Immortality Martial Arts: I Started with the Five Animals Health Fist Chapter 1 - 1 Health-preserving Fist! Five Animal Frolics!_1
Black Iron Manor, Great Flame Empire.
Name: Su Changkong (12 years old)
Lifespan: 40 years
Potential Value: 1 point
A look of helplessness crossed Su Changkong’s face as he stared at the data displayed on the attributes panel before him.
"It has been three months since I arrived in this world, and my book remains unfinished. It’s a good thing I barely had any readers to begin with..."
A soft sigh escaped Su Changkong’s lips.
Su Changkong was an outsider to this realm; originally, he had been a low-level writer from the Blue Planet. He had struggled to survive on meager royalties, often only able to afford two meals a day. His life changed abruptly one late night three months ago while he was working; a sudden, piercing pain struck his heart, causing him to lose consciousness, only to reawaken in this new land.
From what he had gathered, Su Changkong was now a resident of the Great Flame Empire. This was a brutal world overrun by bandits and local tyrants who carved out their own territories. Rumors of chaotic demon monsters were common—a dark age of strife where the lives of commoners were as cheap as blades of grass.
Fortunately, Su Changkong had experienced some luck. After his transmigration three months prior, he was taken in by the master of Black Iron Manor, an establishment built on the craft of forging. The manor housed over a hundred souls and was led by the renowned Forging Master Mo Tie, a man of some reputation in the lands surrounding Clearwater City.
Within the walls of Black Iron Manor, Su Changkong performed various chores and assisted with deliveries. If he followed the expected path, he would eventually transform into a skilled Forging Master like his peers, mastering a trade that would guarantee he never went hungry or cold.
However, having transmigrated to this world, Su Changkong refused to settle for a tedious and repetitive existence. He yearned to practice Cultivation and martial arts to explore the vast world beyond!
Like many who undergo transmigration, Su Changkong possessed a golden finger. Yet, so far, it had proven limited; other than showing his age, remaining lifespan, and basic stats, he had yet to find any other functions.
"My lifespan... there are only 28 years remaining. I am destined to die at 40!"
The most aggravating realization for Su Changkong was his short life expectancy. At 12 years old, he had a mere 28 years of life left. While surviving until 40 might be considered decent in such a violent era, as a soul from the Blue Planet, he had no intention of dying so young!
"Dang dang dang!"
The sharp ringing of bells signaled the start of the day at Black Iron Manor, calling everyone to wake up and begin their labors.
Life at the manor was centered entirely on forging, keeping the residents occupied from dawn to dusk. Every member was required to adhere to the manor's strict regulations, which included a daily morning assembly and roll call.
Su Changkong did not linger. After a quick wash, he hurried toward the central square of Black Iron Manor.
By the time he arrived, more than a hundred people had already congregated in the square.
"Chen Fan!" A man dressed in scholar’s robes began reading from a roster.
"Present!"
"Li San!"
"Present!"
...
One after another, the workers answered as the scholar called out their names.
Once the roll call concluded, the crowd turned their eyes toward the distance with expressions of deep respect.
Two figures were approaching the group: one was an elder with snowy hair and a youthful face, possessing the ethereal aura of an immortal; the other was a muscular man in his forties with skin the color of bronze—Mo Tie, the Lord of Black Iron Manor.
Mo Tie surveyed the assembled crowd before speaking with a smile, "Since everyone is present, allow me to introduce our guest. This is Dr. Hua Shan."
The youthful-looking elder offered a slight nod. At the mention of his name, looks of reverence appeared on the faces of the workers. In this age, the status of a physician was incredibly high, as no man could claim to be immune to sickness.
Dr. Hua Shan cleared his throat before addressing the crowd, "This old man was invited by Manor Lord Mo and could not refuse his generous hospitality. I shall be staying as a guest at Black Iron Manor for a few days. As a gesture of gratitude, I will teach you all the Five Animal Frolics. Anyone who is interested may come to the backyard of my residence every afternoon at 18 o'clock."
"Five Animal Frolics?"
"I believe that is a type of health-preserving fist technique..."
The workers began to whisper among themselves, some showing curiosity while others remained indifferent.
The Five Animal Frolics was a well-known health-preserving fist style. It wasn't designed for slaying enemies or combat, but rather for maintaining one's well-being. Practicing it regularly could bolster the body and ward off illnesses.
However, most of the people at Black Iron Manor were exhausted by their daily toil; few felt they had the energy to spare for practicing the Five Animal Frolics.
"A health-preserving fist? The Five Animal Frolics?"
Su Changkong’s eyes shimmered with excitement.
Knowing his life was slated to end at 40, Su Changkong wondered if mastering these health-preserving Five Animal Frolics could grant him more time.
A person’s longevity wasn't just a matter of birth and genetics; by focusing on health through external cultivation, one could surely build a more resilient body and extend their years!
"The Five Animal Frolics—I have to try it!" Su Changkong decided instantly. He was determined to learn the technique to see if it could truly prolong his life!
18 o'clock referred to the period between five and seven in the evening.
The crowd at Black Iron Manor soon began to scatter, heading off to eat or begin their shifts.
"Dang dang dang!"
Inside the forging room, the furnaces radiated an intense, scorching heat. Numerous Forging Masters, stripped to the waist, swung heavy hammers to mold iron billets. They were soaked in perspiration as the rhythmic clanging of metal filled the air.
"Increase the heat!"
A burly man with weathered skin barked an order.
"Yes."
Su Changkong pumped the bellows vigorously, fueling the roaring flames of the forge while sweat poured off him. Over the last three months, he had grown accustomed to the grueling work. He remained a lowly apprentice, tasked with operating the bellows and shoveling coal, only occasionally allowed to forge basic items like hoes or scythes.
"There are martial arts schools in Clearwater City, but their tuition is astronomical, costing anywhere from several to a dozen taels of silver per month. After three months of saving, I haven't even gathered a tenth of that amount..."