Immortality Martial Arts: I Started with the Five Animals Health Fist Chapter 2 - 1 Health-preserving Fist! Five Animal Frolics!_2

Su Changkong felt a sense of powerlessness.

While the idea of studying martial arts had crossed his mind before, such paths were unfortunately closed to common folk. Based on what he understood, the costs of enrollment at the martial arts schools within Clearwater City were far beyond what an average person could ever hope to pay!

As a mere apprentice to the Forging Master at Black Iron Manor, Su Changkong’s days were filled with chores and manual labor. His pay was meager, amounting to only 200 copper coins each month. Even after three months of extreme frugality, he had saved less than half a tael of silver—a sum that wouldn't even cover the basic entry fee for a martial arts school.

Even so, Su Changkong didn't harbor much resentment, believing that one's earnings should reflect their current skills. Within the walls of Black Iron Manor, his basic needs for food, clothing, and security were met. He knew that once he became a Forging Master in the future, his income would see a massive boost.

"Whether it's the modern era or ancient times, it's all the same—internships before becoming official..." Su Changkong mused to himself, lost in thought.

"Work is over! Shift's done! Make sure those furnaces are sealed properly!"

The overseer’s shout rang out as afternoon arrived, signaling the end of the day's labor.

The workers of Black Iron Manor began to scatter, though a few remained behind to finish their remaining chores.

"Finally, I'm done!" Su Changkong muttered, grabbing a towel to wipe the perspiration from his brow.

After returning to his quarters to bathe and change into fresh attire, Su Changkong made his way toward the back courtyard of the manor. He was prepared to begin learning the Five Animal Frolics, honoring the appointment he had made with Dr. Huashan that morning.

Upon arriving at the elegant courtyard used for receiving guests, Su Changkong spotted Dr. Huashan.

He wasn't the only one there to learn the Five Animal Frolics; a small group of seven or eight others, ranging from the young to the elderly, had also gathered out of curiosity.

"Is this everyone? It seems spreading the word of the Five Animal Frolics will be a difficult and long journey..." Dr. Huashan waited for a moment, feeling a hint of letdown that fewer than ten people from the manor had shown up. However, he knew this was to be expected. Most people were so consumed by the struggle for survival that they lacked the stamina for Health-preserving Fist.

Composing himself, Dr. Huashan began his lecture, "The Five Animal Frolics is a traditional practice centered on longevity. By mimicking five specific animals, we can bolster the physical body and enhance the circulation of Qi and blood. Results only come to those who commit to persistent Cultivation. My own master reached the age of one hundred through these Five Animal Frolics before he finally ascended to immortality!"

Su Changkong paid close attention; he was not a man satisfied with staying stagnant. Now that he had a stable position at Black Iron Manor and some spare time, mastering the Five Animal Frolics could prove genuinely beneficial!

"The version of the Five Animal Frolics I teach consists of 54 distinct forms: 13 forms for the Tiger Play, 9 for the Deer Play, 9 for the Bear Play, 10 for the Ape Play, and 13 for the Bird Play."

"Furthermore, there are higher-level techniques like the Mutual Generation and Mutual Restraint Practices, the Agile Ape Foolish Bear Practice, and the Crane Play for pairs. For today, I will demonstrate and explain simultaneously. Everyone, please mirror my movements. If you find yourself confused, do not hesitate to ask."

After introducing the fundamentals, Dr. Huashan began the physical practice, and the small crowd attempted to follow his lead.

Dr. Huashan slowed his pace intentionally. At times he moved with the raw, fierce energy of a tiger, and at others, he displayed the serene elegance of a deer, making the performance a captivating sight.

Su Changkong threw himself into the practice with total focus. His movements transitioned from clumsy to steady, and while he wasn't flawless yet, he was starting to grasp the essence of the forms.

"Wait?" An hour later, Su Changkong’s face betrayed a flicker of surprise.

He had successfully gained proficiency in a martial art: Five Animal Frolics (Introductory 1%).

A brand-new entry had manifested on his attribute panel!

"So the Five Animal Frolics actually count as martial arts?" Su Changkong was secretly stunned. Even if these exercises were designed for health rather than combat, they clearly fell under the umbrella of martial arts!

"I'll be staying here at Black Iron Manor for five days. You may come here at this same time every day to continue your study of the Five Animal Frolics," Dr. Huashan announced as twilight began to fall, dismissing the group to rest.

However, the doctor suspected that while nearly ten had come today, that number would likely dwindle by tomorrow.

His intuition proved correct; by the second afternoon, only five or six people returned.

Su Changkong, however, was there every single day, constantly pestering Dr. Huashan with questions about the finer points of the forms. Seeing a youth like Su Changkong show such passion for the Five Animal Frolics brought a sense of relief to Dr. Huashan. His goal in spreading this art was to provide something meaningful for the common people.

If the people were healthy, they would naturally suffer less from sickness and pain.

Five days later, as the sun began to set,

Su Changkong was the only student left standing beside Dr. Huashan.

It is truly difficult for most to remain dedicated to anything beyond the basic needs of survival!

"Young man, your name is Su Changkong, isn't it?" Dr. Huashan asked with a warm, approving smile.

"That is correct," Su Changkong replied with a nod. Having seen him arrive punctually every day, the doctor had long since learned his name.

Dr. Huashan paused for a moment of reflection before speaking, "I am set to depart from Black Iron Manor tomorrow. I want you to have this—it may prove useful to you down the road."

He reached into his robes and produced a folded sheet of paper, handing it over to Su Changkong.

"What might this be?" Su Changkong asked, curious.

"It is a recipe for Body Strengthening Soup that I developed myself. It is designed to fortify the constitution and nourish both Qi and blood. Though... I must warn you, the ingredients required are quite costly," Dr. Huashan clarified.

Hearing this, Su Changkong’s eyes flashed with excitement—a formula capable of strengthening the body and enhancing Qi and blood was an incredibly valuable treasure!

Throughout his five days at Black Iron Manor, only Su Changkong had shown the resolve to finish the training, and it was this perseverance that moved Dr. Huashan to gift him the Body Strengthening Soup recipe.