System Awakening

Outside the window, the rain had stopped at some point. Cold moonlight filtered through the glass, spilling a patch of silver brilliance across the crude cement floor.

Lin Feng stood in the center of the room, his chest rising and falling slightly as he felt the unprecedented strength within him. A punch force of 125 kilograms might have been nothing to many classmates who had already entered the middle or even late stages of Martial Apprentice, but to him, it was a milestone from zero to one—the first ray of light shining into the abyss of despair!

"System..." He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his tumultuous emotions as he focused his mind on the pale-blue screen before his eyes once more.

This time, he examined it more carefully.

The screen's layout was simple and intuitive. On the left was his three-dimensional model and data. At that moment, the [Strength] entry had changed from 75kg to 125kg, and [Constitution] had changed from "Weak" to "Normal." Only the status of [Blocked Meridians] remained, though a small note had appeared after it: (Slightly Clearing).

"Looks like the perfect version of the Basic Body Tempering Technique can not only increase my strength, but also clear my meridians!" A flash of delight crossed Lin Feng's eyes. This meant that the cultivation curse which had plagued him for three years finally had hope of being cured!

His gaze shifted to the panel on the right.

Under [Cultivation Techniques], Basic Body Tempering Technique (Perfect Version) was prominently listed, with a mastery level of 100%, emitting a faint glow.

With a thought, he opened the [Martial Skills] panel.

It was completely empty, with only one prompt: [No martial skills mastered by the host detected. They may be obtained through learning or derivation.]

Lin Feng fell into thought. Martial skills were the key to unleashing a martial artist's strength. With the same amount of power, the combat ability displayed with martial skills versus without them was as different as heaven and earth. The reason Zhang Kuang was so arrogant was because his family's inherited Blazing Fist had already reached the beginner level.

"Derivation..." His gaze shifted to the third panel. Beneath [Derivation] was an explanation: [Cultivation techniques and martial skills that have been completely mastered may be derived and optimized to increase their rank and power. Derivation requires energy consumption (spiritual energy/spiritual items).]

"Increase their rank?" Lin Feng's heart skipped a beat. Did this mean that even the lowest-grade martial skill could become a divine secret art after system derivation? However, it required energy, and at present, aside from the tiny amount of spiritual energy within his body, he had nothing.

For the time being, he suppressed his urge to try it and looked toward the [Analysis] panel.

[Analysis: Can analyze targets (cultivation technique circulation paths, martial skill flaws, material composition, etc.). Analysis speed and depth depend on the host's mental power and the target's complexity. Consumes mental power.]

This function made Lin Feng's eyes light up. Analyzing flaws in an opponent's martial skills? In actual combat, this was practically a heaven-defying skill!

Finally came the [Backpack] panel. It was empty as well, looking like a storage space.

After roughly understanding the system's functions, an intense desire surged through Lin Feng's heart—become stronger, immediately, right now!

He assumed the stance of the Basic Body Tempering Technique once more and began cultivating.

This time, with his perfect-level comprehension, every movement was precise to the millimeter, and every wisp of breath circulated with exquisite perfection. The surrounding spiritual energy gathered at a faster rate than before, passing through his skin, boring into his muscles, seeping into his bones, and finally flowing into the meridians that were being cleared with difficulty.

"Hiss..." Along with the refreshing cool sensation, the slight stinging pain brought by the clearing of his meridians became more pronounced, but he relished it like honey.

Once, twice, three times...

He cultivated tirelessly. Sweat soaked through his cheap school uniform, leaving dark water stains on the floor. Yet he could clearly feel his strength steadily increasing, while his bodily functions improved across the board. His hearing, vision, and sense of smell became sharper than ever; he could even vaguely catch the faint whispers of pedestrians on the distant street outside the window.

Only when the east began to pale with the color of a fish belly did Lin Feng slowly finish his cultivation.

Heat steamed from his entire body, and a thin layer of sweat tinged with gray-black impurities covered his skin—these were toxins expelled from his body.

He walked over to the strength tester again.

Bang! 158kg!

After a night of bitter cultivation, his strength had surged by another thirty-odd kilograms! This speed alone would be enough to scare those so-called geniuses witless if it got out!

