Chapter Sixty: An Unexplainable Unease

When ordinary people train their blood and energy to reach 5.0, their strength typically attains a thousand pounds. If it’s a woman with innate weaker constitution, most can only reach eight or nine hundred pounds, always somewhat less. But for those like Xiong Bing, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, with arms as stout as thighs, when their blood and energy reach 5.0, their strength might soar to twelve hundred pounds. This is the difference in martial aptitude.

At each level, those with better foundation are slightly stronger, and by the time they reach higher realms, the gap becomes significant. Thus, among martial artists, women tend to rely on skill and finesse, while men emphasize brute force. Of course, there are always exceptions to such generalizations.

As for Xiao Nan now, he could confirm that his blood and energy value hadn’t changed; what had transformed was his physical foundation and constitution. With the same blood and energy, his strength had doubled compared to before—and was still increasing.

As the pill he had just ingested was digested, he felt his hunger finally abate somewhat. Although he still craved food, the anxiety and discomfort had eased.

He clenched his fists, casually picked up the iron chain in the corner used for arm strength training, extended two fingers, and gave it a slight flick.

With a swish, the iron chain leapt to the ceiling, nearly striking the three-meter-high roof. He hastily grabbed it mid-air, and upon inspecting the chain, noticed several extremely faint imprints where his fingers had pressed.

“My strength has already broken all limits.”

The iron chain weighed eighty pounds; usually, it required considerable effort to lift, but now it felt effortless.

“By rough estimate, my strength must be at least nine hundred pounds, if not a thousand. That barbarian truly gave me a generous gift.”

While delighted, he was also somewhat puzzled. Then he recalled the giant bears of the wild—those animals, without any training, grew up with immense strength, far surpassing ordinary humans.

With that thought, Xiao Nan understood his current state.

“Last time, when I received talent analysis from Xiao Bei, why wasn’t there such a dramatic change?”

Upon careful reflection, it was obvious that the previous analysis pertained to the mind—his perception and comprehension had improved. Perhaps not just affinity for swordsmanship, but his understanding of all skills and knowledge had deepened.

Since it was a spiritual and soul-based ability, it didn’t provoke much physical reaction... though it nearly made Xiao Nan mistake himself for a woman.

When the mind is affected, it’s actually more dangerous and insidious. Soul, aptitude, and physical foundation together form the complex core of the human body, aligning perfectly with the “three treasures” of essence, energy, and spirit described in Taoist classics from his previous life.

The martial theories of this world aren’t so different from those before.

...

After much fussing at home and another round of training with the Spirit and Body Refinement technique, Xiao Nan looked in the mirror and saw his complexion growing increasingly pale, which further strengthened his resolve to leave the city soon.

The day was already late; clearly, it was unwise to venture out now. He stopped training his body and ignored the surging waves of hunger within, focusing solely on visualization techniques to elevate his spirit and adapt to his newly broken-through realm.

...

As the sun neared the horizon and both Tan Qiuyi and Xiao Bei had yet to return, Xiao Nan grew restless.

He felt inexplicably agitated...

He called the shop; the service girl answered, informing him that the manager was behind closed doors, concentrating on pill-making, and couldn’t leave yet.

He then called Xiao Bei.

A complaint came from the other end: “Xiao Nan, you passed the martial arts assessment and didn’t even tell me! I’ve been worried all this time. When I get home, I’m ignoring you. I don’t even feel like answering your calls anymore.”

But you answered anyway.

Xiao Nan wanted to laugh, and his irritation quietly eased.

“Why are you so late today? I’m waiting for you to come home and cook,” he teased.

“Oh, right, without someone to care for you, you’d starve, wouldn’t you? Xiao Nan, you’re so useless... I’m utterly exhausted. Teacher Wang is so dedicated. He’s just an assistant teacher, where does he get so much to say? He kept repeating himself, and now it’s almost dark...”

The girl seemed full of grievances, venting extensively about the politics teacher, Wang.

“Wait, are you coming home alone? Did you catch a ride?” Xiao Nan quickly interrupted.

“No, I’m walking back with Grandma Fang. Why bother with a bus? Such a waste of money.”

Grandma Fang? Xiao Nan paused, nearly forgetting who that was. His sister’s classmate, who’d visited their house several times—a quiet girl, with a nice figure.

Her name was Fang Luoluo; her father was a professional tailor, her mother an art teacher, and their home was less than thirty meters from the Xiao family’s, within the same residential complex.

...

On the other end, a burst of girlish laughter rang out, clearly someone protesting Xiao Bei’s teasing nickname, and they were playfully scuffling.

Such vibrant youth.

Xiao Nan listened for a moment with a smile. “Enough messing around—Xiao Bei, are you two going through Sweet Well Alley in the old block? Listen, next time, don’t take that route. You’re both girls; stick to the main roads.”

“It’s fine, we’ve walked it plenty of times. It’s nearer... ah!”

A startled cry came through the phone, then the call abruptly ended.

Disconnected!

...

Xiao Nan’s hand shook, nearly crushing the phone, his eyes bloodshot and an astonishing murderous aura radiated from him.

“I was just wondering—how could I feel so restless during meditation? Turns out the problem lies here.”

The bronze mirror that had fused into his body—what manner of existence was it? Was it hidden within his soul or his flesh?

Xiao Nan couldn’t yet discern it, but he’d already experienced its bizarre effects: not only did it create a misty space for his spirit to enter, but it could warn him of impending danger, triggering premonitions.

Moreover, with his increased spiritual power, he could vaguely sense others’ goodwill or malice.

Such sensations are common, but usually weak and easily ignored by most people...

For Xiao Nan, inexplicably, all these perceptions were magnified, leaving him uneasy.

The moment the call ended, he sprang from his bed, rushing out like a gust of wind...

Out of the yard, onto the street, not even bothering to lock the door.

“Sweet Well Alley.”

Xiao Bei had it right: the shortcut from Lanyin Secondary School to Happiness Community was indeed very close. If you cut through Sweet Well Alley, it’s just over three li.

But if you take the bus along the main road on the other side, it’s six or seven li—a tiring walk home.

As for why they didn’t ride, it’s simply because the girl was so considerate it hurt; she wanted to save the family money.