Chapter 31: The Overlord Breathing Technique

In the office of the President of the Song City Martial Artists Association, Yu Tong and Yang Feng sat facing each other.

"Truly, heroes are forged in youth! Yang Feng, I never imagined you would surprise me like this."

"You are too kind, President!" Yang Feng replied modestly.

"No, I am not exaggerating at all! You deserve my praise. Of course, the main reason I called you here today is twofold. First, I hope you can achieve excellent results in the direct recruitment program. After all, I have been the President here in Song City for five years, and the results from this program have never satisfied me. But this time is different because of you, so please, do not let me down."

Yu Tong’s gaze was filled with anticipation, which Yang Feng could clearly feel.

"President, I will do my absolute best to secure first place!"

"Hahaha, excellent! With those words from you, I can rest easy!" President Yu Tong laughed heartily.

After a moment, Yu Tong calmed his laughter. "Now, let’s move on to the second matter. As you have just become a Second-Rank martial artist, you likely do not possess a Second-Rank breathing technique, correct?"

Yang Feng nodded and said directly, "That is correct."

"Good. I have prepared three Second-Rank breathing techniques for you. These two, the 'Thunderbolt Breathing Technique' and the 'Spirit Water Breathing Technique,' are both mid-grade Second-Rank techniques. This last one, the 'Overlord Breathing Technique,' is a high-grade Second-Rank technique. You may choose the one that suits you best."

As Yang Feng watched Yu Tong produce the three manuals from his storage ring, his eyes brightened. He had been wondering how to acquire a Second-Rank technique, and he never expected Yu Tong to have them ready, let alone include a high-grade one.

"All three of these are excellent. While the Overlord Breathing Technique is the only high-grade one among them, its effects are extremely domineering; without a robust constitution, one cannot practice it without risking permanent damage to their foundation! You may take all three back to consider carefully, but be aware: you must not leak the Overlord Breathing Technique to others." Yu Tong’s tone became stern.

Yang Feng nodded. "President, I understand the regulations."

High-grade breathing techniques, even at the Second Rank, are incredibly precious. Each has distinct characteristics; once displayed, they are easily recognized. Being caught practicing an unauthorized high-grade technique leads to severe investigation. The penalties for both illegally teaching and illegally practicing such techniques are identical—once discovered, both parties are cast into the Ten Thousand Races Battlefield to fend for themselves.

Therefore, even if Yu Tong hadn't warned him, Yang Feng would never pass them on; it would be a disservice to others. Ordinary martial artists can only practice one breathing technique per stage, making it impossible to hide the use of a high-grade one. Of course, thanks to the existence of the Divine Temple, Yang Feng did not have this concern.

"Good, as long as you understand. So much for the techniques; here are three Peiyuan Pills." Yu Tong produced three exquisite sandalwood boxes from somewhere. "These pills will help you quickly stabilize your cultivation and increase your blood energy. They are highly effective for any martial artist below the Third Rank. I am aware of your background and know you haven't had the luxury of consuming such medicine, so your body will have no resistance to them. These three will elevate your strength by a whole level."

Yang Feng stared at the pills, instinctively swallowing. A single Peiyuan Pill was worth about 500,000 Federation Credits; these three were worth 1.5 million. The President was being incredibly generous.

Noticing Yang Feng’s thoughts, Yu Tong smiled. "As long as you can win first place in this direct recruitment, that will be the best repayment!"

Yang Feng nodded solemnly and tucked the items away. Just then, the President’s secretary knocked and entered. "President, Master Que and Zhuo Fei, the master of the Crushing Fist Dojo, wish to see you!"

Yu Tong frowned slightly. "Are they here together?"

"No, they just happened to run into each other," the secretary replied.

"That is curious. Let them both in," Yu Tong said. Que Changxi was a master of martial techniques, so even as the Association President, Yu Tong had to show him some respect. As for Zhuo Fei, he was technically not qualified to meet the President, but since he was already there, he might as well see them both.

Yang Feng, standing to the side, looked surprised at the mention of Zhuo Fei. He hadn't expected such a coincidence.

Soon, Que Changxi and Zhuo Fei entered the office. Both men immediately locked their eyes on Yang Feng. Zhuo Fei, in particular, rushed toward Yang Feng, dropped to his knees with a loud thud, and shouted, "Master!"

This reaction caused President Yu Tong, who was sipping tea, to spray his drink all over Zhuo Fei’s face. Zhuo Fei looked embarrassed, but Yu Tong ignored the mess and demanded, "What did you just call me?"

Because Yang Feng and the President were standing close together, Yu Tong had naturally misunderstood, thinking the man was trying to take him as a master.

Zhuo Fei looked even more mortified as he explained, "President, I wasn't addressing you. I am calling Yang Feng 'Master'."

Yu Tong wore an expression of utter disbelief. This was even more absurd than the man calling him Master! Everyone else in the office, including Yang Feng, was stunned. Yang Feng couldn't recall ever taking on a student, let alone one so old.

Zhuo Fei ignored the shock and pleaded, "Master, please accept me as your disciple! I wish to reach the grandmaster realm of the Crushing Fist, and I hope you will guide me!"

The room fell silent as everyone realized what was happening. Yang Feng was speechless; if anything, his own Crushing Fist had been taught to him by this very man, and now the teacher wanted to become his student!

After realizing the intent, Yang Feng helped him up. "Master Zhuo, shouldn't you consider this carefully? After all, I am only eighteen!"

"Master, I have thought about it for a long time. In the path of martial arts, the one who achieves more is the teacher. Please, accept me!" Zhuo Fei’s gaze was firm; it seemed he would not stand until Yang Feng agreed.

Yang Feng sighed helplessly. The Crushing Fist Dojo had indeed provided him with great convenience during his training. Finally, he nodded. "I may not be suitable to be your master, but I do have some insights into the Crushing Fist. We can discuss and exchange pointers when we have the time."

Upon hearing Yang Feng finally yield, Zhuo Fei was overjoyed. He kowtowed three times, his head striking the floor with a rhythmic thud. "Thank you, Master, for accepting this disciple!"

He then stood up, beaming, and moved to the side.