Chapter 39: Breakthrough! Second Layer of Tempered Body
At first glance, the experience cost seemed steep - 20 points. The entry-level requirement was several times higher than basic martial arts. Yet its cost-effectiveness proved far superior.
Take [Tai Chi Form] for example: advancing from level 2 to 3 consumed 16 experience points for mere 2 constitution and 1 strength points - 3 attributes total. That worked out to about 5 experience per attribute point.
In contrast, Tai Chi Quan's 20-point investment yielded 11 attribute points - less than 2 experience per point. The math spoke for itself.
"So basic martial arts have much lower ceilings than these advanced techniques?" Chen Fan mused, mentally labeling them "advanced martial arts" despite not knowing the official terminology. His gaze drifted to his remaining 16 experience points.
He regretted pushing Tai Chi Form to level 3 now. Those saved points could've boosted Tai Chi Quan instead. But circumstances had forced his hand.
Shaking his head, he refocused on Tai Chi Quan. Though his remaining 17 experience clearly couldn't level it up, he needed to gauge the next tier's requirements.
He allocated a single point tentatively.
The skill's progress bar grudgingly twitched upward before freezing.
"2%."
Chen Fan exhaled in relief. At this rate, 50 total experience would suffice - just 34 more points needed. Manageable in two or three hunts, maybe even one with good luck.
Leaving Tai Chi Quan for now, he checked his status panel. As suspected, his constitution had crossed 30 points. Time for another realm breakthrough.
Realm: Tempered Body First Layer
Level: 5 (0/16)
Constitution: 34.26
Strength: 23.36
Agility: 15.59
Spirit: 8.05
Potential Points: 20 (3/day)
Experience: 16
The glowing plus icon beside his realm confirmation didn't surprise him.
Breakthrough chance: 100%
"Still full success rate." Chen Fan's breath quickened. He'd worried other lagging attributes might lower the probability, but apparently meeting the constitution threshold sufficed.
No reason to delay. He committed.
The familiar shattering resonance echoed through his consciousness. Liquid fire surged through his meridians as bones crackled like popping joints. His senses sharpened noticeably - likely the spirit attribute enhancement heightening mental clarity.
When the storm subsided:
Realm: Tempered Body Second Layer
Constitution: 37.68
Strength: 25.69
Agility: 17.14
Spirit: 8.85
Potential Points: 20 (5/day)
A satisfied smile crept across Chen Fan's face. 38 constitution - just 3 points from the next threshold. His smile faltered at the growing disparity between constitution and strength, though 25 strength still comfortably exceeded the 20-point requirement for 100-pound bows.
Minutes later...
"What?!" Zhang Ren's shout startled the spear-practicing disciples.
"Focus on your drills!" The weapons master barked before turning back, hands trembling. "You're certain about the shattering sound? And physical enhancement?"
"Absolutely." Chen Fan nodded firmly. "Uncle Zhang, what's happening?"
A long exhale. "You've broken through, boy."
"Breakthrough? You mean I'm..." Chen Fan's voice shook. "A martial artist now?"
Chaos erupted among the eavesdropping disciples.
"A Tempered Body First Layer fighter? Like Uncle Wei?"
"But he went from 40 to 100 pounds in days!"
Zhang Ren's complex gaze held grudging admiration. Of course a talent who mastered Tai Chi Quan in three days would advance rapidly. Prodigies defied common logic.
Chen Fan's tentative question broke his reverie: "Does this mean I can use the 100-pound bow now?"
"Follow me." Zhang Ren led toward the armory, already dreading how soon the 200 and 300-pound bows might be claimed.
The weapons master handed over a sturdier bow humming with tension, then heavier arrows resembling miniature javelins - 90cm shafts supporting 5cm steel heads.
"Two-tael specialized arrows," he warned. "Don't overexert yourself."
Chen Fan hefted the war bow, already calculating: 200-meter effective range. Even mid-tier beasts like Ironclad Rhinos wouldn't be safe. This could rapidly advance his [Basic Archery] to level 6 - perhaps unlocking new traits.
The forest would soon learn to fear his shadow.
