Chapter 63: You're Now Worthy of Me Drawing My Spear
【Basic Spear Technique: Lv2 (0%), Traits: Body Strengthening Lv2, Power Lv2, Agility Lv2, Arms Mastery Lv2】
Chen Fan took a deep breath and gripped his spear tightly with both hands.
An unprecedented familiarity surged through him, as if he'd practiced these basic moves a hundred thousand times over.
"Swish!"
His spear suddenly shot forth like a viper's tongue, three-tenths faster than before.
"What?!"
Zhang Ren—momentarily distracted—snapped back to attention, hastily withdrawing his spear to block the aggressive thrust.
"Crack!"
The crisp clang echoed across the training grounds, noticeably louder than previous exchanges.
Chen Fan pressed forward, unleashing another flurry of thrusts.
This time, Zhang Ren blocked them all with ease, his expression growing increasingly unsettled.
No... something's wrong!
These strikes are significantly faster!
The spear earns its title as "Thief of All Weapons" through sheer speed. Had this brat improved again within a single hour?
【Basic Spear Technique: Lv2 (0.3%)】
Oblivious to Zhang Ren's thoughts, Chen Fan glanced at his skill interface during a brief respite. The proficiency gain had slowed again, but leveling up within an hour satisfied him.
"Uncle Zhang." Chen Fan lowered his spear gratefully. "It's getting late. Should we stop here?"
During archery training, Zhang Ren had been his sparring partner. Now with spears, the older man's role remained unchanged. While Chen Fan enjoyed his system-granted progress metrics, he knew this repetitive drilling bored Zhang Ren to tears.
"Tired?" Zhang Ren retracted his weapon.
"A bit." Chen Fan smiled. After three hours of practice, denying fatigue would be absurd. His growling stomach didn't help either.
"A bit?" Zhang Ren's brow furrowed. "Meaning you can continue?"
"Huh?" Chen Fan stared in surprise.
"Don't fuss over me." Zhang Ren waved dismissively at the surrounding crowd. "Everyone else—dismissed."
Wang Ping and others brightened immediately. Even Liu Yong and Gao Yang sighed in relief. Finally, freedom.
Yet when their eyes fell on Chen Fan, their smiles dimmed.
"Xiao Fan, I'm heading back first." Chen Guodong patted his son's shoulder. "Don't overdo it."
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll be careful."
As the crowd dispersed, Zhang Ren beckoned. "Those last thrusts showed proper intent. Maintain that."
"Understood." Chen Fan's eyes blazed with determination.
Though his body screamed for rest—continued practice with waning strength would yield diminishing returns—he couldn't refuse this opportunity.
"Uncle Zhang, I need to relieve myself first."
"...Go."
Chuckling internally, Chen Fan retreated to a secluded area. His real concern wasn't bodily functions but concealing the physical changes from his body enhancement.
Focusing inward, he activated his system.
Heat erupted from his heart, flooding every limb. Within two seconds, he stood revitalized—no, enhanced beyond his previous peak.
Realm: Tempered Body Third Layer
Level: 8 (0/100)
Constitution: 58.67
Strength: 41.11
Agility: 27.28
Spirit: 12.97
Potential Points: 38 (7/day)
Experience: 160
"Finally 40 Strength." Chen Fan nodded approvingly. "I can wield 200-jin bows now."
His three main attributes averaged 42 points—three shy of the next breakthrough threshold. After skimming other stats, he returned.
"Ready?" Zhang Ren's eyes narrowed. The boy seemed... sharper.
"Yes. Let's continue." Chen Fan rubbed his palms. With no hunt tomorrow, he could practice till dawn.
"Try to touch me while I defend." Zhang Ren smirked. "Any reward expectations?"
"Reward?"
"Just curious."
Too late, Chen Fan recognized his mistake.
"Your reward?" Zhang Ren's smile turned dangerous. "I'll fight seriously."
Chen Fan nearly protested before realizing the advantage—such sparring would skyrocket his proficiency gains. Current limitations be damned.
"Then I'll strive to earn that reward soon!"
Clang!
Their spears collided anew. Chen Fan unleashed over a dozen thrusts, paused briefly, then resumed his assault—a relentless river of strikes.
Zhang Ren's eyes glittered with rare excitement. While still far from threatening him, the boy's aggressive spirit pleased him. This was how spearmen should fight! He yearned for the day they'd cross weapons as equals.
Chen Fan watched his proficiency bar leap—1% per dozen thrusts compared to 0.3% for six strikes at level 2. The immediate feedback fueled his fervor until he entered total immersion.
Warmth flooded his veins, jolting him awake.
【Basic Spear Technique: Lv3 (0%), Traits: Body Strengthening Lv3, Power Lv3, Agility Lv3, Arms Mastery Lv3】
The spear became an extension of his body.
"Fssht!"
His thrust left an afterimage.
"Impressive!" Zhang Ren barely intercepted it, recalling their first session.
Chen Fan's subsequent barrage resembled storm winds—twenty-plus strikes accelerating relentlessly. The clanging crescendoed like firecrackers until he collapsed panting after thirty-three attempts.
Even a hundred more would've failed.
"Boy." Zhang Ren's voice carried newfound gravity. "I acknowledge you're now worthy of my spear."
(Chapter End)
