Chapter 64: This Kid's Blocking Skills Are Ridiculous
Hearing this, Chen Fan was startled and opened his mouth. "Uncle Zhang, are you saying you'll start attacking now?"
"Correct."
Zhang Ren nodded slightly.
"Your progress exceeds my expectations. If I keep purely defending like this, it'll only be a matter of time before you land a spear thrust on me."
Chen Fan grinned. Was this some form of backhanded compliment?
"Don't celebrate too early."
Zhang Ren immediately saw through his smugness. "The best defense is offense. When your attacks can suppress opponents until they're forced into constant defense, that's worthy of pride. But clearly, you're not there yet."
"I know."
Chen Fan sighed helplessly.
This was exactly Uncle Zhang's character.
"Rest first. Let me warn you - things won't be this relaxed afterward." Zhang Ren said calmly, though internally he was reeling.
What kind of monster was this kid? He himself had needed two or three years to reach this level, yet this boy achieved it in mere hours? Had he not witnessed the transformation firsthand, he'd never have believed it.
"Given sufficient time to grow, his potential would be limitless," he marveled inwardly.
After brief rest, the two faced each other again.
"Before we continue, answer me one thing."
"Of course, Uncle Zhang." Chen Fan nodded.
"Are you currently at Body Tempering First Layer?"
Chen Fan's expression shifted. Damn - he'd been too focused earlier, unleashing full power without restraint.
Zhang Ren's eyes revealed confirmation. "If my estimation holds, your current strength reaches Body Tempering Third Layer. Therefore, I'll oppose you using First Layer strength."
As he spoke, his gaze regained composure. Had Chen Fan broken through again after his last advancement? Or had he hidden his true level from the start? The distinction mattered little - strength was what truly counted.
"B-body Tempering First Layer?"
Chen Fan blinked. He'd expected Zhang Ren to say Third Layer strength. Then he realized - if Uncle Zhang employed Third Layer power combined with his experience, he'd be utterly dominated.
"Understood, Uncle Zhang."
He nervously licked his lips.
"Begin!"
The moment Zhang Ren spoke, his spear quivered as his entire aura transformed.
Swish!
"So fast!"
Chen Fan's eyes widened as he hastily parried.
Crack!
The crisp collision echoed.
Zhang Ren secretly shook his head. Still lacking experience.
In the next instant, his forward hand lifted slightly while the rear pressed down, spearpoint darting like a sea dragon towards Chen Fan's chest.
Crack!
Another clear impact sounded.
"What?!"
Zhang Ren's eyes bulged in disbelief.
Chen Fan's earlier stance had shown over a dozen flaws. He'd chosen one at random... yet the boy had blocked it?
Unbeknownst to him, Chen Fan was equally shocked.
He'd thought himself doomed, yet his body reacted faster than his mind.
"Focus!"
Zhang Ren's warning came as his spear trembled anew, launching another offensive.
A rapid series of clangs erupted.
Chen Fan struggled to defend, completely suppressed without counterattack opportunities. Worse, despite being the attacker, Zhang Ren expended less stamina.
Yet the more they fought, the more astonished Zhang Ren became.
He'd thought Chen Fan's spear techniques showed decent form in attack - enough to defeat years-trained swordsmen. But the boy's defensive skills proved even more exceptional!
Several sure-hit strikes had been miraculously deflected from impossible angles.
Finally after two more probing attacks, Zhang Ren found an opening and thrust at Chen Fan's chest.
Thud-thud-thud!
Chen Fan staggered back, internal energy churning. Fortunately as a Third Layer Body Tempering martial artist, he remained standing. A normal person would've been sent flying despite Zhang Ren holding back.
"I yield, Uncle Zhang."
Chen Fan smiled bitterly.
Inevitable as this outcome was.
"Hmph."
Zhang Ren responded noncommittally, slightly irritated.
"Can you continue? Need more rest?"
"No need. I can keep going."
Chen Fan's tone hardened.
He'd seen his [Basic Spear Technique] proficiency soar to nearly 3% during their clash. 3%! That meant Level 3 mastery! His previous 33-thrust combo had barely raised it 1%. With effort, he might reach Level 4 tonight - potentially unlocking new traits like [Basic Archery]. Even without new traits, he'd edge closer to learning [Eight Extreme Spear Art].
"Good."
Zhang Ren nodded.
This defied reason - even using First Layer strength, three thrusts should suffice against the boy. Why ten?
This time when they began, Chen Fan attacked first.
"Good initiative."
Zhang Ren nodded approvingly before deflecting and counter-thrusting.
Chen Fan desperately parried, immediately falling into Zhang Ren's rhythm.
Eighth thrust.
Chen Fan's shoulder was struck, forcing him back.
Proficiency increased 1.5% - less than before.
"Need to endure longer," he resolved. Longer defense meant greater gains.
Zhang Ren's brows relaxed slightly. Better, but still inadequate.
During their third exchange, Chen Fan attacked first but found his follow-up anticipated, leading to another one-sided assault. He lasted until the eleventh thrust before being struck.
Thus they continued their dance across the clearing.
After approximately eighty minutes, familiar warmth surged through Chen Fan.
"So that's how it works," he realized.
Zhang Ren had just launched his tenth thrust after dozens of exchanges, wearing a confident smile. Two more moves would decide this bout.
Eleventh thrust.
Twelfth thrust.
"?"
Zhang Ren's face froze in astonishment.
What's happening?
The boy's parrying speed increased?
Impossible! Was this illusion?
"Now!"
Chen Fan's eyes flashed. His spear arced upward like a rising dragon, striking Zhang Ren's chest under the man's stunned gaze.
His skill proficiency instantly jumped nearly 2%!
(Chapter End)
