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147: Chapter 147 The Three Selected Individuals: A Teenager, a Veteran, and a Female Office Worker

Section 1: The Youth Hamid: The Protective Energy within a Disabled Arm

As the morning light in the Syrian refugee camp filtered through the gaps in the tent, 14-year-old Hamid was already using his only hand, his right, to grip a wooden stick and practice 'Xingji Ward-off Energy' in the clearing. Faded cloth strips were wrapped around the stick, which he had scavenged from the ruins, yet he had polished it until it gleamed. A small Taiji diagram was carved into the top; he had learned this from the global live stream, and it represented the 'Fusion Energy Technique taught by Teacher Chen Wu'.

Three days ago, when Chen Wu called out the name 'Hamid' during the live stream and announced his selection as an advanced Disciple, the children in the refugee camp gathered around him cheering. Even his father, who had been silent for a long time, had teary eyes. This youth, whose left hand had been mangled by a Spirit-Devouring Organization Qi Energy bomb during the war and whose skeletal roots were only 60%, had become the refugee camp's first 'traditional martial arts advanced Disciple' and the most special one among the 20 million applicants worldwide.

"Hamid, it's time for the remote training session!" A volunteer from the refugee camp ran over holding a tablet. The screen was already connected to the Taiji Villa's 'Global Qi Energy Synchronization System.' Chen Wu's figure appeared on the screen, standing in front of the 'Disability Adaptation Training Area' of the intelligent training grounds. The equipment there was specifically designed for students with physical disabilities, such as using foot Qi Energy sensing pads to replace hand operations and using voice commands to adjust training parameters.

"Hamid, today we are practicing 'Single-Arm Ward-off Energy'," Chen Wu's voice came through the speakers as a 3D motion model was displayed on the screen. "Since your left hand cannot exert force, concentrate your entire body's Qi Energy into your right hand and right foot. Your right foot steps on the Yang Meridian to gather energy, and your right hand follows the Yin Meridian to release force. Remember, Qi Energy does not originate from the arm, but is transmitted from the Dantian through the spine to the right hand. Watch the sensor points on the intelligent post; a green light means the energy path is correct."

Following the instructions, Hamid stepped onto a simple 'Homemade Qi Energy Post' (made of sand and soil with dewdrop sensor points taken from inheritance grass embedded at the top). He took a deep breath. Although the Qi Energy at his Dantian was weak, it began to circulate slowly according to the 'Meridian Flow Method' taught by Chen Wu. As his right foot stepped firmly, the dewdrop sensor point lit up with a faint green light. The Qi Energy surged up his spine, and he gently pushed out with the wooden stick in his right hand. The Taiji diagram at the top of the stick actually emitted a faint glow. The 'Qi Energy Trajectory Analysis' on the screen showed: "Energy path accuracy 85%, Single-Arm Ward-off Energy defense efficiency 70%, exceeding the average level of students with similar skeletal roots!"

The global live stream camera focused on Hamid's right hand, and the comment section was filled with messages like "So inspiring!" and "Go Hamid!" Amir from Egypt specifically sent a "Single-Arm Energy Technique Adjustment Suggestion": "You can wrap a layer of Qi Energy Cloth around the stick to enhance Qi Energy conduction; I'll send it to you as soon as possible!" The Technical Department's 'Qi Energy Potential Assessment' showed that Hamid's 'Heart-Nature Compensation Coefficient' had increased from 130% to 140%. At this rate, he could Breakthrough to the Early Stage of Brute Force within half a year, 30% faster than students with ordinary skeletal roots.

When the training ended, Hamid wrote on the tablet with his right hand: "Teacher Chen Wu, I want to get stronger quickly to protect my friends in the refugee camp and stop the Spirit-Devouring Organization from hurting us again." Looking at the crooked handwriting on the screen, Chen Wu's eyes reddened slightly. He said to the camera, "Hamid, your 'Heart of Protection' is the strongest energy, more precious than any skeletal roots. I will personally design a training plan for you. Let's work hard together."

Section 2: Veteran Chen Feng: The Fusion of Military Soul and traditional martial arts

In the 'Combat Simulation Area' of the Taiji Villa intelligent training grounds, 30-year-old Chen Feng was wearing a 'Qi Energy Sensing Helmet,' weaving through a Spirit-Devouring Puppet formation. He was dressed in faded camouflage fatigues, with the military medals he received upon discharge pinned to his waist. Every movement carried the crispness and efficiency unique to a soldier. The Hard Energy of Xingji Fist and the Soft Energy of Taiji merged perfectly in him; every punch and kick exuded the solemnity of 'protecting the home and defending the country.'

