Chapter 003: Concealing One's Talents and Biding One's Time

Johnny said, somewhat incredulously, as he scrutinized Zhao Li from head to toe: "Honestly confess, have you been secretly practicing as well? Otherwise, how could you possibly keep pace with us every time?"

Once a solid foundation is established during the two years of high school, one can begin to study more advanced techniques. As one's cultivation deepens, the techniques can also become increasingly profound.

Under normal circumstances, an ordinary person can cultivate to approximately level 6 of their skills in their lifetime. Only a few geniuses are able to break through the level 6 bottleneck and advance to higher levels, up to level 9.

Zhao Li's cautiousness is precisely based on this; it is not sufficient to merely get by at the beginning. At the very least, one must persist until the end of the second year of high school. By that time, the basic physical training will have been completed normally, achieving the goal of laying a solid foundation. Subsequently, one can study more advanced techniques.

However, Tsinghua University is not so easy to enter. Since the merger of Tsinghua University in Beijing and National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, Tsinghua University has become one of the top universities in the world, and the difficulty of admission is beyond imagination

"Are you out of your mind?" Zhao Li exclaimed. This Johnny could be considered a friend he had grown up with, and now, with the mingling of Eastern and Western cultures, there were no purely homogeneous communities. What Johnny was doing, as the advisor had said, was a very dangerous thing.

Not only are there nearly stringent requirements in ordinary academic subjects, but the demands for internal strength cultivation are also nearly fifty percent higher than those of typical universities. Consequently, the famous saying of a former president of Tsinghua University, "Working for the health of the motherland for fifty years," has transformed into "Working for the health of humanity for two hundred years"

The commonly circulated ordinary martial arts are divided into nine levels; however, health cultivation techniques do not fall within this classification. They represent the most fundamental foundational techniques, upon which all other martial arts are built. If one must assign a level to health cultivation techniques, they would at most be considered level zero

While practicing the body cultivation technique, Zhao Li couldn't help but think of Li Mengdie. As a genius, she should obviously be able to establish a foundation for advancing to a higher stage more quickly than ordinary people. I wonder if she has already begun her training in the first level of martial arts and the corresponding techniques, or even higher. Doesn't the military have accelerated training methods?

Zhao Li was taken aback, and a sense of vigilance arose in his heart: "Just so-so, neither good nor bad, what’s the matter?" Could it be that Johnny has discovered his secret?

Unexpectedly, despite being so cautious, he was still on par with those classmates. Fortunately, everyone thought he was also secretly increasing his training time, and no one said much. Nevertheless, it still made Zhao Li break out in a cold sweat. If everyone were obedient, he almost carelessly became a genius!

Hehe. Zhao Li did not know what to say and could only respond with a couple of "hehe" sounds. Johnny, however, wore an expression that suggested a mutual understanding among everyone, patted Zhao Li on the shoulder, and said no more on the subject.

Both of Zhao Li's parents are researchers, and from a young age, he was instilled with a strong desire by them to gain admission to Tsinghua University, thereby bringing honor to the family

However, most of those instances of errors occur only during advanced techniques, while such issues do not arise at all with basic physical training. This is why there is a collective increase in training time among everyone, in order to establish a more solid foundation. Moreover, parents at home can monitor the practice of basic physical training at any time, and generally, there will not be any situations of loss of control.

Indeed, it is two hundred years. After practicing the art of physical cultivation, the lifespan of humans has surpassed two hundred years. For those exceptional individuals, achieving even longer longevity records is not a challenge. Therefore, maintaining health for two hundred years has also become one of the school mottos

"Go to hell!" Zhao Li gritted his teeth and kicked Johnny, who nimbly dodged the blow, still wearing an infuriating smile on his face, clearly deriving his happiness from the suffering of others

In addition, there are specialized light body techniques aimed at speed training. When cultivated to an advanced level, it is said that one can leap several dozen meters. Moreover, there are legends of individuals who can fly through the air using their own power; however, this remains merely a legend, as no one has ever witnessed it.

