Chapter 2

In the early morning, a thick fog enveloped the secluded mountain peak, turning everything white and blurry.

"Huff... Huff..."

In a dense forest behind the mountain top, a sudden, intense panting sound could be heard. As the view drew closer, a small figure could be seen hanging from a thick tree trunk with both hands, his small body rising and falling continuously, adopting a somewhat strange posture that engaged all his muscles.

Additionally, several heavy iron blocks were attached to his wrists and ankles, and sweat dripped from his clothes, making the iron blocks wet.

This small figure was naturally Lin Dong. His childhood was not one of great wealth and privilege. His strict father had taught him the most important things in cultivation: perseverance and diligence. These qualities were the only conditions that allowed him to compete with his peers who had better backgrounds.

Sweat dripped into his eyes, causing a stinging pain that made Lin Dong clench his teeth. He could feel the soreness and fatigue in his muscles after intense exertion. Many would choose to rest at this point, but his father had told him that it was only during such moments that one could break through their limits. So... he had to persevere!

He must not relax!

For the clan competition in half a year, he had to train desperately!

The feeling of approaching his limit made him dizzy, but as Lin Dong gritted his teeth and persisted, a strange warmth suddenly surged from within him, instantly invigorating his spirit.

It was the medicinal power of the Red Ginseng!

A few days ago, the Red Ginseng, originally intended to treat Lin Xiao's injuries, was ultimately fed entirely to Lin Dong at his insistence.

It must be said that this spiritual medicine had a tremendous effect on Lin Dong, who was in the Body Tempering stage. After just a few days of cultivation, Lin Dong could clearly feel that his body had become at least twice as strong, and he could distinctly sense the improvement in his physique.

Of course, the medicinal power of the Red Ginseng was not infinite. It was only a first-grade spiritual medicine, so after five days, its effects gradually dissipated.

However, this dissipation was not a complete disappearance. Lin Dong's body had only been initially strengthened, so it was impossible for him to absorb all the medicinal power without waste. Some of the medicinal power settled deep within his body, and when his body reached a state of extreme thirst, it was finally squeezed out and greedily consumed by his muscles and bones, which were like hungry ghosts.

The warm medicinal power slowly seeped into his muscles, and Lin Dong could almost hear the countless cells in his muscles cheering. The soreness and fatigue quietly dissipated, replaced by a growing sense of energy.

"Hey..."

Lin Dong grabbed the tree trunk, swung his body fiercely, and flipped through the air, landing steadily on the ground. He straightened his back, and his bones crackled. Then, Lin Dong happily discovered that his body seemed to have grown slightly stronger.

"Third stage of Body Tempering!"

Lin Dong clenched his small hands, feeling the strength in his muscles as they stretched, his face filled with joy. Since he started cultivating, due to his family's circumstances, he rarely had the opportunity to take any spiritual medicines. He never expected that this time, the effect would be so good.

"Hmm, not bad..."

As Lin Dong rejoiced at his improvement, a voice came from the side. He quickly turned his head and saw Lin Xiao standing under a large tree, his usually stern face now showing a smile.

"Father."

Seeing Lin Xiao standing by the tree, Lin Dong called out in surprise.

Lin Xiao nodded, approached Lin Dong, and scanned him up and down, a rare smile appearing on his lips. "Third stage of Body Tempering, not bad."

"It's all thanks to the Red Ginseng." Lin Dong scratched his head and laughed.

"The Red Ginseng is only a first-grade spiritual medicine. Even if others took it, it would take them one or two months to advance from the second stage to the third stage. This is the result of your relentless training over the past few days." Lin Xiao looked at Lin Dong, sighing inwardly. He had seen Lin Dong's hard training, and the intensity of it had made his mother's eyes red several times. Although he didn't say anything, as a father, he felt some pain in his heart.

He understood that Lin Dong was training so hard to achieve a good result in the clan competition in half a year, which would also bring some honor to their family.

Lin Dong laughed, feeling that the hard work of the past few days had finally paid off. He was getting closer to the top students in the Lin family.

"Throw away the iron blocks. Now that you've reached the third stage of Body Tempering, you can勉强 start practicing martial techniques. I'll teach you a set of boxing techniques." Lin Xiao said.

Hearing this, Lin Dong's dark eyes lit up. Although he had reached the third stage of Body Tempering, he didn't know any techniques and could only use brute force in a fight. He had longed for martial techniques that could greatly enhance his combat power, but due to his physical condition, Lin Xiao had never taught him. Now that he finally had the chance, how could he not be excited?

"World martial arts are divided into nine grades and three levels. Grades one, two, and three are considered the lower level, grades four, five, and six are the middle level, and grades seven, eight, and nine are the upper level. The technique I will teach you is a first-grade lower-level boxing technique called the Back-Through Fist." Lin Xiao said.

Lin Dong nodded repeatedly, not feeling disappointed by the low-grade first-level technique. He understood that one must eat step by step. For many, a first-grade lower-level martial art was already quite good. It was said that the highest-grade martial technique in the Lin family was only a fourth-grade middle-level technique, which was obtained by his grandfather from the scripture hall of the inner clan when he was still a member.