Lin Feng took a cold shower and changed into a clean set of clothes. The youth in the mirror was still lean, but the gloom and timidity that had once filled his brows had been swept away. In their place was restrained confidence and sharpness. His eyes shone brightly, like a sword drawn from its sheath.

"Time to go to school." A cold curve tugged at Lin Feng's lips.

Third High School was livelier than usual that morning. Only one month remained until the national martial artist entrance exam, and even the air seemed to be filled with tense restlessness.

The moment Lin Feng entered the school gates, he felt countless strange gazes upon him. Some were sympathetic, some contemptuous, some gleeful at his misfortune, and some merely eager to watch a show.

"Look, that's him—Lin Feng. Zhang Kuang humiliated him in public yesterday, and even his girlfriend ran off with someone else."

"Tsk tsk, how miserable. I heard he's a piece of trash who can't cultivate."

"In today's practical combat class, Senior Brother Zhang Kuang will definitely cause him trouble again. Just wait for the show."

The discussions reached Lin Feng's ears without the slightest attempt at concealment. He merely walked on expressionlessly, as though none of it had anything to do with him.

"Lin Feng!" A familiar voice called out from behind him.

Lin Feng turned around and saw Liu Feifei standing some distance away. She had changed into a more figure-hugging training outfit today, and a complicated expression rested on her face.

"Do you need something?" Lin Feng's tone was so calm that it did not contain the slightest ripple.

Liu Feifei was momentarily stunned by his attitude. Biting her lip, she said softly, "Lin Feng, I know you're upset. But... face reality. Zhang Kuang has a good family background and high talent. He's destined to be someone who stands above the clouds. You... don't keep opposing him. It won't do you any good. Prepare properly for the academic exams, find an office job in the future, and live out your life safely and peacefully. That wouldn't be so bad."

Her words sounded concerned, but they were actually filled with condescending pity and a verdict that his life was already ruined.

Lin Feng suddenly smiled. The smile was faint, yet it carried a detachment and mockery that made Liu Feifei feel as though he were a stranger.

"I'll walk my own path. I don't need your concern." After saying that, he did not spare Liu Feifei another glance before turning and heading straight for the teaching building.

Liu Feifei looked at his upright, resolute back. Her lips parted, but in the end, she said nothing. Only a trace of anger and confusion appeared in her eyes—he was just a piece of trash, so what gave him the right to be so arrogant?

During the morning academic classes, Lin Feng listened absentmindedly. The martial arts theories, demon beast guides, introductions to spiritual energy, and other knowledge that had once required enormous effort for him to memorize and understand now became exceptionally simple under the effects of his mental power, which had reached 25 points. He could practically remember everything at a glance and understand it the moment he heard it.

Most of his attention was immersed in exploring the system and repeatedly studying the Basic Body Tempering Technique.

After the lunch break, the afternoon practical combat training class finally arrived.

The enormous indoor training hall was large enough to accommodate several classes at once. The floor was covered with specially made cushioning material, while all kinds of training equipment were arranged around the room.

The students wore uniform training clothes and gathered in twos and threes according to their usual circles, warming up and chatting. Zhang Kuang was undoubtedly the most eye-catching focus of the crowd. Seven or eight lackeys surrounded him as they laughed and talked, his gaze occasionally flicking toward Lin Feng, who sat alone in a corner, filled with undisguised mockery.

"Alright, assemble!" The burly practical combat instructor, Li Zhenhai, clapped his hands. His booming voice drowned out the noise in the hall.

The students quickly lined up.

Li Zhenhai's sharp gaze swept across the room. When it passed over Lin Feng, it paused for an almost imperceptible moment, a trace of regret flashing through his eyes before he returned to normal.

"There is only one month left before the martial arts exam! Practical combat is the most important part of the assessment! Today, we will continue practicing the combined application of basic fist techniques and movement techniques."

"Now, form pairs freely and begin sparring practice! Watch yourselves. Attacking vital points is forbidden!"

The moment his words fell, the crowd immediately stirred, and the students rapidly began searching for partners.

With his arms crossed and an ill-intentioned grin on his face, Zhang Kuang headed straight toward Lin Feng. Several lackeys behind him also crowded over laughing, blocking every route Lin Feng might have used to slip away.

"Well, if it isn't our theory genius?" Zhang Kuang stopped in front of Lin Feng and looked down at him with his chin. "What's wrong? No one wants to pair up with you? Makes sense. Who would want to spar with a punching bag? There's nothing to gain from it."

