11: Chapter 11 Joining the Militia, Basic Stick Techniques

"It's good that you have this intention."

"But I have to make it clear to you first: practicing martial arts is not an overnight thing, and it's hard to see results in a short time.

Many people give up after a few days of practice. Are you sure you can persevere?"

Lin Ye smiled upon hearing this.

"Captain Zhao, don't worry, I don't have many other good qualities, but I am particularly persistent."

Are you kidding? Hard work will definitely yield rewards, so what reason is there not to work hard?

Zhao Shanhe stared at Lin Ye for a few seconds, then finally nodded.

"Alright, remember what you said. Report to the Militia tomorrow, and I'll teach you martial arts!"

"Yes." Lin Ye instinctively stood at attention and responded, feeling a sense of déjà vu from military training.

Zhao Shanhe, however, was very satisfied with Lin Ye's serious attitude. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he hesitated and said, "But... I heard from Gangzi that you're an apprentice under Blacksmith Wang. Can you manage your time?"

"Captain, don't worry. I only need to work in the mornings at Uncle Wang's place. I can use the rest of the time for training."

Zhao Shanhe pondered for a moment upon hearing this: "Hmm... in that case, you don't need to train with the team.

Come to the Martial Arts Training Ground whenever you have time, and I'll teach you anytime."

"Thank you, Captain!" Lin Ye sincerely thanked him.

"Alright, since you're under my command, there's no need to be so polite with me," Zhao Shanhe said, pointing to the Martial Arts Training Ground not far away.

"Come on, follow me to the Martial Arts Training Ground for some practice."

...

The Martial Arts Training Ground was set up on a flat dirt patch at the east end of the village. Dozens of straw figures and a pile of wooden stakes stood in the middle, with weapon racks on both sides.

Zhao Shanhe led Lin Ye to the weapon rack: "What weapon do you want to learn?"

"Staff Technique," Lin Ye answered without hesitation.

Since the System had allowed him to Awaken the ruyi jingu bang, a mythical Life-Bound Weapon, Lin Ye naturally wouldn't let it gather dust.

"Staff Technique?" Zhao Shanhe frowned upon hearing this, seemingly surprised by Lin Ye's choice.

He had seen many people learning swords, sabers, and even spears these days, but this was the first time he'd seen someone learning a staff.

After all, in terms of flexibility, it couldn't compare to a sword; in terms of lethality, it couldn't compare to a saber. Even in terms of length, a long spear could easily outdo a staff.

So Zhao Shanhe really couldn't understand why Lin Ye was interested in Staff Techniques. Could it be that he wanted to become a martial monk in a Buddhist sect in the future?

Shaking his head, Zhao Shanhe could only say helplessly, "I mainly practice saber techniques and have some knowledge of spear techniques, but my Staff Technique is only superficial. At most, I can teach you some of the most basic Moves. Do you still want to learn?"

Although Lin Ye was a bit disappointed, learning a Basic Staff Technique would suffice. After all, his Cultivation Technique Realm had no upper limit.

When he reached a profound Realm, even a mere Basic Staff Technique could allow him to slay gods and Buddhas.

"Please teach me, Captain!" Lin Ye bowed.

"Alright, in that case, I'll teach you a few staff Moves first." Zhao Shanhe pulled a wooden staff from the weapon rack and walked to the center of the field.

"Watch carefully, this is the most basic grip for a staff."

As he spoke, he struck a pose, holding the staff with both hands, the shaft pointing diagonally towards the ground.

"Your grip on the staff should be steady, but not too tight.

Too tight, and your movements will be stiff; too loose, and the staff can easily slip from your hand. You need to find the right balance yourself."

After explaining these, he began to demonstrate the basic movements.

Thrust, sweep, lift, parry, smash, block...

Each movement was clearly broken down and explained with accompanying footwork.

Lin Ye watched intently from the side, committing each Move to memory.

After demonstrating all the staff Moves, Zhao Shanhe retracted the staff and stood still: "Did you remember them all?"

