[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-to-gain-experience-from-push-ups":3,"chapter-starting-to-gain-experience-from-push-ups-starting-to-gain-experience-from-push-ups-chapter-135":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},231360,282,"Chapter 135 - 123: Heart of Steel","starting-to-gain-experience-from-push-ups-chapter-135",135,"\u003Cp>Deep into the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moonlight seeped through the gaps of the curtains, slithering in like a slowly crawling snake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of a car engine starting echoed from below, much like a bomber sweeping by at low altitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng sat cross-legged on the bed, suddenly opening his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the darkness, his slightly reddish gaze seemed somewhat penetrating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The improvement of his Spirit Attributes not only significantly enhanced his sensory perception, but also his thoughts seemed to become extremely sensitive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the slightest movement, he would inexplicably become vigilant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if monstrous shadows with bared teeth and claws lurked all around, waiting to harm him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng let out a soft breath and shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were simply too many external disturbances; it was impossible to quiet the mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Attempting meditation in such a state was purely a test of how tough and stubborn one’s willpower was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even using the Concentration Skill, some negative impressions would still remain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect was clearly not as good as before, let alone achieving the ideal state of absolute calm and rationality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Ma Jianguo had warned him about the great dangers of meditation practice,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>with Fang Cheng’s current Spirit Attributes, he had already set foot on this path and there was no turning back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, the abnormality in his body needed to be resolved; it couldn’t remain like this indefinitely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, he possessed a raw 40 points in Spirit Attributes, yet lacked the ability to wield this kind of spiritual power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a strongman who knew no Fighting Skills whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, the situation was probably even more extreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this thought, Fang Cheng rubbed his eyebrows and looked at the Skill Panel that appeared before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Concentration lv1 (247\u002F250)]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maintaining a state of concentration continuously consumes Spiritual Energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purpose of meditative practice is to increase spiritual power and better control this energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two, in terms of outcomes, seemed diametrically opposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were not for practice to gain experience, there was no need to stubbornly persist on this path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng’s eyes flickered slightly as he looked at the almost-upgraded Concentration Skill and murmured to himself:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Keep going, consider it practice, honing my willpower...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although there was no progress in meditation, weren’t there other gains at least?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, to increase the challenge,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng straightforwardly removed the noise-canceling sponge earplugs from his ears to confront external disturbances at full capacity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he adopted the most traditional meditative posture, beginning a new round of spiritual training attempts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting cross-legged, motionless, eyelids slightly closed, eyes on nose, nose on heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even with closed eyes, it seemed like various illusions continuously swept past before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside and outside the room, a cacophony of numerous discordant and intricate noises approached, creating a raucous mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng’s temples throbbed as he silently chanted to himself:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Concentration Skill, activate!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the various noises reaching his ears subsided greatly, becoming much quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although some residual effects remained, it was at least not as unbearable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the aid of the Concentration Skill, Fang Cheng’s mind steadied slightly, and he strived to cast away the myriad of stray thoughts, silently counting his breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"1, 2, 3, 4.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"5, 6, 7, 8.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was known as the \"breathing counting method,\" a Breathing Control Technique he learned from meditation teaching videos, a fundamental practice in Zen training and hypnosis techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through counting the inhalation and exhalation of breath through the nostrils, one can adjust breathing quality, eliminating selfish thoughts and distractions, achieving a state of pure and tranquil body and mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such practice serves to eliminate fatigue, reduce anxiety, and improve one’s spiritual demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without the \"Concentration\" skill, Fang Cheng could still master this technique and quickly enter a relaxed and calm state when needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The specific practice method is mainly counting: start counting from 1 with each inhalation until 4, and from 5 with each exhalation until 8.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one’s attention begins to wander or one forgets the count, simply return gently to the breath and start counting anew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As practice progresses, gradually increase the duration of the counts, from 1 up to 5, then 6, and onward to 10, making one’s breathing longer, more natural and smooth, fully immersing oneself in the process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a certain point in the training, breathing becomes light and slow, almost to a halt—this is the symbol of a perfect unity of body and mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng was unclear about what Lin Chuqiao’s mentioned \"goal\" really was, so he simply focused on every breath he took as his \"goal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, \"Concentration\" and \"Entering Meditation\" share similarities, and can still be referenced when practicing meditation skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the breathing counting method progresses, Fang Cheng, like an aged monk in meditation, slowly relaxes his facial expression and extends his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His whole being begins to relax and grow tranquil, his restlessness subsiding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the dual assistance of the Concentration skill and the breathing counting method, he finally harmonizes body and mind and successfully \"enters meditation\" once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Fang Cheng maintains this state, unaware of how much time has elapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a dazzling light flashes before his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A prompt from the skill panel snaps him out of the meditative state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Congratulations, your relentless efforts have elevated your skill to master level]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Concentration lv2 (0\u002F500)]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Received Enhancement Reward, Skill Effect \"Heart of Steel\"]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the darkness, Fang Cheng opens his eyes and lets out a long breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He has beads of sweat on his forehead, akin to the after-effects of high-intensity physical exercise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finally, I’ve completed the upgrade task before my spirit was overdrawn!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng shows a sign of relief, rubbing his brow and temples to alleviate the feeling of his head swelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, using the breathing counting method in conjunction with skill practice has given him a first-hand understanding of the correct way of meditation practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a short rest, Fang Cheng carefully examines the content of the upgraded skill effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Heart of Steel, while using the Concentration skill, willpower increases by 200%, and spiritual consumption also increases by 100%]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The effect seems simple, but it’s precisely what he needs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Cheng’s spirit is revitalized; he immediately tries to verify its effects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Concentration skill activates once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It feels like an invisible steel barrier has been erected around his body, isolating all the fragmented, noisy sounds like tidal waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roaring noise of cars driving outside the window passes by like a gentle breeze, fading quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The piercing cries of the child next door also become incredibly soft, no longer affecting him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire world finally becomes completely quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the cluttered thoughts in his mind are all swept away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only one thought is retained—steadfastness, one emotion—calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very good indeed...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the specific effects of the skill, Fang Cheng mutters to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he has not only returned to his ideal past state but has also achieved further amplification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believes that as his Spirit Attribute improves, even more extraordinary and significant effects will emerge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a successful test, Fang Cheng glances at the clock; it’s past 11 o’clock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he lies down, covers himself with a blanket, and prepares to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after lying in bed for a while, tossing and turning, he suddenly sits up again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to sleep, he turns his head to look at the shoulder bag beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then takes out a business card from the bag, his gaze bright and intense, focusing on the few words:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Truth and Meditation Joint Practice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1256,"2026-05-29T15:13:17.897Z","2026-06-01T04:29:34.702Z",1,"novelbin.me","bdf0f891220cc0887562eb0f88cf344806416a282daecc6c1dc5f35d85cce6eb","starting-to-gain-experience-from-push-ups-chapter-136","starting-to-gain-experience-from-push-ups-chapter-134",1278,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-to-gain-experience-from-push-ups-cover.jpg"]