Chapter 27: Quadruple Shot
After spending one experience point, the proficiency of [Tai Chi Style] increased by a quarter.
Chen Fan let out a sigh of relief.
Glancing at his remaining six experience points, he added three more in one go.
Instantly, vivid memories surfaced in his mind as if he’d practiced the technique for an entire month. Simultaneously, a stronger surge of warmth flooded his body, leaving him feeling as though he were soaking in a hot spring.
[Tai Chi Style: lv1 (0%), Trait: Robustness Level 1]
“A new trait?” Chen Fan’s eyes widened. The description suggested a constitution boost—perhaps an upgraded version of his previous health-enhancing trait?
[Robustness: Each level increases constitution by 2 points]
“Exactly!”
His guess was confirmed: higher-tier skills offered greater attribute bonuses. But his excitement faded as he realized the upgrade cost for [Tai Chi Style] was far steeper. In fact, investing the same experience in [Limitless Style] would yield slightly better returns.
Maybe there’s more to uncover here, he mused. Still, this wasn’t bad. Once he stockpiled enough experience, he’d upgrade both styles. Why choose when he could have both?
“Only two experience points left… Time to check my stats.”
Realm: None
Level: 3 (0/4)
Constitution: 17.78
Strength: 13.57
Agility: 9.47
Spirit: 6.05
Potential Points: 5 (1 point/day)
His constitution had jumped by 4 points—the largest gain—while strength and agility each rose by one. His spirit and realm remained unchanged.
He frowned. According to Uncle Zhang, reaching the first level of Body Tempering requires 100 kg of muscle strength. That means I need at least 20 strength points. Still a long way. Fortunately, his unused potential points offered hope.
“Focus on archery first. I’ll get [Basic Archery] to level 5 tonight.”
Chen Fan stared at the distant target, resolve hardening.
The training group, aware of Chen Fan’s pivotal role, threw themselves into supporting him. They hurled targets skyward with full force, ramping up the difficulty. While this accelerated proficiency gains, it also drained their stamina rapidly. Soon, they collapsed, gasping.
“Brother Fan, sorry—we need a breather,” Wang Ping panted. Most hadn’t eaten all day, and launching targets was grueling work.
“No problem.” Chen Fan waved dismissively. Two hours had only netted 20% proficiency. Can I finish the remaining 20%? And after hitting level 5, will human assistance even suffice? Maybe hunting’s the answer.
“Kid.” Zhang Ren, equally winded, approached. “Try rapid shooting.”
“Rapid shooting?”
“Fire as many arrows as possible in minimal time. Your accuracy on moving targets is solid, but speed is the next frontier. Two or three shots in seconds will push your limits.”
Chen Fan’s eyes lit up. Earlier, landing three rapid shots on an antelope had boosted his proficiency by 10%—4% more than standard hits. That’s the key!
“Uncle Zhang, I’ve got it!”
He nocked an arrow and struck the bullseye. The meager proficiency gain—less than 0.1%—confirmed static targets were obsolete.
“What’s he doing?” Zhao Feng whispered as Chen Fan stood motionless.
“Finding his rhythm,” Zhang Ren replied.
Whoosh!
An arrow struck true. Before the first even landed, Chen Fan’s hand blurred—drawing, nocking, releasing. Three more arrows followed in rapid succession, each hitting dead center.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
By the fourth shot, his heart hammered like a war drum, face flushed and veins throbbing. Yet he’d done it—four consecutive hits in under ten seconds.
The group gaped. Even the Wei brothers, famed for their hundred-pound draws, couldn’t match this speed.
[Basic Archery: lv4 (75.01%)]
5% gain! Chen Fan grinned. Moving targets would yield even more, but this was enough for now. His body burned as if doused in flames, lungs searing—yet the payoff was undeniable.
“Trying to kill yourself?” Zhang Ren handed him a water bowl, exasperated.
Chen Fan chuckled weakly. Not quite. One more body enhancement, and the strain would ease. Quadruple shots would soon feel effortless.
