Chapter Eight: The Path to Breakthrough

Fang Xing stood on the training ground, sweat dripping down his forehead, his gaze locked onto the virtual panel in front of him. Every detail was sharp and clear, almost suffocating in its precision.

**[Name: Fang Xing]**

**[Age: 16]**

**[Occupation: Martial Artist]**

**[First Stage: Skin and Flesh (Refined Skin: 33/100)]**

**[Military Boxing, Twelve Forms: 75/100 (Beginner)]**

**[Great Dragon Stance: 80/100 (Beginner)]**

**[Heavenly Gate: 39/100 (Locating)]**

"Military Boxing, Twelve Forms still remains at the beginner level..." Fang Xing muttered to himself, focusing his gaze on the icon of the Military Boxing. The detailed information bar expanded before his eyes.

**[Bow-Step Cannon Punch: 1/100 (Skilled)]**

**[Half-Step Beng Quan: 77/100 (Beginner)]**

**[Block and Horizontal Punch: 81/100 (Beginner)]**

**[Battle Axe Kick: 55/100 (Beginner)]**

**[Double Snake Kick: 67/100 (Beginner)]**

The breakdown of skills made him feel both familiar and slightly satisfied, especially with the progress in his Bow-Step Cannon Punch. "Teacher Xia Long always said, 'A well-delivered cannon punch is priceless.' Finally, my Bow-Step Cannon Punch has reached a decent level."

At that moment, the door to the training hall opened, and a tall figure walked in—it was Xia Long. Fang Xing immediately stood upright, waiting for his teacher's instructions.

"Fang Xing, come to my office," Xia Long's voice was calm but carried a commanding authority that couldn't be refused.

Fang Xing nodded and followed, feeling a bit uneasy. Upon entering the office, the sight of the polished mahogany desk, fine porcelain tea set, and the kettle steaming gently on a small stove greeted him, filling the room with a serene atmosphere.

"Have a seat. Tea?" Xia Long's movements were smooth as he prepared the tea. Despite his rugged appearance, his actions were meticulous and elegant.

Fang Xing was a bit surprised; he hadn't expected such sophistication from a martial arts instructor. He sat down cautiously, accepting the tea respectfully.

"Surprised?" Xia Long smiled as he looked at Fang Xing. "Mastering a trace of intent requires a fluid state of mind. For me, making tea is a process of cultivating that mindset." He took a light sip of the tea and continued, "Intent can be anything—wind, rain, thunder, lightning, or even making tea. Ultimately, it's the power of the heart."

Fang Xing nodded, though he didn't fully grasp the profound meaning behind his teacher's words, but he felt a new sense of direction stirring within him.

"But all of this is still far off for you," Xia Long waved his hand dismissively. "I called you here today because your recent performance has been quite impressive." He reached into his desk and pulled out a small box, handing it to Fang Xing.

Fang Xing accepted the box carefully, and when he opened it, he found rows of neatly arranged vials containing a sparkling blue liquid. His eyes widened in shock. "D3-grade nutrient solution?"

This was an expensive martial artist training supplement, known for its significant enhancement effects on lower-level martial artists. Fang Xing's heartbeat quickened; this box could easily be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

"Teacher, this is too valuable..." Fang Xing said softly.

"It's nothing to me. Barely a drop in the bucket," Xia Long waved it off. "I just want to see you reach your full potential. The stronger you become, the better my performance reviews and bonuses will be. It's a win-win."

"Thank you, Teacher." Fang Xing bowed deeply, overwhelmed with gratitude.

"Work hard. I expect great things from you in the end-of-term exams." Xia Long smiled, adding, "Compared to those ordinary students, your resources and conditions are still lacking. The nutrient solution is just the beginning."

Fang Xing nodded, silently vowing to live up to his teacher's expectations.

Back home, Fang Xing reined in his excitement. After a quick dinner, he headed straight for his training room. He carefully read the instructions on the nutrient solution, paying close attention to the precautions before opening a vial and pouring 20 milliliters of the blue liquid into a measuring cup.

"Bottoms up!" he exclaimed, downing the solution in one gulp. A cool sensation spread through his body immediately, followed by a warm current that radiated from his stomach, filling his entire being with a strong sense of fullness and comfort.

"This stuff is amazing!" Fang Xing marveled as he quickly assumed the Great Dragon Stance and began his training. He felt his limbs and bones enveloped in the warmth, as if his body had been infused with endless energy.

As time passed, he gradually lost track of everything around him, fully immersing himself in the rhythm of his training.

…

Three hours later, Fang Xing suddenly opened his eyes and found himself sitting on the floor. He glanced at the clock on the wall and was shocked to realize that he had been holding the stance for a full three hours.

"Three hours?!" He was stunned. Based on his previous experience, his body would be exhausted after just one hour of the stance, but this time he had endured for three, with no sign of fatigue.

"Is this the effect of the D3-grade nutrient solution? Extending training time significantly." A smile crept onto Fang Xing's lips, filled with joy. This meant that he could achieve triple the training results in the same amount of time.

He quickly opened his status panel and checked the progress of his Great Dragon Stance.

**[Great Dragon Stance: 81/100 (Beginner)]**

"Just one session, and I've gained one point. It seems progress will be faster and faster from here on." Fang Xing felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.

…

The next day, during martial arts class at Yucai High School, Fang Xing stood in the center of the training field, assuming his stance. His blood and energy flowed smoothly through his body, and his movements exuded both power and grace.

"Everything feels different now," he thought to himself. Especially when executing the Bow-Step Cannon Punch, the flow of power was like a river—smooth, steady, and precise, as though his body had become a perfectly tuned machine.

"Good warm-up. Today's lesson is sparring!" Xia Long strode onto the field, his gaze sweeping across the students before settling on Fang Xing with a hint of appreciation in his eyes.

At that moment, a tall foreign student, Cole, raised his hand.

"Teacher, I would like to spar with Fang Xing." Cole's voice was cold, and his eyes carried a hint of hostility.

Xia Long raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "Fang Xing, what do you say?"

Fang Xing glanced at Cole, then calmly replied, "I follow the teacher's arrangement."

Xia Long nodded, grinning. "Good, then both of you, step forward and show us what you've got."

The atmosphere on the training ground instantly grew tense. The surrounding students quickly stepped back, clearing a space for the two fighters.