However, more often than not, it involves selecting a few combinations. For instance, dancers who require flexibility will choose a combination of flexibility techniques and light body techniques, with very little exploration of others. Especially for women, there is even less likelihood of choosing the highly demanding strength techniques that result in significant changes in body shape.

Zhao Li is different; he does not even dare to let his father know about his physical condition. His father is a meticulous person, treating both his son and others with seemingly equal rigor. While other people's gifted children can be studied, his own child is no exception. If he were to learn about Zhao Li's actual situation, he might very well take Zhao Li personally to be examined.

Although Zhao Li may envy their potential cultivation, he would never envy their lives. It is likely that even during their training, they are under even stricter surveillance, cultivating while simultaneously becoming the guinea pigs in the eyes of those researchers, contributing to the enhancement of the overall quality of humanity

Such warnings permeated the entire process of the class. In the face of certain real and somewhat tragic example videos, very few dared to defy this ironclad rule. Even during regular practice of physical training, one must conclude after at most nine cycles. Even if one wishes to continue, it is necessary to take a break before starting anew.

After joining the military, as long as one is not exceedingly dull, it is generally possible to break through the fourth level and enter the fifth level of cultivation within a short period. However, no matter how quickly one advances, it is only feasible to rapidly elevate from the first and second levels to the fifth level. To attain a higher level of cultivation, apart from diligent self-practice, there are essentially no other methods.

In the subconscious, one tends to love their own children more; otherwise, the situation of revealing the truth after getting drunk would not occur. Zhao Li was well aware of this. In order to spare himself future suffering and to avoid making it difficult for his father, he chose to conceal the truth.

Being admitted to Tsinghua University has also become his aspiration. Although it was imposed on him by his parents, over the years, he has gradually absorbed it and made it his own.

When entering the first level of cultivation, practice has replaced traditional sleep, and the time spent on cultivation has increased significantly. However, from the very first day of class, the instructor has repeatedly warned not to exceed one's cultivation limits, as doing so could result in lifelong disabilities

Each type of martial art represents a distinct direction, yet most ordinary individuals tend to choose a comprehensive approach, studying various texts. This not only ensures that they possess adequate strength but also helps maintain a physique that is not overly bulky. When necessary, they can move with the agility of a swallow, while also having a decent level of defensive power in their daily lives

My father hopes that I can be admitted to Tsinghua University, but I cannot guarantee my grades Zhao Li sighed, and this sigh was truly one of sorrow: So, it is possible that I will enlist in the military, and after my service, I will strive to obtain extra points for the exam, and then take the exam again.

There is no way around it. During these foundational years in high school, in order to prevent any unforeseen incidents, there must be an instructor who monitors and records everyone's training progress in physical fitness techniques on a weekly basis. If no abnormalities arise, this situation is to be maintained until the end of the second year of high school

If one does not wish to be a muscular man, one can choose to practice flexibility techniques. Of course, after training, the flexibility of the muscles and joints throughout the body will reach a surprisingly high level. However, this type of practice is mostly chosen by women, with only a small number of men opting for it.

If one wishes to become a strength-oriented individual in the future, one may choose the Giant Strength Technique. As the name suggests, the consequence of practicing this skill is a significant increase in overall physical strength. Naturally, the muscles will also undergo changes; essentially, as long as one successfully cultivates a second-level technique, anyone can achieve a physique akin to that of Schwarzenegger.

Although he said nothing, Zhao Li remained very cautious in his heart. Even with Zhao Li intentionally reducing his training time, his basic physical fitness still maintained a level comparable to most of his classmates, placing him among the most ordinary individuals. He was neither exceptionally outstanding nor notably dull.

However, Johnny is not wrong; in the military, one can learn a systematic approach to martial arts, including various forms of attack and defense. This is something that people in society could never learn. Although a non-disclosure agreement is signed upon retirement, some fundamental aspects are rarely scrutinized. Even if physical confrontations occur, as long as no major incidents arise, generally, no one will pursue the matter.

What do you plan to do after graduating from high school? Johnny, for some reason, was particularly talkative today. This made Zhao Li, who had something on his mind, quite impatient. However, he did not want to offend his classmate, so he could only respond in agreement.