"I did." Lin Ye nodded.

These Moves weren't complicated, so remembering them wasn't difficult.

"Good, now you try." Zhao Shanhe handed the staff to Lin Ye.

Lin Ye reached out and took the wooden staff, took a deep breath, and began to repeat Zhao Shanhe's movements from memory.

Thrust—

Sweep—

Lift—

...

At first, Lin Ye's movements were clumsy and stiff, even forgetting the next step as he went along, needing to pause for a moment before continuing.

However, Zhao Shanhe showed extreme patience, correcting his posture again and again.

Finally, when Lin Ye practiced for the tenth time, a System prompt sounded:

"Ding! After your repeated practice, you have comprehended [Basic Staff Technique], current Realm: Novice (0/100)"

It's done!

After receiving the information about the Basic Staff Technique in his mind, Lin Ye's movements immediately became smoother.

Although still far from proficient, at least they were no longer as clumsy and stiff as before.

Zhao Shanhe's eyes lit up when he saw this: "Not bad."

Lin Ye continued to practice.

Thrust, sweep, lift, parry, smash, block...

Again and again, he wielded the wooden staff with powerful, whistling movements.

"Proficiency +5"

"Proficiency +5"

"Proficiency +5"

...

Almost every time he finished a round of practice, his proficiency would increase by 5 points.

As his proficiency continuously increased, Lin Ye's movements became more and more fluid.

Thrust, swift and precise.

Sweep, unstoppable.

Chop, powerful and heavy.

...

Finally, after an unknown number of repetitions...

"Ding! [Basic Staff Technique] Realm has advanced, current Realm: initial insight (5/1000)"

Lin Ye paused his movements, feeling more insights into Staff Techniques spontaneously surge into his mind.

The feel of the grip, the technique of exerting force, the coordination of footwork... everything became clearer.

Not only that, Lin Ye could feel his Physical Body becoming stronger.

Without delay, Lin Ye followed that feeling and continued to practice.

This time, his movements were no longer clumsy at all, as if he had been practicing for several months.

Zhao Shanhe was truly shocked now.

This kid... he was clearly a beginner just now, how did he suddenly seem like a different person after practicing for a bit?

How much time had passed?

Less than a quarter of an hour!

When he was young, he practiced saber techniques with his Master, and it took him three months just to barely grasp some initial insight into Basic Saber Technique.

Compared to Lin Ye, he felt like a good-for-nothing.

"Captain?" Lin Ye's voice pulled him back to reality.

Zhao Shanhe snapped out of it, realizing that Lin Ye had stopped his movements.

"Why did you stop practicing?"

"I feel like I've basically mastered the essentials of Staff Technique, and it will be difficult to make further progress for a while, so I wanted to ask if the Captain has any other Cultivation Techniques I can learn?"

Looking at Lin Ye's hopeful expression, Zhao Shanhe fell silent.

"You kid, you really... opened my eyes."

He carefully observed Lin Ye, as if looking at a rare treasure.

"When I was young, I met many so-called Geniuses, but I've never seen one as talented as you."

Lin Ye scratched his head with a smile, unsure how to explain.

He couldn't possibly say he had a cheat, could he?

"Alright, since you've already mastered the Basic Staff Technique, I'll teach you Archery.

After all, against thick-skinned beasts, a bow and arrow are much more effective than a wooden staff."

"However, Archery relies heavily on feel, so you'd best get a longbow that suits you first."

"Since you work for Blacksmith Wang, it shouldn't be difficult for him to forge a bow for you when you go back."

Lin Ye nodded: "Okay, then I'll be going now."

"Mm, go ahead." Zhao Shanhe patted his shoulder and watched Lin Ye leave.

Watching Lin Ye's retreating figure gradually disappear around the corner, a peculiar light flashed in Zhao Shanhe's eyes.

This kid...

Perhaps, he should take him to the town someday.

His own teacher should be very interested in such a Genius, right?