Gradually, more and more leaves fell, and the number of leaves struck by him in midair also increased, until eventually, dozens or even hundreds of leaves seemed to swirl around the wooden sword as it spun.

In the end, Samuel Thompson suddenly stopped moving, and the dozens or hundreds of leaves encircling the wooden sword all fluttered down, covering the ground.

But if someone were to carefully examine them at this moment, they would discover that although Samuel Thompson had struck the falling leaves dozens of times to keep them from touching the ground, not a single one of the struck leaves showed any sign of damage.

Eighty-nine leaves.

A total of eighty-nine leaves, all completely intact.

Lifting the light as if it were heavy, lifting the heavy as if it were light, combining hardness and softness, advancing and retreating at will.

This is not a technique, not a fighting style, but a state of mastery.

The first realm of martial arts.

The realm worthy of being called a martial arts master.

After a month of arduous cultivation, he finally achieved success.

Chapter 7: Chang Kong Martial Arts School

“Two months have passed.”

Samuel Thompson glanced at the digital watch packed in his luggage.

August 20, 1020, 10:14 a.m., Charles Time.

After two months of exposure to the elements and diligent training, both his physique and spirit had changed significantly compared to two months ago.

At eighteen, the body is still growing; even a month can bring a complete transformation, let alone two months.

At this moment, Samuel Thompson, though wearing a somewhat worn T-shirt, had a resolute face and a strong, healthy build. His height had grown to 1.78 meters, exuding a masculine vigor. Compared to the somewhat gloomy youth of a few months ago, the difference was like night and day.

Martial arts training brings not only physical changes, but also spiritual ones.

“It’s time to go back.”

Samuel Thompson buried the unnecessary items, picked up his much lighter luggage compared to when he entered the mountains, and slowly made his way out.

Since he had ventured nearly a hundred kilometers deep into the mountains, it would take him some days to get out. He was in no hurry on the road, instead conserving his strength.

Although the Rocky Mountains are not a famous range, there are still many large wild animals. In the past two months, Samuel Thompson had encountered wild boars four times, a clouded leopard once, and a brown bear once.

However, just as humans can judge the strength of wild beasts, beasts can do the same. In the eyes of wild animals, humans are also formidable creatures. Moreover, Samuel Thompson's refined martial skills and imposing aura meant that in all six encounters with fierce beasts, he came through unscathed. In fact, one wild boar even became his food, slightly replenishing the energy consumed by his training.

With many wild beasts around, Samuel Thompson naturally had to be cautious on the road, staying alert to avoid becoming prey.

“Hm?”

After walking about thirty kilometers, Samuel Thompson seemed to sense something, paused, and looked toward a patch of forest.

At the same time, there was a rustling sound, and a gaze pierced out from that forest.

It was a man who looked to be around thirty, with a lean and well-trained physique.

Their eyes met in the air, both sensing the other's extraordinary nature, and immediately became more cautious.

“Good physique.”

The man sized up Samuel Thompson and couldn't help but praise him.

Samuel Thompson's gaze also lingered on the man's feet. He could tell that this man's steps... were very steady.

Even in the complex terrain of the mountains, he walked as if on flat ground.

Especially his strong upper body, which contained an impressive vitality and strength. In terms of physique alone, he was definitely twice as strong as Samuel Thompson.

This was a body that only someone who had trained deliberately could possess.

“Hey there, young man... I wonder if you’ve seen a clouded leopard about 1.3 meters long, with reddish spots, along your way?”

The man asked politely.

“A 1.3-meter clouded leopard?”

Samuel Thompson had seen a clouded leopard once, but that one was at most one meter long. A 1.3-meter clouded leopard was already beyond the normal range for the species, and would be considered outstanding even among fierce beasts.

“I haven’t seen it.”

The man nodded, not disappointed, and was about to take his leave.

He had been tracking this clouded leopard for three days, but lost its trail a day ago. It seemed he had lost it for good.

He cupped his hands to Samuel Thompson and was about to turn and leave.

“Are you a martial artist?”

At this moment, Samuel Thompson spoke up.

The man paused, then nodded slightly. “I, Terry, can indeed be called a martial artist.”

“Bright Jin, Dark Jin, or Hua Jin level?”

Samuel Thompson was a bit curious.

He had read some news about martial artists and knew of their existence, but most so-called martial artists in the public eye were just showy performers. Now that he thought about it, judging from their demeanor, they were all just fame-seekers. But this man before him was different.

He...

Definitely had real skill.

Even if his technique was average, just unleashing the strength and vitality in his body would be enough to take down a dozen grown men.

“Heh heh...”

The man, Terry, chuckled at Samuel Thompson's question, a strange look flashing in his eyes. “Little brother, you’re not from our martial artist circle, are you?”

“No.”

Samuel Thompson shook his head. “Did I ask the wrong question?”