Chapter nine: Breakthrough and Undercurrents

Bang! Fang Xing was slammed to the ground, his chest heaving violently, pain spreading throughout his body. His consciousness blurred for a moment, as if his entire being was about to shatter.

"Fang Xing lost?" The surrounding students were stunned, and the atmosphere froze instantly. The air was filled with disbelief and shock.

"He's supposed to be the best in our class, a natural-born genius."

"But didn't he say he hasn't fully mastered Cannon Punch?"

"Hmph, and you believe that? It's like when the top student says they didn't do well on the exam."

As murmurs spread, Liu Wei stepped forward, patting Fang Xing on the shoulder with a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Fang Xing, you actually beat Cole?"

Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, Fang Xing grinned. "Hard work pays off, I guess."

His tone was light, but his right hand still throbbed with pain. Cole's physical strength far surpassed his own. Winning this match had been more about a lucky strike than his true ability. He knew that deep down.

Bai Lianyi approached, her expression gentle as she said, "Fang Xing, you were amazing. Next time we spar, go easy on me, okay?"

Fang Xing smiled and replied, "Let's improve together."

---

After school, by the riverside dam.

Fang Xing and Liu Wei each held a bottle of soda. Fang Xing spoke up, "Honestly… I think Ouyang Qianqian suits you better."

Liu Wei took a big gulp of his drink, let out a loud burp, and laughed. "Me and Ouyang Qianqian? Forget it. She's a natural-born, and I'm just a bio-enhanced. The gap is too big."

He spoke casually, but his eyes darted away, avoiding Fang Xing's gaze. Then, changing the subject, he added, "But as for Bai Lianyi, we've been hanging out more because she recommended a pretty profitable side job."

Fang Xing raised an eyebrow. "So, you're still chasing your dreams?"

Liu Wei chuckled and sighed. "Yeah, I can't forget about my dreams."

The two sat in silence for a moment. Suddenly, Fang Xing asked, "I heard about a gig at Glory River Estate. Want in?"

Liu Wei's eyes widened, and he sat up straight. "Glory River Estate? Isn't that… where Gu Yun works?"

"Exactly." Fang Xing nodded, a meaningful smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He had chosen this job for Liu Wei's sake.

Liu Wei hesitated for a moment before biting his lip and slapping his thigh. "Fine! Let's go for it!"

---

At Glory River Estate, the training ground.

Gu Yun, her hair tied back in a ponytail, gripped a wooden sword, her expression brimming with confidence. She cast a sidelong glance at Liu Wei and said softly, "Today, I'll finally master the power of the Demon Blade."

Liu Wei tightened his grip on his wooden staff, standing cautiously to the side. "Just don't activate your gravity suit again. I don't want to get beaten into the ground like last time."

"Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake." Gu Yun's eyes glinted with excitement, as if she couldn't wait to begin.

With a sharp shout, her wooden sword slashed through the air, leaving a trail of shadows, swift and fierce. Three shadows struck toward Liu Wei's staff almost simultaneously.

Liu Wei barely had time to react before his staff vanished in an instant, and his body was sent flying, crashing hard to the ground.

Gu Yun smiled, her eyes gleaming with madness. "Kill!"

Her figure moved like a phantom, closing in on Liu Wei in the blink of an eye, the wooden sword aimed straight at his throat. Just as Liu Wei was about to be struck, Fang Xing rushed in, his staff blocking Gu Yun's sword.

Bang! The wooden sword and staff collided, and Fang Xing felt an immense force surge through him, causing him to stagger back. Gu Yun's strength was even greater than he had imagined.

'Has she already reached the second level?' Fang Xing's heart tightened as he swiftly activated his nano-suit, covering his entire body. Without its protection, he wouldn't dare face the deadly sword head-on.

A hint of crimson flickered in Gu Yun's eyes as her strikes grew sharper. She muttered under her breath, "Good, now I can finally fight at full strength."

Fang Xing wanted to call out to her, but Gu Yun's blade had already descended like a storm. He gritted his teeth, fully focused on defending, but each blow carried overwhelming pressure, making it hard for him to keep up.

---

Half an hour later.

A middle-aged man walked into the training ground, his eyes sweeping over the battered Fang Xing and Liu Wei before he smiled faintly. "Not bad, a good way to let off steam. But next time, don't use the nano-suits. It'll be better training without them."

His gaze lingered on Fang Xing's suit, and he added, "You're practicing the Twelve Forms of Military Boxing? But your movements are still a bit stiff."

Fang Xing nodded respectfully. "Please, give me guidance."

The man smiled and gestured. "Watch closely. The key to leg techniques is in the buildup and release of power."

Suddenly, he kicked out, the air seeming to rip apart in an instant. A gust of wind swept past, and a distant wooden post shattered with a sharp crack.

Liu Wei stared, dumbfounded, muttering, "This… this is real professional power."

Fang Xing was equally stunned, his understanding of the man's strength reaching a new level. At the same time, he made up his mind to seize this opportunity to improve himself.

---

In the following days, Fang Xing's life returned to its routine. He practiced the Great Dragon Stance and Military Boxing daily, occasionally working side jobs with Liu Wei to make ends meet. Though life was dull, it was fulfilling.

One day, he arrived at the training room in Happy Garden, downed a bottle of nutrient fluid, and began his Great Dragon Stance training. After three hours, his blood and energy suddenly surged, as if he had broken through some barrier.

Roar—

It felt as if a dragon's roar erupted from within him. Fang Xing opened his eyes, filled with joy. He had finally broken through!

[Great Dragon Stance: 1/100 (Proficient)]

Sensing the newfound power flowing through his body, hope ignited in Fang Xing's heart. His path of cultivation had just begun, and the challenges ahead seemed to be quietly approaching.