This veteran, who had served in the border defense forces for eight years, had skeletal roots of 75%, which wasn't outstanding. However, due to his experience of "bravely saving comrades three times," he received a perfect score in the moral test. During the assessment, when faced with a choice between a "Secret Manual or a Rescue Map," he chose the map in just three seconds, reasoning that "a soldier's duty is to protect, and practicing traditional martial arts is the same." Chen Wu commented on the spot: "His 'Military Soul' is exactly the 'Heart-Nature' that traditional martial arts needs most."

"Chen Feng, watch out for the Puppet's flank attack!" Chen Wu's voice came from outside the simulation pod, while the intelligent System pulled up a 'Puppet Attack Prediction,' marking the Puppet's next move with a red line on the screen. Chen Feng's reaction was extremely fast, perfectly combining a soldier's 'battlefield anticipation' with the 'Listening Energy' of traditional martial arts. He didn't meet the attack head-on but used the 'Diverting Energy' of Taiji to gently lead the Puppet's attack away. As the Puppet lost its balance, he took the opportunity to hit the Puppet's Qi Energy core with the 'Crushing Power' of Xingji, and the faint black Puppet instantly dissipated.

"Beautiful!" Yang Mingyuan stood in the monitoring room, his eyes full of praise. "He integrates military tactics into traditional martial arts; he understands 'actual combat' better than students who just practice energy. In a confrontation with the Spirit-Devouring Organization, this 'Military Soul Traditional Martial Arts' is the most effective!" The simulation pod's 'Combat Score' showed: "Puppet kill efficiency 90%, Qi Energy consumption rate only 25%, comprehensive score far exceeding students of the same batch, reaching the Early Stage of Hidden Energy!"

When Chen Feng stepped out of the simulation pod, fine beads of sweat had formed on his forehead, yet his back remained ramrod straight. "Teacher Chen, my response to that 'flank attack' wasn't fast enough. If I really encountered the Spirit-Devouring Organization, it might delay the rescue." Chen Wu patted his shoulder. "Your advantage lies in your 'combat experience.' We can integrate military 'tactical coordination' into traditional martial arts. For example, you can teach the Disciples 'battlefield positioning' while I teach everyone 'Qi Energy defense.' This way, countering Puppet formations will be much more efficient."

On the global live stream's 'Military Soul Traditional Martial Arts' special page, Chen Feng's training videos were being broadcast in real-time. He had adapted the military's 'three-man tactical team' into a 'Traditional Martial Arts Combat Squad,' with three students per group responsible for 'Defense, Attack, and Support.' Combined with the intelligent equipment's 'Qi Energy Synchronization System,' the Puppet kill efficiency increased by 40%. In the comments, many veterans wrote: "I want to sign up for traditional martial arts! Integrating the military soul into energy techniques is too cool!" Data from the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau showed that in just one day, 5,000 veterans had submitted applications, with 80% choosing the "Military Soul Traditional Martial Arts" specialized course.

During a break in training, Chen Feng touched the military medal at his waist and said to the camera, "In the past, I used a gun in the army to protect the country; now I practice traditional martial arts to use Qi Energy to guard traditional martial arts and fight the Spirit-Devourers. It's the same kind of protection. I will integrate the soldier's spirit into traditional martial arts and train more Disciples who can fight and protect."

Section 3: White-Collar Professional Su Man: A traditional martial arts Revolution in the Office

In an office building in the City of London, 32-year-old Su Man was facing her computer screen, following the Taiji Villa live stream to practice 'Workstation Traditional Martial Arts Exercises.' Dressed in a professional suit at her cramped desk, she used the 'Micro-movement Energy Technique' specifically designed by Chen Wu's team to move her cervical spine, which had grown stiff from long hours of overtime. "Inhale, sink the Qi to the Dantian, gently rotate the right hand according to 'Taiji Cloud Hands,' and feel the Soft Energy flowing along the arm..."

This female white-collar worker, who worked at an investment bank, had skeletal roots of 70%. However, due to her experience of "using traditional martial arts to help colleagues relieve workplace anxiety," she became the "cross-industry representative" among the advanced Disciples. During the assessment, she chose to "give up the Secret Manual to save civilians," reasoning that "traditional martial arts can not only resist the Spirit-Devourers but also help people live healthier and happier lives." This concept of "traditional martial arts Universal Benefit" made Chen Wu's eyes light up: "traditional martial arts needs to enter office buildings and enter daily life. Su Man is the best bridge."

"Su Man, how are the preparations for today's 'Qi Energy Decompression Class' going?" Chen Wu's video call came through suddenly, showing the background of a smart training field on the screen. Su Man smiled as she held up a "Qi Energy Massage Ball"—this was something she had self-made using the "smart materials" issued by the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau. Inside the ball was a miniature Qi Energy sensing chip that could release Soft Energy based on the pressure applied to relieve muscle tension: "Everything is ready. At 7 PM tonight, twenty colleagues will be attending. I'll be teaching everyone the 'Five-Minute Office Ward-off Energy,' which can relieve fatigue and help practice basic energy techniques."

