119: Chapter 119 Global Shock: "Can Humans Really Do This?"

Section 1: Real-time Frenzy Across Time Zones

As the slow-motion footage of Chen Wu's fist piercing a five-centimeter steel plate played on loop across the screens of 55 billion viewers worldwide, the night skies of different time zones were illuminated by the same shock. On the streets of Beijing at 3:00 AM, convenience store televisions were surrounded by young people staying up late for the live broadcast; some held up phones to record the screen, muttering, "This is more exaggerated than an action movie." In New York's Central Park at 2:00 PM, a group of office workers clustered around a holographic projection, replaying the moment the steel plate was pierced over and over. Among them, a combat coach who had once questioned whether "traditional martial arts were just for show" was now staring wide-eyed, repeatedly saying, "Impossible, human muscular explosive power cannot reach this level." In Rio de Janeiro at dusk, the "Watcher of Huangtu Slope" migrant worker Old Zhao was watching the replay in the dormitory with his fellow workers. His rough fingers pointed at the gap in the steel plate on the screen: "Look at these edges; the Qi Energy pierced straight through, it didn't just smash it. Teacher Chen has real skill!"

Within half an hour, global social media was dominated by the "Chen Wu Steel Plate" topic. On Twitter, the hashtag #HumanCanDoThis surpassed 50 billion views, ranking first in global trends. NBA star LeBron James shared the slow-motion video of Chen Wu's Qi Energy with the caption: "This explosive power is even more terrifying than a slam dunk." On the international version of TikTok, challenge videos imitating Chen Wu's "Xingji Fist stance" exceeded 1 million entries; some used wooden boards, others used soda cans. Although no one could replicate "piercing a steel plate," the "traditional martial arts power-generation posture" became a new trend. Even Reuters and Agence France-Presse, which usually focus on tech news, temporarily adjusted their headlines, using the title "Ancient Martial Arts Breakthrough the Limits of Human Physical Capability" to report Chen Wu's punch test data in detail—"Peak Qi Energy of 2,100 kilograms, more than three times that of an ordinary professional boxer; the energy density at the moment the steel plate was pierced is equivalent to a small artillery shell."

On Lin Mo's tactical tablet, real-time comments from global viewers refreshed at a rate of 100,000 per second. The servers, which the Technical Department had urgently expanded, were still running hot. The young man's fingertips flew across the keyboard, projecting the most representative comments onto the stone wall at the entrance of the Yijin Pavilion: "Egyptian viewer: This reminds me of the pyramid builders; perhaps ancient Egypt had similar 'Qi Energy' technology!" "Japanese viewer: My grandfather has practiced Karate for 60 years and can break a 3-centimeter wooden board at most; Mr. Chen's strength has refreshed my understanding!" "Brazilian viewer: Can you start online classes? I want to know how an ordinary person can train to reach this level!" What moved Chen Wu's team the most was a comment from a Syrian refugee camp: "Seeing Mr. Chen's fist, I believe humans can break through any hardship. traditional martial arts has given me hope."

Grandpa Wang's tobacco pipe made a dull thud against the stone wall. The old man pulled out a copy of "The Unofficial History of Traditional Martial Arts" left by his grandfather, with a 1921 newspaper clipping tucked between the yellowed pages. At the time, a British reporter had reported on a "Chinese Martial Artist breaking an iron pillar" but was dismissed as a "magic trick," forming a stark contrast with the current global frenzy. "If your great-grandfather could see this scene," the tobacco bowl pointed at the skeptical words on the clipping, "he would definitely have cracked his pipe over that reporter's head to show him what true traditional martial arts is!" An old-fashioned radio suddenly flew out of the camphor wood chest, broadcasting a 1950s recording: "Ancient martial arts is an Eastern cultural treasure, yet it is misunderstood due to a lack of scientific verification..." The sound waves resonated with the global comments on the stone wall, serving as a "vindication of traditional martial arts" across time and space.

