Chapter 110

Combat, satisfying!

The instant he struck down his opponent, Qin Shi's entire body emitted copious white vapor, coalescing into clusters of thick fog that drifted upward.

He seemed like an overclocked computer; brain reaction, power transport, movement speed — all erupted to their peak values in an instant.

His far-leading spiritual field power brought the synchronization rate between body and consciousness to nearly one hundred percent. This feeling of body and mind as one, tightly linked, was extremely addictive.

Like a racer becoming one with his mount, a player sharing attributes with his character. The immersion this brought was far beyond what other martial arts department students wearing helmet devices could compare to.

Simply put, roughly speaking, other people's operations have latency, but Qin Shi belongs to real-person online fighting.

The subtle gap existing between them, magnified in the split-second ever-changing melee, was enough to alter the course of battle.

"Today will be my ranking score day!"

His violent breathing slowed; Qin Shi's inner life force seemed to ebb like a tide, returning to normal.

If it were an offline fight, he absolutely could not challenge ten people at once, but in the virtual combat room those martial arts department students with leading life force couldn't bring out their full strength at all; their surface advantage wasn't that great.

【Yue Xia Xing Zhe has left the room】

【Red side headcount: nine】

Above the desert, large clusters of fireworks seemed to burst open, then turn into rows of clear, eye-catching text floating into view.

"Hah, the fighting master's progress has grown quite a bit; should be enough for me to unlock the skill slot."

The mortal body that had broken through the tendon gates, with the circulation of breath, recovered abundant stamina once more, as if the full-power heavy punches from just now had consumed hardly any energy at all.

Qin Shi pulled up the map and rushed toward the red dot nearest to him.

"Next hunting target is... 【Bu Xu Dao】!"

"Fuck! How did I get insta-killed!"

Yue Xing Zhe dazedly took off his helmet; the pain of having his head blown up left his consciousness somewhat muddled and sluggish.

He repeatedly recalled the punch that had frontally shattered his defense, yet still couldn't understand — the opponent whose life force clearly wasn't that much stronger than his own, how could he erupt with such terrifying power.

"Breaking limits... Old Martial Arts breaking limits! This guy walks the limit-breaking path!"

Yue Xing Zhe seemed to have figured something out; that Old Martial Arts faction's physical quality completely defied common sense.

After pondering for a long while, only breaking limits could explain it.

By unlocking the human body's shackles, letting life force wash the mortal body from inside out, nourishing flesh and blood.

Gaining faster life force growth speed, and more powerful tendons and bones physique.

"Damn, the Shen Neng Xi have no shame! Recruiting a limit-breaking Old Martial Arts talent to do academics? What's the difference from making an elite combat unit's soldier work as a security guard!"

Yue Xing Zhe was furious enough to break defense, face twisted. As the first loser, he was directly cleared from the room, couldn't even spectate, anxious like a hundred claws scratching his heart.

Unable to sit still, the terminal beeped; a message popped up.

【Mao Mao Tou Killer: Old Yue, V me 50, pull you into the room.】

"Bastard! You martial arts department disgrace, taking advantage of a fire to rob here!"

Yue Xing Zhe naturally recognized the other party; this was that kid Luo Wenbin.

He cursed while transferring the money, replying:

"Hurry up! Don't dawdle!"

The next moment, Yue Xing Zhe was dragged into a communication group named 【Xue Chi Xiao Dui】.

【Wu Tao Hou Ru Zhou Cha: Old Yue, welcome welcome.】

【Mao Mao Tou Killer: Our team has grown, congratulations!】

Yue Xing Zhe's temples throbbed with blue veins; grouping together with these two worms was truly humiliating!

【Yue Xia Xing Zhe: Pull me in fast! I want to watch the battle!】

【Mao Mao Tou Killer: Eh, wait, another companion arrived.】

Yue Xing Zhe froze, then saw the communication group gain one more person.

【Your good friend has invited 'Bu Xu Dao' into the group】

"The New Martial Arts faction's strengths seem to not lie in solo fighting; they have to group up to expand their advantage. Or rather, team cooperation is the New Martial Arts faction's strength — cannon fist, armored body, combat machine body technique... these combined, cooperating with each other, like an army."

