Starting from Robinson Crusoe

Which young man has not dreamt of being a martial arts hero? Which family’s sons do not wish to roam the Martial World?

Chen Zhou originally never imagined that he could one day learn Martial Arts. Hearing Bi Kai say this, he was pleasantly surprised and naturally agreed without hesitation.

Seeing his benefactor agree, Bi Kai’s expression immediately turned serious. Though disheveled, his brows still held the heroic spirit of a knight.

As if knowing he did not have long to live, there was a trace of sorrow in his tone—

"Benefactor, before I teach you Martial Arts, there are a few things I must clarify.

Firstly, no Martial Art can be mastered overnight. It’s said that a thick layer of ice isn’t formed in a single day, and the same goes for martial training.

You are learning spear techniques from me; you must not be greedy for success and rush into things.

Even with innate talent, practicing martial arts requires repeated experience and seeking insight from within.

Even just for entry-level, at least tens of repetitions, careful pondering, and diligent practice are needed to truly master the spear techniques.

Such determination, the required perseverance, and various hardships are beyond what ordinary people can endure. If you wish to learn, benefactor, you must always remember this point. Speedy learning results only in mediocre skills, achieving nothing substantial."

Speaking of Martial Arts, Bi Kai seemed like a completely different person from before.

After all, he was self-taught and made a great name for himself in the Martial World before the age of thirty. In addition to the family’s "Complete Sword Manual," he mastered many top skills from various schools, giving him a rightful air of pride.

After he finished speaking, he paused and, seeing that Chen Zhou was not discouraged, continued with the second point.

"Enduring hardship is something most people can do, especially children from poor families who endure much just to earn a meal.

But in the pursuit of martial arts, merely enduring is not enough; one needs talent, insight, and a sound family background.

My ancestor Bi Kun could recognize swords at five, learned martial arts at six, comprehended swordsmanship at twelve, was invincible in the Martial World by seventeen, and ascended in broad daylight at two hundred years old.

I, too, learned swordsmanship in youth but spent over twenty years yet still relied on weapons to intimidate others, a stark contrast to my ancestor.

If you pursue martial arts, benefactor, you must recognize differences in talent. If progress is slow, don’t belittle yourself, for ordinary people are common in the world."

When he spoke the last sentence, Bi Kai worried that Chen Zhou might be angered by the phrase "ordinary people are common" and cautiously watched his expression.

Most who hold high positions or succeed in particular fields detest criticism, even if it’s regarding areas they aren’t proficient in.

In Bi Kai’s eyes, Chen Zhou undoubtedly took an unconventional path yet reached great heights.

Such people are often proud and don’t heed others’ words.

Moreover, Chen Zhou was his benefactor; regardless of age or seniority, he was above him, making such words somewhat taboo.

Unexpectedly, Chen Zhou listened earnestly without the slightest displeasure.

Chen Zhou was not one to become conceited over minor achievements; he knew his own strengths and limitations.

Despite his height, he lacked athletic talent. As a tall person over six feet, he often ranked last in high school physical tests, unable even to do two pull-ups before arriving on the isolated island.

As for flexibility tests like the sit-and-reach, he had no aptitude; his entire body was rigid like a corpse, impossible to bend.

Besides that, his reaction speed was also half a beat slower, with only a slightly sharper mind and better memory than average; otherwise, he’d struggle even to find work on a construction site moving bricks.

The hard labor on the island strengthened his physique, but at most only brought him to the level of an average person’s physical condition.

His accomplishments today, making a name in the extreme sports world, led others to believe he excelled in both technique and physical prowess, even reaching human limits.

In truth, Chen Zhou clearly knew he had no technique, relying entirely on physical aptitude, or rather, a stroke of luck.

If the world gymnastics champion controlled this body, they would undoubtedly achieve greater heights. But alas, this body belongs to him alone.

Precisely because he knew that everything he had was due to a chance encounter and an unexpected gift from the Space-Time Administration Bureau, Chen Zhou felt no arrogance.

He even agreed with Bi Kai’s statement about "ordinary people being common," fully recognizing that geniuses are truly few, and most are simply average, having no reason for anger over this.

Seeing Bi Kai fall silent, Chen Zhou thought he feared displeasing him and, after waiting a moment, asked again.

"What about the third point?"

Prompted, Bi Kai continued.

"This third point is even more important than the previous ones.

Presumably, you, benefactor, know that martial arts training is best started in childhood, requiring early cultivation.

The direct descendants of Martial World families begin reciting formulas as soon as they can speak, engaged in what is called cultivation, physical fitness, and practical application.

Our swordsmanship has three realms: Form Sword, Qi Sword, and Divine Sword. Even after a lifetime, most people cannot reach the second realm.

At a glance, I see you may be over thirty, benefactor. Beginning training at this age is likely a hundred times more difficult than for most.

To have a sense of this, I have a presumptuous request, not sure if it’s appropriate to mention?"

Without having learned a single formula, Chen Zhou silently mused after hearing a long list of reasons why he wasn’t suited for martial arts: even if I can’t master true skills, learning some flashy moves is still better than swinging my fists wildly.

Regardless of age, I’ve expressed my resolve so clearly; how could I not learn?