Martial Arts Livestreaming
Chapter 311 - 282: Spear Technique Rank 6, Martial Arts of 1000 Years

Chapter 311: Chapter 282: Spear Technique Rank 6, Martial Arts of 1000 Years

"I just heard from Wu Li that this person is a generation’s Spear King," one person said, "So why has he come to open a restaurant?"

"He looks like a rich gentleman, not like someone who practices martial arts."

"Wow, a Spear King, that’s impressive. Looking forward to Wu Li’s spear match with him."

"Yes, last time I saw Wu Li use a spear. It was over in just a few seconds. This time, I hope to see an exciting showdown with the big spear!"

"Finally, from hand-to-hand combat to weaponry, I love it!"

...

After a few months, the seventh episode of ’Seeking Martial Arts’ finally started broadcasting. The fans had been eagerly waiting, so today’s live stream quickly surpassed a million viewers.

"Senior, are you practicing the Wu Family Spear from Wu Shu?" Wu Li asked, even though System Detection had already shown the results.

Sun Yiquan nodded, "Yes, it’s the spear technique left by Mr. Wu Shu."

Wu Li asked, "Could you talk about the Wu Family Spear?"

Sun Yiquan nodded, then glared at Xu Ming, "Go and make a pot of tea, you lack tact."

Xu Ming bared his teeth in a grin, getting up and running to the kitchen.

Sun Yiquan turned to Wu Li, "Mr. Wu Shu initially learned from Shi Jingyan, starting with the Shi Family Spear."

"Later, after compiling the ’Arm Record’ and summarizing various families’ spear techniques, he integrated the essence of each on the foundation of the Shi Family Spear, which led to the creation of the Wu Family Spear."

"However, the Wu Family Spear isn’t just one set of techniques but several."

"Hmm?" Wu Li looked curiously at Sun Yiquan.

At this moment, Xu Ming returned with the tea and set a cup in front of Wu Li.

"Please, have some tea," Sun Yiquan gestured.

"Thank you," Wu Li took a small sip.

"Among the various spear techniques, Mr. Wu Shu prized the Emei Spear Technique the most. He believed that the Emei skill, both exquisite and extreme, is not something that fighters of mere vigour or those who work by day and by the moon can learn. Therefore, he summarized many training methods from the Emei Spear Technique for training power, vital energy, and techniques," Sun Yiquan continued after taking a sip of his tea.

"The Sha, Yang, Ma families, and Shaolin Spear Technique, on the other hand, were specifically designed for formation fighting. They are suitable for charging on the battlefield, but not suitable for comparing skills with others in the Jianghu."

"So, for training methods, charging in battle formations, and dealing with individuals in martial competition, Mr. Wu Shu summarized respective techniques. Combined together, that is the Wu Family Spear."

Wu Li nodded after hearing Sun Yiquan explain; it certainly made sense.

In Hua Country, the birth of each Traditional Martial Art has its origins. Many martial arts were created to suit the conditions of their environment.

For example, in the South, many boxing styles have close-range, short-hitting techniques because the terrain is filled with narrow streets and alleys. In such terrains, boxing isn’t easy to display, so close-range short-hitting techniques are more effective.

In contrast, northern boxing styles favor more expansive moves due to the wide-open terrain.

Similarly, martial artists from coastal areas often trained on the unsteady decks of ships, giving them unique footwork and movement techniques compared to many land-based styles.

What holds true for boxing also applies to spear techniques: battlefield techniques and Jianghu styles are inevitably of two different styles. Wu Shu, by analyzing the characteristics of the various spear techniques and splitting the Wu Family Spear into several sets, has indeed thoroughly researched the spear technique.

"The various contents of the Wu Family Spear have come down to me in an incomplete form. The techniques for charging into battle are almost entirely lost, and much of the training methods derived from the Emei Spear Technique are gone. Only the techniques for solo combat have remained relatively intact," Sun Yiquan said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Wu Li frowned, feeling both regret and understanding why, aside from the Wu Family Spear, Sun Yiquan also practiced many other spear techniques. It seemed he wanted to emulate his grandmaster Wu Shu by using other families’ spear techniques to fill the gaps in the Wu Family Spear.

Speaking of which, the Xingyi Spear also counted as a battlefield charging technique, but later generations had added some moves suitable for individual combat.

"Senior, what do you make of the ’Spear Technique Sixth Grade’?" Wu Li asked.

Wu Shu in his "Arm Record" ranked spear techniques into six grades: First is Divine Transformation, second is Mastery of Subtlety, third is Refined, fourth is Observing the Rules, fifth is Specialized Skill, and sixth is Power Struggle.

In fact, he was the first in history to formally propose a ranking system for martial arts, way before Wu Li.

Wu Shu believed that the hand-to-hand techniques of traditional martial arts were actually derived from weaponry, and ultimately, the essence of martial arts lay in weaponry. Since the spear is the king of all weapons, ranking spear techniques was effectively ranking martial arts; Spear Technique Sixth Grade could be seen as Martial Arts Sixth Grade!

Sun Yiquan looked at Wu Li with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, "I heard you’ve ranked martial arts into nine ranks?"