Amid Qin Shi's divergent thinking, one foot stomped into 【Bu Xu Dao】's chest; this martial arts department student who cultivated the military martial arts school wasn't as troublesome as 【Yue Xia Xing Zhe】.

The latter's defense was at least proper, just forcibly broken open by him, creating a crushing situation,

but 【Bu Xu Dao】 seemed to look down on himself, actually choosing to contest close-quarters grappling.

Merely two bursts, and Qin Shi used one Feng Ming to cleanly knock him kneeling, sending him out of the big battlefield.

Through consecutive exchanges, he seemed to have discovered the New Martial Arts faction's drawbacks and weak points.

Whether limit flow, military martial arts school, or bionic style.

The teaching materials these martial arts department students learned, their fighting methods were comparatively singular.

"Makes sense. The New Martial Arts faction's graduation direction lies in serving in combat units, joining the great expedition or great pioneering. They act more like screws, constituting a huge war machine, only needing to complete their due tasks.

That past kind of legend — solo driving a divine machine, breaking through the atmosphere, stabbing straight into the hinterland, slaying generals and seizing flags — placed in the present is too impractical."

Qin Shi shook his head; perhaps professional-level New Martial Arts would be different.

But at the amateur level stage, himself having broken two limits, body and mind as one, he seemed truly able to ignore the life force gap and wrestle with these Qiguang Heng University heaven's chosen.

【Bu Xu Dao has left the room】

【Red side headcount: eight】

Gazing at the fireworks exploding above his head, and the full-map announcement, Qin Shi thought:

"The remaining opponents should realize by now that they've been surrounded by me alone. After this, they'll either choose to band together, or confidently come at me one-on-one."

He believed the latter was more likely.

Among the students who got into Qiguang Heng University, who didn't fight their way through thousands of competitors across a single-plank bridge?

No matter how wealthy a family is, they still need to train to develop their Qi Life Force, just as even the smartest Top Scholar must diligently drill questions and read textbooks.

Think about it: if a Sports Student and an Arts Student competed in a triathlon, would they really need to take turns fighting?

If word got out, winning or losing would make no difference.

"Very good. I like this kind of pride from a high-achieving student."

Qin Shi observed the map; there were three red dots, seemingly rushing over quickly upon hearing the commotion.

"【Long Whale Returns to the Sea】, it's your turn."

……

……

Chang Jing walked at a steady pace through the desert; the scorching air currents, the burning grains of sand, and even the feedback from stepping on the sandy ground were all incredibly real.

The campus network of Qiguang Heng University is operated and maintained by a high-grade Machine Soul named "Crimson," which can coordinate and handle student needs and is responsible for managing the Virtual Combat Rooms.

To some extent, this place is a second world.

"The Old Martial Arts faction of the Shen Neng Xi perhaps has superior Spiritual Field Power, with a synchronization rate higher than ordinary Trainees, which is why they eliminated two people within just a few minutes."

Chang Jing deeply knew that in Virtual Duels, the synchronized coordination of body and mind was most crucial.

"But relying solely on petty cleverness is meaningless. The consumption of Physical Ability, the gap in Qi Life Force, and the chasm brought by educational resources are all real problems."

His footsteps stopped, his towering figure came to a halt; this Martial Arts Department Student of Qiguang Heng University narrowed his eyes and said toward the increasingly weathered stone pillar forest:

"I have mastered the Water Bird Body Technique, the Light Tank Step, and a fighting style close to A-grade. If you want to launch a Surprise Attack, you'll probably be disappointed."

Amidst the unevenly arranged, varied stone forest, the figure of Qin Shi gradually appeared.

The scorching sun whipped all things, the vast Gobi steamed with Heat, distorting various scenes.

"Truly keen senses."

Qin Shi praised.

Even though he hadn't deliberately concealed his Breath, to be able to catch his trail from such a distance, this Senior Brother deserved the two words "formidable."

"Qiguang Heng University has a B-grade textbook called 'Radar Sensing Great Art.' I've roughly studied it."

Chang Jing raised his head, his expression calm, his words and deeds exuding powerful confidence.

"I know your Old Martial Arts faction values fighting styles above all, every one of you is an expert in ring duels and brawls! You've been able to defeat the strong with the weak time and again, presumably relying on this training, but I am different from the Trainees you've met before; I am not a believer in Qi Life Force supremacy."

