Permanent Martial Arts Chapter 3

Dressed in a crisp white martial arts uniform accented with black trim, Qu Chen looked striking and full of life. Her presence immediately drew every eye in the cafeteria as she walked in. Lin Feng, though a member of the same martial arts club, had only joined because his sister insisted. His interest in the club was minimal; after all, his frail health had previously made any form of martial arts practice an impossibility.

Despite only attending a handful of sessions at the club, he and Qu Chen were familiar with one another since she was a close friend of his sister.

“Is there a reason I shouldn't be in the cafeteria, Qu Chen?”

“No reason. I just didn't think you ate here very often.”

Qu Chen’s smile caused a stir among the nearby students, who began whispering while casting envious looks at Lin Feng. They were jealous of his "luck with women," as he was sitting with the campus goddess.

“You must be exhausted from your training, Qu Chen. I bought this marbled meat for you; it’s perfect for restoring the energy you burned this morning.”

A male student interrupted their friendly conversation as he approached. Lin Feng recognized him as Du Qiang, the vice president of the martial arts club.

While Qu Chen served as the president, Du Qiang held the vice presidency and was well-known for his relentless pursuit of her. Everyone in the club was aware of his feelings, including Lin Feng. It was equally common knowledge that Qu Chen felt nothing for him. Despite her countless rejections, Du Qiang remained stubbornly attached to her side.

Qu Chen’s brow furrowed as she replied, “Senior Du, that really isn't necessary.”

“Don't worry about it, please, have some.”

“Du Qiang, I told you I don't want it!”

Though she was clearly becoming irritated, Qu Chen restrained herself from causing a public scene.

Lin Feng watched the exchange briefly before returning his attention to his meal, choosing to stay out of the conflict. He felt as though his stomach had become a void; the food he consumed was being processed instantly. A surge of nutrients flowed into his core, transforming into a heat that fueled the rapid expansion of his Wild Bovine genes. His physical stats were climbing at an incredible pace.

Du Qiang ignored Qu Chen’s coldness, but his annoyance flared when he looked at Lin Feng. Stepping closer, he roughly struck Lin Feng’s shoulder. “You’re done eating, Lin Feng. Get lost.”

Du Qiang was no weakling. As a Grade Three martial artist, he was on the verge of entering the professional ranks.

Knowing Lin Feng was sickly, he intended to physically intimidate him into leaving.

“Hmm?”

Almost by instinct, Lin Feng shifted his shoulder and leaned back. Du Qiang was met with a sudden, powerful resistance that sent him staggering. He nearly hit the floor as he stumbled backward several steps. Scowling with rage, Du Qiang lunged forward to shove Lin Feng again.

“What do you think you’re doing, Du Qiang?”

Sensing the tension, Qu Chen stood up quickly to reprimand him.

Du Qiang’s face was dark with confusion and cold anger. He had just been pushed back by someone he considered a weakling, and he couldn't understand how he had lost that brief encounter.

“Don't be upset, Qu Chen. I’m going.”

Before leaving, Du Qiang shot a freezing glare at Lin Feng. Whether it was luck or intentional, he wouldn't forget this. He would find plenty of chances to handle Lin Feng once they were back at the club.

“Are you okay, Lin Feng? Du Qiang was out of line. He knows your health is fragile…”

Lin Feng cut her off with a calm wave of his hand. “I’m perfectly fine.”

“By the way,” Qu Chen added, “do you have any more classes this afternoon?”

“Just one elective, I believe.”

“Skip it. The club has secured a Grade Seven professional martial artist to give a lecture today. It’s a massive opportunity. You should come.”

After a moment of thought, Lin Feng nodded. “Sure, I’ll be there this afternoon.”

“Excellent! Let’s head over together.”

Looking pleased, Qu Chen led Lin Feng out of the cafeteria and toward the school’s martial arts hall.

Upon arrival, they found the hall packed with over a hundred people. The atmosphere was electric. A familiar girl spotted Lin Feng from the training ring and jumped down to greet him.

“Brother! What brings you here? Is it because of Sister Qu Chen?”

This was Lin Qian, Lin Feng’s younger sister. She was a petite, energetic girl and a fellow club member. Along with Qu Chen, she was considered one of the two "goddesses" of the martial arts club.

