Chapter Four: The Teacher's Advice (Part One)

“You little rascals, don’t think I don’t know you’ve been sneaking in extra practice time,” the gorilla-like man clapped his hands on the instructor’s platform, drawing everyone’s attention to him. Yet, upon hearing his words, the entire group seemed somewhat guilty, lowering their heads as if caught.

Wherever the instructor’s gaze landed, heads bowed in submission. Zhao Li was no exception; he deliberately lowered his head, not wanting to appear special among his peers. This collective humility brought great satisfaction to the gorilla man, their teacher.

“But…” It was rare for the gorilla man to speak in this manner, and the thunderous reprimand everyone expected did not arrive. They raised their heads in surprise, looking at their instructor.

“Your progress in foundational training is well within our expectations. None of you have deviated excessively, so this time, I’ll let it go.” As soon as his words fell, a cheer erupted among the students, their jubilant cries echoing throughout the room.

“Long live the teacher!” came the heartfelt shout. In the past, any deviation meant individual instruction from the gorilla man—a torment that every transgressor remembered vividly. Now, with mistakes overlooked, joy overflowed.

“All right!” The gorilla man’s authority lingered; with a light hum, the room quieted, and the students watched him timidly.

“From today onward—or, to be precise, from this moment—your foundational course is complete. Next, you may choose a first-level technique to cultivate.” The instructor announced this seriously.

With the foundational course finished, the students were free from the gorilla man’s scrutinizing gaze, able to cultivate unfettered, no longer worried about errors in their basic fitness techniques. In short, they were free.

Throughout their first and second years, everyone had anticipated this day. Yet, now that it had come, they stared at the gorilla man in disbelief, afraid it might be a lie.

“You boys—weren’t you always eager to finish your foundation? Why so silent now?” The gorilla man joked, a smile in his heart. At least these forty-some youngsters, under his strict supervision, had all completed their foundation without issue—a source of pride for any teacher.

“Oh!” Realizing he wasn’t joking, the classroom became a sea of celebration, with desks and chairs rattling in the uproar.

Zhao Li joined in the revelry—not having to endure constant supervision, not having to carefully monitor his progress, not having to fear being discovered as a prodigy and sent off for experimentation. Who wouldn’t be happy?

Once the excitement subsided, the gorilla man brought order once more. “Your final assignment: When you get home tonight, discuss your cultivation path thoroughly with your parents. Remember, don’t make decisions on your own.”

No one would risk bad luck now, and besides, it was hardly a difficult task. Every head nodded vigorously.

“My personal suggestion: boys should choose Mighty Strength Technique,” the gorilla man struck a bodybuilder’s pose. “That’s the way to be manly.” Perhaps relaxed by the final lesson, the students responded with a coordinated chorus of boos.

“Class dismissed! Get out, you little rascals!” he declared, clapping his hands. “One last warning: From the first-level techniques onward, never exceed your cultivation limits!”

But they’d heard this countless times; their ears were numb to it. In unison, they shouted, “Got it!” and quickly dispersed.

Zhao Li was the last to leave; the others had already rushed home. He wasn’t in a hurry—his parents always came home late, so it made little difference when he left.

He dawdled, packed his things slowly, and left the classroom. Looking up, he saw the gorilla man still standing there, watching him leave.

Truth be told, the instructor’s strictness had always been for the students’ sake. From another perspective, being strict was a form of responsibility. As a teacher, he had been dedicated.

After this lesson, he would no longer teach this class—a final session, no doubt waiting to see everyone leave before he himself departed.

Zhao Li walked up to the instructor, and with great earnestness, bowed deeply. “Thank you, teacher.”

A smile of unprecedented satisfaction appeared on the gorilla man’s face. He nodded, still smiling. “From now on, it’s up to you.”

“Yes, teacher.” Zhao Li replied, then, compelled by a sudden impulse, asked, “Do you have any advice for my future cultivation?”

“Advice?” The instructor paused, thinking for a moment. “If possible, try to make your fundamentals as solid as you can. Though two years is enough to lay your foundation, extra time spent on basic fitness techniques is always worthwhile. Just my personal experience—you can take it or leave it.”

“Thank you, teacher!” Zhao Li bowed again, sincerely. “Goodbye, teacher!”

“Goodbye! Work hard, boy!” Only after Zhao Li stepped out of the classroom did the instructor finally make his way out.

Zhao Li made his way home at a leisurely pace, not once spotting Johnny along the way—he must have gone home early to discuss his future. Zhao Li was in no rush, enjoying his newfound freedom as he boarded and left the bus, ambling his way home.

That evening, Zhao Li relayed the instructor’s advice to his parents and discussed his options. Both were seventh-level experts and could easily distinguish wise counsel from nonsense.

“Your teacher makes some good points,” his father nodded. “No one ever told us that, so we moved straight to first-level techniques as soon as we finished our foundation. What are your thoughts on your first-level practice?”

“I plan to cultivate Mighty Strength Technique, Flexibility Technique, and Steel Body Technique,” Zhao Li answered honestly. He’d already decided to enlist in the military, and these were essential for any soldier.