Chapter 62: Traits and Armament
"How can I get faster?"
"By directly allocating points, of course."
Chen Fan had initially dismissed spending experience points on basic martial arts as cost-ineffective. Using the same experience to improve advanced techniques would yield far greater attribute gains.
But this only applied to high-level basic skills. From level one to two or two to three, the higher the level, the worse the experience-to-results ratio.
The zero-to-one transition was different.
Not only did it consume minimal experience, but the difficulty spike made manual progression challenging. Here, spending experience became remarkably efficient.
"I should've realized this sooner," Chen Fan muttered, regret coloring his tone.
Still, there were silver linings - Uncle Zhang's group had witnessed his dedication firsthand.
"Looks like I'll master Basic Spear Technique today... maybe even Basic Blade Technique too."
A smile crept across his face as he mentally allocated one experience point to [Basic Spear Technique].
The skill's proficiency rocketed to nearly 70%.
"Just as I thought."
Without prior practice, reaching Level 1 would've required three full experience points.
"What traits will unlock now?"
He invested another point.
Warmth flooded his body, alleviating fatigue - though the effect remained subtle.
"My physique strengthened. Increased power too. Body feels lighter... Three traits at once?"
His eyes widened at the status screen:
[Basic Spear Technique: Lv1 (3.5%), Traits: Robust Physique Lv1, Brute Strength Lv1, Lightning Reflexes Lv1, Armsmaster Lv1]
Four traits!
Chen Fan inhaled sharply. The first three were familiar - +1 to Constitution, Strength, and Agility per skill level. Standard for basic martial arts.
But Armsmaster?
[Armsmaster: Each skill level increases parry chance by 30% when wielding polearms]
"Parrying..."
In cold weapon combat, successful parries meant survival. Failed ones ranged from injury to instant death. Base parry chance depended on physical disparities between combatants - ever-changing variables. This trait stacked atop that foundation.
"The description specifies 'polearms'... not just spears?"
Chen Fan's pulse quickened. Could high-level versions theoretically deflect bullets?
"What's got you spacing out?"
Uncle Zhang's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Just reviewing my progress," Chen Fan replied, spear resting against his shoulder.
"Show me."
Chen Fan launched into his drills. Though lacking fluidity, each stance executed textbook precision.
"Absolute monster," Uncle Zhang thought, maintaining his stoic facade. He'd prepared for talent, but reality outstripped expectations.
"Well?" Chen Fan asked, concluding his demonstration.
"Passable." The veteran sniffed. "Still centuries from learning Eight Extremes Spear."
Undeterred, Chen Fan grinned. "Uncle Zhang, I've thought of faster improvement method."
The older man's eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me... sparring?"
Chen Fan nodded eagerly. Solo practice yielded half the proficiency gains. Experience points felt wasteful when Level 2 granted +3 attributes plus immediate Armsmaster benefits.
Uncle Zhang's lips curled. It'd been ages since proper combat...
"Fine."
The surreal scene unfolded in the training yard - master and novice facing off with blunted spears, encircled by spectators.
"Brother Fan's insane!" Wang Ping blurted. "Just started learning and already challenging Uncle Zhang?"
"We haven't even mastered basic thrusts!"
"No way he lasts three exchanges."
Chen Guodong's group observed silently.
"Land a hit and you win," Uncle Zhang declared, planting his feet. "Begin."
Chen Fan's muscles coiled. Thrust!
Clang
The veteran's casual deflection sent vibrations through both weapons. "That all?"
Chen Fan calmly retrieved his spear, stealing glances at his interface:
[Basic Spear Technique: Lv2 (3.6%)]
0.1% gain per strike? Three strikes meant...
He sidestepped, circling his immobile opponent.
"Uncle's not even turning? Isn't that disadvantageous?" a youth worried.
Zhao Feng snorted. "Means he doesn't view Chen Fan as threat."
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Three rapid thrusts. Three deflections.
Proficiency jumped 0.5%. Combat truly was the best teacher.
"Full of openings," Uncle Zhang mentally critiqued. Any real battle would've ended Chen Fan instantly. Still, impressive for a beginner.
The clangor continued - three strikes became four, then five. Proficiency climbed from 4.5% to 6%...
After an hour, the counter hit 99.5%.
Then 100%.
Heat suffused Chen Fan's body as text flashed:
[Basic Spear Technique Level Up!]
(End of Chapter)