In the Flower Girl's basket, the eight-colored petals of the inheritance grass suddenly unfurled toward the global live broadcast camera. Dewdrops rolled on the leaf surfaces, reflecting the smiling faces of viewers of different skin tones: Nurse Emily in London was practicing breathing techniques with patients, a sign saying "Learn from Chen Wu" placed next to the screen; children in Africa used sticks to draw "steel plate piercing" patterns in the sand, with "I want to practice martial arts" written crookedly beside them; staff at the Antarctic Research Station held signs saying "Human Limits, traditional martial arts Breakthrough" as they posed for a photo on the ice field. The young girl mixed the eight-colored juices, and the rainbow-colored "Resonance Dew" dripped onto the leaves. The petals suddenly glowed with golden light, intertwining with the Qi Energy from the global viewers' comments, forming a giant "Person" totem at the entrance of the Yijin Pavilion, symbolizing humanity's shared aspiration to break through limits.

Section 2: Overturning Scientific Perceptions

Just as the video of Chen Wu piercing the steel plate spread globally, the top international scientific journal Nature urgently released a "Special Analysis of traditional martial arts Qi Energy." A joint research team of 30 physicists and biologists from 12 countries, through slow-motion footage and biosensor data, reached a conclusion that overturned existing perceptions: "Chen Wu's punch does not rely solely on muscular explosive power. The Fusion of hardness and softness in his 'Xingji Fist' allows him to stack Dantian Qi Energy and muscle strength in a 1:1 ratio, creating an 'Energy Doubling Effect.' At the moment of piercing the steel plate, the pressure on the fist's surface reached 3,000 megapascals, equivalent to the pressure 30,000 meters deep in the ocean. Moreover, the Qi Energy can instantly disrupt the molecular structure of the steel plate, reducing its fracture resistance—this explains why the ordinary steel plate was as fragile as cardboard under his fist."

The research team also released a set of shocking data: when Chen Wu punches, his muscle fiber contraction speed is 2.3 times faster than that of an ordinary professional boxer, while his fatigue level is only 1/3 of the latter, thanks to the optimization of breathing and energy consumption by the "Basic Breathing Technique." The presence of Dantian Qi Energy can increase his bone density by 15% at the moment of the punch, preventing fractures upon impact, which coincides with the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory that "Qi nourishes the bones." "We previously believed the upper limit of energy conversion for human muscle was 35%," said the team leader and Nobel laureate in physics, Andre Geim, at a press conference. "But Chen Wu's test proves that the Qi Energy of traditional martial arts can raise this limit to 68%. This is a major Breakthrough in human physical science!"

Laboratories around the world have launched "traditional martial arts Qi Energy Replication Experiments." Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology used bionic robots to simulate the trajectory of "Xingji Fist," only to find that even with the same power parameters, the robot could at most leave a dent in the steel plate and could not pierce it. Biologists at the University of Tokyo had volunteers practice the Basic Breathing Technique; three months later, the volunteers' muscular explosive power increased by an average of 12%, and their fatigue levels decreased by 20%, proving the scientific effectiveness of the breathing technique. The Chinese Academy of Sciences used MRI to observe that when Chen Wu punches, the energy metabolism in the Dantian area is exceptionally active, five times stronger than in a normal state, preliminarily confirming the material basis of "Dantian Qi Energy." This series of experiments caused the voices that previously questioned "traditional martial arts as metaphysics" to vanish completely, replaced by reverence for "Eastern traditional wisdom."

Lin Mo's tablet suddenly popped up a cooperation request from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN): "We hope to invite Mr. Chen Wu to participate in research on 'Qi Energy and Quantum Physics' to explore whether Qi Energy is related to dark energy and quantum entanglement." Attached below the message was a detailed research plan: "If the Nature of Qi Energy can be uncovered, it might drive a revolution in the fields of new energy and new Materials." The holographic image of the Chief of the Special Incident Response Department immediately connected: "This is an opportunity for traditional martial arts to enter the halls of science and for the world to recognize Eastern culture. Chen Wu, your choice concerns not just yourself, but the future of traditional martial arts."

