how do you get stronger

[doofus0510]

im so confused, i just play and it happens

[The Former]

That's basically it. Advancement in Chinese fiction is all about cultivation, and cultivation (in all but the xianxia sense) is all about doing things. Every action is a chance to learn, every person you meet a potential teacher.

To get stronger, advance your kung fu. You can do this by training under those with skills beyond yours or by using the techniques repeatedly, as well as by gaining kung fu insight through fights and sparring and then directly improving the technique in the character menu. Improving your skill level with techniques will boost their damage output and such and will eventually open up mnemonics.

To use mnemonics, find a lot (or keep working for lots if one doesn't exist) with an Enlightenment Stone. There you can turn insights into these stones. Specific move insights come from looting or trading with others, or through meditation (slowly), or you can play random chance with kung fu insight, but I recommend saving that for quickly improving your kung fu. Mnemonics are the things that can change even a fundamental technique into a powerhouse.

With stronger techniques, you can seek greater rewards, and that means better gear. Gear is a great way to boost your core stats, particularly vigor. Also be on the lookout for certain pills that serve as stat-boosters, internal kung fu that expands chi reserves, etc. All these are ways to get stronger.

Or you can just open a tavern if you prefer! The art of wine is also worth cultivating.