Chapter 2
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Chapter 2: Passion and Powerful Skill
Bai Qige traveled through three years and naturally explored why he had traveled. However, with the existence of Fate Interface Rules, Bai Qige understood the reason on the first day. He was born with a superpower to travel through different dimensions using coordinates.
Although Bai Qige didn’t understand why he had such a magical Innate Superpower, he didn’t dwell on it too much. What concerned him was the main culprit behind his uncontrollable innate superpower activation – the Myriad Illusions Sky Slash, and how it had ended up on Earth from the Middle-earth World.
During the three years of exploration, Bai Qige visited many places in the Middle-earth World and gradually noticed a widely circulated folk legend.
According to the legend, every cycle in the Middle-earth World would bring a catastrophic collision of heaven and earth, causing massive casualties. Numerous demons and heroes would emerge at that moment, bringing earth-shattering changes to the Middle-earth World.
Although this folk legend was widely circulated, Bai Qige initially didn’t pay much attention to it since even the natives of the Middle-earth World found it difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood, considering it a myth with an unknowable age. It wasn’t until he heard about the early signs of the catastrophic collision, including the sudden appearance of foreign objects in the Middle-earth World, that Bai Qige took it seriously. He researched extensively to trace the origin of this myth.
When one is diligent in collecting, summarizing, and studying, they will always come to a conclusion. But the conclusion may be too absurd and strange to believe, which made Bai Qige hesitant. However, upon seeing the Bloodthirsty Dragon Camel, a special product of the Middle-earth World, the conclusion instantly came to Bai Qige’s mind.
The Middle-earth World and Earth are gradually getting closer, overlapping, until eventually merging.
Bai Qige was not a scientist, but he had also seen the night sky of the Middle-earth World. The constellations there were completely different from those on Earth. The Middle-earth World was clearly on the other side of the vast galaxy, also a round planet. How could it overlap and merge with Earth? Could it be like a robot shouting, "I’m here to form the head," and then the two planets directly crossed the distance of the galaxy to collide? Forming the Middle-earth Earth alliance? Finally, was there a great battle against the sinister Dark Emperor of the m78 Nebula?
The conclusion was very strange, Bai Qige found it hard to believe. But the various myths and legends he had collected seemed to point to this most incredible conclusion.
Another myth that supported this strange conclusion was passed down in Middle-earth World’s Tianhuang Continent, where Bai Qige found himself after traveling back in time. The myth told the story of how Tianhuang Continent emerged from the ocean after a great collision of the heavens and earth. Evil creatures roamed the land, and powerful warriors from other continents defeated them. They then welcomed refugees and cultivated the land, leading to the prosperity of Tianhuang Continent.
The sudden appearance of the continent, the evil creatures never seen before in Middle-earth World, conquests and massacres – these clues from the myths made Bai Qige feel a sense of unease in his heart.
The appearance of the Myriad Illusions Sky Slash from Middle-earth World on Earth, the Lokya phone from Earth in Middle-earth World, and the recently deceased Bloodthirsty Dragon Camel from Middle-earth World, all confirmed some clear signs. Crossing between worlds was no longer just Bai Qige’s unique experience. Perhaps unlucky individuals or creatures, like the Bloodthirsty Dragon Camel, could also embark on this irreversible journey. The impact could be profound and far-reaching.
The collision of the two worlds may seem distant, but a monumental change could be looming closer than imagined. Contemplating these thoughts, Bai Qige’s expression changed, his body trembled. Suddenly, he stood up and exclaimed, "I forgot to have dinner! No wonder I’m so hungry!"
It’s foolish to lose sleep over things that are not yet certain. Not being able to relax about things beyond one’s control is a silly thing to do. The three years of crossing had already driven him almost insane.
Bai Qige had intended to sleep in, but an early morning phone call disrupted his plans. Answering the call, he realized he used to have a job before his time-traveling adventures.
His parents had passed away, leaving behind a three-bedroom house on the outskirts with limited savings. Bai Qige had to stop schooling after junior high and began working to make a living. He currently worked as a security guard in an old hotel, earning two to three thousand a month with meals and lodging included. It wasn’t a lucrative job, but it kept him fed. He hoped to save some money by enduring his current situation.
