With the first example set, the others couldn't help but be eager to try. They were all youthful at heart, having practiced martial arts for several months, and naturally wanted to test their skills.
Very soon, someone took the initiative to sign up.
Then the third, the fourth...
Eventually, they were almost competing to be the first.
Chen Ming treated them all equally, allowing each one to fully execute the Thirty-six Forms of the Three Talents Boxing before defeating them.
[You defeated an LV1 enemy, gaining 2 Experience Points.]
[You defeated an LV1 enemy, gaining 2 Experience Points.]
[You defeated an LV2 enemy, gaining 5 Experience Points.]
...
Every time he defeated a student, a message would pop up before his eyes.
Chen Ming felt a sense of harvest joy.
The abilities of these youths varied greatly, with some not even familiar with their moves.
There were also some more skilled ones, already having grasped the Iron Horse Stance and executing their moves with some semblance of form. He had to take them seriously, lest he suffer an unexpected defeat.
Hong Mingquan watched from the side and soon felt at ease. This Chen Ming had good control over his strikes, not injuring any of the students.
Moreover, his Three Talents Fist was practiced with considerable proficiency, more than enough to handle these newcomers.
Through the matches, Hong Mingquan could immediately see where these little fellows' techniques lacked and where they were inadequate.
After each match, he would pull them aside to point out their deficiencies, telling them which moves they needed to practice more, yes, even fifty more times each day.
Hong Mingquan's teaching style was straightforward and blunt, not practicing well? Increase practice.
Still not enough? Continue increasing!
If that still doesn't work, then your talent is lacking!
"What adapting teaching to individual ability?" It doesn't exist.
...
By the time Chen Ming defeated the last student, it was already noon.
Even with his Iron Horse Stance having broken through to the second level, he was still panting heavily with exhaustion.
He fought a total of fifteen matches, which was a great test of physical endurance.
However, seeing the messages of defeated enemies, he felt that all the hardship and exhaustion were worthwhile.
[You defeated an LV3 enemy, gaining 10 Experience Points.]
Huh?
Chen Ming was somewhat surprised looking at the message.
It's actually LV3?
Same level as me?
He turned his head to look at the young man who had just left, who had a handsome face, fair skin, and an implied arrogance in his eyes.
While sparring just now, he felt that this young man's Three Talents Fist was the best practiced among all the newcomers. He could hold his own against him.
"He was hiding his strength earlier."
"Why would he do that?"
Chen Ming was very curious, and he memorized this person's name, Li Jinchuan.
...
"Hmph, he only practiced boxing for a few more years than I did. In two or three months, I'm certain I'll be able to defeat him with the Three Talents Fist."
As Li Jinchuan walked, he clenched his fists tightly, feeling very indignant.
If he hadn't been restricted to using the newly learned Three Talents Fist, he wouldn't have lost to that guy.
"Li Jinchuan, your Three Talents Fist is really well-practiced. How did you do it?"
At this time, two people came over to strike up a conversation.
Li Jinchuan ignored them, walking past with a cold expression.
Those two were left standing there, feeling snubbed and quite annoyed, "What's so great about it? Isn't it just that he learned the moves quickly?"
"Yeah, if he really had skills, he would've already been with the third senior brother."
Having walked not far when he heard the two's words, Li Jinchuan sneered internally, these mediocrities, even speaking one more word with them is wasting his time.
He hurried home to eat, then practiced more.
Having lost to someone today, he had to practice the Three Talents Fist ten more times.
...
"You're asking about Li Jinchuan, huh? His talent is no less than seventh junior brother's, but the master said he's too arrogant, needs to temper his disposition. That's why he left him here with me."
In Hong Mingquan's courtyard, he and Chen Ming were eating and chatting.
When Chen Ming asked about Li Jinchuan, he received an unexpected answer.
He suddenly realized, "I knew it, his skills are much stronger than the others, his moves have considerable order. But won't what Elder Huo is doing make Li Jinchuan disheartened? Will he leave in anger?"
If it ends up as a case of 'Don't underestimate the young and poor', that's not just talk.
Hong Mingquan didn't care, "Let him leave then. If he can't endure this, he'll certainly be a restless person. The master definitely won't take him in. The master has said before, those who are too conspicuous, no matter how talented, can't be taken in. Such people will certainly invite great trouble in the future."
Chen Ming was sincerely convinced, "Elder Huo is indeed farsighted, with a forward-thinking vision."
Indeed, how could such arrogant people possibly be content to stay at the Huo Mansion, aiding Huo Chengkun in teaching these students? They are bound to venture out, who knows what trouble they will stir up?
For Huo Chengkun, taking on such a disciple, the benefits may not be enjoyed, and if the disciple causes trouble outside, he will definitely be implicated.
The risk is too high.
I suppose the primary condition for that old man to accept a disciple is sincerity and simplicity.
Just like Hong Mingquan, without any background or roots, he can only rely on this large tree.
...
In the afternoon, Chen Ming went home.
Returning to his small courtyard, he opened the panel.
[Name: Chen Ming]
[Level: 3]
[Current Points: 50]
[Cultivation Technique: Iron Horse Stance (Second Level 0/200+)]
[Martial Skill: Three Talents Fist (Proficient 21/200+), Eight Diagrams Saber (Beginner 12/100+)]
Fifty points!
His heart was somewhat excited, a lot higher than the thirty points he had anticipated.
Because among these newcomers, there were four at level two, each contributing five Experience Points.
And one at level three, contributing ten Experience Points.
Add them up, and it's exactly fifty points.
All added to the Iron Horse Stance, instantly reaching a quarter of the progress.
However, he now had a new idea.
Improving his realm was certainly important, but his current way of gaining experience was by defeating opponents, so the proficiency of his martial skills was also very important.
Before entering the rank, everything belongs to the unranked category, and at this level, battles depend more on combat experience and martial skill level.
Just like the newcomers today, even though some of them had practiced martial arts for several months, half of them wouldn't even be able to beat street hooligans. The sole reason is a lack of experience.
And in this world, the number of unranked martial artists is also the largest.
Chen Ming thought he could build a reputation through outstanding martial skills. Once he became famous, naturally countless people would find him for sparring partner training.
Thus, he devised a point allocation plan.
Iron Horse Stance plus 5 points.
Three Talents Fist plus 20 points.
Save the remaining 25 points for now.
After adding the points, Chen Ming immediately felt a warm current surging inside his body, a satisfying sense of increased power.
Regarding the Three Talents Fist moves, he gained new insights.
The panel displayed changes.
[Name: Chen Ming]
[Level: 3]
[Current Points: 25]
[Cultivation Technique: Iron Horse Stance (Second Level 5/200+)]
[Martial Skill: Three Talents Fist (Proficient 41/200+), Eight Diagrams Saber (Beginner 12/100+)]