Please Select Your Target
Surprise! A huge surprise!
Chen Huaian originally thought that teaching Li Qingran the Green Lotus Sword Classic was still an unattainable dream.
But then, the old man simply corrected his posture, and suddenly, there was hope!
At the same time, Chen Huaian also confirmed one thing: the hacker team behind the camera must be able to see his movements. At the very least, an AI system was constantly monitoring his posture, ensuring that only correct movements would contribute to cultivation progress.
The details of this game were incredibly hardcore—even the golden needle acupuncture technique was an accurate representation of traditional Chinese medicine. That meant the Green Lotus Sword Classic must also be adapted from real martial arts, requiring precise postures.
“Master!” Chen Huaian turned around and bowed deeply, his eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you, Master, for correcting my movements!”
Old Man Li was momentarily stunned before an immense sense of satisfaction washed over him.
Master!?
The elderly in the neighborhood often jokingly called him that, but being recognized by a young man felt entirely different.
Just like how the young seek validation from the older generation, the elderly also long for acknowledgment from the youth. It was a mutual feeling.
No young person had ever called him “Master” before. This young man was the first.
Looking closely, the young man had a handsome face, though his shaved head and unhealthy complexion made him look a bit sickly. It was a pity—he had medical skills but couldn’t heal himself, wasting away these precious years…
“Young man, I only helped you correct your posture, nothing more. No need to be so moved. I’m not a master, just someone who practiced classical martial arts as a child.” Old Man Li smiled, then continued adjusting Chen Huaian’s stance. “Your movements resemble Tai Chi, but they have a sharper, unruly quality that contradicts Tai Chi’s principles. No matter what style you practice, the foundation is key. Your lower body must be stable before refining your hand techniques.”
His gaze fell on Chen Huaian’s trembling right leg.
“Something’s wrong with your leg…”
Old Man Li reached out and touched it. He felt the hardness of a plaster cast beneath the fabric and was instantly confused.
Wait, this kid came to practice martial arts with an injured leg?!
His fingers traced the outline of a lump on Chen Huaian’s leg, and his expression turned even more serious.
“This… This is…”
Before he could finish, Old Man Li instinctively grabbed Chen Huaian’s wrist and checked his pulse.
His face turned grim.
A pulse full of death!
Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He hesitated to break the news, but when he looked up, Chen Huaian’s expression was calm, even amused.
“Master, you’re amazing! Not only are you skilled in martial arts, but you can also diagnose people just by touch?”
Chen Huaian knew exactly what the old man had sensed.
There’s an old saying: When a Chinese medicine doctor frowns, life and death hang in the balance. When a Chinese medicine doctor sighs, the gates of hell are near.
Now, Old Man Li was both frowning and sighing. That about summed up Chen Huaian’s current condition. The King of Hell already had his name registered; it was just a matter of time before he was summoned.
“Old man, I have late-stage cancer. I won’t live long. I know my own condition well. Your diagnosis is spot on.”
“Late-stage cancer? And you’re still in the mood to joke?” Old Man Li looked at him in shock, feeling a deep sense of pity.
What a good young man—why was he burdened with such a cruel fate?
“Since it’s inevitable, I might as well face it calmly.” Chen Huaian shrugged. “In my remaining time, I just want to live a fulfilling and happy life. I might walk a shorter path than most people, but at least I’ve walked it. Besides, in today’s world, college graduates are struggling to find jobs. Life is exhausting for most people. Maybe I’m just getting a head start on lying down and taking a break.”
Old Man Li opened his mouth to refute him, but after a moment of silence, he realized—this attitude was the best way to cope.
Chen Huaian’s eyes held a sense of peace and clarity.
Many elderly folks couldn’t even achieve such an open-minded state, yet this young man already had.
What kind of hardships must he have endured to reach such enlightenment?
Old Man Li felt a heavy weight in his heart.
“No chance of recovery?”
“Almost none.” Chen Huaian shook his head. “Even with treatment, I could only extend my life slightly. The cancer cells have already spread to my bone marrow. Right now, even if I had the money, I wouldn’t know if it’s worth spending it just to prolong my suffering. For now, I think being happy every day is more important. Of course, if I can have fun and afford treatment at the same time, I won’t say no to living longer. Hahaha!”
He laughed openly, but Old Man Li could hear the sadness and helplessness behind it.
“Young man, I can’t cure your disease. But your mindset is important. I once heard of a cancer patient who practiced Tai Chi every day, maintained a positive attitude, and eventually, their tumor disappeared.”
“If you’re willing, come here every morning. I’ll help correct your movements. The basics of classical martial arts share many similarities, so you won’t go astray.”
Chen Huaian had heard similar stories before.
He knew the old man thought he was grasping at straws.
But he didn’t mind, because he truly wanted to train in the Green Lotus Sword Classic.
“Will this be too much trouble for you?”
“Not at all.” Old Man Li smiled. “Talking to young people like you makes me feel young again.”
…
That morning, Chen Huaian advanced his Green Lotus Sword Classic practice to 80%, but after that, no matter how hard he tried, the progress wouldn’t budge.
Old Man Li told him he was overworking his muscles and should rest. So, with no other choice, Chen Huaian returned to his hotel.
On his way back, he pondered something.
Last night, I couldn’t even practice for half an hour before my limbs gave out.
But today, I trained for five to six hours without eating, and even Old Man Li called me a martial arts genius?
He subconsciously rubbed the glass bracelet on his wrist.
Without noticing, one of the beads had dimmed slightly.
His eyes suddenly brightened.
“I get it!”
He twisted the beads between his fingers, a smirk forming on his lips.
“So that’s how it is. I really am a genius!”
Previously, he wasn’t sure if his genetic potential had truly been activated.
Now, he was completely certain.
Some things that ordinary people couldn’t learn, a genius could grasp effortlessly.
Cancer had made him terminally ill, but it had also awakened something within him.
In that case…
Chen Huaian opened his game interface and looked at the Golden Needle Acupuncture skill tree.
Level 2: Kaimai Acupuncture – Unlocks after 1,000 uses or 998 yuan.
Currently, he had only performed acupuncture three times.
Time was running out.
“Only 998?” Chen Huaian smirked, checking his bank balance.
“Money can be earned back, but if I miss this chance, it’s a real loss!”
Recharge!
As 998 yuan vanished, his skill interface glowed.
[Your Golden Needle Acupuncture has advanced to Lv2. Kaimai Acupuncture unlocked.]
“Haha! The power of pay-to-win!”
Back in his hotel room, he eagerly opened the new skill.
[Warning: Kaimai Acupuncture is highly dangerous. Improper use may cause permanent disability.]
“I don’t care! Start!”
[Please select your acupuncture target.]
Chen Huaian hesitated.
Who should I pick?
Then, the camera flipped to selfie mode.
[Target selected: Yourself.]
Chen Huaian: “???”