Zhao Li, however, did not know how to respond and could only smile, saying, "I haven't decided yet; I need to discuss it with my parents." He deflected the question.

Martial arts of level nine and above do not appear in ordinary society; they only exist in certain special departments within the military. Of course, these are all legends, and no one has truly witnessed martial arts of level nine or higher. However, it is an undeniable fact that there are accelerated martial arts training methods within the military

There is also a specific brain training technique aimed at enhancing cognitive abilities. After practice, the brain's thinking becomes significantly sharper than usual. However, the extent of improvement is limited; without long-term commitment, the effects are generally not very noticeable.

Although it is quite challenging to maintain oneself in a normal state of cultivation with great care, it has also brought additional benefits. The extra time allows Zhao Li more opportunities than his peers to study other subjects. In terms of academic performance, Zhao Li has consistently ranked among the top since the beginning of his first year of high school

Certainly, an exceptional situation refers to when an individual suddenly exhibits a speed and stability that far exceed their usual performance during the training process. In such cases, the individual's assessment results will be re-evaluated, and based on the new measurements, a determination will be made regarding their admission to the school for the gifted. After all, the process of training is not static; there are countless examples of individuals who, out of the blue, experience a breakthrough.

In the third year of high school, one can selectively practice first-level martial arts techniques. First-level techniques are essentially a more advanced form of basic physical training, but unlike basic physical training, which primarily lays the foundation for the small circulatory system, they specifically stimulate the corresponding meridians according to different needs.

Among universities in the Chinese-speaking region and even worldwide, Tsinghua University has consistently been one of the best. Zhao Li's parents, for reasons unknown, developed an inexplicable obsession with Tsinghua University. Ever since Zhao Li began his schooling, they have relentlessly subjected him to what he refers to as a form of mental torment.

However, joining the military is not a bad idea. When you return in the future, if anyone bullies me, you will be responsible for giving them a good beating, hehe! Johnny felt a bit sad for Zhao Li for a while, but then he thought of the benefits and started to chuckle.

Zhao Li absolutely does not want to live such a life

"Let me tell you a secret, I increase my training by one hour every day." Johnny looked around to ensure no one was nearby before leaning in to whisper this to Zhao Li

I plan to continue practicing the Great Strength Technique and the Steel Body Technique. What do you intend to practice for your first-level martial arts training? Johnny changed the question; this is a plan for the future

How is your physical training progressing? On the way home from school, everyone took the city’s automated bus. Although they were very close, Johnny still cautiously approached Zhao Li, looking around before secretly asking him.

However, enlisting in the military means enduring at least a few years of hardship. Although everyone's physical fitness has significantly improved, the difference between practicing leisurely and undergoing rigorous training in the army is entirely distinct. While Johnny questions his own resolve, he is also grateful that his parents did not impose such an extreme aspiration on him.

"Please accept my condolences!" Johnny looked at Zhao Li's sorrowful expression and naturally adopted a look of helplessness. He patted his old friend's shoulder with great sympathy, as if he too felt the sadness. Even though Zhao Li always managed to rank third in his class, it did not guarantee him the opportunity to gain admission to Tsinghua University. Zhao Li mentioned that joining the military and then taking the exam might also be a chance.

"Hey, Zhao Li, how come you ranked third again in this exam?" Johnny was quite puzzled. Everyone had the same amount of study time, so how could Zhao Li consistently remain among the top three? Or rather, Zhao Li always placed third, neither advancing nor falling behind.

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"Come on, it's not as serious as that gorilla guy said." Johnny waved his hand dismissively, showing no concern. "It's just physical training, laying the foundation. The deeper the foundation, the faster the future cultivation will be. You know as well as I do that most of our classmates are like this; only you, this fool, still adhere to the gorilla guy's rules."

Additionally, there is a specialized practice known as Steel Body Technique, which focuses on cultivating physical hardness and endurance. When perfected, the entire body becomes as solid as steel, earning the title of Indestructible Body.

Keeping a secret for a long time is a heavy burden; however, if this secret pertains to one's freedom and way of life for the majority of the future, then any cost is worth it