When Bai Qige returned from Middle-earth World, he had planned to rest for a few days and enjoy the rare peaceful times on Earth. But after calculating his bank account, he realized he didn’t have much savings. If he spent all his savings, he might end up resorting to his skills honed in Middle-earth World to resort to robbery.
Traveling to a different world and not becoming a king or ruler is already quite sad. When returning, having to live as a bandit is embarrassing for the profession of a time traveler. It’s better to just go to work honestly.
With the thought that he was not achieving much, Bai Qige went out. The crowded flow of people led him to extreme congestion in the rush hour. The subway was packed with people. Bai Qige felt like he was in a different world. Back at the hotel, he changed into his work clothes and shoes, and started working. After three years of traveling through time, Bai Qige naturally had many changes in his appearance and demeanor, making him much more mature. When colleagues saw him, they were amazed, but Bai Qige just said he wasn’t feeling well and looked a bit exhausted, avoiding any further questions. His colleagues couldn’t pursue the matter, and it passed like this. The job of a security guard was very easy. Standing in the hotel lobby, there was nothing much to do except watch out for theft, fire, and disturbances. After standing in the lobby for an hour, he would spend an hour watching the surveillance cameras in the control room.
Today, despite Bai Qige not being fully focused at work, his colleagues and supervisors didn’t say anything. Though young, Bai Qige was experienced in society, had good social skills, and had good relationships with his colleagues and supervisors.
Even though he didn’t plan to dwell on the uncertain collision of worlds, whenever he had a moment to think, Bai Qige couldn’t help but evaluate the possible impacts on himself. After some contemplation, he decided to be prepared just in case.
Martial arts were the most valuable pass to the Middle-earth World. With strong martial abilities, one could go anywhere in the world, but with weak skills, it would be difficult to move even an inch. After much thought, Bai Qige decided to focus on mastering martial arts first. Even if the possible collision of worlds were to happen, he could rely on his martial skills to survive in Middle-earth World. Leveraging his three years of time travel experience, he could transform himself from an Earthling into a native of Middle-earth World.
The job of a security guard was very relaxed. Unless there was an emergency, one could almost spend the whole eight hours daydreaming. This gave Bai Qige time to contemplate things and be lazy. After work, he politely declined his colleagues’ invitations to dine and drink, then he took the bus and finally arrived at his destination after seven or eight stops.
Hanging on the sixth floor of a commercial building was a signboard of Natural Martial Arts School, which was Bai Qige’s destination. Over in Middle-earth World, he had encountered some opportunities and joined a martial arts gang named Dragon-slaying Alliance, becoming a honored member. In fact, he was just a regular member, a unique civil servant in Middle-earth World where there were more factions and organizations than countries, ruling over different realms. Dragon-slaying Alliance was one of the factions recognized by the state.
For Bai Qige, Dragon-slaying Alliance was an exceptionally powerful organization with a leader known as the Wing of Death, who practiced a powerful martial art called Catastrophic Disaster. It was said to be unmatched in its killing power, defeating any opponent within the fifteen villages ruled by Dragon-slaying Alliance. Although it sounded impressive, in reality, Dragon-slaying Alliance was just a small gang that intimidated the villagers into paying protection money to survive.
However, the important thing was that this gang was rather humble. When Bai Qige met the leader of Dragon-slaying Alliance, he used some ideas from palace struggles in TV dramas to impress the leader, making him a respected guest and exempting him from various tests, allowing Bai Qige to join the gang and learn their ultimate martial art Catastrophic Disaster… Basic Heart Sutra. The leader of Dragon-slaying Alliance felt a bit uncomfortable about this but still handed over a book of Tiger Claw Style, a powerful martial art that even the former head of Dragon-slaying Alliance had not fully mastered. Although Bai Qige thought both Basic Heart Sutra and Tiger Claw Style were low-quality, he accepted them as something rather than nothing.
After actually experiencing the power system of Middle-earth World, Bai Qige suddenly realized that the leader of the Dragon-slaying Alliance had already given him enough respect, because even the Basic Heart Sutra and the estimated low-grade Tiger Claw Style were profound enough.
