CHAPTER 93: CHAPTER 93: THE STORM RISES

Moreover, using the Phoenix Falcon Fist to force Chen Daoli, an elite practitioner of top-tier Taoist fist techniques, into retreat is a record enough to astound everyone.

Where did this Overseas Dragon come from?!

Inside the Security Bureau’s internal network, there was quite a commotion. Those from Team Three, who were beaten by Lu Ren, were genuinely indignant, publicizing the fact that they were beaten.

Soon after, they were mocked by others who said that even with more people, they couldn’t win, and now they’re here to play the victim, thinking that whining could get them promoted or something.

There were admirers, haters, denunciations, and indifference.

But more so were those enjoying the spectacle, egging on for a rematch with Lu Ren.

"His punches are powerful! I couldn’t see the trajectory of his strikes at all!"

"Authentic Northern Imperial Domain Taoist sect, Beidou Heart Intent Fist disciple, a prominent descendant of Taoist martial arts, how could he not be formidable?"

In the office, Zhang Li moved her gaze away from the computer screen and continuously sized up Lu Ren with some astonishment in her eyes.

"How long have you been practicing boxing?"

"Before encountering Teacher Li Ziqing, I had also been working out for over three years, I suppose."

Lu Ren replied impassively. After all, before learning the Phoenix Falcon Fist, he already gained a combat foundation through a system, thus having a solid foundation in boxing techniques that Zhang Li considered impeccable, leaving no room for doubt.

"To reach this level in just under four years shows you’re indeed talented and highly compatible with the Phoenix Falcon Fist."

Zhang Li was surprised that she was merely making a routine assignment, yet Lu Ren fit the Phoenix Falcon Fist perfectly, advancing in less than a year to the brink of entering the Great Perfection of Fist Technique.

He’s exceedingly gifted!

For a long time, until Zhang Li stared at Lu Ren, making him wonder if he had any major flaws, having probed many times, there were indeed people with his level of boxing advancement.

Li Ziqing once mentioned that within the Taoist Imperial Domain in this era, there are two individuals who built a foundation from a young age, comprehending fist intent and, upon truly practicing boxing at twenty, soared to the skies, reaching the Great Success Realm within two or three years.

But in the first twenty years, they stretched bones, took herbal baths, consumed major medicine, practiced boxing, recited true scriptures, and established a foundation for martial arts.

The time between twenty to forty years old is the golden period for practicing boxing, when bones are set, muscles are resilient, and energy is abundant.

After a long time, Zhang Li slowly spoke, "Your talent is truly remarkable!"

Zhang Li’s words carried a hint of jealousy.

Lu Ren quickly chuckled, "It’s all luck, just luck! It’s Captain Zhang’s unintentional gesture that created a flourishing tree."

He couldn’t possibly say that he actually adapts well to any fist technique.

Lu Ren was currently organizing the system’s hints from the recent battle.

It was encouraging; such a fight spared him several months of arduous training, making him feel that he should pursue this path.

However, he absolutely couldn’t get too arrogant, and needed to think of other strategies; standing out too much could also be a disadvantage.

Sometimes being overly zealous isn’t about practicing martial arts but courting disaster.

Zhang Li nodded slightly, holding a non-committal stance.

"I have a thought, recently the higher-ups are preparing for some matters. They want to gradually make martial arts public, because we need time to cope, as openings in space bring not only opportunities but also many dangers, strange occurrences may happen,"

Zhang Li paused to catch her breath, "I wouldn’t be surprised if actual immortals appear."

"What exactly has happened?"

During this period, Lu Ren had been watching the news, noticing that international conflicts were rapidly easing and more collaborations were emerging.

Zhang Li shook her head slightly, "You’ve just joined, so temporarily you can’t know about these matters. I can only tell you that striving to improve yourself is never wrong; eventually, you’ll have the capacity to protect yourself and even confront challenges."

The situation is very severe!

Although Zhang Li’s revelations did not disclose much, they hinted at a trend. Although currently calm, the situation is moving towards a very severe state.

So much so that major global forces are beginning to put aside prejudices and must gradually cooperate.

"Alright, I understand."

Zhang Li gently said, "A week later, the newly established Martial Arts Association will host a nationwide martial arts tournament, selecting participants from across the nation."

Lu Ren reacted with surprise upon hearing this, then quickly said, "You don’t mean for me to participate in some demonstration?"

Seeing Zhang Li affirm this, Lu Ren shook his head repeatedly, "Forget it, I’m not bragging, but if the competitors at the martial arts event aren’t at the level of Chen Daoli, then for me it’s a complete waste of time."

He already tested it; if the opposing boxers have a lower fist realm than him, sometimes the efficiency is even worse than his self-study.

"You truly have a high opinion of yourself."

Zhang Li laughed, then fell silent. Judging by Lu Ren’s performance, his boxing is skillful, deeply embodying the essence of the Phoenix Falcon Fist, even touching upon its true intent.

He’s a peer with others of the same echelon, just one step away from reaching the Great Perfection Realm of Fist Technique.

The difference between Great Mastery of Boxing and Great Perfection of Fist Technique, though only a couple of syllables apart, is vast.

Lu Ren wanted to try other methods.

Zhang Li said, "You can skip the regular group matches, but I hope you can participate in the Special Martial Arts Battle sessions."

She added, "People of your level will participate at that time."

"No problem."

Lu Ren readily agreed, it’s beneficial.

He stood up, clapped his hands, "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be off. Remember to mail my equipment to me, call if anything comes up. This place isn’t suitable for me; anyway, it’s unnecessary to open it."

Watching Lu Ren turn and leave, Zhang Li softly said, "Be careful, today you fought people all backed by traditions, those people... Team Three is mostly composed of individuals from those top fist technique schools."

Lu Ren waved his hand, not turning back.

Those barefoot fear nothing from those wearing shoes; catch anyone trying to exploit an opportunity to eliminate, and no one can fault you.

If someone wants to target a martial artist like him, then they’d better prepare to face the backlash.

Li Ziqing taught him that, having an air of pride on his face.

If the tiger isn’t struck down in one go, its backlash could be fatal.

Few dare orchestrate against top experts like Lu Ren.

In-depth boxing practice doesn’t just enhance physical qualities; divine clarity, keen insight, are all aspects of boxing’s development on the brain.

In ancient times, many boxing masters were adept in both fields.

In war, they could mount horses to secure peace in the realm; in literature, they could wield pens to govern nations.

No one who practices fist techniques to such depth is a fool.

Possibly, with the continuous advancement in fist techniques, and having grown accustomed to exercising power, they might habitually overlook thinking, only using violence to resolve problems.

Especially like Lu Ren, a martial artist without any attachments is the most terrifying.

Humans have seven emotions and six desires, and ties with friends and family can’t be severed.

Only by focusing on martial arts can one seize more opportunities to glimpse higher realms.

And in modern society, with technological development, more complex desires arise. Fist techniques emphasizing an age-old sincerity are knowable, but without purity, advancing to higher realms may be difficult.

Of course, Lu Ren is an exception.

He is skilled in using guns.