Lin Chen reached the central commercial district after twenty-five minutes of steady walking. The rib pain stayed at a low level, noticeable but no longer limiting his stride. The morning crowd had thickened: office workers hurried along sidewalks, vendors arranged displays of fruit and steamed buns, scooters navigated gaps in traffic. He kept to the right side of the path, avoiding sudden stops or turns.
He passed the same public park as before. The group of tai chi practitioners had already dispersed, replaced by a smaller set of joggers and walkers. Near the entrance, two middle-aged men practiced basic wing chun chain punches against a wooden dummy mounted on a stand. Their movements were fast and repetitive: tan sau, pak sau, bong sau, chain punch sequence, all delivered with short, sharp elbow drive and forward pressure.
Lin Chen slowed his pace as he approached. He focused on the lead man's chain punch: vertical fist alignment, elbow tucked close to the body, rapid alternation of hands, weight shifting minimally forward with each strike, breathing synchronized in short bursts.
Copy.
The panel appeared in his lower vision.
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[Copy Successful]
[Acquired: Basic Wing Chun Chain Punch Sequence (Combat Proficiency Level 2)]
[Effect: You now possess the precise elbow positioning, fist rotation, hand alternation speed, forward pressure application, and breathing rhythm of the observed technique. Full chain limited by current upper-body injury and lack of forearm conditioning.]
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He continued walking without pause. The new technique settled into his mind as complete knowledge, ready for later use.
Further along the street, a fitness center had opened its outdoor area for morning classes. A trainer led a group of ten participants through kettlebell swings. The trainer demonstrated the movement: hip hinge, kettlebell swing between legs, explosive hip drive forward, arms extended to chest height, controlled descent. The form emphasized posterior chain activation over arm strength.
Lin Chen observed from across the sidewalk. He noted the hip hinge angle (approximately 45 degrees), kettlebell path (pendulum arc), shoulder packing, and neutral spine maintenance.
Copy.
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[Copy Successful]
[Acquired: Basic Kettlebell Swing Mechanics (Strength Proficiency Level 1)]
[Effect: You now possess the exact hip hinge depth, posterior chain firing sequence, swing trajectory, and core bracing pattern of the demonstrated technique. Execution currently restricted by rib injury and absence of equipment.]
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He moved on. The district grew busier near the shopping arcade. A street vendor sold fresh fruit from a cart. The vendor sliced mangoes with quick, precise cuts: knife angled at 30 degrees, single motion per slice, minimal waste. Lin Chen watched one complete cutting sequence.
Copy.
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[Copy Successful]
[Acquired: Basic Fruit Slicing Technique (Culinary Proficiency Level 1)]
[Effect: You now possess the precise knife angle, wrist flick, and pressure control required for clean, efficient fruit slicing. No immediate application available.]
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At a small open plaza, a young man practiced parkour basics on low concrete barriers. He vaulted one barrier with a simple kong vault: hands planted, legs tucked, body clearing the obstacle in a smooth arc. Lin Chen stopped briefly at the edge of the plaza and observed the entry: approach speed, hand placement, shoulder depression, leg tuck timing.
Copy.
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[Copy Successful]
[Acquired: Basic Kong Vault Technique (Parkour Proficiency Level 1)]
[Effect: You now possess the exact approach stride, hand positioning, shoulder drop, and leg tuck mechanics of the observed vault. Current physical condition prevents safe performance.]
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He resumed walking. By 10:30 a.m. he had added four new techniques to the list, bringing the total to nine. None required immediate physical testing. He found the same shaded bench near the convenience store and sat down. The bench provided support for his back, reducing strain on the ribs. He rested for fifteen minutes, observing passersby without initiating further copies.
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During the rest, he mentally cataloged the abilities:
- Medical: Intravenous Adjustment
- Combat: Straight Punch, Side Kick, Tai Chi Push Hands, Wing Chun Chain Punch
- Strength: Kettlebell Swing
- Gymnastic: Handstand Entry
- Culinary: Fruit Slicing
- Parkour: Kong Vault
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Each entry included the proficiency level and current utilization restrictions. The system imposed no visible daily copy limit so far, but the earlier warning about attracting attention remained in mind. He decided to limit new acquisitions until physical recovery advanced further.
At 11:00 a.m. he stood and began the return walk. The route took forty minutes at a reduced pace. Upon reaching the building, he climbed the stairs with only one brief pause on the third-floor landing. Inside the apartment, he locked the door, removed the hoodie, and checked the bandages. No new swelling or discoloration appeared.
He prepared a simple meal of boiled rice and an egg, ate it at the table, then rested on the bed. The afternoon passed quietly. He reviewed the new techniques mentally and performed the straight punch form five times at slow speed before stopping.
The end of Chapter 5.