During that evening's "Qi Energy Decompression Class," Su Man, dressed in a professional suit, drew a "Qi Energy Flow Diagram" on the conference room whiteboard: "Look, everyone, 'Office Ward-off Energy' doesn't require standing in a post; you can practice it while sitting. Place both hands on the edge of the desk. When inhaling, let the Qi sink to the Dantian; when exhaling, use Soft Energy to lightly push the tabletop, feeling the Qi Energy flow along your arms to your fingertips..." As she spoke, she used a smartwatch to record her colleagues' "Qi Energy fluctuations." The steadier the green line on the watch screen, the more correct the technique was.

A colleague named Lily, who had long suffered from cervical spine pain, said in surprise after ten minutes of practice, "Su Man, it really doesn't hurt anymore! When I move my arms, I feel a warm current moving; it's more effective than a massage!" Su Man smiled and pulled up a "Qi Energy Health Report": "This is the 'Soft Energy Body Nourishment' of traditional martial arts. Long-term practice not only relieves fatigue but also improves your Qi Energy foundation. In the future, when we face the Spirit-Devouring Organization, we can also contribute our strength."

The "Workplace Traditional Martial Arts" segment of the global live stream was broadcasting Su Man's decompression class in real-time. The bullet chat was filled with messages like "Need a tutorial!" and "I want to promote this in my company!" The Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau immediately collaborated with Su Man to launch the "Workplace Traditional Martial Arts Universal Benefit Plan": "Free provision of 'Workstation Traditional Martial Arts Exercises' instructional videos and smart equipment to global enterprises, bringing traditional martial arts into office buildings, factories, and schools to become everyone's 'Health Guardian Energy.'" Data from the Technical Department showed that in just one week, 1,000 companies had applied to join the plan, covering 50 countries, and Su Man became the "First Person of Workplace Traditional Martial Arts."

Section 4: The First Offline Gathering of the Three Selected Candidates

The Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau specially arranged for the three unique candidates to have their first offline gathering at Taiji Villa. Hamid arrived from Syria, sitting in a "Qi Energy Wheelchair" donated by Amir (which could be driven by Qi Energy to relieve hand pressure). Chen Feng arrived two days early with five members of his Veteran Traditional Martial Arts Team. Su Man flew in from London during the weekend. The three met in front of the Taiji diagram in the smart training field. Though their identities, ages, and experiences differed, they were instantly brought closer by their original intention of "Guarding traditional martial arts."

"Hamid, this is the 'Single-Arm Technique Assistant' I made for you," Chen Feng said, taking out an arm brace made of titanium alloy embedded with Qi Energy sensing strips. "When you practice your energy, the brace can help you stabilize your Qi Energy and reduce the burden on your arm." Hamid took the brace with his right hand, his eyes reddening as he said in somewhat broken Chinese, "Thank you, Big Brother Chen Feng. I will practice hard and protect everyone with you in the future."

Su Man brought "Qi Energy Health Packs" for the two of them: "Inside are the 'Portable Qi Energy Massage Balls' and 'Office Traditional Martial Arts Manuals' I designed. Hamid can use the massage ball to practice Qi Energy, and Big Brother Chen Feng can use them to relieve fatigue when training his team members." She also opened her tablet to show the "Workplace Traditional Martial Arts Promotion Data": "Currently, 5,000 white-collar workers have started practicing traditional martial arts. More people will join in the future, and our anti-Spirit-Devourer team will grow larger and larger."

Watching the interaction between the three, Chen Wu said with gratification, "You represent three new directions for traditional martial arts—Hamid's 'Adversity Traditional Martial Arts' proves that even with physical disabilities, one can practice energy; Chen Feng's 'Military Soul Traditional Martial Arts' makes traditional martial arts more practical for combat; and Su Man's 'Workplace Traditional Martial Arts' brings traditional martial arts into daily life. This is the meaning of 'Heart-Nature First'—everyone can find their own value in traditional martial arts."

Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan brought "Traditional Martial Arts Guardian Badges" and personally pinned them on the three: "This badge represents the recognition of traditional martial arts practitioners worldwide. You must carry this responsibility and pass on the spirit of traditional martial arts to more places. Let more people know that traditional martial arts is not the privilege of a few, but a protective force for everyone."

