[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method":3,"chapter-heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-40":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Heretic Trainer: The Gym Is My Cultivation Method",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1633198,2099,"Chapter 40: Warm-Ups Hurt More","heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-40",40,"\u003Cp>The arena shook with noise as thousands of people filled the stands, stomping and shouting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the raised platform, a man in bright robes appeared, raising his arms dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today is the day the true battle begins!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd exploded even louder, half of them cheering, the other half screaming insults at rival sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have thirty-two youths who survived the Treasure Realm! Now, they will face each other one-on-one!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The floor below was packed with surviving contestants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dahlia stood stiff among them, hands clenched into fists at her sides, trying to stay calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced up at the premium seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion was there, arms folded, sitting like he owned the place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scanned the crowd below, then the field, judging everyone’s form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dahlia’s eyes quickly begged for reassurance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion just raised one finger, tapping his head, and moved his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Think first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dahlia’s shoulder dropped. She nodded and rolled them back, standing taller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion just smiled, nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good. She didn’t freak out.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer waved his sleeve again, nearly smacking a guard in the face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without further delay, we will begin the matches!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd stomped in rhythm, rattling the arena floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer cleared his throat loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First match, step forward! Adriel of the Silver Flame Sect versus Kaivor from the Blue Horn Sect!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps and cheers shot through the stands as two figures quickly stepped onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel wore a white robe lined with silver trim. His dark hair was tied back, and a long, beautiful silver spear was in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor walked out opposite him, stocky, broad-shouldered, with a long sword strapped to his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His robe was blue, the symbol of curved horns stitched across his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He drew his sword with both hands, mana coating the blade in a faint glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer raised both arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Begin!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor roared, stomping forward. His sword came down in a heavy arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take this. Horn Slash!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel slid back half a step, twisting the shaft of his spear and shoved it hard, knocking the sword aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Too slow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then with a smooth step, he lunged his spear toward Kaivor’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Silver Thrust!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor frowled, twisting his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tip scapred across his robe but didn’t pierce him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then took his sword back and swung again, this time a sideways slash, forcing Adriel to hop back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You almost got me there,\" Kaivor said, grinning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’ll need more than smiles,\" Adriel shot back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spun his spear in a tight circle, forcing Kaivor to reset his footing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd cheered, stomping the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor then bent his knees, mana rushing to his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He charged like a bull, sword raised high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Horn Breaker!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slashed downward with full force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel pivoted to the side, spear brushing past Kaivor’s ribs in a quick jab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strike hit, leaving a shallow mark, but Kaivor barely flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thick skin, huh?\" Adriel said, pulling his weapon back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor grinned wider. \"That’s just how strong I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They clashed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel’s feet glided in short steps, spear flicking from high to low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor pressed in with raw strength. Each strike was heavier than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer leaned forward, shouting to the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a clash! Skill against strength, speed against power!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor pressed forward, sword ringing repeatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Stop running!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heavy blade carved a line in the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel’s eyes narrowed, spinning his spear around his wrist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Running? No. I’m waiting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor stomped in, lifting his sword overhead for another crusing slash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Horn Splitter!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel suddenly stepped in instead of back. His spear shot upward in a sharp arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rising Fang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear’s tip slid under the sword, lifting it high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor’s arms jolted, breaking his stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrield didn’t waste breath. He twisted his hips, drove his spear forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Silver Thrust!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spear slammed into Kaivor’s chest, making him stumble back three steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gasped, clenching the fresh tear in his robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd roared in excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You... That was luck.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel’s stance didn’t waver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spun the spear once more, planting his back foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No. That wasn’t luck. It’s just my strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor tried to raise his sword again, but his arms shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel rushed forward, spear blurring in a flurry of quick strikes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each blow pushed Kaivor further and further back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announce jumped in excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s pushing him to the edge!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor let out one last shout, swinging desperately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Horn Breaker!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel sidestepped, twisted, and slammed the spear’s butt into Kaivor’s ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor groaned. His grip on his sword loosened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And before he could react, the silver tip pressed firmly against his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd quickly erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The announcer raised both arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Winner. Adriel of the Silver Flame Sect!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adriel pulled his weapon back, gave a small bow, and walked off as if nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kaivor sat on the floor, frowning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>---\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion leaned forward in his seat, elbows on his knees, watching the stage below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad. Their body form when attacking is clean. That Kaivor kid even puts power in the leg.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tapped his chin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But the footwork’s still stiff. Adriel’s spear flow is smoother, but he wastes energy twirling it like a show-off.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders around him gave odd looks, whispering about his strange words, but Garion ignored them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Garion then looked back at the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although they are good, knowing how to move and how to swing...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They were not still as good as Dahlia. Her stance is sharper and she’s faster too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned back, arms crossing over his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If she faced either of them right now? She’d win. Easy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Down below, Dahlia sat cross-legged in the waiting area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She watched as Adriel beat Kaivor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"... Is this it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl next to her glanced over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dahlia shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They move nice, but they waste too much time yelling and spinning around. If they fought my master, he’d choke them out in ten seconds.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl blinked, shocked. \"...Choke?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dahlia lifted her hands and mimed squeezing someone’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah. Like this. He really likes it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl frowned as she quickly scooted a little farther.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dahlia leaned back, stretching her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Honestly, Master’s warm-ups are scarier than this fight. Squats and push-ups hurt more than those strikes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1046,"2026-06-06T11:12:18.261Z",1,"novelbin.me","66939164186aaf79e7c686c7a788154a18239307ea4458d691699fdf5daece7b","heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-281","heretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-chapter-280",613,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fheretic-trainer-the-gym-is-my-cultivation-method-cover.jpg"]