CHAPTER 135
The Great Origin Power Skill Training Cycle vastly accelerated Lu Ming's progress in mastering the Explosive Fist.
The cycle, meticulously timed, consisted of fifteen-minute intervals: five minutes of air punches to deplete his Origin Power, followed by ten minutes of focused breathing to replenish it.
In a single cycle, the Explosive Fist proficiency could surge by 100 to 120 points!
Four cycles per hour translated to a staggering gain of 400 to 480 proficiency points!
The improvement in his Hand-to-Hand Combat skill was even more remarkable.
After just one hour, the Explosive Fist proficiency reached (Proficient) (500/1000).
His Hand-to-Hand Combat skill skyrocketed from Lv33 (2400/3300) to Lv36 (500/3600)!
This was a triple victory! Not only did his Explosive Fist and Hand-to-Hand Combat skills improve exponentially, but his Basic Breathing Technique also progressed to (Entry) (6/100).
Although the Basic Breathing Technique didn't directly enhance his attributes, witnessing its growth was undeniably satisfying.
Finally, after an hour of intense training, Lu Ming felt true exhaustion. This time, it wasn't solely from depleting his Origin Power. It was a threefold fatigue encompassing his stamina, Origin Power, and mental energy.
The Explosive Fist demanded a significant physical toll, and after an hour of continuous exertion, Lu Ming was drained.
The speed at which mental strength was consumed during intense focus was astonishing. It was time for Lu Ming to rest.
After a brief contemplation, Lu Ming decided to end his training for the day.
Meanwhile, Huo Sheng, Bai Tianyu, and the others continued their discussion, but Lu Ming paid little attention. As he made his way home, he noticed the lights were still on in the small dining hall, their conversation ongoing.
Lu Ming decided to skip the rest of their discussion. He returned home, washed up, ate, and prepared for bed. A night of sweet dreams awaited him.
The next day.
134 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Sunday.
Early in the morning, Lu Ming went to the dining hall for breakfast. He was surprised to see the table overflowing with food.
There wasn't a large amount of exotic beast meat, perhaps enough to satisfy half of his usual appetite. The rest consisted of ordinary food.
After a moment of consideration, Lu Ming nodded at Zhang Chengcheng, a silent gesture of approval.
"You did well," Lu Ming praised, a hint of approval in his voice.
Yesterday, Bai Tianyu had explained that ordinary food rapidly decayed within the Black Mist Zone, leaving only exotic beast meat as a viable food source. If they didn't consume the remaining regular food now, it would be a significant waste.
Moreover, exotic beast meat had become a strategic resource, crucial for their survival in the Black Mist Zone.
Zhang Chengcheng smiled warmly. "Brother Lu, you should have some too. Don't hold back."
Lu Ming nodded without hesitation.
The meal took longer than usual, but it was still within Lu Ming's acceptable range.
After breakfast, Lu Ming did some light warm-up exercises before beginning his daily training routine. While cultivating Origin Power Skills offered greater attribute gains, Lu Ming understood the importance of consistent, long-term effort.
Therefore, his morning exercises remained unchanged.
Around 10 a.m., Lu Ming finished his routine and took a short break, preparing to practice his Explosive Fist before his afternoon nap. However, he noticed a convoy of over a dozen military vehicles leaving Good Hope Village, heading towards the horizon.
Bai Tianyu and Duan Mei were leading the way.
"Where are they going this time?" Lu Ming asked, his curiosity piqued.
Wang Xiong's voice was somber as he replied, "They're heading into the Black Mist Zone."
"Last night, Professor Huo decided to establish a new base in the ruins of that ancient city Colonel Bai mentioned. They're the vanguard," he explained.
After a brief pause, Wang Xiong added with a sigh, "Once they leave, they won't be coming back."
Lu Ming nodded in understanding. Time was running out.
In all likelihood, they had less than half a month before the Black Mist would engulf the entirety of Nanxiang. When that happened, a massive influx of survivors would be forced into the Black Mist Zone, and the initial period would undoubtedly be chaotic and dangerous.
To prevent large-scale casualties, the Black Mist Exploration Team had been tasked with establishing a safe haven within the zone.
Lu Ming felt a deep respect for their selfless sacrifice.
As he watched Bai Tianyu and the others disappear into the distance, Lu Ming declared, "I will ensure the safety of this place."
Later that afternoon, just before his nap, Lu Ming received another notification from the system.
The Explosive Fist had leveled up once again!
Explosive Fist (Master) (1/10000): World Realm Origin Power Skill. After mastering it, significantly enhances punching power. You have mastered the use of Explosive Fist, and your overall attributes +300! Your free attribute points +300!
Since the previous night, the Explosive Fist had progressed through three stages: Entry, Proficiency and now Mastery.
The proficiency requirements for the Explosive Fist had skyrocketed, from 100 to 1,000, and now to an astonishing 10,000.
Likewise, the attribute point gains had increased exponentially, from +30 to +70, and now to a staggering +200!
The Proficient level of Explosive Fist had bestowed Lu Ming with a whopping 300 attribute points, along with an additional 300 free points.
This level of progress was nothing short of terrifying.
Furthermore, Lu Ming's Hand-to-Hand Combat skill had ascended to Level 41 (500/4100).
As a result, in just one day, Lu Ming's attributes had undergone a dramatic transformation:
- Strength: 1208.3
- Physique: 1219.1
- Agility: 1204.2
- Free Attribute Points: 396
An endless well of power surged within him, his every movement radiating an aura of raw, unbridled strength.
Standing at a towering 2.6 meters tall, Lu Ming resembled a small mountain, his muscular physique straining against his custom-made clothing.
Zhang Chengcheng and Wei Lan, observing from afar, could barely believe their eyes. Lu Ming no longer seemed human; he was more akin to a living sculpture, chiseled to perfection by a master artist.
He clenched his fist and unleashed another Explosive Punch.
A deafening boom erupted as his fist connected with the air, the shockwave traveling an incredible distance before dissipating in a thunderous explosion.
Satisfied with the power of his punch, Lu Ming nodded in approval.
"Increasing skill levels isn't just about gaining attributes for me," he mused. "The higher the level, the greater the power."
The difference in power between the Entry, Proficiency, and Mastery levels of the Explosive Fist was significant. Based on his estimates, each level increased the skill's power by roughly 50%, even without factoring in the attribute bonuses.
"From now on," Lu Ming declared, "the Explosive Fist will replace the Cold Light Stab Punch and Sword Qi as my strongest trump card."
"Therefore, I must continue to practice!"
It wasn't just about increasing his attributes. Lu Ming also wanted to refine and enhance the lethality of his ultimate move.
The power of the Proficient level Explosive Fist was already awe-inspiring, and Lu Ming was eager to explore the possibilities of even higher levels.
From that point on, Lu Ming's training strategy shifted drastically.
Basic skills? He would no longer prioritize them.
Why bother with outdated techniques when he had access to the power of Origin Power Skills? Besides, cultivating Origin Power Skills indirectly improved his basic skills as well.
Lu Ming's future routine would consist solely of two activities:
Basic exercises and Explosive Fist.