Chapter 42: The Path to Strength (Second Update, Please Keep Reading)

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Zhen Yuanzhai saw that Lin Bei no longer stepped forward and took another sip of wine. Then he burped and said, “What you’ve learned is quite decent, though scattered. Instead of dispersing your efforts, it’s better to focus on one skill. Once you reach the summit, you can revisit these other things—you might gain new insights.” Lin Bei nodded in agreement but had no intention of following the advice.

After all, these abilities were shared from versions of himself in other worlds. Before seeing the true nature of this world, he had been nothing more than a lazy fish. Zhen Yuanzhai read Lin Bei’s expression and knew he wasn’t really listening. He frowned briefly but soon relaxed. Nowadays, it was rare to meet young people willing to train in martial arts, especially those who could actually master techniques.

Among the younger generation, Chui Quanchong and Ma Gong Athena were already top-tier. As for Chun Li, who had moved to America, she was in her early forties and no longer considered young. Of course, for masters of martial arts, living for one or two centuries was entirely possible. Zhen Yuanzhai didn’t want to see a promising talent like Lin Bei go to waste. After some thought, he said, “Would you be interested in staying at my dojo for a while? Though my kung fu isn’t the best, I’ve lived long enough to accumulate plenty of experience. Perhaps I can offer you some guidance.”

Lin Bei twitched the corner of his mouth. This former world number one was indeed humble. Even now, as long as he didn’t hold back, fewer than ten people could compare to him. Lin Bei’s purpose in meeting Zhen Yuanzhai was to learn drunken fist techniques, so he readily agreed. Zhen Yuanzhai happily took another couple of sips.

Having lived so many years, he could roughly gauge a person’s character by their fighting style. Lin Bei wasn’t absolutely righteous, but he wasn’t a bad person either. Teaching him a few moves wouldn’t hurt, especially since Zhen Yuanzhai had absolute confidence in his own strength. Lin Bei had talent in martial arts, and surpassing him would not happen overnight.

This arrangement would give Zhen Yuanzhai time to observe Lin Bei’s character. If he passed the test, he would teach him practical skills; if not, he would just humbly go through the motions. Zhen Yuanzhai also had another plan: he wanted Lin Bei to form a team with Ma Gong Athena and Chui Quanchong to enter a fighting tournament. But that depended on whether Lin Bei could meet his standards in the coming period.

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Lin Bei was unaware of Zhen Yuanzhai’s intentions, and even if he knew, he probably wouldn’t refuse. Regardless of which world he came from, all versions of himself severely lacked combat experience. If he couldn’t escape dangerous situations, he had no choice but to work hard to become stronger. The fighting tournament was a perfect platform where he could encounter all sorts of formidable opponents. With Zhen Yuanzhai backing him, Lin Bei didn’t need to worry about safety for the time being.

—–

Mysterious Space.

The Lin Bei from the Ivy world had just appeared when he was immediately surrounded by other versions of himself from different worlds, who eagerly reached out with mischievous hands. Being himself, Ivy Lin Bei knew their intentions well—they just wanted to see the latest episodes of his adventures. But this time, they were in for disappointment. Ivy Lin Bei was busy running away and had no time to think about such matters.

As expected, after sharing his memories, the other Lin Beis couldn’t help but sneer, but their expressions were mostly schadenfreude. Even though they were the same person, there was no reason to let Ivy Lin Bei be the only one with special treatment. Seeing that he was just as unlucky as them, they had no sympathy whatsoever.

“I told you it’s impossible to travel to a world with only benefits and no disasters!”
“Exactly! But the combination of the Grim Reaper Elementary School and the fighting game world is surprisingly harmonious. What’s your plan now? Are you going to stay and learn from Zhen Yuanzhai?”

Ivy, or rather the fighting-world Lin Bei, nodded and said, “One experience of fleeing in disgrace is enough; I absolutely refuse to have a second.” This was the sentiment shared by the other Lin Beis. Being timid before crossing over was one thing, but to remain so after crossing was a waste of the opportunity. Besides, with so many versions of themselves lending support, not making use of it would be foolish.

After chatting for a while, they all turned their attention to the mysterious Lin Bei. If anyone was dangerous, it was him. His world’s power came primarily from spirits, yet because of the existence of Mysterious Space, Lin Bei could not seek spirit power. No one knew what would happen if a spirit possessed him and was brought into Mysterious Space. One spirit might be manageable, but after sharing power, would multiple worlds’ Lin Beis also replicate the same spirit?

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If they connected, forming a complete “puzzle,” it might be a disaster. Even Yang Jian, the protagonist of the mysterious world, risked life and death each time he controlled a new spirit. The Lin Beis did not think they would be luckier than Yang Jian.

Therefore, from the start, the Lin Beis had decided not to seek spirit power. At least until they possessed an overwhelmingly destructive ability to exterminate spirits, and spirits no longer threatened their lives, would they consider studying it. If they couldn’t use it themselves, they could train subordinates with it.

Currently, the mysterious world’s Lin Bei had left school with Yang Jian and others, but the real danger was just beginning. Hence, he was more diligent than any other version, working hard to cultivate breathing techniques and Chinese martial arts. These two disciplines had no restrictions in his world and were the fastest way to grow stronger.

In terms of internal power, the mysterious Lin Bei couldn’t do what the comprehensive martial arts Lin Bei did—devouring rare treasures daily to grow rapidly. His progress was painfully slow. Rather than wasting time, he focused on strengthening the other two skills, hoping to freeload from the comprehensive martial arts Lin Bei once inside Mysterious Space.

His thinking was correct. Upon entering, he shared the internal energy of the perfected foundational Wudang internal skill from the comprehensive martial arts Lin Bei. Although freeloading was enjoyable, mysterious Lin Bei couldn’t help but complain, “Can’t you find a more high-class internal skill to practice?”

The comprehensive martial arts Lin Bei rolled his eyes and said, “I’d like to, but you know how things are in the Ming Dynasty. Those civil officials only want me to be a puppet. Even the secret manuals in the imperial collection are hidden by them. All that’s left are the Four Books and Five Classics. Learning any advanced skills was already a result of my stubbornness.”

“Even though I know Ancient Santong is locked up in the dungeon, Beiming Divine Skill lies beneath Wuliang Mountain, and Jiuyang is in Kunlun Snow Valley, it’s useless—I can’t leave the palace grounds. Last time I tried to escape using Thunderbolt Flash, my leg was barely holding up after two uses. Maybe when I can chain six or eight in a row, I’ll consider leaving.”

The Hong Kong martial arts Lin Bei couldn’t resist encouraging, “Have you thought about learning the art of substitution from Jiang Yuyan?”

The comprehensive martial arts Lin Bei shrugged, “Since you’ve shared my memories, you should know her current attitude toward me. Though she has feelings, they’re not strong, and after all she’s been through, she regards substitution as her trump card and won’t give it up easily.”

All the Lin Beis shouted in unison, “Then persuade her!”