Unstoppable Martial Arts: Starting with brother's wife and young sister Chapter 5 Ninth Grade

"Infuse my Health Cultivation Technique!"

A booming command resonated within his spirit.

Almost instantly, the digits displayed on his cultivation interface began to dwindle, while the progress bar for the Health Cultivation Technique steadily climbed.

Once the remaining points hit the number 7, a sudden, searing heat bloomed deep within his chest.

The sensation began to pulse, trickling outward until it reached his very extremities.

Even amidst the bitterness of a frozen winter night, Chen Xuan felt no trace of frost; instead, his entire frame glowed with a comforting, gentle warmth.

Regrettably, this sublime state only persisted for a few brief moments before dissipating entirely.

Without delay, Chen Xuan cast his gaze upon the status window.

[Name: Chen Xuan]

[Longevity: 18/55]

[Realm: Ninth Grade (Skin Refining)]

[Cultivation Technique: Health Cultivation Technique (Minor Achievement) (0/100)]

[Skills: Beginner Archery (5/10), Beginner Tracking Technique (6/10)]

[Skill Points: 7]

"I have finally ascended to the Ninth Grade!"

Overcome with exhilaration, he clenched his right palm into a fist and struck the air with force.

The Health Cultivation Technique had ascended to a minor stage of proficiency, effectively molding him into a genuine Ninth Grade Martial Artist.

He discarded his heavy cotton layers to scrutinize the physiological transformation of his frame.

Years of hunting had granted him skin of a weathered bronze hue.

Though a recent, severe illness had stripped him of much muscle, his arms now radiated a renewed sense of vigor.

The deep, darkened tone of his skin appeared polished and resilient, possessing a texture strikingly similar to toughened cowhide.

Chen Xuan executed several stretches reminiscent of the fitness enthusiasts from his previous life, his joints popping with a rhythmic, healthy crackle.

He savored a sudden surge of raw mechanical power.

Shifting his focus, he turned toward a water-filled vat standing nearby.

He crouched slightly, anchoring his stance, and braced his arms around the heavy vessel.

"Rise!"

He exhaled a sharp, guttural shout.

The vat drifted upward with ease, and he realized with delight that he still possessed a reserve of untapped strength.

"I must have at least 300 pounds of force at my disposal now."

Chen Xuan gauged his current physical threshold.

A flicker of disappointment crossed his mind, though.

This was only a fraction stronger than an average man, hardly the earth-shattering power he had envisioned.

Yet, something else caught his eye.

He moved toward a stack of firewood, each piece as stout as a grown man's arm.

Selecting one, he placed it at an angle against the floor.

Tightening his fist, he delivered a crushing blow directly onto the wood.

"Crack!"

The thick log fractured into two jagged pieces instantly.

Chen Xuan examined the back of his hand and his eyes sparkled with intensity; not a single scratch or angry red welt had formed.

"Solid indeed!"

"It is no wonder they describe the Ninth Grade as the stage of skin refining."

In essence, a Ninth Grade Martial Artist was differentiated from an ordinary man primarily by the durability of his hide and a modest boost in raw endurance.

With his current capabilities, he could easily subdue four or five men in a brawl, provided they fought without armaments.

If weapons came into play, however, the variables multiplied.

A blade in the ribs was still a fatal threat. As they often said back on the Blue Star, martial prowess is no match for a sharpened butcher's knife.

Of course, this only applied to the entry-level Ninth Grade.

He had heard whispers that higher-grade experts could stand immovable against steel blades without suffering a scratch.

He simply had no way of knowing what level of power was required for such feats.

"Though my current growth is modest, it is more than enough to silence a wretch like Li Tie."

Chen Xuan squeezed his fists, a chilling resolve dawning in his eyes.

The two women under his roof had endured enough harassment from that scoundrel lately.

Having reached the Ninth Grade, he intended to settle the score once and for all.

.....

