Chapter 94: Second-Degree Black Belt, Chen Xingyan Enters the Stage

Chen Yongrui was thinking to himself, after all, he fully acknowledged Chen Xingyan’s beauty. Cheng Yao, meanwhile, was pondering what level a black belt, fifth dan, in mixed martial arts actually represented.

But anyone qualified to be an instructor couldn’t be weak, could they?

“Teacher, which is stronger, mixed martial arts or the kickboxing next door?”

“That’s the kind of question only an outsider would ask. If you train well, both are strong. If you don’t, it’s all for nothing.”

“Which one is closer to real combat?”

“Mixed martial arts is undoubtedly closer to real combat than kickboxing, simply because it has fewer restrictions. If by real combat you mean street fighting, combat sports can only approach reality as closely as possible…”

Since ancient times, the purpose of martial arts has always been to develop the human body, to pursue the highest, fastest, strongest, to showcase power and beauty, and to prepare for future wars or violent conflicts.

Nowadays, neither kickboxing nor mixed martial arts is meant to train warriors for war. At most, they serve as supplementary training for combat units. The so-called ‘real combat’ is only a part of self-defense or street fighting.

Chen Ruiyong laughed and said, “Let me put it this way: whether you train in kickboxing or mixed martial arts, as long as you have over a thousand hours of training, fighting a random person on the street will be like fighting a child…”

“A thousand hours of training?”

“You’ll need to train for a long time. If you’re serious about it, be prepared mentally. If you’re only enthusiastic for three minutes, you won’t last.”

At this moment, Chen Xingyan had already come out.

She had changed into a tight, anti-abrasion compression suit that accentuated her graceful figure. Of course, you could admire her physique, but nothing else.

Here, there were plenty of opportunities for close contact, as long as you could take a beating!

No doubt, Chen Xingyan wouldn’t mind having another human punching bag.

“You guys go ahead, I’ll warm up first.”

She then began pounding the sandbag with loud, forceful blows, causing Cheng Yao to frown.

It wasn’t obvious from her appearance, but Chen Xingyan’s explosive power was astonishing.

Yet, such high bursts lasted only a short while; after all, a woman is still a woman.

It wasn’t that Cheng Yao looked down on her, but men simply have a natural advantage in this aspect.

Even so, Cheng Yao felt a chill—if ordinary people got married to her, domestic violence might actually reverse; if you came home a minute late, you’d probably face an onslaught.

Chen Ruiyong said, “Come, let’s test your strength first.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Remember to use full force, so I can devise a proper training plan for you.”

“Full force, huh…”

Cheng Yao took a deep breath, gathered his energy, and struck out with a powerful kick.

Bang!

Step, step, step…

Chen Ruiyong, holding the strike pad, was forced back several steps by the immense power.

“Good kid, you’re stronger than I thought. I was careless, didn’t lower my center of gravity. Let’s try again.”

Chen Ruiyong’s eyes sparkled—he hadn’t expected this; there was something special here!

This time, he prepared himself better.

Cheng Yao took a deep breath and kicked again.

This time, Chen Ruiyong wasn’t as flustered, but he still retreated a step or two, clearly feeling the force Cheng Yao unleashed!

This…

It shouldn’t be possible.

He couldn’t imagine how Cheng Yao’s strength could be so great—it didn’t show at all on the surface. He could only attribute it to exceptional talent.

Chen Ruiyong glanced at Chen Xingyan, “A real talent, where did he come from?”

Chen Xingyan replied irritably, “He popped out of a stone.”

“How about it, do I have any potential?” Cheng Yao asked with a smile.

“No problem at all. Are you interested in regular classes or one-on-one instruction? Regular classes are a hundred for ninety minutes, one-on-one is five hundred, and I’ll teach you personally.”

The look in Chen Ruiyong’s eyes seemed to say, ‘Let me teach you, let me teach you!’

Chen Xingyan crossed her snow-white, lotus-root arms over her chest and reminded him, “Mixed martial arts is divided into six levels and seven dans. Instructor Chen is level six, black belt fifth dan, and combat fifth dan.”

Cheng Yao was a bit confused; he was just an outsider and didn’t understand these rankings.

“If you let him teach you, you’ll get a quick, straightforward start and avoid detours. You’ll learn a lot, and most importantly, you’ll be able to fight.”

“Got it.”

That made sense, and Cheng Yao nodded with a smile.

Chen Ruiyong looked at Cheng Yao as if he were a delicious steamed bun, patting him on the shoulder, “Actually, as long as you formally become my apprentice, I’ll give you a discount of one hundred per session. What do you think? I know young people don’t have much money.”

“He drives a car worth over four million,” Chen Xingyan teased.

Chen Ruiyong’s face reddened as he sized up Cheng Yao—he didn’t look wealthy at all.

“Ahem, if you become my apprentice, I can teach you even more.”

Chen Xingyan thought to herself, this sounds just like a pyramid scheme.

Cheng Yao felt awkward, not understanding why this instructor was so keen on taking him as a disciple. Clearly, his talent had been discovered, but he still didn’t understand the situation—what’s the point of becoming an apprentice?

“I’ll give it a try first.”

“All right then.”

Chen Ruiyong bit his lip, somewhat disappointed.

For people like him, a good disciple is hard to find. He was destined to live like this, but if a disciple could make a name in the arena, their own status would rise as well.

Chen Ruiyong spent some time teaching Cheng Yao the basics, then pulled Chen Xingyan aside.

“Xingyan, you have to help me out.”

“Help you with what?” Chen Xingyan glanced at Cheng Yao—was his talent really that remarkable?

Chen Ruiyong replied seriously, “I’m telling you, thank goodness this is the modern era. If it were ancient times, this kid would be a born prodigy. Good thing there’s no spiritual energy revival…”

“You’ve read too many online novels, haven’t you?”

“I’m serious. If he became my apprentice and trained for a year or so, he could compete in the International Youth MMA and make his mark, believe it or not? I think next year’s a great opportunity…”

“Oh, come on, you’re hoping he’ll earn the honors you couldn’t get yourself?”

Chen Xingyan knew exactly what he was thinking.

She rolled her eyes and said, “Fine, leave it to me. I’ll train him for a bit, you go teach your other students.”

“Deal. Remember to tell him how awesome I am.”

“All right.”

Once Chen Ruiyong left, Chen Xingyan walked over to Cheng Yao and patted his shoulder, “Come, I’ll teach you.”

“You?”

“What? Looking down on me?” Chen Xingyan’s expression cooled, and she said sternly, “Don’t be fooled by the instructor being black belt fifth dan. I’m not far behind—I’m already black belt second dan. In a few years, he won’t even be fit to carry my shoes.”

“Is that for real?” Cheng Yao glanced at Chen Ruiyong, unable to resist commenting—what had he done to deserve Chen Xingyan’s criticism behind his back?

“Try it and see. Come on.”

“Real combat?”

“Of course!”

“Then here I come…”

“Go ahead!”

Cheng Yao rushed at Chen Xingyan with no technique whatsoever, only to be spun around and thrown to the ground.

What the…!?

Cheng Yao was stunned—her skill was incredible.

Chen Xingyan was also surprised by Cheng Yao’s strength.

She wouldn’t have guessed without testing it—his power was extraordinary. Now she understood Chen Ruiyong’s intentions. No wonder…

…