153: Chapter 153 Points Exchange: "Intermediate Healing Pill" and "Introduction to Lightness Skill"

Section 1: Credit System Upgrade: The Hard Requirement for Anti-Spirit-Devourer Strength

Three days after the Martial Virtue admonition ended, inside the Taiji Villa's Smart traditional martial arts Center, Lin Mo's tactical tablet popped up a "Legacy Credit System Upgrade Announcement." The credit mall interface on the screen had a fresh look, adding three major exchange sections: "Combat Support," "Technique Advancement," and "Resource Supply." Among them, the "Intermediate Healing Pill" and "Introduction to Qinggong Manual" were marked as "Anti-Spirit-Devourer Priority Exchange Items." Attached next to them was the Technical Department's "Combat Necessity Analysis": "In battles against Spirit-Devourers, healing and mobility are core requirements. Intermediate Healing Pills can quickly repair Qi Energy damage, and Introduction to Qinggong can improve evasion efficiency. Combining the two can reduce combat casualty rates by 30%."

"The credit System upgrade is to cope with the upcoming challenges." Chen Wu stood before the screen, tapping the exchange icon for the "Intermediate Healing Pill." A detailed parameters window immediately popped up: "Ingredients: 30% inheritance grass Vitality Dew, 20% Taiji Origin Qi Energy, 50% Thousand-Year Lingzhi extract; Effect: Repairs Qi Energy damage at or below the Brute Force Late Stage within 3 minutes, alleviates Spirit-Devouring Energy corrosion, limit 1 per day; Exchange Cost: 50,000 credits; Exchange Restriction: Must complete 'Martial Virtue Assessment' and meet credit requirements." He turned to look at the martial arts fan representatives behind him. "Previously, credits were mainly used for basic resource exchange. Now, to fight the Spirit-Devouring Organization, we must ensure everyone has stronger practical combat capabilities. These two exchange items are meant to fill the gaps in 'healing' and 'mobility.'"

The global live broadcast camera focused on the credit mall interface, and the bullet chat instantly exploded. In Old Zhao's coworker group, someone shared their "38,000 credits," messaging, "Only 12,000 credits short of the healing pill. I'll have more motivation for Stance Training at the construction site now!" In Egypt, Amir organized his Pyramid Traditional Martial Arts Team group to "complete credit missions as a team," aiming for everyone to exchange for the "Introduction to Qinggong Manual." Even Mr. Zhang, who had previously rushed the stage, left a message on the app: "I've saved up 50,000 credits. Once I pass the Martial Virtue Assessment, I'll exchange them for a healing pill to have an extra layer of protection against Spirit-Devourers."

Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan brought a yellowed "Taiji Qinggong Manual" from the Scripture Pavilion and spread it out on the smart scanning table. "This 'Introduction to Qinggong Manual' is adapted from the Taiji Villa's ancestral 'Cloud Leaping Step.' It retains the core of 'Qi Energy Lightening' while simplifying the practice difficulty. Ordinary martial arts fans can master basic evasion techniques in one month." He pointed to the "Qi Energy Node Map" in the manual. "The key lies in activating the 'yongquan point' on the soles of the feet and the 'dai vessel' at the waist, letting Qi Energy flow through these two nodes to form a 'Lightening Qi Energy Layer.' The smart System will use Qi Energy sensing shoes to correct practice postures in real-time."

Zhang Qiming from the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau added: "To allow more martial arts fans to exchange for key resources, we've added a 'Credit Mission Pool'—completing 'Daily Stance Training Check-ins' earns 100 credits, participating in 'Martial Virtue Mutual Aid' earns 500 credits, assisting special departments in 'Spirit-Devourer Monitoring' earns 1,000 credits, and even sharing 'Qi Training Insights' that are officially adopted can earn a 2,000-credit reward. This ensures everyone can save enough credits through effort."

Section 2: Needs Before Exchange: The Combat Pain Points of Martial Arts Fans

After the news of the credit System upgrade was announced, the "Requirement Feedback Area" of the Smart traditional martial arts Center was quickly crowded with martial arts fans. Everyone brought their own combat pain points, hoping to solve their problems through credit exchange—this also made the demand for "Intermediate Healing Pills" and "Introduction to Qinggong" even more urgent.

