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Chapter 8
China — Weeks Later
This is torture. Pure, brutal torture.
I've broken four bones in just three weeks. Four! And according to Shifu, this is only the beginning.
But... the strength I've gained in these weeks is immense.
He started with Tai Chi, which he claims improves health and meditation. And I won't lie—the clarity I've felt during those meditations is on another level.
But the things he makes me eat and drink? Beyond horrific.
Every morning begins with a bath in burning herbal concoctions that sting every nerve in my body. Then comes the food—tough as stone—and drinks that taste like fermented cow piss. Yeah… he made me drink that once, just to compare.
"That's enough for today," Shifu finally says, sipping his tea. "You're progressing well. Your reflexes surpass most. Not the best yet… but getting there."
"Thank you, Shifu." I bow respectfully, and he nods.
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Eight Months Later
China
"This will hurt. A lot. Do not move, no matter what," Shifu warned, his tone deadly serious. "If you twitch, your nerves will explode."
Fantastic. Just what I needed to hear.
I nodded and laid down on a cold stone bed, face down, my back exposed.
"Don't even breathe wrong," he said, pulling out his acupuncture set—made, according to him, from actual dragon scales. (I mean… Fin Fang Foom maybe? Still not buying it.)
He plunged the first needle into my neck.
It felt like lightning shot down my spine.
"One down. 768 to go."
Great. Just great.
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36 Needles Later
It still hurts. Intensely. But oddly enough, I feel... different. Calmer. More aware. I can hear every sound—the flutter of birds, insects crawling nearby... even Shifu's heartbeat.
"The next 163 will enhance your senses. It'll hurt three times as much."
Yay.
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163 Needles Later
I was drenched in sweat, my pores releasing dead cells and purging toxins from every inch of my body. I felt lighter. Sharper. Clearer.
"569 more. You're doing well," he muttered, sliding a needle into my vertebrae. "These will restructure your nerves. Adjust blood flow. Control your pressure in any situation."
Thanks for the pep talk, Shifu.
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Many Needles Later
"Only the final set remains." He picked up longer needles. "These will go into your head. They'll hurt the most. Stay conscious no matter what."
He wasn't kidding.
The second needle almost made me scream. The third made me nauseous. By the fourth, tears were forming.
I started counting them just to stay conscious.
I barely made it to the 78th.
"Final one," he said… and with that, darkness swallowed me.
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[Unknown Time]
Sunlight hit my face.
"Arrgh… That was horrible."
"No kidding," came a gruff voice.
I turned to see one of Xu Wenwu's henchmen. Can't remember his name. Doesn't matter.
"How long was I out?"
"A little over 52 hours."
Right on schedule. Shifu said I might be out for two days.
I tried to stand. My legs wobbled instantly. "Damn… gotta get used to this new body."
Tch He clicked his tongue. Annoyed.
"Something wrong?" I asked.
"I don't get why Shifu agreed to train someone like you."
Ah… jealousy.
In the comics, Xu Wenwu never taught anyone outside his bloodline. I get it. An outsider like me getting his secrets? It probably drives them crazy.
"Maybe because I'm talented?" I offered with a smirk.
He didn't respond. Smart. Shifu has a strict no-conflict policy. Even the tiniest spark between students can lead to immediate expulsion—or worse.
"Forget it. He said to meet him. Now that you're awake... go."
Charming guy.
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[Later — Garden]
"Good morning, Shifu," I greeted, my steps shaky. "I heard you requested me."
He stood. "Your training is complete. You should leave today."
Right to the point.
"I will."
"Good. But remember: if you ever reveal my techniques..." His eyes narrowed. "You will be hunted."
"No need. If I do, I'll end my life myself."
He nodded. "Join me for tea?"
It's become a habit here—morning and evening tea with him. Oddly enough, I'll miss it.
"Of course."
"You never answered my question," he said, pouring the tea. "Why me? With all your options... why come here?"
It's a good question. And I have a good answer.
Limitations.
No matter how much I train or how many powers I gain, I'll always hit a wall as a human. But his methods? They erase that wall. His acupuncture unlocks infinite potential. The harder I train, the stronger I become. No ceiling.
"I find martial arts fascinating. And in this world… you're the best. The only one capable of removing human limitations."
(Well… except the Ancient One. But let's be real—she'd smite me before offering a lesson.)
He chuckled. "I chose well. And that vibranium you brought? A nice touch." He looked out toward the sun. "You should go. I'm leaving for Germany soon. I have... work."
I already know what he's referring to. Still, I nodded and rose from my seat.
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End of Chapter