Surviving in a world of demons and monsters to achieve martial arts sainthood

At dawn, the east was just beginning to lighten with the first hint of white.

Shen Lian dressed and went out the door. He came to the edge of the training ground, assumed the "Tiger-Taming Stance" posture, and began to practice his stance training.

The past two weeks of arduous training have significantly improved his physical strength.

"Extra training in the morning?"

A voice suddenly came from behind.

Shen Lian immediately stopped his stance and turned around. Upon recognizing Zhao Shan, he quickly clasped his hands in greeting: "Commander Zhao!"

Zhao Shan nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on him for a moment: "Your aura is steady, and your lower body is solid. It seems you haven't been slacking off these past two weeks."

"Your subordinate dares not slack off," Shen Lian said respectfully.

Zhao Shan walked in slowly, his gaze sweeping over Shen Lian: "Although the 'Tiger-Taming Stance' is only an introductory stance, it is the foundation of the Demon Suppression Division's martial arts. Your willingness to practice it on your own shows your strong will, not bad."

He paused, then added, "However, martial arts training emphasizes a balance of intensity and relaxation. Overtraining can damage muscles and bones and hinder the flow of qi and blood. Today's stance training will proceed as scheduled; do not exhaust yourself at this moment."

Shen Lian took a deep breath: "I understand, thank you for your guidance, Commander Zhao."

Zhao Shan said no more and turned to walk to the center of the training ground.

At this moment, as dawn broke, the other trainee Demon Suppressors arrived at the training ground one after another.

Li Hu approached Shen Lian and whispered, "Brother Lian, why are you up so early? I noticed you weren't here when I woke up."

Shen Lian smiled and said, "If you can't sleep, get up early and move around."

Li Hu muttered, "Brother Lian, you're working way too hard..."

Soon, all thirty trainee demon slayers arrived and stood in formation. After half a month of training, their eyes showed less confusion and more determination.

Zhao Shan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"This morning, we will continue practicing the 'Tiger-Taming Stance'," Zhao Shan said. "You must remember that stance training is like water dripping on a stone; it takes time and effort. Over the past half month, many of you have seen your blood and energy gradually increase, and your muscles and bones become stronger, but you must not be complacent because of this. In the path of martial arts, if you don't advance, you fall behind."

The crowd responded in unison, quickly taking their stances. Thirty figures instantly froze on the training ground, each beginning to practice the "Tiger Subduing Stance".

On the training ground, everyone was breathing steadily, maintaining the "Tiger-Taming Stance".

After half a month of arduous training, most people's lower body has become much more stable, and an hour of stance training is no problem at all.

Shen Lian lowered his waist and dismounted. The warm energy in his dantian flowed slowly with his breath, circulating through his limbs and bones. With each breath, his muscles trembled slightly, which strengthened his bones and made his stance more solid.

After half a month of arduous practice, Shen Lian's "Tiger-Taming Stance" has reached a proficiency level of (2/3), and he is only one step away from mastering it.

"Breathe and stance become one." Zhao Shan's voice rang in everyone's ears. "When the 'Tiger-Taming Stance' is practiced to a deep level, qi and blood will be generated naturally, which is the beginning of body tempering."

Upon hearing this, everyone focused their minds even more intently on practicing the "Tiger-Taming Stance".

The one-hour standing meditation training session is over.

At Zhao Shan's command, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and finished their practice.

Shen Lian slowly straightened up and moved his somewhat stiff joints. He could clearly feel that today's stance training had strengthened his physique.

"Go and have lunch," Zhao Shan said, waving his hand. "After lunch, Mr. Zhou will continue to teach you."

Everyone responded in unison and headed towards the dining hall.

Shen Lian and Li Hu walked side by side, their flying fish robes soaked with sweat.

A group of trainee demon slayers entered the dining hall.

A rich aroma of food wafted over; today's meal consisted of steamed white flour buns, thick rice porridge, and braised beef.

"Have you heard? Something seems to have happened on West Street last night..."

"What happened?"

"It is said that a family's guard dog suddenly went berserk and bit its owner. By the time the neighbors arrived, the dog was gone, leaving only a pool of black blood on the ground."

"Could it be that he/she has contracted madness?"

"It doesn't seem like it. Some people say that dog is unusually ferocious and runs incredibly fast..."

Shen Lian took a plate and sat down. He had just taken a bite of a steamed bun when he heard several trainee demon envoys at the next table whispering among themselves. He paused slightly in his chewing.

He had learned in Mr. Zhou's class that when some low-level demons possess animals, they can cause the animals to undergo strange changes.

The most common type is the "possessed dog," which becomes ferocious and bloodthirsty when possessed by a low-level demon. It is extremely fast, and the blood flowing from its wounds gradually turns black.

"Brother Lian, what do you think is going on?!" Li Hu had obviously heard the discussion and asked in a low voice.

"It's probably related to demons," Shen Lian said calmly.

demon?!

Li Hu was shocked upon hearing this and glanced at Shen Lian in astonishment. The other party had only heard some descriptions and yet judged that the incident in West Street might be the work of demons. Such a guess was indeed quite bold.