Many Martial Arts Department Students at Heng University regard Qi Life Force as greater than the heavens, constantly replenishing Energy Liquid, consuming high-grade medicines and exotic meats, just to condense Qi Life Force and raise their numbers; in my view, this is an Evil Path of neglecting the root and chasing the branches."

Qin Shi listened silently; this Senior Brother's temperament was indeed extraordinary, the invisibly released Qi Life Force Breath was very condensed, like silk threads wrapping around, almost becoming substance.

"Qi Life Force is the root of trees and the source of living water, but precisely because every point of condensation is not easy, one needs to properly digest and absorb it, master control, and be clearly aware of every change in the body."

Chang Jing had a towering build; in the Old Martial Arts world, he was the type of Horizontal Training talent, his voice loud like a great Clock:

"Through one textbook art after another, tempering the vigorous Qi Life Force, and then making it completely belong to oneself... this is the path I have chosen! I have always longed to meet an Old Martial Arts practitioner like you, to verify my learning results!"

Suddenly fired up, what was going on!

With Super-Sensory Perception combined with the Inner Vision skill, Qin Shi soon perceived this Senior Brother's Qi Sense circulation, calm yet surging, containing extremely strong explosive power.

He was a formidable rival!

"Two Trainees are hurrying over not far away; let's finish this quickly."

Qin Shi spoke calmly; defeating two people would open the second skill slot of the Fighter.

He chose【Instant Shadow】.

High-mobility movement, coupled with attacks at one hundred percent power; even though this Senior Brother showed quite a solid foundation, Qin Shi's confidence in victory did not diminish in the slightest.

"Worried about being surrounded? Our Martial Arts Department wouldn't sink so low as to..."

Chang Jing smiled, but before he finished speaking, Qin Shi, about a hundred meters away from him, vanished with a whoosh.

More accurately, it was a flicker, a jump, like a sharp line turning abruptly, leaving only Afterimage traces on the Retina.

"So fast! How could he appear in..."

The smile on Chang Jing's face froze; his combat instinct activated, the Qi Life Force hidden in his Trunk rapidly surged, like rings of invisible Ripples spreading outward.

"Right side!"

Mimicking the Ripple Qi Gong of Radar Sensing, he immediately locked onto the Surprise Attack figure in the blind spot of his vision.

With a reaction speed like lightning and flint, Chang Jing sank his Center of Gravity, assumed a defensive posture similar to sitting upright on a stand, his two arms crossed into a cross, his strong and powerful muscles bulging, as if propping up a thick Skin Membrane.

Boom!

Qin Shi, who had activated【Instant Shadow】, landed a Whip Leg on Chang Jing, but caused no substantial injury.

He felt that when the force struck, most of it was skillfully dissipated.

Chang Jing's body swayed, his Center of Gravity was not broken, and he maintained a stable Stance.

His finger joints were thick, his hands spread open like palm-leaf fans, and he immediately tried to capture Qin Shi.

When a person is in the air and loses their footing, they are more easily seized upon.

"He's a tough one!"

Under the blessing of Super-Sensory Perception, plus a significant increase in Spiritual Field Power, Qin Shi's reaction was faster than Chang Jing's.

Since the attack had no effect, he fully unleashed his scorching Qi Sense; the howling air currents were drawn in, like a Wind Dragon roaring and coiling around his body.

Even while floating in mid-air, Qin Shi seemed to have something to rely on, kicking both legs straight toward the center gate.

Chang Jing thrust out both palms, with no defense, and was immediately poked in the chest by the toes, kicked until he staggered and retreated repeatedly.

Fortunately, his fighting style was experienced; he always protected his vital points, only suffering some superficial injuries.

"As expected of the Old Martial Arts faction. Your body coordination is almost perfect!"

Chang Jing's chest was bruised black and blue, yet he hardly seemed to mind, his eyes fixed tight on Qin Shi, whose every gesture seemed wrapped in swirling currents of air.

"Classmate! I have a striking method I've been pondering for a long time!"

Thud!

His massive frame slammed into the sand like a steel beam, kicking up great yellow waves; as Chang Jing's palm drove deep, his waist and hips sank in unison, like an immovable steel tank!

