Chapter 130: The Third Phase of Training (Part Two)

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Qin Anyi had initially thought that since this was the third phase of training, there would be many special elements involved. However, to his surprise, these sessions were merely a combination of the most ordinary basic exercises. The only difference lay in the heightened demands placed upon them. After all, quantitative changes often lead to qualitative transformations.

Like Kong Sha, Qin Anyi stripped off all his clothes and shoes, wearing only a pair of shorts. The two of them then began running barefoot around the village. According to Basong, running barefoot was meant to bring them closer to nature and help them comprehend its power. Only through seamless contact with nature could one truly grasp its vastness.

After completing ten full laps, it was time for breakfast. Qin Anyi, with a hearty appetite, eagerly devoured the fragrant meal served on banana leaves.

Chapter 131: The Third Phase of Training (Part Two)

One of the most significant markers of humanity’s evolution from beast to intelligent life was the mastery of upright walking on two legs. From that moment on, the legs became the most vital external limbs of humans. Thus, in any form of martial arts, the most lethal moves were delivered by the legs. Even judo, which primarily focused on throws and grappling, employed devastating leg techniques such as the cross lock and cross choke, utilizing the incredible power of the legs to achieve a fatal strike.

Therefore, the majority of Muay Thai training centered on strengthening the legs. They were the origin of every attack and the key to evading every assault.

After the dodging drills concluded, the next phase involved intense kicking practice. The goal was to repeatedly break wooden sticks as thick as an adult’s forearm with consecutive kicks—breaking just one stick meant completion of the exercise. The training continued relentlessly until half past noon.

By then, Kong Sha’s entire body, both upper and lower, was covered in dried blood and scars. His back bore whip marks, while the blurred bloodstains on his calves were from breaking the wooden sticks. Although he had temporarily unlocked his genetic potential, he was still flesh and blood. The continuous strain of breaking forearm-thick wood had long exceeded Kong Sha’s limits. Without sheer willpower to endure, he feared he might collapse at any moment.

And that willpower was fueled by Qin Anyi. Both underwent the same training, yet Qin Anyi’s condition was far better. Their abilities were nearly equal, so why was Qin Anyi achieving such superior results? Kong Sha couldn’t fathom it, but an indomitable spirit within him refused to fall too far behind. If Qin Anyi could do it, so could he.

“Excellent. Truly excellent,” Basong said with admiration. “You are the best I’ve ever seen among all those who have attempted this training. This regimen exceeds what ordinary people can endure. If other fighters from the village tried it, they wouldn’t last even if their lives depended on it. I once thought Kong Sha wouldn’t make it either, but your encouragement pushed him beyond his limits. As a father, I must express my gratitude.”

“It’s just training. If you don’t drain every last drop of blood, how will you ever know what you’re truly capable of?” Qin Anyi smiled calmly, as if the gruesome wounds on his body were of no consequence.

Kong Sha, already dizzy and barely able to stand, brightened at Qin Anyi’s words. His gaze towards Qin Anyi was no longer just filled with fighting spirit; it carried a subtle, hard-to-detect respect.

“Well said! A man who isn’t ruthless with himself, who doesn’t push himself, can hardly be called a man! Kong Sha, the gap between you and Qin Anyi is vast—not in strength, but in mindset and spirit. Go rest for now. Qin Anyi, come with me. Your battle against your nemesis is about to begin. No lunch—just replenish your energy during training.”

Basong’s tone carried deep meaning. Initially, he had planned to grant Qin Anyi about an hour’s rest to replenish his body with food and water after the morning’s grueling routine. But upon seeing Qin Anyi’s extraordinary talent and endurance, he changed his mind. For a prodigy like him, the approach wasn’t protection or gradual progression, but relentless extraction—squeezing every ounce of talent out of him. By pushing his brilliance to its limit, Basong hoped to trigger a qualitative leap, transforming the prodigy into a truly formidable force. He could never allow Qin Anyi to become complacent and rest on his innate gifts, lest he end up no different from the crowd.

“Yes, Master Basong. Thank you,” Qin Anyi said, pressing his palms together in salute, his expression remaining composed and unwavering.