Chen Wu's answer, however, caught everyone by surprise: "I support scientific research, but right now my primary task is the Legacy trial of the Yijin Pavilion." He pointed to the pavilion's gate. "Once I obtain the Muscle Tendon Change Classic and unlock more secrets of traditional martial arts, I will cooperate with the scientific community with a complete Legacy—because the value of traditional martial arts lies not only in breaking limits but also in using scientific methods to benefit more people." In the live broadcast's scrolling comments, "Support Chen Wu" instantly filled the screen. Andre Geim also stated in a comment: "We are willing to wait, because true science and true Legacy both require patience and reverence."

Section 3: The Grassroots Craze for Practicing traditional martial arts

Recognition from the scientific community pushed the global "traditional martial arts practice craze" to a new climax. Outside the Xingyi Fist gyms in Beijing, the lines of people signing up stretched from one end of the street to the other, including many young people who had previously been dismissive of traditional martial arts. They held signs saying "I want to practice breaking wooden boards." Even 60-year-old retired teacher Zhang Guilan brought her old friends to sign up: "I used to practice Xingji Lean for my knees, but now I want to see if I can break a 1-centimeter wooden board. Even if I can't, it'll still strengthen my body!" The gym owner smilingly opened "Basic Classes for the Elderly" and specially prepared wooden boards of various thicknesses to allow students to progress step-by-step and feel their own improvement.

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At a construction site in Rio de Janeiro, "Watcher of Huangtu Slope" Old Zhao organized his fellow workers to practice "Xingji Burst" during their lunch break.

They used cement bags as punching bags, and although their fists hurt from hitting them, no one wanted to give up: "Teacher Chen can punch through steel plates; even if we can only break a cement bag, it is still progress!"

A worker joked: "We will have more strength for moving bricks later, maybe the boss will give us a raise!"

This scene was uploaded online by Old Zhao and instantly received 50 million likes.

A Brazilian construction company even launched a "traditional martial arts Fitness Plan," encouraging employees to practice breathing and basic fist stances at the site, claiming it "can improve work efficiency and reduce work-related injuries."

In a London hospital, Nurse Emily integrated Chen Wu's "Basic Breathing Technique" and "Xingji Fist Basic Stance" into rehabilitation therapy.

After practicing the breathing technique for a month, an elderly patient suffering from hemiplegia due to a stroke could move his fingers slightly; a patient with long-term anxiety saw significant improvements in sleep quality after practicing the "Xingji Lean" stance.

The hospital director held a special press conference to announce the inclusion of "traditional martial arts Rehabilitation Therapy" in the official auxiliary treatment plan: "This not only helps patients recover but also lowers medical costs; it is a model of combining tradition with modernity."

Schools around the world also sparked a craze for "traditional martial arts in Schools."

Primary and middle schools in China incorporated the Basic Breathing Technique into physical education classes, with children practicing along with holographic projections on the playground, their faces filled with seriousness.

A primary school in Japan invited a Wing Chun successor to teach the basics of "Sticky Hands" to cultivate children's focus.

Middle schools in the United States opened an elective course called "traditional martial arts History and Practice," where the class not only covered the origins of Xingyi Fist and Baji Fist but also had students use scientific instruments to measure changes in their heart rate and strength before and after practicing.

All of this stemmed from the shock of Chen Wu punching through the steel plate, turning traditional martial arts from a "niche hobby" into a "national health choice."

In the Flower Girl's basket, seeds of the inheritance grass were eagerly requested by global audiences.

The young girl teamed up with the Special Incident Response Department to launch the "traditional martial arts Seed Project," mailing the inheritance grass seeds for free to those in need, accompanied by a detailed "Qi Energy Cultivation Guide."