He deliberately raised his voice, drawing the attention of quite a few people nearby and prompting low snickers.

Liu Feifei stood nearby, watching the scene with a slight frown, but she ultimately said nothing.

Teacher Li Zhenhai noticed the commotion as well and said in a deep voice, "Zhang Kuang, Lin Feng, the two of you pair up."

"Sure, Teacher Li." Zhang Kuang grinned, cracking his knuckles as he looked at Lin Feng with the playful gaze of a cat toying with a mouse. "Classmate Lin Feng, don't worry. I'll 'properly' guide you."

Everyone knew Lin Feng was in for trouble. With Zhang Kuang's vindictive personality, how could he possibly let Lin Feng off easily after being "talked back to" yesterday?

Yet in the face of Zhang Kuang's relentless pressure and the sympathetic or amused gazes surrounding him, Lin Feng slowly raised his head.

There was no fear or panic on his face, only a stillness that made hearts tremble. His black eyes were as deep as ancient wells as he looked directly at Zhang Kuang and said lightly:

"Sure."

"I was just thinking... of finding someone to test my skills on."

His voice was not loud, but it clearly carried through the suddenly silent training hall.

Everyone froze, including Zhang Kuang and Teacher Li Zhenhai.

This Lin Feng... had he been frightened stupid? Or was he smashing the jar because it was already broken?

The smile on Zhang Kuang's face stiffened before turning somewhat savage. "Test your skills? With you? Looks like yesterday's lesson wasn't enough!"

He suddenly stepped forward, his right fist shooting toward Lin Feng's face without warning! The fist wind howled. Though he had not used his full strength, it was extremely fast and far more powerful than an ordinary Martial Apprentice's attack. He clearly intended to make Lin Feng lose face in public with a single blow!

"Ah!" Some of the more timid girls could not help crying out.

Liu Feifei instinctively covered her mouth.

Teacher Li Zhenhai furrowed his brows, ready to intervene at any moment.

However, faced with that swift punch, Lin Feng's body seemed as though it had already predicted everything. His foot slid half a step diagonally backward to the left in what appeared to be a casual movement. Light and smooth, it allowed Zhang Kuang's fist to sweep past the tip of his nose by the narrowest margin.

Zhang Kuang's certain punch missed, and his body tilted slightly forward from inertia.

Now!

A sharp glint flashed through Lin Feng's eyes. His right hand, which had been hanging at his side, suddenly shot out like a lurking venomous snake! He used no flashy martial skill, only the simplest and most direct straight punch, driving it toward Zhang Kuang's exposed ribs beneath his armpit!

This punch was fast! Accurate! Ruthless!

The coordination granted by the perfect-level Basic Body Tempering Technique and his 158 kilograms of strength erupted completely in that instant!

"What?!" Zhang Kuang's pupils contracted sharply, and the teasing expression on his face was instantly replaced by shock. He had no time to change moves or block, and could only barely tense his muscles.

Bang!

"Urgh!" Zhang Kuang let out a painful muffled groan. It was as though he had been struck by a speeding truck, and he staggered backward five or six steps before barely steadying himself. His left hand clutched his right ribs tightly, cold sweat instantly beading across his forehead as his face turned deathly pale.

The entire hall fell silent as death!

Everyone's eyes widened and their mouths hung open as they stared at Lin Feng, who still held his punching stance, as steady as a boulder. It was as though they had seen a ghost.

One move?

Just one move?

Lin Feng, the "piece of trash" they had mocked for three years, had repelled Quasi-Martial Artist Zhang Kuang with just one move?!

Liu Feifei covered her small mouth, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief.

A startling brilliance burst forth in Teacher Li Zhenhai's eyes as he stared fixedly at Lin Feng.

Zhang Kuang's lackeys looked as though they had been struck by an immobilization spell, frozen where they stood, the smiles on their faces completely solidified.

Lin Feng slowly withdrew his fist, feeling the rebounding force from the impact on his knuckles and gaining a clearer understanding of his own strength. He looked toward Zhang Kuang, whose face had turned livid with shock and fury, and spoke in the same calm tone, though it carried invisible pressure:

"Is that all your so-called guidance amounts to?"