Chapter 35

The absence of techniques surpasses the presence of techniques. In fact, this phrase has long explained that so-called martial arts techniques and routines are merely basic exercises in the early stages. In real combat, there are no fixed techniques.

"Master Liu, does this mean that in the absence of techniques, any routine can be used flexibly in real combat, employing the combat skills contained within these techniques, rather than following the routines, right? Hmm, in that case, wouldn't special tools be needed to train my reflexes!"

Zhu Lingwu thought for a moment and couldn't help but think of the combat training methods from his world, though they weren't entirely applicable to the martial arts of this world. After all, in this world, martial arts also involved the use of internal essence and blood energy, similar to what he called internal skills in his original world, which still possessed great power when released.

Liu Ping, upon hearing Zhu Lingwu's words, thought to himself that this young master was truly a martial arts genius, having unblocked the Small Circulation and the Conception and Governor Vessels in just five months, and his understanding of martial arts was so insightful. Even he himself had only understood these principles after many real combats. Those routines were merely for daily practice to hone the body; in real combat, they had little significance.

"Yes, that's right. The body is the greatest reliance for us martial artists. The most important aspects of martial arts are vision, hand strength, foot strength, and the use of internal qi and blood. As for the use of weapons, although they can enhance our offensive and defensive capabilities, if we can't even control our own bodies, how can we use weapons? So, Young Master, you should start with palm techniques and footwork! My family has a high-grade palm technique and a high-grade footwork, and I am willing to pass them on to you as the foundation for your martial arts training!"

Liu Ping knew that Zhu Lingwu originally liked to play with a pair of copper flails weighing over a hundred pounds. Previously, Zhu Lingwu had only asked him about martial arts techniques, so he had to give him a heads-up to prevent Zhu Lingwu from asking him to teach flail techniques.

As for the palm technique and footwork he planned to teach Zhu Lingwu, since he was the young master of his own family, Liu Ping naturally couldn't just give him low-grade martial arts techniques. Therefore, he immediately chose high-grade palm and footwork techniques. The grading of these martial arts techniques was related to the meridians and acupoints involved. The higher the grade, the more acupoints needed to be unblocked, and the more internal energy could be mobilized, thus the greater the power of the techniques.

This also confirmed Zhu Lingwu's earlier thoughts: the martial arts of this world were different from the combat techniques of his world.

"Oh, Master Liu, what palm technique and footwork are you going to teach me?"

Zhu Lingwu was filled with anticipation. The Ninefold Thunder Dominating Body Technique, like the internal skills in martial arts novels from his previous life, mainly focused on cultivating internal essence and blood energy but had no specific techniques.

"Young Master, there aren't many high-grade palm techniques and footwork in my family, but perhaps it's fate. Based on the body cultivation method you are currently practicing, I believe that the Thunder Palm and Swift Swallow Step are the most suitable for you!"

Liu Ping spoke modestly, though he was being overly modest. He was actually worried that Zhu Lingwu might have too many demands, which is why he said this. Although the Liu family belonged to a humble background, they were still a martial arts family in the secular world. As such, they had many martial arts techniques, including family secrets and various martial arts manuals collected from the world. Therefore, Liu Ping could choose the most suitable high-grade martial arts techniques to teach Zhu Lingwu.

However, Liu Ping didn't dare to let Zhu Lingwu choose freely, as that would only make him indecisive and unable to focus on his martial arts training.

"Thunder Palm and Swift Swallow Step, Master Liu, why do you say these two martial arts techniques are the most suitable for me? Hmm, let me guess, Thunder Palm, is it because of the Ninefold Thunder Dominating Body Technique I'm practicing? But this palm technique, although called Thunder Palm, doesn't necessarily release lightning, right? Swift Swallow Step, does it mimic the flight of a swallow? So, Master Liu, are you suggesting I practice speed and agility-based palm techniques and footwork?"

Zhu Lingwu pondered for a moment and couldn't help but ask Liu Ping with some doubt. Given his physical condition, he should have followed a strength and stability-based martial arts path. But based on Liu Ping's experience, he had chosen such techniques for him. What was his intention?

"Speed is the ultimate in martial arts, Young Master. The Thunder Palm is named for its lightning-fast strikes, making it impossible for opponents to dodge or block. When the Thunder Palm reaches a high level, a single strike can produce a thunderous sound, unsettling the opponent's mind and causing a powerful impact. The principle is simple: it's the combination of speed and strength. With the special cultivation method you are currently practicing, it might truly make the Thunder Palm capable of generating lightning!"

As Liu Ping spoke, he transformed his right hand into a palm, took a deep breath, and suddenly struck out into the air. A loud "thunder" echoed, just like a real thunderclap, causing a wave of energy to ripple through the training room.

Zhu Lingwu, standing to the side, felt a gust of wind pass over him, but he was otherwise unaffected. On the other side, Liangcai, who was also listening intently, had no foundation and was startled by the wind, causing him to retreat several steps and finally trip over the threshold of the training room, falling outside.

At the same time, due to Liu Ping's cultivation of the Crimson Flame Profound Skill, a white flame suddenly appeared two meters away, burning for a few seconds before extinguishing.

This single palm strike made Zhu Lingwu's eyes sparkle. This was the power of a martial arts expert. He didn't know how much strength Liu Ping had used, but if a martial artist of the innate stage could possess such power, how powerful would the cultivators and immortals be?

Liu Ping's actions were indeed to attract Zhu Lingwu, to prevent him from underestimating the Thunder Palm and to spark his interest. Generally, children would be moved by such powerful techniques.

"Moreover, although Young Master's body is naturally gifted, I am concerned that this might make you psychologically dependent, thinking that your body can withstand any attack. However, no matter how special the body, even if you cultivate techniques like the Golden Bell Cover that can withstand ordinary sword and spear strikes, they cannot withstand the damage from divine weapons. Especially when facing attacks from monsters, their claws and fangs, imbued with demonic energy, are even more dangerous than divine weapons. Therefore, agile footwork to avoid attacks is the best defense! So, I believe Young Master should practice the Swift Swallow Step."

As Liu Ping spoke, his figure suddenly darted around the training room, resembling a large swallow flying back and forth.