technique must be slow. Imagine yourself as a boulder standing firm on the ground, feeling the connection with your blood and skin." He demonstrated over and over, his punches becoming progressively faster. Toward the end, the white vapor rising from him grew as thick as clouds and mist before gradually dissipating. He slowly retracted his fists and said: "If you can learn this sequence of movements so thoroughly that it becomes second nature—consistent and seamless—you will have achieved entry-level proficiency. Only then can the power of Iron Stone Fist touch upon the skin, tempering it for the next stage. Work hard; most of you are capable of this. As for combat application, though the sequence is the same, the emphasis is different." "In combat, the focus is on momentum. The fist technique must be fast and fierce. Imagine your fists as ironstone—unyielding and domineering!" With a sharp glint in his eyes, his fists suddenly tightened. His body moved like a tiger, and his punches rained down like a storm, furious and overwhelming. The sight left the youths subconsciously holding their breath, not daring to make the slightest sound. Gu Sheng’s eyes gleamed with excitement, deeply moved by the marvel of martial arts. Clearly, the same sequence of movements could manifest as two completely different approaches: one heavy and steady, the other fierce and aggressive. Gu Jingang retracted his fists and stood tall. Seeing the admiration and awe in the youths’ eyes, he felt a trace of satisfaction. He smiled and said: "Alright, now practice diligently. Strive to achieve entry-level proficiency in Iron Stone Fist as soon as possible so you can begin tempering your skin and become true martial artists!" "Yes, Instructor!" The youths, full of fighting spirit, dispersed eagerly. Having just witnessed Gu Jingang’s demonstration, many felt a spark of enlightenment and couldn’t wait to refine their practice further. No one approached Gu Sheng. Youths from less affluent families were intent on making every second count, while the heirs of the manor, even the lazier ones, showed no interest in mingling. Gu Sheng was perfectly content with this. He found a secluded corner and recalled the sequence of movements Gu Jingang had just taught. The Iron Stone Fist’s sequence wasn’t overly complex, consisting of eighteen moves, all of which Gu Sheng could remember in full. However, mastering these moves to a seamless and intuitive level would require relentless practice. Gu Sheng took a deep breath and began to practice. In the distance. Gu Jingang watched Gu Sheng’s clumsy attempts at practicing and shook his head slightly. With his sharp eye, he immediately judged Gu Sheng’s aptitude for Iron Stone Fist as merely average. At this rate, it would take at least one to two months for him to achieve entry-level proficiency. "It seems his talent lies only in archery. Well, let’s see how he progresses in the Refining Skin stage after reaching entry-level. Hopefully, he won’t squander Dajiang’s goodwill." He turned and walked away. Gu Sheng, wholly immersed in the world of martial arts, remained oblivious. This was his first time practicing martial arts, and his enthusiasm was boundless. It wasn’t until the sun was nearly setting, and his stomach growled with hunger, that he finally stopped practicing. By then, most of the youths had already left, leaving only a few lingering figures. After extensive practice, Gu Sheng finally managed to execute the eighteen moves of the Iron Stone Fist with some semblance of proper form. While far from fluid, he could at least complete the entire sequence. "Practicing martial arts is truly difficult," Gu Sheng thought to himself with heartfelt emotion. It didn’t take much observation to realize his progress was average—not fast, but not slow either. However, he wasn’t in a hurry. He had his system, and achieving entry-level proficiency was only the beginning!