“The core?”
Zhou Ming ignored the word “but” and instead asked about the “core” Liu Shihu mentioned.
“The true core of these three techniques is—Venom Fang’s power concentration, Constriction’s power release, and Shadow Tail’s control.”
“Concentration, release, and control.”
Hearing Liu Shihu’s words, Zhou Ming softly repeated them.
“Exactly. For Venom Fang, besides tempering your fingers with a special potion, the key lies in gathering all the power of your body into one point for a lethal strike.”
“You must also seize the moment when your opponent exposes an opening—strike suddenly, just like a viper ambushing its prey.”
“As for Constriction, it’s about utilizing the strength of your entire body, locking down your opponent’s movements, and completely breaking their resistance.”
“Shadow Tail requires not only flexibility in your arms but also in your legs—they must move as freely as your hands. Your whole body should be under perfect control.”
“In truth, the essence of these three secret techniques is also the essence of martial arts itself. These techniques merely provide a tangible path for a practitioner to comprehend that essence.”
Listening to Liu Shihu’s explanation, Zhou Ming frowned in concentration, quietly reflecting upon what he had heard.
Seeing Zhou Ming’s contemplative state, Liu Shihu didn’t disturb him and instead stood silently to the side.
“Transforming into a python? No, the python is only a form.”
“Power, control.”
“Control over one’s own strength.”
Zhou Ming murmured under his breath as though he had realized something.
“Yes, it’s about controlling your own strength. The techniques, styles, and characteristics of martial arts are all expressions of that strength.”
“The Mad Python Martial Art is about mastering your own power, then learning from a python’s ways of hunting, muscle force, and combat—expressing that power through various forms.”
Clap, clap…
Hearing Zhou Ming’s realization, Liu Shihu clapped his hands, smiling with satisfaction.
“Good. That’s the true essence of martial arts.”
“Seems you’re not stupid—just lazy to think.”
Through this session, Liu Shihu realized that Zhou Ming’s problem wasn’t poor comprehension, but simply a reluctance to think.
After being patiently guided, Zhou Ming gradually immersed himself and unearthed the true nature of martial arts on his own.
“It’s all thanks to your teaching, Master Liu.”
Hearing Liu Shihu’s words, Zhou Ming replied a bit sheepishly.
He didn’t like overcomplicating things unless something genuinely caught his interest.
For instance—the path of the Beast Tamer.
“Alright, since you’ve understood the essence of martial arts, teaching you from here on will be much easier.”
“Once you master these three secret techniques, you can practice independently. If you encounter difficulties, come to me.”
“Understood. Please instruct me, Master Liu.”
“Then let’s start with Venom Fang.”
In the training room, with no outsiders present, Zhou Ming began following Liu Shihu to learn the secret killing techniques of the Mad Python Martial Art—its core essence.
To control his own body and strength.