"Elder Zhou said that the inheritance grass can sense a person's Qi Energy; the speed at which the seed sprouts is the speed at which your Qi Energy progresses," she said to the live stream camera, "I hope everyone can use the inheritance grass to see their own progress and feel the power of traditional martial arts."

Within just one week, 10 million people worldwide applied for the seeds; the inheritance grass became a symbol of the "traditional martial arts Craze," taking root and sprouting all over the world.

Doubt and Response: The Best Proof of Strength

Just as the global traditional martial arts craze was in full swing, a questioning video suddenly fermented online.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir posted a video on social media claiming, "Chen Wu's steel plate piercing is a special effect, a Chinese propaganda tactic; it is impossible for a human to do," and he even provoked: "If Chen Wu dares to fight me, I will let him know what real strength is."

This video quickly reached 100 million views, and a few malicious media outlets followed the trend, hyping it up by claiming, "traditional martial arts is a scam; Chen Wu is a packaged actor."

In the global live stream chat, supporters and skeptics immediately launched an intense debate.

"Watcher of Huangtu Slope" Old Zhao directly posted a video in response: "I saw Teacher Chen's test on site. The steel plate was brought by me from the construction site; there is absolutely no problem. Frank is just jealous!"

Nurse Emily also uploaded her patients' rehabilitation data: "If traditional martial arts is a scam, how do you explain the progress of these patients?"

Lin Mu from the Technical Department directly released the raw data from Chen Wu's test: "The pressure of the fist power, the material analysis of the steel plate, the unedited video from the high-speed camera—all the evidence is here. Frank is welcome to verify it!"

Chen Wu did not respond immediately. Instead, through a global live stream, he conducted a "no-edit, no-special-effects" demonstration of his strength.

He stood on the open ground at the entrance of the Yijin Pavilion, with steel plates of different thicknesses (from 1 cm to 5 cm) placed in front of him, and the eyes of 55 billion viewers around the world behind him.

"Mr. Frank, I know you question my strength," Chen Wu said to the camera, "but traditional martial arts is not used for fighting; it is used for strengthening the body and protection. However, to prove the authenticity of traditional martial arts, I will do another test today."

He took a deep breath. The Qi Energy core at his Dantian rotated steadily, and the rigid energy of Xingji Fist condensed in his palm.

Facing the 1 cm steel plate, he punched lightly, and the plate shattered instantly; for the 2 cm steel plate, his fist power penetrated, leaving a clear hole.

When he faced the 5 cm steel plate, the global audience held their breath—Chen Wu's fist carried a pale golden Qi Energy. The moment it made contact with the steel plate, with a loud "bang," the steel plate was punched directly through, fragments flying, while his fist remained unscathed.

Slow-motion footage showed that when the fist power pierced the steel plate, the surrounding earth vein Qi Energy was set in motion, forming a miniature Qi Energy vortex—a detail that no special effect could simulate.

After seeing the live stream, Frank Mir immediately deleted the questioning video and posted an apology on Weibo: "I apologize for my ignorance and arrogance. Mr. Chen's strength exceeds my understanding. traditional martial arts is true kung fu; I respect this Legacy."

In the global live stream chat, a flood of "face-slapping" emojis instantly appeared. The media outlets that had previously hyped the trend also issued apologies, stating, "We underestimated the power of traditional martial arts; we will report objectively in the future."

International Recognition and Preparations for the Yijin Pavilion

Chen Wu's demonstration of strength not only quelled the doubts but also gained high recognition from the international community.

UNESCO officially listed the "Chen Wu Xingji Fist Steel Plate Test" as a "Practice Case of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage," stating, "This practice has broken down the cognitive barriers between the East and the West regarding traditional martial arts, proving the modern value of traditional culture."

The International Martial Arts Alliance invited Chen Wu to serve as a "Global traditional martial arts Development Consultant," responsible for establishing global teaching standards for traditional martial arts, allowing people from different countries to learn authentic traditional martial arts.