The chatter in the dining hall gradually subsided, but a strange sense of unease spread among the trainee demon slayers.

After a short rest following the meal, everyone gathered again at the training ground.

Mr. Zhou arrived on time, dressed in a black flying fish robe with a cloth bag full of bamboo slips hanging from his waist. His expression was solemn today. After scanning the crowd, he slowly began, "Before we begin today's lesson, I'd like to ask you a question. You've all heard the rumors from West Street last night. Analyze what might be the reason for that mad dog."

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, some hesitant to speak.

Shen Lian pondered for a moment, then clasped his hands and said, "Replying to Mr. Zhou, this student guesses it might be a 'possessed dog'."

Mr. Zhou looked at Shen Lian, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Tell me in detail."

"Yes," Shen Lian said. "'Possessed dogs' are usually caused by low-level demon spirits possessing dogs. After being possessed, they become violent, their speed increases dramatically, and the blood flowing from their wounds gradually turns black. Their weakness is between the eyebrows. If you can pierce between the eyebrows with a fine iron weapon, you can dispel the demon spirit and defeat it."

Mr. Zhou nodded slightly: "That's right. That's exactly the characteristic of a 'possessed dog.' But what if that dog wasn't a 'possessed dog,' but a 'ghoul dog'?"

Everyone present was taken aback and looked at Mr. Zhou.

"Please enlighten me, sir," Shen Lian said respectfully.

Mr. Zhou took out a bamboo scroll from his bag and unfolded it. On it was drawn a large, gray-eyed dog with a ferocious appearance: "'Ghoul-Eating Dog' and 'Possessed Dog' have similar symptoms, but they are fundamentally different. 'Possessed Dog' has blood-red eyes and moves erratically. Its weak point is between the eyebrows, while 'Ghoul-Eating Dog' has gray-white eyes, is extremely cunning, often appears at night, attacks lone people, and its weak point is in the throat."

He took a deep breath and continued, "Identifying demons is extremely difficult; a slight error can lead to a huge mistake. If a 'ghoul' is mistaken for a 'possessed dog,' attacking its forehead will not only fail to kill it but will also enrage it, causing it to enter a berserk state."

The training ground was completely silent. Everyone held their breath and memorized the details Mr. Zhou had mentioned.

"Today, I will explain in detail the twelve variants of canine demons." Mr. Zhou fully unfolded the bamboo scroll, which was densely covered with drawings of various forms of demonic dogs. "Besides the 'Possessed Dog' and 'Ghoul-Eating Dog,' there are also the 'Wraith Dog,' 'Bone Dog,' 'Shadow Dog'..."

The trainee demon slayers listened with exceptional attention.

Shen Lian held a pen in his right hand, the pen tip sliding quickly across the rough paper, making a rustling sound, as he recorded everything Mr. Zhou explained.

Mr. Zhou looked at everyone present and said, "You must remember that when facing demons, knowing only one aspect and not the other is a path to death. Every year, many demon suppressing officers lose their lives due to misjudging the types of demons. I do not want any of you to repeat the same mistake while performing your duties."

"Students will remember this!" everyone responded in unison.

The afternoon classes continued until dusk.

When Mr. Zhou announced the end of class, Shen Lian's notebook was already filled with densely packed words. He rubbed his slightly sore wrists and carefully put the notebook away.

"Brother Lian, you've memorized so much today!" Li Hu leaned closer. "Can I borrow it to take a look when we get back?"

"Of course," Shen Lian said with a smile, "but you have to promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

"Help me practice stance training for an extra hour."

Li Hu looked bitter: "Still training? I'm exhausted today..."

"The path of martial arts is like rowing against the current." Shen Lian patted his shoulder. "Don't you want to master the 'Tiger-Taming Stance' as soon as possible and start learning swordsmanship?"

Li Hu hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Fine! Let's practice!"

After returning to the office, Shen Lian first reviewed the knowledge of demons and monsters he had learned that day in his mind. After confirming that there were no omissions, he set up the "Tiger-Taming Post" posture in the open space in front of the house. Although Li Hu complained bitterly, he still followed suit and set up the posture.

Night falls.

Shen Lian and Li Hu practiced standing meditation in the open space of the government office, continuing their training.

Shen Lian adjusted his breathing rhythm, and the warm air in his dantian flowed through his limbs and bones, constantly tempering his muscles and bones.

An hour later, the two finished their practice.

Li Hu collapsed to the ground, panting heavily: "Brother Lian, I think I'm starting to feel something..."

"How does it feel?" Shen Lian asked.

"When I'm doing Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation), it feels like there's a kind of energy moving inside my body..." Li Hu said somewhat uncertainly.

Shen Lian smiled and said, "That's a sign that your Qi and blood are starting to condense. If you persist for a few more days, you might be able to truly feel the flow of Qi and blood."

"Really?!" Li Hu exclaimed excitedly, "Then I'll continue my extra training tomorrow!"

Shen Lian nodded with a smile, clenching his right hand tightly. At this rate, his "Tiger-Taming Stance" would soon break through to the entry level.

By then, our combat strength should have improved significantly.