The rain passed and the sky cleared, the dark clouds scattering.
The curtain of drizzling rain had vanished completely. The sky was as clear as if it had been washed, and the air between heaven and earth felt exceptionally fresh.
Oblivious to the world outside, Lu Chao simply stood his ground. He was like a reef just weathered by a storm, standing silently with his eyes closed, sensing the changes within his body.
The searing, warm current within him gradually subsided, and the white, misty sweat that had been emerging from his pores rapidly dissipated.
Finally.
When it was all over and the dust had settled.
He opened his eyes, and a sharp glint flashed through them.
[Life Energy: 19→20!]
"I finally did it."
His eyes bright, he knew he had finally reached the Fighting Level.
An unprecedented power filled his muscles and sinews. By common convention, his punching power had now crossed the two-hundred-kilogram threshold, and his explosive speed was at least ten meters per second.
But that wasn't even the greatest reward.
According to the [Life Energy Development Theory], breaking through the 20-point Life Energy barrier triggers a minor qualitative transformation in an individual.
Aside from a significant boost to strength and speed, attributes like constitution, endurance, and recovery would all see a certain degree of enhancement.
And most importantly...
'Power.'
Lu Chao's gaze sharpened as he focused his mind, subtly sensing the changes within himself.
A warm energy, like a gentle stream, was slowly circulating through his muscles and meridians.
This was identical to the Martial Arts Power Master Luo had mentioned during his lessons. It was a special force of nearly the same quality as other sources, such as Life Energy or the Genetic Spring.
What was once just a faint wisp had now grown several times stronger, like a babbling brook.
When a thought crossed his mind, he subconsciously adjusted his breathing according to the tenets of the Golden Stone Fighting Skill.
HUMMM!!
His body trembled as he looked down at his hands.
The skin of his palms was gradually changing color, from a healthy, rosy complexion to a pale, grayish-white, giving off a feeling of rock-like toughness.
Just as he was about to investigate further, he heard footsteps, and two figures appeared before him.
"Junior Brother Lu, congratulations."
Zheng Wu approached with Li Dong and came to a stop.
He cupped his fists in a solemn gesture, a heartfelt smile on his face. He knew very well that the junior brother before him had finally been rewarded for all his hard work.
His junior brother would no longer have to leave the hall.
And he himself had truly gained a reliable junior brother.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Zheng, Junior Brother Li."
Smiling and nodding, Lu Chao returned the cupped-fist gesture, feeling a wave of emotion.
Though he had kept a calm expression these past few weeks, he had actually been under immense pressure.
Fortunately, it had all worked out. He had no more worries.
Then, amid the lighthearted chatter, many of the other disciples in the training hall gathered around, their faces wreathed in smiles as they offered him their congratulations.
Ignoring their previous attitudes, Lu Chao responded to each of them in turn, either with a cupped-fist salute or a nod.
"Senior Brother Zheng, what exactly is the secret behind this Rock Hide?"
As the crowd dispersed, Lu Chao seized the opportunity to look at Zheng Wu and ask for guidance.
Master Luo had only taught the first level of the Fighting Skill, which culminated in Rock Hide, so Lu Chao didn't understand its mysteries.
"Rock Hide is a Martial Arts technique you acquire after your Life Energy undergoes a qualitative transformation."
Zheng Wu replied with a smile, slowly raising his right palm.
His thick palm could be seen changing color, gradually turning a deep, grayish-white, like granite.
Lu Chao looked closer and saw that the color was deeper than his own, and the texture of the skin appeared rougher and harder.
"It allows us to begin mobilizing our Martial Arts Power, temporarily concentrating it in specific parts of the body."
"Different Fighting Skills yield different effects. Some Martial Arts schools focus on the legs to greatly increase speed, while others focus on the entire body to improve reflexes."
Zheng Wu explained methodically, his voice calm, before glancing down at his own palm.
"Our Golden Stone Fighting Skill focuses more on defense and physique, so the primary effect of Rock Hide is to dramatically increase the hardness and toughness of the skin on our hands."
As he spoke, he flicked a finger against a nearby iron post.
CLANG!
A crisp, metallic clang rang out.
"With this, you can even briefly block a blade."
Zheng Wu held up his hand, showing that his grayish-white finger was completely unharmed.
"However..."
He paused before adding a reminder, "If the enemy wielding the blade is also a fighter, however, then it's a different matter entirely."
'So that's how it is.'
Lu Chao understood what he meant.
In other words, by consuming Martial Arts Power, one could dramatically boost the defense of their hands, making them temporarily comparable to certain melee weapons.
