“This is it, just find a stone that suits you.” David Scott explained, “First you train your strength, then your moves, toughen your skin, then footwork, and only after all that do you start real combat. Altogether, you have to train until your qi and blood are thick and strong, and your fists can break wooden stakes without pain—then you’re about ready for the next step.”

“Senior brother, is there any clear sign for when your qi and blood are thick and strong? How can I tell how much I have?” Henry Webb asked carefully.

“In Huishan Fist, we have several levels: cowhide, stone skin, and iron skin. These refer to the hardness your fists can reach. You can test it yourself later. As long as you reach cowhide, your qi and blood are sufficient.” David Scott explained.

“Understood.” Henry Webb nodded. “So when can I start?”

“You can start right now.” David Scott didn’t hesitate at all.

Without another word, Henry Webb stepped forward and, with David Scott’s help, picked out a stone.

He trained all afternoon, and soon his whole body was sore and weak, but then something amazing happened.

At Old Man Grant’s place, besides teaching Huishan Fist, he also provided a special medicinal soup called Xiao Wan Soup.

Anyone who paid could get it, one bowl a day.

David Scott brought him a bowl, and after drinking it, Henry Webb found that by the next morning, all his soreness was gone.

He immediately understood that, although this world seemed similar to his previous life, there must be unique details here.

This Old Man Grant of Huishan Fist could make a living just by teaching, had such a big reputation, and charged so much—he must have something special.

After all, a year’s tuition here was equivalent to a whole family’s annual expenses.

Times were tough now, silver wasn’t worth as much as before, and prices in the market were getting more chaotic, but this old man still lived quite comfortably, showing his ability to make money.

From that day on, Henry Webb trained hard with David Scott every day, taking a day off every three days. On his days off, he continued doing homework for young masters and ladies, and secretly learned to read and write.

He earned money and spent it, and still managed to have some left over.

As for his second sister Emily Webb, she simply moved into a house near Old Man Grant’s place.

The house belonged to Old Man Grant, and since she didn’t ask for wages, he let Emily Webb live there for free.

Though it was a bit shabby, it was still better than being harassed by William Brooks and his two friends.

Everything was settled for the time being, so Henry Webb could focus wholeheartedly on his training.

As for William Brooks and his gang, he didn’t have the strength to deal with them for now, but that was fine.

There was plenty of time ahead.

Days passed one after another.

Henry Webb also began to train diligently day by day. Every day, before dawn, he would get up and exercise his muscles and bones.

Although Old Man Grant provided meals, he still prepared extra meat pies for himself to eat after training.

This was to ensure his body’s growing needs were met, and to provide extra nutrition for the Breaking Boundary Pearl.

He spent a lot of silver, and as time went on, Henry Webb’s body grew stronger and sturdier.

The Breaking Boundary Pearl on his chest also gradually darkened in color, though it still hadn’t reached the pure black needed for use.

Seeing that he had settled down in the Zheng family’s courtyard, William Brooks and his friends became a bit more restrained.

But every time he and his second sister went home, he could always see William Brooks’s sneaky and malicious glances.

In the blink of an eye, more than three months passed.

Hoo...

It was still before dawn.

Henry Webb wrapped his arms around a large black stone, mustering all his strength to move it back and forth, up and down.

Around him, other men practicing Huishan Fist were also working on their strength.

After correcting his posture and key points for a while, the senior brother left him alone and went to teach another newcomer.

Henry Webb trained his strength every day. Although it was dull and repetitive, the feeling of growing stronger day by day gave him great peace of mind.

“Little He, how’s it going today? Can you move up to the second row of black stones?”

To his right, third senior brother Samuel Hayes took off his outer robe, revealing a short training outfit underneath.

He picked up a stone from the corner and started warming up as well.

Over the past few months, he and Henry Webb had grown closer.

At first, he approached Henry Webb because he was interested in his second sister, but after getting to know him, he found that Henry Webb was quiet on the surface, but tough, trustworthy, and insightful.

Over time, Samuel Hayes became genuinely interested in befriending Henry Webb.

And Henry Webb didn’t mind this somewhat eccentric third senior brother.

So the two became friends.

“Still can’t do the second row. I haven’t been training long enough.” Henry Webb shook his head and gently put down the slightly smaller stone in his hands, stretching his joints.

“No rush, no rush. There’s a music gathering this afternoon, in a neighborhood in the south of the city. I hear a famous pipa master will be there—should be impressive. I’m planning to go listen. Want to come?”

Samuel Hayes treated Henry Webb differently from others. He liked to act cultured, and since Henry Webb could read and had unique insights, he quickly accepted him as one of his own.

So whenever there was an event like this, he would always let him know right away.