Wang Cheng looked at the figure in front of him and gave a slight bow, but the other party ignored his salute. As Wang Cheng approached, the figure expressionlessly spoke:
"Wang Cheng, Martial Apprentice Level 2, use 'Flying Dragon Claw' to attack me."
From what he had learned from Wang Hao, Wang Cheng knew this virtual person was actually an AI designed to test and teach martial techniques.
Wang Cheng showed no fear and immediately used the "Flying Dragon Claw" technique in a standard, precise way, striking toward the figure before him.
Just as he attacked, the figure responded even faster with the same technique, "Flying Dragon Claw," meeting his strike.
As their moves clashed, the figure took a step back and then stopped abruptly, looking at Wang Cheng with a flash of light in its eyes. It then expressionlessly declared:
"Wang Cheng, 9 years old, Martial Apprentice Level 2. Flying Dragon Claw technique is proficient. Assessment: Good. Permission granted to study Levels 2 and 3 of 'Martial Arts Foundation: 256 Forms'."
Although he was approved to learn Levels 2 and 3, Wang Cheng felt no joy. In fact, he was irritated.
"I knew this damned thing had something fishy going on. This headset really does have a detection function. Luckily, it didn't detect my Psychic Talent. If it had, I'd definitely be targeted and at high risk of getting implanted with a slave chip. I'm not afraid of the chip's micro-bombs, but the mental control and forced loyalty it causes—that's the real threat. Even cosmic-level psychic users can't seem to resist that... or maybe they simply don't dare to."
Due to that concern, Wang Cheng lost his enthusiasm for training but still forced himself to memorize Levels 2 and 3, then exited the virtual space immediately.
Looking at the headset, he felt a mix of frustration and regret:
"No matter what, I need to grow stronger as soon as possible. I can't rely on glitches in AI systems. Once Mom and Dad return, I'll ask to go out and train."
On the planet Shuǐyuán, almost everyone is a martial artist. Unless someone works for the official planetary administration, most people become monster hunters.
Given their rank-8 human bloodline, breaking through to Planetary Level in a peaceful environment is rare.
Unless massive rare resources are used, nurturing a single Planetary-Level warrior isn't worth it—the resources are more valuable than the person.
As slave traders, that's a losing deal. Only an idiot would do it.
So, using actual combat in dangerous environments to increase the chance of advancing is the most cost-effective method for the slave owners.
As for casualties? They don't care. Rank-8 humans have decent fertility rates. If they focus on reproduction, they could have a child every two years.
However, planets have limited resources, so population growth is naturally restricted by resource scarcity.
Especially on slave planets, dreaming of having citizen rights is a joke. Survival of the fittest is the reality.
Wang Cheng calmed his emotions and forced himself into a state of focus to begin training.
He started practicing the newly acquired Levels 2 and 3 of the "Martial Arts Foundation: 256 Forms."
"I need to master these levels quickly and integrate their power-generating methods into my blade techniques. Even mastering just Level 2 can raise my strength to Martial Apprentice Level 4. Combined with my Psychic powers, I should be able to defend myself against common monsters."
To his surprise, training the second level seemed much easier than the first.
It had taken him a whole year to truly master Level 1—to the point it became instinctive.
But after only a short time practicing the second level's second move, he already felt his power output had doubled.
"Did my aptitude improve? Even with spatial talent, this improvement is too dramatic... and the first move feels much smoother, too."
He didn't test further, deciding to continue practicing. When he finally stopped, it was already midnight.
After taking a hot shower, he went back to his room and fell asleep.
In the following days, Wang Cheng continued his training routine with the new techniques.
A few days later, he heard the sound of the electronic door opening and walked out of the training room. A weary man and woman stood before him—the fatigue in their eyes obvious.
"Mom, Dad, what happened to you two? You look so worn out!"
The couple were indeed his parents, Wang Hao and Leng Yan. Seeing their son, Wang Hao was briefly stunned, then smiled with satisfaction.
"Not bad. Training on your own, huh? You're definitely on the right path to becoming a strong warrior. We didn't really run into trouble—just more monsters than usual."
Leng Yan tapped her husband on the arm, her face showing signs of wear and tear. She playfully scolded him:
"Alright, Ah Cheng's always been a hardworking kid. Let him rest a bit instead of training all the time. And you—go wash up and get some rest. This trip was really exhausting."
Wang Hao smiled and hugged her:
"Yeah, yeah. Ah Cheng isn't stupid. But I wonder who will end up with that treasure we saw."
Wang Cheng perked up and asked casually:
"Treasure? Something valuable out there?"
Wang Hao didn't hide anything and explained:
"Sometimes out there in the wild, certain plants absorb cosmic energy and mutate. They become rare materials that are extremely helpful to martial artists. If I got my hands on one, I could instantly break through to mid-level Apprentice, or even reach the peak of Apprentice Level depending on its quality."
Wang Cheng understood:
"Ah, so that's what a spirit herb is… Seems like this planet does have rare items, just very hard to find."
"Mom, Dad, I've already broken through to Martial Apprentice Level 2. I've also mastered the Flying Dragon Claw. I can now fight Level 3 monsters. I want to go out into the wild with you!"
His parents were stunned for a moment, then leapt up in excitement:
"You brat, you really broke through? And to Level 2 already?!"
Leng Yan was just as thrilled. She knew her son was hardworking but didn't expect him to break through so soon.
On Shuǐyuán, if a child becomes a Martial Apprentice before age six, they are considered genius-level with near-guaranteed Planetary potential.
Even breaking through before age ten gives a fair chance of achieving that level.
Breaking through after age fifteen? Average talent at best.
And after adulthood? Low-tier apprentice potential only.
"Yes," Wang Cheng confirmed. "I broke through a few days ago and tested right after. I've already started practicing Levels 2 and 3 of the 256 Forms. That's why I want to go out for real combat training."