The following morning, once breakfast concluded, Chen Xuan grabbed his bow and arrows.

Seeing him prepare, Su Yun's pulse quickened; she feared he was heading back to the mountains, and his departure left their home vulnerable to Li Tie again.

Recalling her sister’s words about their dwindling coin and the near-empty pantry, she restrained her instinct to stop him.

Beside her, Su Wanqiu cleared the table in solemn silence, her gaze fixed downward.

Sensing their unease, Chen Xuan spoke gently, "I’m not heading to the mountains today. I am simply visiting Uncle Wang’s to have my bow serviced. I shall return before you know it, so do not fear."

With those words, he departed.

Su Yun and Su Wanqiu finally exhaled, their shoulders drooping in relief.

Uncle Wang's forge was close, and in the bright light of day, they felt reasonably protected.

If Li Tie dared to loom near, a cry for help would summon the neighbors.

Yet, a shadow of distress soon flickered across Su Wanqiu's face.

Her anxiety was no longer fixed on Li Tie, but on the crushing reality of their survival.

If Chen Xuan could not hunt the mountains, they faced the alternative: starvation.

What other option remained for them?

"Alas!"

Seeing her sister sigh, Su Yun drew her into a comforting embrace, speaking with surprising conviction: "The husband promised to resolve our plight within ten days. Trust in him, sister."

"I pray he is right."

Su Wanqiu remained reticent, gathering the pottery as she retreated toward the kitchen.

Her younger sister was newlywed and clearly smitten with Chen Xuan, holding his every word as gospel.

She harbored no resentment toward him, of course—she sought only her sister's happiness—but the gravity of their situation remained.

....

"Uncle Wang!"

Chen Xuan stepped into the blacksmith’s workshop and, finding the space vacant, called out toward the inner chamber.

"Who is there? I am coming, coming!"

Wang Daming shouted back with haste.

With no other means of income, he relied entirely on this forge.

He usually repaired farm implements for the laborers in the village.

However, the relentless drought and subsequent snow had decimated his livelihood for half a year.

Ever since the heavy snows began, a full month had passed without a single paying customer.

Had it not been for the meager pittance stashed away at home, he would have been destitute.

"Oh, it is you, young Xuan."

Wang Daming emerged, draped in a thick, tattered gray cloak.

"It is, Uncle Wang. I need you to reforge this bow and sharpen the arrowheads using some extra iron ore."

"Very well! That I can do."

Wang Daming took the weapon, turning it over in his calloused hands with a perplexed expression. "This bow appears perfectly serviceable. If I add more metal to the frame as you ask, I fear you will lack the strength to draw the string."

"Do not worry about the weight; simply finish the work as I have requested."

Seeing his firm demeanor, Chen Xuan left no room for debate.

Wang Daming nodded; the relations between their two families had always been cordial, which prompted his concern. In any other case, he would have happily taken the coin and minded his own business.

Soon, the rhythmic clang of the hammer against the anvil echoed through the shop.

The air grew thick with heat.

Chen Xuan settled onto a wooden stool, watching Wang Daming work the metal.

"My gratitude, Uncle Wang."

"Eh?" Wang Daming hesitated before realization dawned. "You refer to that hooligan Li Tie, I presume? Pay him no mind. He is nothing but a gutter rat. Were it not for his elder brother, he would have been dispatched years ago."

His hammer strokes grew heavier as he spoke.

"Take care, young man. That type is like a persistent disease; once they latch on, they refuse to let go. Especially that brother of his—I have heard rumors that he is now involved with the Wild Wolf Gang."

"The next time you venture into the mountains, warn me in advance so I can watch your back. Old Chen is gone, and so is your brother; the burden falls on your shoulders, and you cannot avoid the hunt. It is a cruel, hard path you walk."

"Alas, the world is devoid of justice! The righteous perish young, while the villains thrive!"

"Clang!"

The strike of the hammer rang out with even greater ferocity than before!