NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 136
The tenfold increase in the skill proficiency cap did present a challenge for Lu Ming, but it wasn't insurmountable. He understood that his training with the Explosive Fist was far more efficient than anyone else's, thanks to the system's assistance. However, transforming that external advantage into personal strength required his unwavering dedication. And Lu Ming had always been a diligent and persistent individual.
Throughout the day, the thunderous booms of Lu Ming's training reverberated around Good Hope Village.
By nightfall, his hard work had paid off once again.
After nearly ten hours of relentless practice, the Explosive Fist reached a new level:
- Explosive Fist (Perfect) (1/100,000): World Realm Origin Power Skill. After mastering it, significantly enhances punching power. You have mastered the applications of Explosive Fist, and your overall attributes +600! Your free attribute points +600!
Compared to the Proficient level, Mastery granted Lu Ming an additional 300 points to each of his primary attributes, along with 300 more free attribute points!
Additionally, during those ten hours of intense training, his Hand-to-Hand Combat skill achieved a major breakthrough:
- Hand-to-Hand Combat: Lv41 (500/4100) -> Lv50 (3500/7000)!
- Strength and Physique: +162.4!
As a result, Lu Ming's attributes surged to:
- Strength: 1670.7
- Physique: 1681.5
- Agility: 1504.2
- Free Attribute Points: 696
With just one Origin Power Skill, Lu Ming's attributes had nearly doubled!
That night, after washing up and settling into bed, Lu Ming reveled in his newfound strength, examining his attribute panel with a satisfied smile.
"Excellent," he muttered, pleased with the progress he had made.
He then began to analyze his current standing in terms of power levels.
"Based on the physical fitness of an ordinary adult male," Lu Ming reasoned, "a normal person is at level 5, Level 1 is 10, Level 2 is 20, Level 3 is 40, and so on, doubling with each level. This would place a Level 8 Awakened at 1280 and a Level 9 at 2560."
"Therefore," he concluded, "my current attributes should fall somewhere between Level 8 and Level 9."
However, Lu Ming also acknowledged a crucial factor. "High-level Awakened possess powerful superpowers," he reminded himself. "The higher their level, the stronger their abilities. In a real battle, a superpower can be a devastating weapon, while my only weapon is my physical strength."
Being without superpowers, or possessing only low-level abilities, put him at a disadvantage compared to high-level Awakened individuals.
"So, even with attributes surpassing those of Level 8 creatures, my overall strength is probably only average at that level," Lu Ming concluded.
Whether his superior attributes could compensate for his lack of a superpower depended entirely on the nature and capabilities of his opponent's ability.
If the Awakened possessed a formidable power like Bai Tianyu or Zhang Chengcheng, both at Level 8, Lu Ming would likely struggle to win.
However, if the Awakened only had non-combat enhancements like improved vision or hearing, Lu Ming would hold a significant advantage.
"So, considering all this," he pondered, "are there Level 8 or 9 creatures in the Black Mist Zone? Or perhaps even beings beyond the Mortal Realm?"
The probability seemed high.
Lu Ming's current strength, once a source of immense pride, now seemed less extraordinary in comparison.
"Not just less extraordinary," he admitted to himself, "but not extraordinary at all."
He suppressed the fleeting arrogance brought on by his recent power surge and took a deep breath. "I need to keep going," he resolved. "Keep working hard! I can't stop!"
He felt he was still too weak...
Day 135 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Monday.
The morning was dedicated to his usual exercises and Explosive Fist practice. The afternoon and evening were devoted entirely to honing the Explosive Fist.
It was an almost perfect routine.
Lu Ming spent the entire day in this fulfilling cycle, pushing his limits and striving for greater power.
Day 136 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Tuesday.
That night, as darkness settled over the Guangping Street gathering place, a swarm of exotic beasts, led by a monstrous Tier 6 creature, descended upon the settlement. Driven by insatiable hunger, the horde of nearly a hundred beasts launched a vicious attack.