The first to provide feedback was Wang Lei, a coal miner from Shanxi. His arm still bore faint black Spirit-Devouring Energy scars. "Last month, while monitoring a Spirit-Devourer stronghold with the special department, my arm was grazed by a Puppet's Qi Energy. Ordinary healing medicine took half a month to work. If I'd had an Intermediate Healing Pill then, I could have returned to the team sooner." He pulled up his credit record. "I have 48,000 credits now. After completing two more 'Spirit-Devourer Monitoring' missions, I'll have the 50,000 credits. I'll exchange for the healing pill first to feel safer during missions."

Beside him, Li Mengmeng was with children from the Yunnan mountains, pointing at the "Introduction to Qinggong Manual" in the credit mall. "The mountain roads in our village are hard to travel. When the children are practicing Stance Training and encounter wild beasts, they can only run. If they knew Qinggong, they could evade danger faster." She smiled and said, "I've already saved 30,000 credits (the manual costs 30,000). Once I finish the 'Martial Virtue Course' tomorrow, I'll exchange for the manual to teach the children. Then they can not only practice Qi but also 'fly' to school."

The most heart-wrenching feedback came from overseas martial arts fans. Musa, from a Syrian refugee camp, showed the camp's environment via holographic projection. "Last month, a Spirit-Devouring Puppet launched a sneak attack. Our children ran slowly and were almost caught. If we had Qinggong, we could hide in the air-raid shelters faster." He only had 15,000 credits but said firmly, "I will complete every credit mission daily and teach the people in the camp Stance Training to earn 'sharing credits.' I will exchange for the Qinggong manual as soon as possible to protect the children."

After hearing everyone's feedback, Chen Wu spoke to the global live broadcast camera: "Exchanging credits is not the goal; the goal is to give everyone the ability to protect themselves and others." He announced two temporary measures: "First, for martial arts fans with insufficient credits but urgent needs, we are opening 'Credit Loans,' allowing a 50% credit advance to be repaid through future missions. Second, we are establishing a 'Mutual Aid Exchange Pool' where fans with surplus credits can donate to help those in need exchange for key resources. Donors will receive a 'Traditional Martial Arts Mutual Aid Medal.'"

After the measures were announced, the "Mutual Aid Section" of the credit mall instantly received donations from around the world. Old Zhao donated 10,000 credits at once, messaging, "Helping the coal miner brother get his healing pill. We're all workers; we should help each other." Nurse Emily from London donated 5,000 credits, designating them for the "Qinggong manual exchange for the refugee camp children." Even Li Wei, the previous "Root and Bone Genius," donated 3,000 credits, messaging, "I didn't understand Martial Virtue before, but now I want to do my part for traditional martial arts." Data from the Technical Department showed that in just one hour, the Mutual Aid Pool received 2 million credits, helping 50 martial arts fans complete key exchanges.

Section 3: Core Exchange: Smart Verification and Traditional Resonance

Three days later, the first batch of eligible martial arts fans arrived at the Smart traditional martial arts Center to exchange for "Intermediate Healing Pills" and the "Introduction to Qinggong Manual." The exchange process was divided into three steps: "Qualification Verification," "Qi Energy Resonance," and "Practical Teaching," combining the smart System with traditional martial arts elements throughout to ensure safety and utility.

The first step, "Qualification Verification," took place at the smart audit desk. Martial arts fans had to present their "Martial Virtue Assessment Passing Certificate" and credit records. The System used facial recognition and Qi Energy sensing to confirm identity and credit authenticity. Mr. Zhang was among the first batch of exchangers. He placed his palm on the Qi Energy sensing screen, which instantly displayed: "Martial Virtue Assessment: 90 points (Pass), Credits: 50,000 (Target Met), No adverse records." The audit desk's hatch automatically opened, revealing a pale green medicine bottle—the "Intermediate Healing Pill."

"This is made from the Vitality Dew of inheritance grass. When taking it, you must coordinate with the 'Qi Energy Guiding Method.'" Chen Wu personally explained the usage to Mr. Zhang. He injected a wisp of Fusion Energy Technique into the bottle, which began to glow with a pale green light. "After taking it, use Dantian Qi Energy to circulate through your Meridians to accelerate the healing effect. Especially for damage caused by Spirit-Devouring Energy, you must focus on guiding the Qi Energy to the injured area." Mr. Zhang took one on the spot. Three minutes later, the soreness in his arm from previous training noticeably vanished. The Qi Energy sensing screen showed: "Qi Energy Damage Repair Rate: 85%, Spirit-Devouring Energy Residue: 0." He said in surprise, "This is amazing! It's ten times faster than ordinary medicine!"

