Chapter 107: Encouragement

Updated: May 25, 2013

At the martial training ground, all the disciples of the Shangguan family had gathered, the air thick with silence. They watched curiously as the bruised and battered youth stood on the platform. Could this be the legendary son-in-law?

Master Qian was stirred from his tasks and hurried over. More than anyone, he understood the immense value of the techniques Tang Tian had imparted. Two years ago, Tang Tian was merely a retake student still mastering basic martial skills. Yet now, he had become a formidable warrior capable of defeating Yu Mingqiu.

Concerned that some below might not appreciate this, Master Qian issued strict orders in person. Over the past two years, the Shangguan household had been thoroughly reorganized under Shangguan Qianhui’s guidance. Though their strength remained modest, the family now brimmed with a vigorous and upward momentum.

In truth, Master Qian’s fears were unfounded. The battle in which Tang Tian defeated Yu Mingqiu had been witnessed by countless disciples. Overnight, the thrilling contest spread like wildfire among them.

Nearly everyone knew the son-in-law’s power was unfathomable.

Many even fantasized: if the young lady and the son-in-law joined forces, who in the Andromeda constellation could stand against them?

So when word came that the son-in-law would personally guide their training, every disciple’s spirits surged, each eager to step forward, their faces alight with anticipation.

Yu Mingqiu—such a fierce character, able to take down both Awei and Dazhu single-handedly—was utterly eclipsed by the son-in-law.

Tang Tian’s first command was for them to begin practicing the martial techniques they knew best.

“A bunch of incompetents!” Bing glanced over them and sneered mercilessly.

Tang Tian paid no mind. “Just waiting for you to transform from worthless to treasure, mighty uncle. Nothing defends your chief instructor’s honor better than this!”

Tang Tian actually thought the disciples were quite capable—most above the fourth rank, with solid fundamentals and young in age. Clearly, Qianhui had been meticulous in selecting them.

In terms of rank, many were on par with Tang Tian. But in combat ability, not a single one could match him.

“Today’s task is simple: practice your familiar martial technique three thousand times.”

Tang Tian’s words caused an uproar below. Three thousand times in a single day? Impossible! Most were fourth-rank; even seven or eight hundred repetitions daily was considered impressive.

Three thousand? Was this a joke?

The crowd stirred, many exchanging doubtful glances. They thought Tang Tian was bluffing, boasting wildly.

Tang Tian ignored the drifting gazes, his tone sharp and steadfast: “What? Anyone disagree?”

Shangguan Wei jolted and promptly stepped forward, shouting, “Why stand there? Start practicing!”

No sooner had he spoken, Tang Tian added, “You two have to do five thousand repetitions.”

Shangguan Wei stumbled slightly, but Shangguan Zhu started without hesitation.

Seeing some slacking off, Tang Tian sneered coldly: “Three thousand repetitions—willing or not—anyone who falls short will stay here practicing until done. Those trying to slack off or cheat will first have to answer to my fists.”

Suddenly, Tang Tian’s eyes narrowed, spotting a slacker in the crowd. Delighted at the opportunity to set an example, he leapt down and appeared before the disciple in an instant.

Before the young man could protest, Tang Tian grabbed him with a fierce grin. “Trying to slack off already? You don’t want to live long, huh!”

Without another word, he swung the disciple and slammed him hard into the blue stone floor.

A piercing scream echoed as the disciple lost consciousness.

Tang Tian, unfazed, lifted the fainted disciple with care. Though his strength seemed lethal, he controlled it expertly—inflicting pain and unconsciousness but no real injury.

“Bring a bucket of water, douse him awake, and get back to training.”

Tang Tian’s cold, ruthless words sent a chill through everyone’s hearts. Even Shangguan Wei and Shangguan Zhu swallowed hard, thinking the son-in-law was merciless indeed.

They had been secretly doubting—was this really the son-in-law’s training method?

Immediately, all the disciples buckled down. Though finishing three thousand repetitions seemed impossible, their mindset was simple: just train, since none could complete the task anyway. Would the son-in-law really beat them all up?

Tang Tian scanned the crowd and, seeing no slackers, began training himself.

Once immersed, Tang Tian lost himself completely.

His Shockwave Fist was well-honed, though he had yet to grasp the finishing move. Though he could no longer comprehend the lethal technique through mere repetition as before, his method remained consistent.

Quantity inevitably begets quality.

Focused and meticulous, he struck fist after fist.

The disciples watched in secret, more curious as Tang Tian trained alongside them.