Wu Li chuckled, "It’s just based on the achievements in modern martial competitions. If judged solely on martial arts themselves, Mr. Wu Shu’s ranking is more representative."

Sun Yiquan nodded, "The sixth grade of spear technique, Power Struggle, completely ignores the principles of fake and real, offense and defense – it’s all brute force from the onset. That’s the lowest level, Power Struggle."

"The fifth grade of spear technique, Specialized Skill, shows some understanding of techniques and has some specialized skill."

"Spear Technique Fourth Grade consists of rigorously practicing the content taught by one’s master or found in the spear manuals to an extremely high level, almost replicating the master or the diagrams exactly. For most people, reaching this stage would mean they are ready to graduate," he explained.

"Spear Technique Third Grade is about being skilled and adaptable. Learning one spear technique can give insights into others, understanding other spear techniques. Reaching this step is to truly deserve the four words of ’exquisite spear technique’!"

"Spear Technique Second Grade involves grasping the subtleties, transitioning from technique to momentum, no longer being confined by the set forms of spear techniques but instead wielding the momentum of spear techniques. In this realm known as grasping the subtleties, Mr. Wu Shu believed such a person could face a hundred foes alone."

Sun Yiquan continued at a measured pace, "As for the highest level of Spear Technique, the First Grade Divine Transformation, it’s about being omnipotent, adapting to the enemy to form a strategy, like water creating waves, like fire igniting flames."

Wu Li nodded, he had known such explanations for a while. "Senior Sun, how do you view these six grades?"

Sun Yiquan smiled and said, "Since you practice Xingyi Fist, let me use it for example."

"Power struggle can be seen as someone who hasn’t learned any Martial Arts, relying solely on brute strength without skill. Proficiency means entering the realm of Martial Arts with some basic techniques learned. Observing the Rules is having practiced the Xingyi Twelve Forms and the Five Elements Fist Power very well; while Refined is linking the Twelve Forms together, being able to generate Five Elements Fist Power with any movement or technique."

"As for grasping the subtleties, it’s about comprehending the Fist Intent, which is akin to mastering spear techniques’ momentum."

Wu Li asked, "Then what about the highest, Divine Transformation?"

Sun Yiquan shook his head, "In my view, the First Grade Divine Transformation is merely Mr. Wu Shu’s speculation and his aspirational view of Martial Arts. Logically speaking, let alone First Grade Divine Transformation, can one truly face a hundred foes alone even at Second Grade? With Martial Arts development up to today, everyone knows that it isn’t anything magical, nor can it produce any supernatural abilities. So, whether it’s Spear Technique or Fist, reaching Second Grade is already the pinnacle."

...

"It sounds very impressive."

"This division of Martial Arts levels seems quite sensible."

"What grade is Wu Li’s Spear Technique?"

"At least Third Grade!"

"I think it’s Second Grade."

"This Sun Yiquan is called the Spear King of his generation, definitely at Second Grade."

...

After hearing Sun Yiquan’s explanation of the six grades of Spear Technique, the online viewers were all curious about Wu Li and his level of proficiency.

Wu Li thought for a moment after listening to Sun Yiquan, then said, "Divine Transformation does sound somewhat unbelievable, but we Martial Artists practice with aspirations in our hearts. If we do not even dare to dream, how can we develop a Fist Intent capable of reigning supreme?"

Sun Yiquan was momentarily stunned, then laughed, his expression somewhat complex, mixed with emotions of reflection, sorrow, and a bit of lamentation.

"You are young, it’s normal to have such thoughts."

Wu Li frowned slightly. For some reason, he could faintly sense a hint of twilight from this once-great Spear King, who wasn’t old by any means—still in his forties—with the skills of a spear expert, his combat ability shouldn’t be much less than at his peak, and might even be more cunning.

Thinking this, Wu Li suddenly stood up and bowed to Sun Yiquan with his fists, "Senior Sun, I would like to ask for your guidance in Spear Technique."

"Wow, here it comes!"

"The fight is finally starting, can’t wait!"

"Awesome, a great spear showdown!"

The viewers in the live stream instantly got excited.

Xu Ming also watched with shining eyes, anticipation clear in his gaze as he looked towards his boss.

Sun Yiquan waved his hands with a chuckle, "Exchanges are fine, but let’s not spar."

Wu Li frowned, "Why not?"

Sun Yiquan replied, "You must have heard before coming here, that I have long given up the spear."

Xu Ming’s eyes widened, while Wu Li said, "I indeed have heard, but does Senior not have any disciples?"

Sun Yiquan shook his head, "No, I don’t."

Wu Li again bowed and said, "Forgive me for being frank. The tradition of the Wu Family Spear has been challenging to pass down to date. If Senior gives up the spear without leaving a successor, won’t the Wu Family Spear be lost in your hands?"

The hall fell silent, everyone’s gaze turned to Sun Yiquan.

For a moment, Sun Yiquan remained silent, his expression complex. After pulling a faint smile, he looked up at Wu Li,

"Over a thousand years of Martial Arts history, how many styles have vanished like smoke? Why should the Wu Family Spear not be allowed to die out?"

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