"Only the palms?"
"No. If your Martial Arts Power is profound enough, you can extend it to your arms."
Zheng Wu shook his head. "But the cost is too high. You'd need to be at least professional-grade to barely manage it."
"Oh, right."
At this point, his tone shifted, and he said seriously, "Junior Brother Lu, now that you've broken through, according to the rules, it's time for you to come with me to see Master."
Lu Chao nodded in agreement.
Breaking through to the Fighting Level was good news, and Master Luo naturally needed to be informed.
Besides, only by reaching the Fighting Level could one be considered truly established at the hall, entitled to privileges like having Master Luo teach the subsequent levels of the Fighting Skill for free.
TAP TAP!
The two of them immediately set off, crossing the training grounds and heading for the back door.
The other disciples watched them with envy. Through the windows, the many regular students had even more complex expressions, their faces full of longing.
"The Fighting Level..."
...
A few minutes later, Lu Chao followed Zheng Wu into the backyard.
The concrete ground was wet with puddles left by the rain, and the mixed aroma of damp earth and fragrant flowers drifted to his nose.
He looked up.
He saw a field of blooming flowers and green grass, with dewdrops falling from the branches and leaves. It was completely different from the stark, severe image he had imagined.
This was the first time he had ever been here.
A low, concrete hut stood at the far end of his vision, surrounded by meticulously tended flowerbeds planted with all sorts of flowers and plants.
A trellis made of bamboo poles arched over the path, forming a corridor. Grapevines and gourds intertwined on it, with tender young fruits hanging amidst the dense green leaves.
"Master likes to plant flowers and grow vegetables in his spare time."
"Junior Brother Lu, you'll get used to it after you've been here a few more times."
Zheng Wu said with a laugh, patting him on the shoulder to tell him not to be so nervous.
Lu Chao snapped back to reality and nodded. He followed Zheng Wu through the trellis corridor and arrived in front of the concrete building.
"Master."
Zheng Wu called out. Luo Qianshan was lying on a brown wooden deck chair by the door.
A light-colored, thin blanket was draped over him. His short hair was gray, and his aged face was wrinkled and stubbled.
Hearing the voice, he opened his eyes and sat up to look at them.
"I already know."
Signaling for Zheng Wu to be quiet, Luo Qianshan turned to Lu Chao. He clasped his hands behind his back and paced back and forth for a moment.
"Wu has always admired your tenacity."
"Looking at it now, perhaps that tenacity is your true talent. It's only fitting that you broke through to this realm."
Nodding lightly, a flicker of approval showed in his eyes.
Lu Chao humbly offered his thanks, only to see the master give a slight wave of his hand.
"What are your plans for the future?"
"If you're willing to stay, you'll be a core disciple of the hall starting today. You can come and train whenever you like..."
Luo Qianshan took the opportunity to ask about his future plans. Lu Chao didn't hesitate; he had already made his decision.
"It is only thanks to the guidance of Master Luo and Senior Brother Zheng that I was fortunate enough to break through."
"I am grateful for the hall's nurturing and will naturally stay to continue my training under you, Master."
He spoke humbly, his tone sincere.
There was a ready-made training ground here, not to mention a professional-grade expert like Zheng Wu to spar with and a powerhouse like Master Luo to offer guidance free of charge.
If he were to leave, finding another training ground like this would undoubtedly come at a great cost, an unnecessary expense.
Besides, he had finally established himself and earned trust at the Jinshi Boxing Hall.
This was a hundred times better than leaving only to join another martial arts hall later.
"Good."
Master Luo nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. Beside him, Zheng Wu was also beaming, his gaze toward Lu Chao filled with even greater relief and approval.
Then, during their conversation.
Master Luo personally imparted the knowledge of the Second Level of the Fighting Skill, giving him a rare, private lesson.
Only when it was all over did Lu Chao follow Zheng Wu out of the backyard.
"The Second Level has eight moves in total. Once you've mastered them, you can achieve 'Bronze Flesh' and reach the professional grade."
"Junior Brother Lu, if there's anything you don't understand in the future, feel free to ask me anytime."
On their way out, Zheng Wu spoke up again, patiently offering his help.
Lu Chao took note of this kindness and nodded softly.
Just as they were about to re-enter the training hall.
Zheng Wu paused, thought for a moment, then stopped and quietly reminded him of something.
"Junior Brother Lu, training at the Fighting Level is different. The cost of the nutritional resources you'll need is considerable."
He looked Lu Chao in the eye and asked seriously, "Have you thought about which company you'll work for?"