Even the International Olympic Committee sent a letter to discuss the possibility of including "traditional martial arts Basic Events" as an exhibition event in the Olympic Games—traditional martial arts finally transformed from an Eastern cultural treasure into human wealth shared by the world.

The hologram of the Special Incident Response Department minister appeared again at the entrance of the Yijin Pavilion: "The global shock has brought unexpected gains," he pulled up a data report, "The Legacy Point System has added a 'Global Recognition Reward,' and the currently available points have exceeded 15 million. The Technical Department has also unlocked the 'Yijin Pavilion Qi Energy Support' function; the Qi Energy of Martial Artists around the world can be gathered through the live streaming System to provide energy support for your entry into the Yijin Pavilion. Additionally, Interpol has completely cleared the remaining forces of the Snake-Headed Hydra, and the perimeter of the Yijin Pavilion is safe."

Grandpa Wang's dry pipe tapped out a brisk rhythm in front of the pavilion door. The old man handed the *Unofficial History of traditional martial arts* to Chen Wu: "Your great-grandfather wanted traditional martial arts to be recognized by the world back then; today, you have achieved it," he pointed the pipe bowl at the gate of the Yijin Pavilion, "But don't forget, the inheritance test of the Yijin Pavilion is the most important. Only by obtaining the *Muscle Tendon Change Classic* can the Legacy of traditional martial arts be made more complete, allowing more people to benefit."

A new broadcast suddenly came from the old radio in the camphor wood box: "The global traditional martial arts craze continues to heat up; the inheritance test of the Yijin Pavilion is being watched globally. People are looking forward to Chen Wu bringing more surprises..."

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass suddenly unfolded towards the interior of the Yijin Pavilion, its eight-colored petals shimmering with a pale golden light.

Dewdrops rolled on the leaves, reflecting the flow of Qi Energy in the inheritance array inside the pavilion—thanks to the Qi Energy support brought by the global shock, the energy of the inheritance array was more stable than before, and the difficulty of the Breakthrough had been reduced by 20%.

"Elder Zhou said that the world's expectations are the best Qi Energy," the young girl tapped her fingertip on Chen Wu's palm, "Now you not only have the strength of the Middle Stage of Brute Force, but also the support of 55 billion people worldwide. You will definitely pass the test of the Yijin Pavilion!"

Chen Wu's team stood before the gate of the Yijin Pavilion once again. The inheritance array inside the gate flashed in the pale golden Qi Energy, as if welcoming their arrival.

Chen Wu gripped the Dual-Energy Dagger in his hand, the Qi Energy core at his Dantian rotating steadily. He knew that behind him were the expectations of 55 billion people worldwide, and in front of him was the ultimate test of the traditional martial arts Legacy. He could not fail this trust, nor could he fail his responsibility as a Tomb Guardian.

The final image of the global live stream paused at the moment Chen Wu pushed open the second-floor gate of the Yijin Pavilion.

Pale golden light surged out from inside the gate, illuminating his determined face and the screens of global viewers.

The final line of text scrolled across the chat: "Global shock spreads the name of traditional martial arts; the Legacy continues inside the Yijin Pavilion. Human limits can all be broken; keeping the original intention, the Martial Artist marches on!"

This message was lit up by 55 billion viewers simultaneously, like a river of light crossing national borders, illuminating the depths of the Yijin Pavilion and the infinite possibilities for traditional martial arts to move toward the world and the future.

Chen Wu knew that the test inside the Yijin Pavilion was still waiting for him, but he no longer had any hesitation—because he knew that he was not fighting alone. Instead, he was carrying the expectations of traditional Martial Artists worldwide, carrying the millennium-old Legacy of traditional martial arts, and carrying the courage of humanity to break through limits to complete this ultimate mission that belonged to all Martial Artists and all people who loved traditional culture.