Chapter 124: An Inhuman Lesson

Sanda, also known as hand-to-hand combat, is a fighting competition evolved from ancient battlefields and life-or-death arenas that has become quite popular in recent years.

Sanda is pure, unarmed combat, incorporating techniques and fighting styles from many martial arts traditions. Furthermore, only insiders know that Sanda also integrates elements of yoga originating from India.

At first glance, the two are vastly different forms of exercise, yet they share a common goal: the flexible application of every part of the body. Yoga makes the body exceptionally supple, and when integrated into Sanda, it allows athletes to nimbly and cleverly evade powerful attacks.

Within the entire Pepsi team, Zhao Xue is the only one who truly understands Sanda. When the club was first established, she knocked down three strong male team members in succession, earning everyone’s respect and revealing the connection between yoga and Sanda.

The club had even organized mandatory Sanda classes with Zhao Xue for all members. Almost every student was subjected to inhuman torture by this beautiful coach, experiencing such intense pain they felt as if they were dying. Yet, they later discovered that her training program was meticulously designed; it was just right, causing no actual harm while making their bodies significantly more flexible than before.

However, despite the benefits, whenever Captain Zhao’s Sanda class was mentioned, everyone remained fearful. It was as if they were terrified of the mere mention of her name.

Who is Li Xin? He is Pepsi’s new hero, viewed by everyone as omnipotent. Perhaps watching him make a fool of himself was the only entertainment he could provide them. Note that this was not out of jealousy or ridicule, but a special way of expressing their fondness for him and bridging the distance between them.

After about five minutes of warm-ups, Li Xin’s Sanda lesson officially began.

"Hey, what do you think the first exercise will be?"
"Need you ask? It’s the usual suspects: backbends, leg presses, and splits."
"Heh, definitely. Captain Zhao loves that kind of inhuman torture," a male team member smirked.
"Wang Kai, you are so sleazy," the female team members immediately retorted with disdain, causing Wang Kai to shrink his neck in embarrassment.
"Do you think Li Xin’s physique can handle it? I have a feeling he’s about to suffer."
"I think so too..."

Clearly, the Pepsi members held no hope for Li Xin. Several of them who had studied dance in their youth had barely managed to survive these exercises. Could Li Xin, with his slightly chubby build, really endure it? He might not even be able to complete a single move.

"Chest out, head up, stomach in, deep breaths!"

Zhao Xue’s voice was sharp and commanding, much like a drill instructor at a military training camp. Li Xin was cooperative, standing tall with a serious expression, looking just like a diligent student who respects his teacher. Their rapport had the Pepsi team either chuckling or laughing out loud. Neither of them minded; they treated it as a bit of post-tournament relaxation. Life, after all, is only vibrant when it is lively.

"Li Xin, 20 shallow squats, 20 deep squats, and finally 20 sit-ups. Any problems?"
"None."
"Good, begin. Everyone, count for him."

A thunderous chorus of groans erupted from the sidelines. This was Zhao Xue’s signature tactic; after a continuous sequence of movements, just when you were exhausted, she would force you into backbends. Attempting a backbend while fatigued makes you feel as though your body is being hollowed out, as if it no longer belongs to you.

"One, two, three..." The counting began.

Li Xin didn't hesitate. He did as he was told; these warm-up exercises were not particularly difficult for him. Zhao Xue’s gestures weren't fast, and the team’s counting was steady; Li Xin felt the pace was just right. As he reached the deep squats, each rise and fall accompanied by a deep breath left him feeling indescribably light. It felt as if countless tiny fish were swimming through his body, occasionally nibbling at his flesh—a sensation both itchy and refreshing.

Soon, the warm-up was finished. Just as everyone had expected, Li Xin was drenched in sweat. His casual sportswear was soaked through at the back, clinging to his skin in a very uncomfortable way.

"Reporting to Teacher Zhao, I have completed all the exercises. Please provide instructions."

Li Xin’s earnest report made everyone roar with laughter. Even Zhao Xue couldn't help but smile, momentarily stunned.

"Li Xin, do you want a break?" Li Gang asked, deliberately raising his voice. "The brothers have prepared top-tier drinks for you, and the girls over there are ready to give you a massage."
"Brother Li Xin, we’d be delighted to!" the female team members chimed in, showing off their charms.
"Li Xin, don't suffer just to save face; you’ve got it coming soon," someone kindly warned.

Li Xin had an inkling of what was to come, but he couldn't let Zhao Xue underestimate him.

"Thanks for your kindness, everyone, but I can keep going."

Everyone shook their heads with bitter smiles, stopping their attempts to persuade him, thinking to themselves that he was in for a rough time.

Sure enough, Zhao Xue stepped forward, looking at Li Xin sternly: "Next, prepare for backbends."

"Back... backbends..." Li Xin was momentarily stunned. So it really was a combination of the two.

The Pepsi members burst into uncontrollable laughter, some even tearing up. This great master Li Xin was truly adorably naive, voluntarily delivering himself as a lamb into the hands of the beautiful Zhao.

"Yes, backbends," Zhao Xue smiled.
"Isn't this too fast? I haven't even touched yoga before, and we're starting right off with this?" Li Xin frowned.
"What, are you afraid? If you’re afraid, you can choose to give up," Zhao Xue teased.

"Afraid?" Li Xin gave a wry smile. "Of course not. It’s not like it’ll kill me, and I can't let you look down on me."
"Then come on."
"Fine, let’s go."

Zhao Xue was somewhat surprised; she found it hard to connect this humorous, goofy guy with the calm, quiet, and stoic king on the competition floor. With so many professional team members present, she doubted anyone would believe it.

"Hmph, don't come begging for mercy later," Zhao Xue huffed, secretly plotting to get back at him for the embarrassment of last night. Otherwise, every time she stood in front of Li Xin, she couldn't help but think of what happened yesterday. How mortifying!

Under Zhao Xue’s guidance, Li Xin began preparing for the backbend—not a backward arch, but a forward bend to touch the floor with his hands.

90 degrees.
70 degrees.
60 degrees.

A normal person can compress the angle between their upper body and legs to between 40 and 60 degrees. Beyond that, it depends on individual physical condition. Those with better flexibility can touch the ground with their hands, further compressing the angle; those with less can only reach the ground with their fingertips.

At 60 degrees, Li Xin’s posture appeared to be reaching its limit. After all, he was slightly overweight, and his stomach was almost pressing against his thighs. Sweat began to bead and drip from his forehead.

"You can give up if you can't do it," Zhao Xue whispered, though it sounded more like a provocation.
"Li Xin, don't force it. It’s very difficult."

Li Xin took a deep breath and slowly shook his head; he could keep going. With the "King of Games" skill enhancement, he should theoretically be able to complete any move. But looking at it now, his body was still a bit stiff.

"It seems I really need to increase my training in the future so I can master all the moves sooner," Li Xin muttered to himself, continuing to push downward with effort.