Chapter 88

"Simply put, the content you've seen in martial arts novels or historical dramas is not entirely fictional. The reason why these authors and screenwriters can create such a bizarre and fantastical world is that this world actually exists."

"There are martial arts circles, martial arts masters, and major schools in TV shows. Such a world and such people do indeed exist, but they are not called the martial arts circle; instead, they are called the Ancient Martial Arts World, and the people in it are called Ancient Martial Artists. In modern society, Ancient Martial Artists are few in number, so it's normal that you haven't heard of them."

"Ancient Martial Artists are classified by levels. Those who train externally to strengthen their muscles, bones, and skin are called External Martial Artists, which is the first level of Ancient Martial Artists, considered the entry level. Those who train internally to cultivate a breath of energy are called Internal Martial Artists, who can be understood as similar to qigong masters, but they are not charlatans. They truly generate energy within their bodies, and things like leaping over eaves and walking on walls are child's play."

"Ancient Martial Artists? That's too incredible!"

"Damn! So there really are martial arts masters!"

The special forces team was shocked by Gu Chengyuan's words. This was something they had never encountered before. Even with their strong mental fortitude, it took them a while to recover. Hero, somewhat curious, asked, "Captain, we've seen you show off a few moves before. Are you also an Ancient Martial Artist?"

Gu Chengyuan said proudly, "That's right, I am an Ancient Martial Artist, a legitimate inheritor of the Baguazhang."

Hero asked again, "What level are you, Captain?"

"I'm just an External Martial Artist." Gu Chengyuan pursed his lips and said, then changed the subject, "But Instructor Lin is a genuine Qi Master!"

"Qi Master?"

Everyone couldn't help but look at Lin Fan.

Leopard, confused, asked, "Captain, is a Qi Master a higher level than an Internal Martial Artist?"

Gu Chengyuan scanned the group and said, "That's correct. An Internal Martial Artist only generates energy within their body, which can only enhance their physical abilities to a deeper level. Once this energy can be skillfully used and released from the body, one becomes a Qi Master. At the Qi stage, one is considered a true master, capable of using even a flower petal or a leaf to injure someone. This ability is truly astonishing! The most typical screen image of a Qi Master is Dongfang Bubai from 'The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,' who can easily take a life with a single embroidery needle."

"Wow—"

As soon as these words were spoken, the scene was filled with gasps of astonishment. The special forces team looked at Lin Fan as if he were a monster. They couldn't believe that this young man, around their age, was so powerful!

This reaction was exactly what Gu Chengyuan hoped to see. He was very satisfied with their response, knowing that only this would make them train harder.

Gu Chengyuan walked to Lin Fan's side and said, "Lin, it's up to you now."

Lin Fan nodded and took a step forward, saying, "Since everyone understands, let's start the training now."

"Yes, Instructor!"

The special forces team shouted in unison, then quickly formed up, looking eagerly at Lin Fan.

Under the intense gazes of the team, Lin Fan slowly said, "My training is divided into two stages. The first stage lasts ten days and is the most arduous. We won't practice techniques; we'll just focus on improving physical fitness. The content of this stage is quite simple, all standard special forces training, but the intensity will be ten times higher!"

"Ten times?"

This time, not only the special forces team but even Gu Chengyuan was shocked. He knew that special forces training was extremely tough and terrifying, and only the best soldiers in the entire military could endure it. Although the special forces team members were also excellent, increasing the intensity tenfold on top of the standard special forces training was clearly unrealistic. Not to mention whether they could endure it, even if they managed to push through the first day, could they even get up the next day?

However, although Gu Chengyuan had doubts, he didn't say anything. As the saying goes, trust those you use, and don't use those you doubt. Besides, he had barely managed to persuade Lin Fan to help, so he wouldn't question his methods now.

Seeing the team's reaction, Lin Fan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I won't overdo it. Since I've set a high-intensity training program for you, I have a way to address your concerns. Now, I just need an answer to one question: Is anyone thinking of quitting?"

The special forces team looked at each other. A few showed a hint of hesitation, but it was quickly replaced by determination. They were all brave and passionate men, and they wouldn't back down in the face of danger.

Hero led the way, shouting loudly, "No, I won't quit!"

The entire team followed, shouting, "No, we won't quit!"

Lin Fan asked again, "Do you have confidence?"

"Yes!"

This time, their voices were even more整齐 and louder.

Lin Fan put his hand behind his ear and said, "Are you all girls? I can't hear you at all. Come on, say it again, do you have confidence!?"

"Yes!"

The entire team shouted with all their might.

"That's better." Lin Fan nodded in satisfaction and then said, "Good, since everyone has confidence, let's start. First, everyone run fifty laps around this track! Time limit: one hour!"

"Yes!"

The team shouted in unison, then Yang Song led the way, starting to run around the 400-meter training ground.

After the team started running, Gu Chengyuan looked at their figures and said with satisfaction, "Lin, these young men are great. I believe they won't let you down."

Lin Fan nodded and said, "Hehe, this is just the beginning. I hope they can make it to the end. My goal is not just to defeat the Tiger Assault Team; I want all of them to become Ancient Martial Artists."

"Wow!"

Hearing this, Gu Chengyuan turned to look at Lin Fan, stunned, and said, "Lin, you really surprise me. A whole team of External Martial Artists, just thinking about it is exhilarating. I'm an old man, but I feel my blood boiling."

"Ha ha ha."

Lin Fan laughed loudly.

Yang Song, who usually organizes the daily training for the Flying Dragon Special Forces, took on the role of organizer, shouting commands while running: "One, two, one! One, two, one!..."

Running fifty laps around a 400-meter track is 20,000 meters, or 20 kilometers, equivalent to half a marathon. For ordinary people, it would be impossible to complete in one hour, but for the special forces team, it wasn't a big deal.

While the team was running, Lin Fan was playing with Qiqi in the sand pit, and Gu Chengyuan stood on the training ground, not running himself but accompanying the team in spirit, which made the Flying Dragon Special Forces team even more motivated.

At the beginning, the team maintained formation, but by the 20th lap, they started to spread out, with team members scattered around the outer edge of the training ground.

Just over 50 minutes later, Yang Song, Hero, and Leopard completed the 50 laps first. The remaining team members gradually reached the finish line, and the last team member finished just before the one-hour limit.

Gu Chengyuan watched the team and said with satisfaction, "Lin, these young men are great. I believe they won't let you down."