However, their aggression was met with swift and brutal retribution. Lu Ming, fueled by his training and the desire to protect his home, decimated the attackers, turning them into a gruesome feast for himself and the other survivors.
The day ended with a grim victory, a bittersweet reminder of the ever-present danger lurking just beyond their walls.
The following morning, Lu Ming deviated from his usual routine and took an hour-long detour to observe the progress of the Black Mist's relentless advance. He discovered that it had already encroached upon the city limits of Nanxiang.
Returning home, Lu Ming felt the weight of the dwindling time. He redoubled his efforts, dedicating himself to mastering the Explosive Fist.
During dinner, Huo Sheng visited, briefing Lu Ming on the Black Mist's contraction and the influx of monsters from the zone.
Based on Huo Sheng's calculations, the entire Nanxiang region would be consumed by the Black Mist within approximately 150 days of the Apocalypse Calendar. This served as a stark warning, a countdown to a potentially catastrophic event.
On a brighter note, the creatures that had slipped through the Black Mist during its periodic ruptures were becoming less of a concern. The Level 6 mutated beast Lu Ming had encountered the previous day was merely a stray trespasser.
Huo Sheng believed that there was a limit to the level of creatures that could infiltrate Nanxiang from the Black Mist Zone. This limit appeared to be below Level 7, likely capped at Level 6.
At least for the time being, no Level 7 creature had been sighted in Nanxiang. Huo Sheng reassured Lu Ming that even such a powerful being would pale in comparison to his strength. This knowledge brought a sense of relief to Lu Ming, and Huo Sheng departed with a lighter heart.
Lu Ming, too, felt a sense of contentment. The conversation not only provided him with a clearer timeline but also reinforced his confidence that even interdimensional creatures posed little threat to his life.
With this reassurance, Lu Ming could focus on his training without worrying about external disruptions for the next few weeks.
Day 137 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Wednesday.
The morning passed with Lu Ming's usual routine of attribute farming and Explosive Fist practice.
However, around 4:30 p.m., Lu Ming encountered an unexpected obstacle.
His Hand-to-Hand Combat skill had reached a bottleneck. It was maxed out!
Hand-to-Hand Combat Lv100 (Maximum): You have completely mastered the essence of Hand-to-Hand Combat. Your fist and kick skills have already reached their peak!
After repeatedly reviewing the skill description, Lu Ming had to accept that Level 100 might be the ultimate limit for these basic skills. While future opportunities might present themselves to further enhance his Hand-to-Hand Combat abilities, for now, he had reached the end of the line.
"But it's still not bad," Lu Ming mused, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
Reaching Level 100 in Hand-to-Hand Combat meant a tenfold increase in the cultivation speed of Explosive Fist. Even though he couldn't further enhance his attributes through the basic skill, he hadn't reached the limit of the Explosive Fist.
Explosive Fist (Perfect) (30,000/100,000).
At his current pace, Lu Ming could gain over 10,000 points of Explosive Fist proficiency in a single day. He was confident that by the time the Black Mist engulfed Nanxiang entirely, he would have reached the next level.
Setting aside the matter of Hand-to-Hand Combat, Lu Ming once again immersed himself in the exhilarating practice of the Explosive Fist.
Day 138 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Thursday.
Lu Ming's fitness skill reached Level 29, and his Explosive Fist proficiency soared to (43,000/100,000).
His attributes now stood at:
- Strength: 1940.5
- Physique: 1951.3
- Agility: 1517.5
- Free Attribute Points: 696
That night, more exotic beasts attacked the settlement, but they all met the same fate as their predecessors, becoming a part of Lu Ming's growing food reserves. Zhang Lixin and his team diligently collected the carcasses and stored them in Lu Ming's private freezer.
Day 139 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Friday.
Lu Ming learned of the massive stockpile of exotic beast meat, which now exceeded his personal needs. He generously shared a portion with Wang Xiong and Huo Sheng, instructing them to distribute it as they saw fit.