"The classification of martial techniques is important, but the most crucial factor is the practitioner. In the hands of a true expert, even a common first-grade technique can have astonishing power. The stronger the practitioner, the more powerful the technique they can perform." Lin Xiao extended his palm and gestured to Lin Dong. "Attack me with your maximum strength and speed."

Lin Dong blinked, threw away the iron blocks on his wrists, and punched Lin Xiao directly.

Facing Lin Dong's full-strength attack, Lin Xiao casually reached out, his palm sliding over Lin Dong's sleeve, and a crisp slap echoed. Lin Dong winced and jumped, quickly rolling up his sleeve to see his arm turn red.

"The Back-Through Fist, when used, adheres to the clothing and releases power. If I had used a bit more force or a trace of Primordial Energy, your arm would have been shattered." Lin Xiao said calmly. "To practice the Back-Through Fist, you need to train with your clothes. This technique emphasizes adhering to the clothing and releasing power. When practicing, make the clothes produce a sound. The Back-Through Fist has nine forms, also known as the Nine Sounds Power. Each form produces a crisp sound, and the ninth form is as powerful as a second-grade technique."

"Watch carefully and remember these nine forms!"

Lin Xiao gave a low shout and suddenly moved his limbs. His movements were like a tiger, and his arms waved like a back-through ape stretching. A series of crisp slaps echoed continuously.

Lin Dong watched Lin Xiao's movements intently, his mind becoming extremely focused, ignoring everything around him. His eyes were fixed on the sequence of the boxing technique!

Because it was for teaching, Lin Xiao deliberately slowed down his movements. After demonstrating several times, he finally stopped and looked at Lin Dong. "Remembered?"

Lin Dong hesitated for a moment and then nodded uncertainly.

"Oh? Show me?"

Seeing this, a look of surprise crossed Lin Xiao's face. Although he had slowed down, the nine forms of the Back-Through Fist were not simple. Lin Dong, who was just starting to learn martial techniques, had managed to remember them so quickly?

Seemingly aware of Lin Xiao's surprise, Lin Dong took a few steps forward, extended his fists, and slowly performed the boxing technique with some stiffness.

Lin Xiao watched Lin Dong closely. Seeing that he had indeed performed all nine forms, a look of joy appeared on his face. Although Lin Dong's Back-Through Fist was stiff and superficial, the fact that he could learn it so quickly on his first try indicated that he had good insight. This discovery made Lin Xiao quite pleased, as it seemed his son had inherited his talent from back then.

"Father, why does my Back-Through Fist not produce any sound at all?" After performing the stiff and slow sequence, Lin Dong asked helplessly.

"You little brat, if it were that easy to produce a sound, the Back-Through Fist wouldn't be so famous." Lin Xiao scolded with a smile. "Remember, when practicing, carefully sense the force. If you can make your sleeve follow your force instead of your force following your sleeve, then you will have successfully practiced the Back-Through Fist. Come, try a few more times."

Lin Dong repeated the instructions a few times and then began practicing, while Lin Xiao stood to the side, occasionally pointing out his mistakes.

In the open space of the forest, the shadow of a boy's fists moved continuously, sweat flying, but he remained undistracted, his face showing great seriousness.

The afternoon passed quickly as Lin Dong trained without stopping. His efforts were not in vain, and he became increasingly proficient in the nine forms of the Back-Through Fist. Although he still couldn't produce any sound, his form was quite strong.

"Let's stop for today. We'll practice again tomorrow." Looking at the sky, Lin Xiao then looked at the sweat-drenched Lin Dong, who was so dedicated and persistent that even he was slightly moved. He then sighed inwardly, realizing that his years of decline had made his son mature much earlier.

"Okay, Father, go back and rest. I'll be back soon." Lin Dong responded, but his fists did not stop. He focused entirely on sensing the subtle transmission and changes of force in his muscles as Lin Xiao had instructed.

Seeing this, Lin Xiao could only shake his head helplessly. Lin Dong's progress was already very obvious, but making the Back-Through Fist produce sound was not easy. He himself had practiced for a full week before finally succeeding.

After giving a few instructions, Lin Xiao turned and walked away, a smile appearing on his face. Lin Dong's insight today had made him extremely satisfied.

"This child has very good insight and great perseverance. Surpassing my prime should not be difficult..."

"Slap!"

As this thought flashed through Lin Xiao's mind, a loud and crisp slap suddenly echoed from behind. His face froze, and he stumbled, but his eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Looks like it's not just not difficult, but quite easy..."

(Seeking favorites and recommendations. A new book really needs support, so I hope everyone can take the trouble to favorite and recommend it. I am very grateful.

As for the ending of "Battle Through the Heavens," many people feel it's not perfect, but I believe that what we see in "Battle Through the Heavens" is not the ending, but the process. Xiao Yan became a Dou Di, the pinnacle of the Dou Qi continent, and this is the reward for his long efforts.

Again, I beg for favorites and recommendations!)