Song Qing's provocation didn't bother Jiang Man much.
As his Talent was revealed, things like this were unavoidable.
There would always be clueless people.
All he could do was improve as quickly as possible, so that no one would even think of challenging him.
Even if they did, it wouldn't matter. He would handle whatever came his way.
However, he couldn't yet stand against figures like Fang Yong, who had scores of over sixty.
It was natural to keep a respectful distance from them to avoid conflict.
Now, everyone thought Luo Xuan was grooming him, which had its pros and cons.
The upside was having a legitimate excuse for his rapid improvement; the downside was that many people were resentful.
After Song Qing left, Xiaopang asked worriedly, "Brother Jiang, what layer have you reached in the Six Harmonies Palm?"
"Song Qing's at what layer?" Jiang Man asked in return.
"Six Harmonies Palm... He's been practicing it for a long time. He should be at the Fourth or Fifth Layer," Xiaopang said, not entirely sure.
"Only the Fourth or Fifth Layer?" Jiang Man was a little surprised.
"What else? With a score in the twenties, he has to cultivate the Qi Blood Technique as well. How could he have that much time to improve his Magic Skills?" Xiaopang said helplessly. "If your Physical Body doesn't improve, your Cultivation can't improve either."
"Those with good Talent naturally don't have to worry, but those with average Talent have to spend more time strengthening their Physical Body before they can raise their Cultivation."
"For other Magic Skills, just being proficient enough is fine."
"The Fourth or Fifth Layer is exactly that 'proficient enough' level."
Jiang Man nodded, beginning to understand.
Magic Skills didn't add to one's score, so Cultivation was the most important thing.
Divine Step, Six Harmonies Palm, Three Talents Force... aside from the top few people, very few would practice these to the highest level.
Because it was too time-consuming.
The first five layers were relatively quick to learn, so "proficient enough" was the standard.
"What layer are you at, Brother Jiang?" Xiaopang asked again.
"I'll hit the Fifth Layer with a bit of practice. Just give me a moment," Jiang Man said.
Xiaopang looked completely baffled.
'What is Brother Jiang talking about?'
'Oh well, I'll find out during the sparring session later.'
'Brother Jiang probably hasn't had any time to practice and is too embarrassed to say so.'
The person teaching the Six Harmonies Palm was a female instructor.
Her name was Fu Yidan, and everyone called her Mr. Fu.
She taught most of the Magic Skills.
She looked to be in her mid-thirties and was already married.
But with her outstanding looks and lingering charm, many people secretly gossiped about who she had married.
Jiang Man scoffed at this. 'How could they have the mind to gossip when they should be focused on Cultivation?'
"The rankings have just been updated, and the backyard has begun sparring practice. I will explain in more detail, and then you will all begin sparring to improve your practical combat experience. Whether it's for competing for a spot or for the Sect's assessment, practical combat is especially important," Mr. Fu said as she looked at the crowd.
She then began to explain the Six Harmonies Palm in detail.
The Six Harmonies Palm involved drawing upon the Spiritual Qi in one's body and imbuing one's palm with power.
As long as one circulated it properly, the Cultivation would succeed, and a continuous stream of power would fortify the palm. This was the First Layer.
The Second Layer required one to channel the power in the palm, extending its connection to the Spiritual Qi within the body.
The effect was that one could strike out with a palm, but still control the direction of the Palm Seal.
As one's Palm Skill improved, one could project more Spiritual Energy Palm Seals.
Up to a maximum of six palms.
This was already the Seventh Layer of the Six Harmonies Palm.
The Eighth Layer allowed one to combine three palms into one for a much more powerful strike.
The Ninth Layer was the mastery of the Six Palms Combined, the pinnacle of the Six Harmonies Palm.
"You will practice for two hours, then begin sparring," Mr. Fu announced.
Hearing this, Jiang Man wasted no time and began his Cultivation.
Song Qing being at the Fourth or Fifth Layer of the Six Harmonies Palm would indeed be difficult to deal with.
Three or four Spiritual Energy Palm Seals, which could be controlled to Attack at any moment.
However, only with good control could they be used to their full potential.