The second step, "Qi Energy Resonance," is for the "Introduction to Qinggong Manual"—redeemers must use "Qi Energy Induction Shoes" on a "Smart Post" to resonate with the map, confirming their physical condition is suitable for practice. With the help of the Mutual Aid Pool, Musa finally gathered 30,000 points. He put on the Qi Energy Induction Shoes and stood on the Smart Post. The map surrounded him via holographic projection, and the screen displayed: "yongquan point Qi Energy intensity: 70%, dai vessel Qi Energy circulation rate: 65%, suitable for practicing Qinggong Entry."

Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan walked to Musa's side and gently pressed his yongquan point with Taiji Soft Energy: "During practice, feel the Qi Energy surging up from the soles of your feet, and when it reaches your waist, let it spread along the dai vessel, as if you are being supported by an air current." He signaled the smart System to play the "Cloud Leaping Step Basic Movements." "First practice the 'Step-up,' then the 'Slide-step,' and finally the 'Leap-step.' The smart shoes will prompt you to adjust your posture through vibrations. Practice for 20 minutes a day, and you'll master it in a month." Musa practiced following the video. The vibrations from the smart shoes gradually decreased. Half an hour later, he could actually leap lightly 30 centimeters high. Although he was still unstable, his eyes reddened with excitement: "I can protect the children now!"

The global live broadcast cameras recorded every detail of the redemption—the precise verification of the smart System, the Qi Energy guidance of traditional martial arts, and the surprised expressions of the fans. The bullet chat was filled with comments like "So jealous!" and "I need to save points as quickly as possible!" Data from the Technical Department showed that among the first 500 redeemers, 98% passed the qualification verification, 85% quickly mastered basic techniques during the Qi Energy resonance phase, and the redemption satisfaction rate reached 99%.

Section 4: Post-Redemption Combat Testing: The Satisfying Burst of Healing and Qinggong.

To test the actual combat effects of the redeemed resources, Chen Wu set up a "Spirit-Devouring Simulated Combat Zone" in the Smart Training Ground and invited the first batch of redeemers to participate in the test. The simulated scenarios were divided into "Spirit-Devouring Puppet Ambush" and "Complex Terrain Evasion," testing the healing effects of the "Intermediate Healing Pill" and the mobility of "Qinggong Entry," respectively.

In the first scenario, "Spirit-Devouring Puppet Ambush," Wang Lei took an Intermediate Healing Pill and faced off against three Puppets at the Brute Force Early Stage. After the battle began, he intentionally let the Puppet's Spirit-Devouring Energy brush his arm, which instantly turned a faint black. The Qi Energy induction screen displayed: "Qi Energy Damage: 40%, Spirit-Devouring Energy Residue: 30%." He immediately took the Intermediate Healing Pill while using the "Qi Energy Guiding Method" taught by Chen Wu to guide his Dantian Qi Energy to his arm. Three minutes later, the blackness on his arm completely faded, and the Qi Energy damage was repaired to 10%. He took the opportunity to hit the Puppet's core with Xingji Collapse power, and all three Puppets were destroyed.

"This is amazing! Before, I could only retreat when injured, but now I can heal while fighting!" Wang Lei said excitedly to the camera. His combat rating showed: "Puppet kill efficiency increased by 50%, survival capability increased by 60%," far exceeding his level before the redemption. In the global live broadcast's bullet chat, coal miner fans left messages saying, "I must get the healing pills! They'll be useful if I encounter danger in the mines later!"

In the second scenario, "Complex Terrain Evasion," Musa and Li Mengmeng took the children to test the effects of Qinggong Entry in a terrain simulating "Refugee Camp Ruins." In the scene, ten Puppets pursued them from all directions. The children needed to use Qinggong to quickly traverse obstacles in the ruins and hide in an "air-raid shelter." Musa used the "Step-up" to quickly bypass broken walls, the "Slide-step" to dodge Puppet attacks, and the "Leap-step" to jump onto low buildings, taking only two minutes to lead three children into the air-raid shelter. Li Mengmeng taught the children to use "Light-body Qi Energy," allowing even a six-year-old child to easily jump over half-meter-high obstacles, 40% faster than their previous running speed.