Qu Chen blushed slightly at the comment. Lin Feng smiled and replied, “I heard a Grade Seven professional was visiting. I couldn't miss that.”

“That’s Mr. Lei Sheng,” Lin Qian said, pointing to a robust man on the platform. “The club invited him to teach a special session.”

Lei Sheng sat in a meditative posture on the stage, eyes shut. The students kept a respectful distance, not daring to wake him.

In this era, martial arts followed a strict ranking from Grade One to Nine. Grades One through Three were considered amateur levels, achievable by many through basic fitness and self-defense. However, Grade Four marked the start of the professional ranks. To qualify, a martial artist had to pass a physical test proving they could exert at least 500 kilograms of force.

Advancement from Grade Four to Nine required official certification from recognized institutions. Being a professional opened doors to the Outland. Large corporations often hired these martial artists for dangerous but lucrative expeditions. Only those with professional status were deemed capable of surviving such environments.

Consequently, these certificates were highly prized. Many spent their lives training just to secure a professional rank and a high-paying job in the Outland.

In this club, only Qu Chen had actually achieved Grade Four professional status. Despite her gentle appearance, she was a true prodigy. Her ambition was to climb the professional ranks and eventually become an "inhuman" expert by breaking the genetic lock.

Breaking the genetic lock was a realm far beyond Grade Nine, a level most professional martial artists could only dream of reaching.

Watching Lin Feng chat comfortably with the club's two most popular girls sparked waves of jealousy among the male members. Du Qiang, watching from the crowd, looked on with icy eyes.

As the hall filled to its capacity of two hundred, Qu Chen took the stage. “Today, we are honored to host Mr. Lei Sheng, a Grade Seven professional martial artist. Please show him your respect.”

The room erupted in applause. Lei Sheng opened his eyes, stood up slowly, and surveyed the crowd.

“As practitioners, you must understand the distinction between Cultivation and martial techniques. Cultivation builds the foundation of the body, eventually leading to the breaking of the genetic lock and the inhuman state. Martial techniques, however, are the methods of combat and power delivery. Today, I will demonstrate the Wild Bovine’s Might.”

“The Wild Bovine’s Might is a form-and-intention technique modeled after dire beasts. It relies on overwhelming power to shatter an opponent's defense. It consists of three fundamental moves. Memorizing them is merely the start. Using them effectively is proficiency. Being able to adapt them to any combat situation is mastery.”

“But the true goal is 'True Intent.' Beyond mastery lies the essence. When you grasp the True Intent of the Wild Bovine’s Might, you become the beast itself. Only then does the technique reach its full, devastating potential!”

Lei Sheng spoke with authority about the importance of True Intent. Achieving this level meant a martial artist had perfected the technique, allowing for incredible feats in battle.

Lin Feng listened intently. Since the Wild Bovine’s Might was based on the very creature whose genes were currently merging with his own, he felt a strange resonance. As he visualized the moves, a restless energy began to stir deep within him.

“Now, begin your practice,” Lei Sheng commanded, returning to his seat with a detached expression.

Fascinated by the concept of True Intent, the students began practicing their forms. Du Qiang noticed Lin Feng practicing with his eyes closed and saw an opportunity. He called out loudly, “I've gained some insights into the Wild Bovine’s Might. Perhaps a spar would help everyone understand the technique better?”

The crowd murmured in agreement. Qu Chen felt a sense of dread as she noticed Du Qiang’s eyes fixated on Lin Feng. Before she could intervene, Du Qiang shouted, “Lin Feng! Your form looks interesting. Why don't you step up and spar with me using the Wild Bovine’s Might?”

A heavy silence fell over the room. Most members viewed Lin Feng as a fragile outsider. Du Qiang’s motive was transparent; he was lashing out because of Lin Feng’s closeness to Qu Chen.

“If you want a partner, Du Qiang, I’ll fight you,” Lin Qian snapped, stepping forward to protect her brother.

Qu Chen looked equally annoyed. However, Du Qiang ignored them, staring directly at Lin Feng. “If you lack the courage to test your skills, why bother with martial arts at all? Maybe you should just quit the club.”

His intent was clear: either Lin Feng would be humiliated in a fight, or he would be shamed into leaving.

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

Lin Feng opened his eyes. The restless power of the Wild Bovine genes was surging inside him, demanding to be released. He accepted the challenge.