For example, if you randomly find a foreigner who can speak Chinese and ask him if he knows about the Dragon-Tiger Harmony, the merging of essence and energy, the practice of spirit returning to emptiness to give birth to the primordial infant, he will definitely look puzzled. Bai Qige faced a similar problem – as an Earthling, he suddenly had to comprehend the martial arts scriptures of the Middle-earth World. While the language barrier could be dealt with, the cultural gap and differences in artistic conception behind it made it a tough challenge for him!
However, no matter how difficult it was, he still needed to learn. After three years, he had practiced the Basic Heart Sutra to level 10 and the Tiger Claw Style to level 10 too!
Although the martial arts of Middle-earth World involved mysterious True Qi, soul, mind, and cultural heritage of another world, in terms of fundamentals, they were similar to the Earth martial arts known to Bai Qige. Emphasizing striking techniques, power generation skills, and the circulation of energy and blood. Perhaps, in terms of basics, the two worlds had some similarities. Whether or not this was the case, Bai Qige couldn’t be certain and had to try it out.
The Natural Martial Arts School was the closest one Bai Qige found online. It was quite large, teaching not only martial arts but also free combat, taekwondo, boxing, and other skills. As Bai Qige inquired at the front desk of the Martial Arts School, his expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
The basic martial arts course for a month costs 2999 Yanhuang coins. To learn weapon martial arts, it will cost an additional 1000 coins. For advanced studies, the price could soar to five, six, seven, or even eight thousand coins.
Bai Qige’s monthly income was two to three thousand, which had been raised over the years due to soaring prices. His parents had left him a house that didn’t require rent, but the monthly utilities, management fees, and garbage fees added up to a considerable amount. He also had personal expenses for food and other necessities. Over the years, he had only managed to save around twenty to thirty thousand, which seemed precarious now that he needed to invest in his basics.
Furthermore, the most important question was whether the Natural Martial Arts School truly had authentic skills. He didn’t want to spend money only to find out that it was just a gym dressed up in martial arts attire – that would be a big letdown.
Sensing Bai Qige’s doubt, the front desk attendant suggested that he could visit the Martial Arts School and, if interested, attend a class at a reduced price.
Bai Qige felt good and paid fifty dollars to go in for a visit. Not many people were exercising there. Some were practicing martial arts routines, some were boxing on the ring, it was quite lively. The martial arts coach was wearing a white uniform, looking very energetic and somewhat fierce.
Bai Qige roamed around casually under the guise of visiting, then he carefully observed the martial arts coaches, trying to see if they had real skills. Gradually, his attention focused on an elderly man in the corner of the Martial Arts School.
Standing in the corner of the Martial Arts School, wearing exquisite traditional Chinese clothing, holding a smoking pipe, a carefree and relaxed old man with silver hair but no wrinkles on his face, looking youthful and spirited. As soon as Bai Qige entered, he noticed the distinguished demeanor of this person, and more importantly, Bai Qige keenly sensed that the Martial Arts Coaches seemed to have great respect for this old man.
Soon, Bai Qige discovered why these Martial Arts Coaches revered this old man so much. The old man looked around discontentedly, walked to a coach who was teaching apprentices martial arts routines, and roared loudly, "You little rascal, is this how I taught you before? Such soft practice, what skills can you learn from this? Stop listening to this useless coach, let me personally teach you. To practice Yanhuang Martial Arts, there’s only one key – passion and momentum. As long as you have enough passion and momentum, even throwing a punch is enough to crush your enemies to pieces! Come, repeat after me, strong individuals are born to defy the odds!"
The scolded Martial Arts Coach looked embarrassed and said, "Master, your methods really aren’t suitable for teaching students!"
The old man fumed and shouted, "What do you mean my methods are not suitable? It seems you have forgotten the true essence of martial arts I taught you. As long as you have passion and momentum, victory will naturally follow. You may provoke dragons and tigers, but you shouldn’t provoke me. Today, I will show you the extent of your foolishness!"
With a loud bang, the old man punched the Martial Arts Coach into the air, did three somersaults, landed and rolled irregularly three times, then fainted. The old man remained unfazed, and yelled at the stunned student, "See that? This is the power of Passion and Powerful Skill from our Natural Martial Arts School – unbeatable in battles. Do you want to learn, kid? If you want to, shout with me loudly, strong individuals are born to defy the odds!"
