Chapter 597 Sidney Comes to Visit
James was shocked, and Sword God was equally surprised.
He'd come to Starlight State with no beef against James—he just wanted to check out the guy who'd taken Neil down.
But he hadn't expected James to clock him so fast!
The Sword God had already broken through the fourth stage of martial arts, his skills on a whole other level. Most fourth-stage fighters wouldn't even sense him even if he was standing right in front of them. But here he was, just throwing a casual look from a distance—no malice, no intent—and James still caught it?
Interesting.
Sword God withdrew his gaze and stopped 'scaring' James.
Sword God understood why his disciple Neil couldn't defeat James. It was purely a difference in hard power. Moreover, from James, he saw a trend that most people didn't have. Simply put, the fourth stage of martial artists was not James's limit.
He also saw through James's real age, which was only 27 years old. Such a young age with such powerful strength was truly a remarkable talent.
James searched for a while but couldn't find Sword God's presence. If it weren't for his high level, he would have thought it was just his illusion.
James didn't stop walking, continuing to think at high speed.
First, the other party was probably someone from Neil's side, possibly Owen from the Stewart family, or Neil's master, or maybe a leader from some overseas organization Neil was part of.
Neil, having been defeated by him, was unwilling to accept it, so he went to find this big shot.
But knowing Neil, he wasn't the type to call in favors for payback. More like, he wanted this guy to coach him up, help him level up in martial arts, so he could come back and settle the score himself. That vibe totally matched the chill, no-hard-feelings glance from earlier.
So, James wasn't sweating it—as long as this big shot wasn't planning to take him out himself. As for Neil? He wasn't worried. Neil didn't stand a chance against him.
Once he figured that out, James felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
But then, something else sparked inside him. This was his first run-in with a true fifth-stage martial arts master. That hunger for power flared up even hotter, like someone lost in the woods suddenly spotting a path. Life had purpose again.
Back at the National Security Agency, James didn't rest and immediately started training the people there.
After the last big showdown, James's rep at the agency had shot through the roof. Now, even though he was way younger, most folks were already on board with him calling the shots as their instructor.
"Hold it! Your heads are too cluttered—all you think about is taking someone out. You're missing the whole point of martial arts." James watched them spar and cut in, clearly annoyed. Then he pointed at two third-tier fighters and said, "You two, come at me. Together."
They knew James's strength and didn't hold back, giving their all as they charged at him. Their speed was fast, and their power was fierce. Every punch and kick carried immense momentum, and many present could feel their power.
But James, facing their attack, seemed to handle it with ease. He even kept his right hand behind his back, using only his left hand to deal with the two third-stage martial artists.
James's moves didn't seem fast—anyone could see what he was doing—but his timing was spot-on. He was always a step ahead, reading their moves and cutting them off before they could land.
And the crazy part? He wasn't even putting in much effort. Before long, the two third-stagers called it quits. "Instructor," one of them asked, "how do you always know what we're gonna do?"
James said, "Because my mind is calmer than yours. This is the true meaning of martial arts."
Then he addressed everyone, "You are the protectors of our country, learning the skills to kill. Your previous instructors only taught you techniques, not the Mind Method."
Someone said, "Instructor, we all have Mind Methods."
James shook his head and said, "The Mind Method I'm talking about is not just the martial arts Mind Method, but the thoughts in your mind. You misunderstand martial arts. You're too focused on the physical, building muscle but ignoring the internal. That's why no matter how hard you push, you're barely getting better."
They were still confused and couldn't understand.
James continued, "I am now at the peak of the fourth stage of martial artists, but I train way less than you guys. Still, I'm making bigger strides. Why? Because I figured out the right way to train—and I get what martial arts is really about."
However, their focus was on James's first sentence, causing a stir.
"What! The instructor is at the peak of the fourth stage of martial artists? Oh my god."
"That's too strong. I remember Mr. Tackett is only at the mid-level of the fourth stage."
"The instructor is only 27 years old, how did he reach such a terrifying level? Did he start training as a baby?"
They were all stunned, looking at James with different eyes.
James coughed twice, pressing down with both hands, releasing an invisible aura that made them quiet down.
"So you need to reshape your understanding of martial arts to get on the right track and break through faster," James said.
For the next half day, James didn't teach them any techniques but explained the meaning of martial arts, giving them a correct and clear understanding.
"James is next-level when it comes to martial arts. I can't even wrap my head around how he got there—and he's not even thirty yet." In the office, a group of top brass watched James on the training field, one of them shaking his head in awe.
They were all seasoned fighters themselves, so they could easily pick up on every word James was saying.
"This guy's a straight-up prodigy. Thank God James is on our side. If he got lured by foreign powers, it'd be a total nightmare."
"No kidding. At his age, already this good? Imagine where he'll be in a few years."
Rolf tore his eyes away from James and chimed in, "James isn't going anywhere. I've never even worried about that. He's got principles, and he knows where he stands—he's an American through and through."
The others nodded in agreement.
Truth is, James hadn't been with them long, but he'd been all in. The way he carried himself made it clear he wasn't the type to flip sides.
"Think Clio's got a thing for James. Should we play matchmaker?" one of the top brass threw out there.
Rolf shot it down right away. "James is already taken. That's a no-go. Plus, the guy's sharp. If we meddle, he'll catch on and it'll backfire."
After a beat, another official chimed in, "I heard Sidney, the former Army King, is also a top-tier fourth-stage martial artist. How's he stack up against James?"
Shortly after, someone came in to report, "Minister, Army King Sidney is here to visit."
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