The Shockwave Fist was no obscure technique, and many knew it well. But Tang Tian’s execution was vastly different from theirs.

Perfect! Absolutely flawless Shockwave Fist!

For the first time, they witnessed such perfection, and those specializing in this technique below showed mesmerized expressions.

An hour later, many were exhausted, some collapsed.

Yet Tang Tian showed no sign of stopping.

“The son-in-law’s endurance is amazing!”

“To refine the Shockwave Fist to this level must have taken immense effort!”

Whispers filled the air as they rested.

After two hours, Tang Tian still pressed on, sweat pouring from his brow.

The chatter quieted, replaced by growing respect in their eyes.

Three hours passed, and Tang Tian persisted. A puddle of sweat formed beneath him, each punch precise and focused, his gaze unyielding.

At this point, no one dared speak.

After five hours, Tang Tian was nearly spent. He struggled to sit cross-legged and began meditating, entering a deep training state that shut out all else.

The disciples were profoundly moved.

They trained regularly and prided themselves on diligence, yet seeing Tang Tian’s relentless commitment struck them deeply. This was the first time they witnessed someone training with such desperation—truly giving it their all.

Compared to him, their own efforts paled.

Shangguan Wei and Shangguan Zhu even wore expressions of shame.

No wonder the son-in-law was so formidable!

This thought flashed through everyone’s minds simultaneously.

No one dared slack; all trained silently. Was three thousand repetitions impossible? If they trained like the son-in-law, they could accomplish it!

If even the mighty son-in-law was this diligent, this relentless, and this determined, what excuse did they have to slack off or retreat?

Each disciple’s eyes kindled with a flame that quickly grew.

Tang Tian’s true energy replenished. He opened his eyes, surveying the lively training scene with satisfaction. Yet after a moment, he couldn’t help but ask, “Bing, is this really going to work?”

“I say it will,” Bing replied bluntly and decisively. “Listen carefully, young master—you have no right to question!”

Tang Tian smiled sheepishly. They had fought once, and though Bing agreed, he insisted that all training matters answer to him.

“Then I’ll continue training,” Tang Tian said, diving back in.

Bing watched the disciples training and allowed a hint of satisfaction to flicker in his eyes.

Though their strength was poor, their fighting spirit was strong. Bing tolerated weak newcomers but despised those lacking will.

Suddenly, Bing grew curious about Shangguan Qianhui. If one could judge a commander’s skill by the soldiers beneath him, then despite her inexperience leading troops, it was clear these young disciples genuinely adored their young matriarch.

Seeing such vibrant youth, Bing increasingly felt Shangguan Qianhui was no ordinary figure.

His consent wasn’t just out of provocation. He intended to help Tang Tian secure the family’s strength. Tang Tian and Shangguan Qianhui would soon embark on the path to the heavens, an unknown journey. Without sufficient power to protect themselves, they couldn’t leave with peace of mind.

Better to resolve this early.

Fortunately, with someone as extraordinary as Tang Tian, the others were naturally motivated.

He spared himself much needless effort.

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“I didn’t expect such a commotion right after Tang Tian’s arrival,” Liang Qiu said leisurely, raising her cup for a sip. “It’s a pity Miss Qianhui is away. Such bad timing.”

Han Bingning replied coldly, “That brat has always been despicable.”

Sima Xiangshan murmured, “With Shangguan Qianhui absent, I’ll have some fun with Tang Tian. I really look forward to it. I didn’t expect Tang Tian to have grown so powerful…”

Amori turned, surprised. “Huh? You didn’t expect that?”

Sima Xiangshan was momentarily speechless.

Amori looked puzzled. “Huh, you not expecting it is strange! Tang was a godlike youth from the start. Growing stronger is natural. But I’ve also grown stronger! I can’t wait to meet Tang Tian and have a good fight—to see who has improved more!”

“The minister said no wandering around,” Sima Xiangshan dampened the mood.

“Huh!” Amori looked surprised again. “You’re really obedient?”

Sima Xiangshan was rendered speechless once more.

Seeing Sima Xiangshan continually flustered, Han Bingning and Liang Qiu exchanged amused glances.

“I’m going to find Tang Tian. Are you coming?” Amori raised a hand.

“Going!” Han Bingning responded promptly.

“Mm, I’m coming too. I’m eager to see Tang Tian,” Liang Qiu smiled.

All three turned their gaze to Sima Xiangshan.

His face twitched, and through clenched teeth he muttered, “Fine, I’ll go!”