Thinking no more of it, Jiang Man began to draw upon his Spiritual Qi to practice the Six Harmonies Palm.
His Magic Skill Innate Qi stirred in response.
Because this was his first time practicing it, his progress was a bit slow. Still, after just a short while, Jiang Man completed one full cycle of the Cultivation technique.
He had successfully reached the Entry Level.
Things would be easier from now on.
Perhaps it was because the Magic Skill Innate Qi was not as effective as the Cultivation Purple Qi.
He didn't succeed after two repetitions.
Only after four repetitions could he project a Spiritual Energy Palm Seal from his hand.
After another eight repetitions, Jiang Man reached the Third Layer of the Six Harmonies Palm.
And after another sixteen repetitions, the Fourth Layer.
He could now project three Palm Seals.
An hour had already passed.
Xiaopang watched Jiang Man practice in astonishment. At first, he thought Jiang Man didn't know the Six Harmonies Palm at all, but he soon realized he was wrong. Not only did Jiang Man project a Palm Seal, he projected three of them.
'That's at least the Fourth Layer of the Six Harmonies Palm!'
'Does that mean Jiang Man already qualified long ago?'
'It must be something Miss Luo arranged for him in advance.'
'Looks like Brother Jiang really is going to become a close bodyguard.'
'I'm so jealous.'
During the final hour, Jiang Man continued to practice, finally completing his last repetition just as Fu Yidan called for them to stop.
He could now easily project four palms.
'With this, I shouldn't be at a disadvantage in the sparring match.'
'Of course, it would be best if I could win outright.'
'It's time to start making a name for myself.'
'There's no need to hide my strength over a small matter like this.'
"Brother Jiang, are you confident?" Xiaopang ran over and asked.
Jiang Man looked at him and said, "My Talent and effort are right here."
Hearing this, Xiaopang looked at Jiang Man's face.
He nodded slightly, as if complimenting his remarkable Talent.
Jiang Man: "..."
'I have a feeling Xiaopang is thinking something outrageous.'
"Alright, it's time to begin sparring. You can decide on the intensity yourselves, but do not go overboard. If you are strong enough, you can go all out. Don't worry too much about minor injuries," Mr. Fu spoke up.
Hearing this, Song Qing felt a sense of relief.
At first, he was worried that if he appeared to strike too heavily, he would be reprimanded. Now, he didn't have to worry.
Soon, he and Jiang Man were standing opposite each other.
Everyone else kept their distance.
There were twenty-six people in total.
They were divided into thirteen pairs.
"I heard you're becoming a personal guard?" Song Qing asked as he looked at Jiang Man.
His voice was low, not intending for others to hear.
Jiang Man shook his head. "I'm not."
"But that's what everyone is saying." Song Qing looked at Jiang Man and whispered, "I know that secrecy is key to success. You definitely wouldn't just announce such a good thing."
"I don't mean to specifically target you. I just want you to give me an introduction."
"This time, I can let you win spectacularly. I'll be heavily injured and fall, making a name for you."
"How about it?"
Jiang Man was completely stunned.
His opponent's words left him at a loss.
'This guy should have been deliberately trying to humiliate me at first.'
'Why the sudden change of tune?'
'Letting me win spectacularly after humiliating me... is that supposed to be a good thing?'
'Then again, it kind of is. I'd quickly redeem myself in the courtyard and establish some prestige.'
'After all, I used to be dead last. Even though I'm not anymore, everyone still habitually sees me that way.'
'If I could win against him in a spectacular fashion, it would definitely shatter their preconceived notions.'
'In that case, I have to win today.'
"You might have misunderstood. I've gotten to where I am today not because of Miss Luo, but entirely through my own Talent and effort," Jiang Man stated truthfully.
"I know you won't admit it. We can start sparring now. Of course, people will definitely be watching."
Song Qing said seriously, "You still have a chance to change your mind. As long as you agree, I'll still let you win in spectacular fashion, going down coughing blood. I provoke you, and then I'm defeated by you. Think of what an inspiring story that would be. I hope you'll consider it carefully."
"It's good for both of us."