"This guy..."
Jiang Dao narrowed his eyes in surprise. He could feel an unmistakable threat emanating from the figure in the video, especially when those calloused hands shifted into that peculiar bird-like stance. His instincts were practically screaming at him to dodge—and this was just through a screen. If they ever met face to face, whether his first form could defeat this master would be anyone's guess.
*Boom!*
The sound crackled through his phone's speakers as the man's fist cut through the air with a sharp whistle. The middle-aged martial master then moved to a far corner of the frame, revealing a thick wooden stake planted firmly in the ground. He positioned his fist just inches away, sinking into a solid horse stance. The camera caught the rise and fall of his chest as he drew in a deep, measured breath.
*Paa!*
The impact echoed like a gunshot.
*Crack!*
Wood splinters exploded in all directions as the stake split cleanly in half. The martial master straightened up with practiced ease, brushing sawdust from his knuckles before gesturing toward the camera to introduce his dojo's location.
"Nanjing city, 7th district? Next to the old mall?"
Jiang Dao muttered the address under his breath, then scrolled down to the comments section. As expected, the usual skeptics had already flooded in:
*"Obviously fake and edited. How gullible do you think we are?"*
*"You're practically an old man and still out here scamming people? Pathetic."*
*"The world's going to hell when seniors resort to cheap tricks like this, tsk tsk!"*
Buried among the hate was one comment that made him pause: *"I can testify this is real—I was there when he taught this technique to a student."* The replies were just laughing emojis.
Jiang Dao observed their comments in silence, not bothering to add his own thoughts. He couldn't really blame their disbelief—if he hadn't experienced supernatural things himself, he'd probably dismiss someone punching through solid wood as impossible too.
"Tomorrow, I'm visiting this place."
The decision crystallized in his mind. He had one energy point left, and martial arts seemed like the smartest investment. He couldn't rely on instincts alone forever—he needed actual skills for opponents he couldn't simply overpower with brute strength.
*Ding!*
His phone buzzed with an incoming message. Glancing at the screen, he saw his classmates had started a group chat, asking if he wanted to game.
With nothing pressing to do, Jiang Dao agreed.
*"No classes tomorrow, bro! Let's game all day, hahaha!"*
*"Yo, you take top lane like always."*
*"Same setup as before..."*
**VICTORY!**
After several matches, Jiang Dao logged out and shut down his computer. The cold air felt refreshing as he collapsed onto his bed, and within minutes, he'd drifted into deep sleep.
---
The next morning, Jiang Dao informed his mother he'd be heading to a martial arts gym for exercise.
"You want to exercise? In this weather?" Tang Shiyan paused mid-scrub, ceramic plate dripping in her hands. "Why the sudden interest in working out?"
"You can just do push-ups at home if you want exercise," she added, genuinely puzzled.
"I want to learn proper fighting techniques from a professional."
She studied his face for a moment, then sighed. "Well... if that's what you really want, then go. Just be careful out there." She dried her hands on a dish towel and pulled open the left drawer. "Here's some money in case you need to buy anything."
"Thanks, Mom. I'll be back early."
Jiang Dao grabbed his umbrella from beside the door and stepped outside into the downpour.
The rain was still hammering down relentlessly, creating deep puddles along the sidewalks. Scattered tree branches and soggy leaves littered the streets, evidence of the storm's persistence.
"Mom, where's brother going?" Bai Yuan poked his head around the corner, having caught a glimpse of Jiang Dao's departing figure.
"I have no idea what's gotten into your brother—he suddenly wants to exercise." Tang Shiyan resumed washing dishes, shaking her head in confusion.
---
*Pat! Pat!*
Thunder continued rumbling overhead even as morning stretched on.
*Hiss!*
Jiang Dao trudged through the flooded streets, umbrella angled against the driving rain, when he spotted a convenience store's neon sign flickering through the gloom. Its warm light seemed almost miraculous in the heavy downpour.
*Whoosh!*
The wind howled between buildings.
"Someone's actually working in this weather?"
Surprised but grateful, he splashed toward the store, hoping to grab some snacks.
*Ding!*
The electronic chime announced his arrival as he quickly shut the door behind him, sealing out the wind and rain. He propped his dripping umbrella in the designated stand near the entrance.
The store's interior was blissfully warm and dry, with only two employee in a red uniform one placing the goods on the shelf and another manning the register. Jiang Dao headed to the snack aisle, selecting a few items and some dark chocolate.
Chocolate... He'd always craved it in the past but avoided it religiously, terrified of ruining his teeth. Now, with his enhanced physique, such mundane concerns seemed laughable. He might as well enjoy life's small pleasures.
*Click!*
Footsteps echoed as the door opened again, letting in another gust of cold air.
Jiang Dao glanced up from his selections and immediately tensed.
Three men had entered, both wearing baseball caps pulled low and surgical masks in this cold weather. Their long black coats dripped rainwater onto the linoleum, and their faces remained completely obscured.
They exchanged a meaningful look between themselves and Jiang Dao raised his eyebrows.
Because he clearly sensed a strong malice.