"A path that used to take five minutes to run now takes only two!" Musa said to his refugee camp companions in the holographic projection. The children on the screen cheered, and many expressed that they "also want to learn Qinggong." Chen Wu looked at the test results and nodded with satisfaction: "This is the meaning of the points redemption—to allow everyone to protect themselves and others in actual combat. Whether they are coal miners, children from the mountains, or compatriots in refugee camps, they can all become stronger through traditional martial arts."

After the test, the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau released the "Actual Combat Data Report": Fans who redeemed the Intermediate Healing Pill saw their "serious injury rate" in Spirit-Devourer battles drop from 30% to 10%. Fans who redeemed Qinggong Entry saw their "evasion success rate" rise from 50% to 80%. Fans who redeemed both saw their "comprehensive survival capability" increase by 90%, fully meeting expectations. The report also showed that 100,000 fans worldwide have completed points redemptions, and this number is expected to exceed 500,000 next month.

Section 5: The Future of the Points System: Aiding the Global Anti-Spirit-Devouring Fight.

After the combat tests, Chen Wu's team held a "Points System Optimization Meeting" at the Smart TMA Center, inviting fan representatives, traditional martial arts coaches, and personnel from special departments to plan the future direction of the Points Mall.

Lin Mo proposed a "Points Grading System": "Set up three Points Mall sections based on the fans' strength levels: 'Brute Force Elementary,' 'Brute Force Middle Stage,' and 'Brute Force Late Stage.' For example, fans at the Brute Force Late Stage can redeem 'Advanced Healing Pills' and 'Advanced Qinggong Maps' to meet the needs of different stages." His proposal was approved, and Zhang Qiming stated on the spot: "The Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau will invest more resources to develop high-level redemption items, such as 'Anti-Spirit-Devouring Armor' that can resist Dark Power Puppets and 'Origin Qi Energy Liquid' that can improve Qi Energy purity, ensuring the points System keeps up with the needs of the anti-Spirit-Devouring fight."

Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan suggested combining "points with traditional martial arts Legacy": "We can add 'Ancient Manual Fragment Redemption.' Fans can redeem points for fragments, and collecting all fragments can synthesize a complete ancient manual, such as the hidden Moves of the Taiji Thirteen Forms or the advanced energy techniques of Xingji Fist, allowing points not only to enhance combat capability but also to pass on the essence of traditional martial arts." Amir from Egypt responded immediately: "Our Pyramid Traditional Martial Arts Team has many Ancient Manual Fragments and is willing to donate them to the Points Mall so that fans worldwide can learn from them."

The most anticipated part was the "Global Points Interconnection Plan"—Chen Wu announced that in the next three months, the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau would cooperate with traditional martial arts institutions in 150 countries to achieve "global points compatibility." Fans will be able to redeem resources and participate in tasks at any traditional martial arts teaching point in any country, truly realizing "traditional martial arts without borders, points connecting the world." Nurse Emily from London said with a smile: "In the future, when I travel to Egypt, I can use points to redeem local traditional martial arts resources and even practice energy with Amir's team. It's so convenient!"

The final image of the global live broadcast stayed on the Points Mall screen of the Smart TMA Center—on the screen, the redemption volume for "Intermediate Healing Pills" and "Introduction to Qinggong Manuals" had exceeded 100,000, and the points in the "Mutual Aid Redemption Pool" were still increasing. Fans' comments scrolled across: "Points make traditional martial arts stronger!" "We have confidence in the anti-Spirit-Devouring fight!" "traditional martial arts fans are one global family!" 198 billion viewers lit up their screens simultaneously, forming a pale green "river of points light" that intertwined with the Qi Energy of the training ground, illuminating the future path of the traditional martial arts anti-Spirit-Devouring fight.

Chen Wu stood in front of the screen, holding a bottle of Intermediate Healing Pills and a Introduction to Qinggong Manual, with the Four Symbols Qi Energy slowly circulating in his Dantian. He knew that points redemption was just the beginning of the improvement of traditional martial arts strength. In the future, with the launch of more high-level resources and the global interconnection of points, practitioners of traditional martial arts would have greater capabilities to fight the Spirit-Devouring Organization and protect human civilization—and all of this began with the efforts of every fan and the original intention of traditional martial arts: "mutual aid, Legacy, and protection."