Section 5: Practical Test: The Three-Person Team's Anti-Spirit-Devourer Debut

To test the training results of the three candidates, Chen Wu arranged a "Three-Person Team Anti-Spirit-Devourer Combat Exercise." In the "Puppet Ambush Simulation Zone" of the smart training field, ten Spirit-Devouring Puppets at the Early Stage of Brute Force were set up. The three were required to cooperate and complete the mission of "Protecting Civilian NPCs + Destroying Puppets" within 10 minutes, with the entire process recorded by the global live stream.

"Hamid, you're in charge of defense; use your Single-Arm Ward-off Energy to protect the civilians. Chen Feng, you're in charge of the main assault; use the tactics of Military Soul Traditional Martial Arts to break through. I'll be in charge of support, using Soft Energy to interfere with the Puppets," Su Man quickly formulated a tactic, her "coordination skills" honed in the workplace coming into play. "Everyone, follow my instructions and synchronize your Qi Energy; the smart System will help us adjust our cooperation rhythm."

The battle began, and ten Puppets attacked from all directions. Hamid immediately used the brace to stabilize his arm, unfolding his Single-Arm Ward-off Energy. A pale green Qi Energy shield firmly protected the civilians. The Puppets' attacks struck the shield and were easily deflected. Chen Feng, with the charging posture of a soldier, struck the Puppets' cores directly with Xingji Collapse power, taking them down one by one with high efficiency. Meanwhile, Su Man circled behind the Puppets, using the Soft Energy of Taiji Cloud Hands to interfere with their Qi Energy trajectories, slowing their movements and creating attacking opportunities for Chen Feng.

"Puppet sneak attack on the left!" Su Man's smartwatch issued a warning. Hamid immediately adjusted the shield's direction, his Single-Arm Ward-off Energy precisely blocking the attack. Chen Feng took the opportunity to circle to the Puppet's side, hitting its Qi Energy core with Crushing Power. Su Man used Soft Energy to push away the Puppet's remains to prevent the civilians from being injured. The entire process was seamless and efficient. Just as the 10 minutes were up, the last Puppet was destroyed, and the civilians were unharmed. The "Combat Rating" of the simulation pod showed: "Team Coordination 95%, Puppet Kill Efficiency 100%, Qi Energy Consumption Rate only 30%, overall score exceeds expectations!"

In the global live stream's bullet chat, viewers were ecstatic: "The three-person team is amazing!" "traditional martial arts practitioners from different backgrounds can cooperate perfectly!" "This is the future of traditional martial arts!" Zhang Qiming, Director of the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau, announced before the camera: "The 'Traditional Martial Arts Guardian Special Task Force' is officially established, with Hamid, Chen Feng, and Su Man as core members. They will be responsible for global 'traditional martial arts Universal Benefit' and 'Anti-Spirit-Devourer Support.' We will equip the task force with the most advanced smart equipment, letting the protective power of traditional martial arts spread throughout the world."

Section 6: New Hope for the Legacy: traditional martial arts for Everyone

As the gathering ended, the three candidates stood atop the peak of Taiji Villa, looking at the distant sea of clouds. Hamid held his Single-Arm Technique Assistant, his eyes full of anticipation for the future; Chen Feng touched his military medal, thinking about how to teach Military Soul Traditional Martial Arts to more people; Su Man opened her tablet, looking at the application data for global Workplace Traditional Martial Arts, a smile on her lips.

Chen Wu walked to their side and pointed toward the distant Taiji Secret Realm: "The exploration of the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures and global cleanup operations still need more traditional martial arts practitioners like you." He took out three "Qi Energy Inheritance Beads" from a camphor wood box and handed them to the three. "These beads can record your techniques and insights. In the future, when you teach Disciples, you can pass on your experience, ensuring the Legacy of traditional martial arts continues endlessly."

The final image of the global live stream froze at the moment the three held up their Inheritance Beads—Hamid's bead glowed with a pale green light, Chen Feng's with a pale gold light, and Su Man's with a pale blue light. The three beams of light intertwined to form a "traditional martial arts Guardian" totem. Neatly arranged text scrolled through the bullet chat: "A youth's ambition breaks through disability; a soldier's iron blood fuses with traditional martial arts; a white-collar worker crosses boundaries to promote health; everyone can protect China!" 160 billion viewers lit up their screens simultaneously, forming a river of rainbow light that illuminated the entire Taihang Mountains.

Chen Wu knew that the stories of Hamid, Chen Feng, and Su Man were just the beginning of the "Heart-Nature First" traditional martial arts Legacy. In the future, more ordinary people would enter the world of traditional martial arts with a Heart of Protection, using different ways to collectively fight the Spirit-Devouring Organization and guard the Legacy of traditional martial arts, letting the philosophy of "traditional martial arts for everyone, everyone protected by traditional martial arts" spread to every corner of the globe.

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