Boom!

When his twin fists suddenly thrust out, a muffled thunder-like roar exploded beside Qin Shi's ears!

It was the sound of a cannon!

Unlike Lin Yunqing's cannon fist, which was still shallow in its fire, this move of Chang Jing's faintly touched the threshold of Heart Momentum, nearly possessing both "Form" and "Intent"!

Qin Shi even had the illusion he was staring straight down a thick black cannon muzzle; the hot, dense smell of gunpowder filled his nostrils.

"A fist can influence the mind! This is Momentum!"

Chang Jing's striking method was fiercely violent; an ordinary person would already be in a losing position.

But with mind and body as one, spirit and flesh united, Qin Shi's senses were too far beyond the norm; even heavy fists fast as cannon shells leaving the barrel still let him see their trajectory clearly.

Surging airflow was compressed, bursting into rippling water-like patterns; fierce, overbearing Jin Li spun in like a field gun!

"Can dodge... but no need!"

Qin Shi felt a surging competitive spirit; this Senior Brother was truly the most precious strong opponent he had ever encountered.

As his Fighter progress rose, he unlocked his third skill slot — 【Surge】!

At the very instant that cannon sound rang out, Qin Shi likewise raised his fist and pushed forward!

Twelve large tendons coiled like black flood dragons, drawing out the surging breath within his mortal body; muscle groups rolled like ocean waves, transporting power wave after wave!

The great air exploded in a roar! Like ignited powder kegs, one after another detonating, sticky white waves shot out, stirring up rolling yellow sand!

Boom boom boom boom boom—

Two streams of Jin Li collided, erupting in a continuous muffled rumble, like thunder reverberating across the long sky, the lingering sound unbroken.

"Shattered my striking method head-on!"

Chang Jing was astonished; he had fused Water Bird Body Technique, Light Tank Step, and Cannon Fist into a comprehended killing move, yet still couldn't take down Qin Shi.

The Old Martial Arts school is actually this strong in combat?

The thought had barely risen in Chang Jing's mind before Qin Shi, like a roaring wind dragon, flashing as he soared, had already appeared above him.

The punch eye formed, swallowing airflow, as if twisting serpents and pythons converging in his palm!

Incomparably vast Jin Li pressed down like a storm of dark clouds!

"Truly strong, this striking method..."

Facing the second killing move that followed close behind, Chang Jing had no room left to counter.

【Chang Jing Exits Room】

【Red Team Count: Seven】

【Xian Yun Exits Room】

【Red Team Count: Six】

【Dong Fang Bai Exits Room】

【Red Team Count: Five】

【Bao Zai Fan Exits Room】

【Red Team Count: Four...】

"Looks like he really might one-vs-ten!"

Luo Wenbin, who had been watching the whole time, froze; he had thought Old Wu Brother might win against one or two people.

But consecutively defeating ten Qiguang Heng University Martial Arts Department students — that's too exaggerated!

Wouldn't stamina run out? Wouldn't muscles get sore? Wouldn't the mind grow weary?

Are Old Martial Arts practitioners this enduring?!

【Snow Shame Squad】

【Mao Mao Tou Killer: Good news, we're not the only ones who suffered the Ultimate Insult; bad news, from now on when Martial Arts Department sees Shen Neng Xi, the straight backs they've held high these years will be broken!】

【Wu Tao Hou Ru Nai Cha: Feels like he has infinite Blood Bars, suggest reporting to the school to see if he's hacking!】

【Yue Xia Xing Zhe: I'm posting a Bounty, doxx this guy! Which Shen Neng Xi teacher recruited a limit-breaking Old Martial Arts practitioner!】

【Achieved Ten Consecutive Wins!】

【Promoted to Bu Xiu Bai Yin!】

Qin Shi, ranking up fiercely, exited the Virtual Combat Room satisfied.

He rubbed his slightly throbbing temples, easing his mind.

But the Terminal suddenly flashed, showing an incoming call.

"Qin Classmate, hello, I'm Huo Erwen from the Patrol Department General Affairs Office. That Predecessor dispatched by the Hengzhou Martial Association will arrive at Tai'an tonight; do you have time to meet?"

(Chapter End)