C7 Eight Linked Forces!

Chen Wuji had previously taught Lin Chen a Fist Technique known as "Charge," which was impressively powerful. By adopting the horse stance and employing a unique method of force application, Lin Chen could deliver a strike with a potency roughly five times his own strength.

Yet, this was merely the most elementary technique within the World-dominating Fist. Lin Chen could scarcely fathom the level of fearsome combat power he might achieve should he fully master it.

Upon hearing Lin Chen's uncertainty, Chen Wuji couldn't help but mock him.

"Kid, I've practiced the World-dominating Fist for sixty years and still wouldn't claim to have mastered it. You might as well quit your daydreaming."

Lin Chen's curiosity about the World-dominating Fist's ranking intensified after this exchange. It was common knowledge that Combat Skills were classified into four main ranks: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow, each with four subgrades: Top, Upper, Middle, and Lower. The lowest was the Lower Grade Yellow Rank Combat Skill, while the highest was the Top Grade Heaven Rank Combat Skill. Naturally, the higher the rank of the Combat Skill, the more challenging it was to cultivate, and correspondingly, its power was exponentially greater.

The Chu family's signature Combat Skill was a High Grade Profound Rank technique called "Tianfeng Furious Wave," exclusively taught to the family's elders.

"Enough with your lofty ambitions," Chen Wuji chided without a trace of sympathy. "You're merely a Body Tempering Level 4 ant. Do you really think you can swallow an elephant whole?" He then declared, "Now, I'll pass on to you the second Fist Technique — Eight Linked Forces!"

At those words, Lin Chen's face turned beet red with excitement, and he began to breathe heavily in anticipation.

"Pay close attention!"

Chen Wuji's demeanor turned grave as a green mist wafted from his jade pendant, coalescing into a vague, towering figure in the air, exuding strength and vigor.

Lin Chen held his breath, his gaze unwavering and intensely focused on the figure.

Boom!

The figure sprung into action, stepping forward while bending his right arm and sweeping it horizontally in a seemingly unremarkable fashion.

Following the initial punch, the figure advanced another step, this time lifting his left hand to deliver a second punch. It was similarly unremarkable, yet slightly quicker than the first, with a marginally more imposing aura.

Lin Chen's gaze shifted dramatically as the silhouette's third punch was unleashed with the speed of lightning and the force of a rainbow, exuding an overwhelming power.

Then came the fourth punch, with the momentum of a mountain collapsing and the swiftness of a streak of light, powerful enough to uproot mountains.

By the fifth punch, the air itself was vibrating, and the sound of an explosion echoed in Lin Chen's ears, making his head spin.

The sixth punch, the seventh punch...

Upon the eighth punch, Lin Chen's mind seemed to be shattered by thunder, as if he were in the midst of a Combat Formation with thousands of troops. The countless roars, boundless killing intent, and the deafening cries of warhorses, along with the thunderous sound of their hooves, created an aura so terrifying it could shatter one's spirit. It was as if a single man stood defiantly at a pass, unbreachable by tens of thousands.

Boom!

Tranquility returned to the world. Lin Chen realized he was soaked in sweat, his body drenched, gasping for air, his emotions taking a long time to settle.

"This... is this the Eight Linked Forces?"

Once he regained his composure, Lin Chen's heart surged with excitement. He looked at Chen Wuji with anticipation and couldn't resist asking.

"Yes, this is the Eight Linked Forces. Though it appears to be a single move, it's actually comprised of eight separate techniques, each with its own unique power. In essence, the Eight Linked Forces is a single Fist Technique, yet it's a combination of moves, eight punches united, indivisible," Chen Wuji confirmed with a nod.

"This Fist Technique is incredibly potent, particularly the final punch—it's like the sky is falling and the earth is splitting apart. Even just observing it from the sidelines feels utterly terrifying," Lin Chen remarked.

"The Eight Linked Forces is a minor Combat Skill within the World-dominating Fist. It may seem straightforward, but it's quite challenging to master. From now until the Chu family's Clan Competition, your primary task is to practice the Eight Linked Forces. I can't promise anything else, but if you can master the first six of the Eight Linked Forces, sweeping through the Body Tempering Stage should be no difficult feat."

Lin Chen's eyes sparkled with readiness. "What are we waiting for? Let's get started."

Chen Wuji, however, shook his head and said, "The essence of the Eight Linked Forces isn't in the movements or the breathing techniques. If you bury yourself in training here in these secluded woods, you won't reach beyond the Six Linked Forces in two months, or even two years."

Lin Chen, puzzled, inquired, "What is the essence of the Eight Linked Forces? And how should I go about training it?"

"The essence of the Eight Linked Forces lies in the aura and the Battle Will! This Combat Skill was born from the thick of battle. To master its essence, you must forge your Battle Will and aura. The more intense your Battle Will, the more powerful your aura becomes, and the greater the strength of the skill," Chen Wuji explained with a grave demeanor. "How can you refine your Battle Will here in this secluded forest, surrounded by nothing but rocks, vegetation, and streams? Only through real combat, in the struggle between life and death, will you truly grasp the essence of the Eight Linked Forces!"

Real combat? A struggle between life and death?

Lin Chen was momentarily taken aback, but his quick wit soon caught on to Chen Wuji's implication.

"Master, just tell me—where should I go to train?" he asked, his fists clenched and his gaze filled with unwavering determination.

Chen Wuji regarded him solemnly, "Actual combat means you will see blood, and death could come at any moment. Consider this carefully. You don't have to pursue this particular Combat Skill. I have many other formidable skills to offer. If you prefer, I can teach you something else."

"No!" Lin Chen replied without a moment's hesitation, his voice firm. "The way of the warrior has always been survival of the fittest. To become stronger, one must inevitably face life and death trials. Born into obscurity, without the luxuries of a noble family or the backing of a powerful sect, if I don't dare to risk my life for strength, how will I ever surpass them all?"

Memories flooded his mind—the Lin family's tragic end, the humiliations endured due to his weakness, the contemptuous sneers of the privileged elite...

One either dies and becomes a pile of bones or lives to be an indomitable force to be reckoned with.

That was Lin Chen's resolution.

A fervent look flickered in Chen Wuji's eyes. He greatly admired Lin Chen's spirit, seeing in this young man a reflection of his own younger self.

"Alright, it's not often you show such determination, my disciple. Today, I will impart to you a piece of wisdom."

Chen Wuji suddenly burst into hearty laughter, his voice resonating with limitless authority and grandeur.

"In this world, being weak is the original sin, and the fist represents the ultimate truth!"

Lin Chen felt a profound impact upon hearing these words. Being weak is the original sin, and the fist represents the ultimate truth? Chen Wuji had voiced the very sentiments that resonated within him.

"Fate has brought us together as master and disciple. Now, both of us are castaways at the world's edge. But as long as we never give up, there's always hope to rise again. When that time comes, to exact vengeance on our foes and erase the humiliations of the past will be our greatest triumph, won't it?"