Deduction and Optimization

The dismissal bell rang, and the students left the training hall with various complex emotions. Many couldn't help but look back as they left, casting a reverent glance at Lin Feng, who was leaving with Instructor Li Zhenhai.

Inside the instructor's office, the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Li Zhenhai didn't sit behind his desk but instead sat opposite Lin Feng across a tea table, his expression serious yet tinged with unconcealed excitement.

"Lin Feng, tell me honestly, what you used to defeat Zhang Kuang just now, was it the Nine Heavens Thunder Blade from the library?" Li Zhenhai's gaze was piercing as he stared intently at Lin Feng.

Lin Feng was prepared and nodded calmly, "Yes, Teacher Li."

Although he had already guessed, hearing the confirmation with his own ears, Li Zhenhai couldn't help but take a deep breath, leaning slightly forward. "You... you've mastered it? And reached the point of invoking a trace of the True Meaning of Thunder? How is that possible! That incomplete manual puts immense strain on the body and meridians; almost no one in modern times can even begin to learn it!"

Lin Feng had already thought of his response and said calmly, "It might be related to my previous 'Blocked Meridians'. Although my meridians were blocked, they are also tougher than ordinary people's because of it. Moreover, I didn't cultivate it entirely according to the incomplete manual. After achieving perfection with the Basic Body Tempering Technique, I made some... adjustments to its energy channeling methods to suit myself."

His words were half-truth, half-lie, attributing the System's credit to his own "adjustments" and the "special nature" of his meridians.

"Self-adjusted?!" Li Zhenhai's pupils constricted, and he looked at Lin Feng as if he were a monster. Adjusting cultivation techniques on one's own, even the most basic ones, requires extremely high martial wisdom and a spirit of adventure. A slight misstep could lead to shattered meridians! This was no longer something that could be described as mere exceptional talent.

He fell silent for a moment, seemingly processing the astonishing information, and finally let out a long sigh, his eyes becoming incredibly solemn. "Lin Feng, do you understand the principle of 'Possessing a Treasure Brings Trouble'? Although the Nine Heavens Thunder Blade is only an incomplete manual, it involves the 'True Meaning of Thunder', and its value is immeasurable. You displayed it publicly today, and the news will likely spread quickly."

Lin Feng's eyes sharpened. "Teacher means..."

"Zhang Kuang's family won't let this go, and some forces outside the school might also target you," Li Zhenhai said gravely. "Until you possess sufficient self-protection capabilities, try to keep a low profile. Unless absolutely necessary, do not easily use the Nine Heavens Thunder Blade again."

"I understand, student," Lin Feng nodded. He knew well the temptation of power could drive people to take risks.

Li Zhenhai looked at his steady demeanor and nodded with satisfaction. He took out a palm-sized jade box from his drawer and pushed it towards Lin Feng.

"Inside are three tubes of 'Junior Gene Repair Fluid'. They can accelerate wound recovery and nourish the body, which should help you stabilize your realm. Consider it a personal investment from your teacher."

Lin Feng's heart stirred. Junior Gene Repair Fluid, each tube costing tens of thousands of Federal currency on the market, was an astronomical price for him. This favor from Teacher Li was significant.

He didn't refuse, taking the jade box with both hands and saying solemnly, "Thank you, Teacher! I will remember this favor, Lin Feng."

"No need to be polite. I hope to see you shine in the Martial Arts Examination," Li Zhenhai waved his hand, his tone filled with anticipation. "Go, prepare well. Remember, the real stage is the Martial Arts Examination, the entire country, and even further!"

After leaving school, Lin Feng didn't go home but headed to the Extreme Martial Arts Hall again.

This time, he walked directly to the front desk and presented his remaining two experience cards.

It was the same receptionist from last time. When she saw Lin Feng, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and her attitude became much more respectful than before. She even managed a sincere smile. "Mr. Lin, you're here. The junior training room has been prepared for you."

Lin Feng keenly noticed the change in her attitude and felt a slight stir in his heart, but he didn't ask further, merely nodding faintly. "Thank you for your trouble."

Entering the familiar junior training room, he closed the door, isolating himself from everything outside.

He didn't start cultivating immediately but sat cross-legged on the cushion, sinking his consciousness into the System.

[Host: Lin Feng]
[Realm: Martial Trainee (Late Stage)]
[Strength: 215kg]
[Agility: 15m/s]
[Physique: Good (Meridian Unblocking 15%)]
[Mental Power: 28]
[Cultivation Technique: Basic Body Tempering Technique (Perfect Version)]
[Martial Skill: Nine Heavens Thunder Blade (Initial Chapter), Mastery: 8%]
[Deduction Projects: Basic Body Tempering Technique (Perfect Version), Nine Heavens Thunder Blade (Initial Chapter)]

His strength and agility had improved further after defeating Zhang Kuang and subsequent cultivation, and his meridian unblocking had reached 15%. However, Lin Feng's gaze fell on the [Deduction Projects].

"System, what are the conditions to deduce and optimize the Basic Body Tempering Technique (Perfect Version) and Nine Heavens Thunder Blade (Initial Chapter)?"

Detailed information immediately appeared on the screen:

[Deduction of Basic Body Tempering Technique (Perfect Version) requires: 1. Host's own 50% spiritual energy reserve; 2. External energy (equivalent to 10 tubes of Junior Gene Repair Fluid). Deduction direction: Improve spiritual energy absorption efficiency, strengthen foundation, with a chance to derive basic characteristics (e.g., rapid recovery, strength amplification).]

[Deduction of Nine Heavens Thunder Blade (Initial Chapter) requires: 1. Host's own 80% spiritual energy reserve; 2. External energy (equivalent to 1 'Thunder Grass' or similar item containing thunder energy). Deduction direction: Complete subsequent cultivation chapters (starting from the fourth chapter), improve the purity of the True Meaning of Thunder, optimize energy consumption.]

Looking at the conditions listed by the System, Lin Feng frowned. Energy, always energy! His own spiritual energy reserve was manageable, but the external energy source was a problem. 10 tubes of Junior Gene Repair Fluid? He couldn't afford it even if he sold himself. Thunder Grass? Just by its name, he knew it was a rare spiritual plant.

"It seems I need to find a way to make money, or seek opportunities," Lin Feng mused. The spiritual energy concentration in the martial arts hall's junior training room was insufficient, and he only had two experience cards left.

His gaze fell on the three tubes of Junior Gene Repair Fluid given by Teacher Li.

"System, if I only use these three repair fluids, what can be deduced?"

[Preliminary optimization of Basic Body Tempering Technique (Perfect Version) can be performed, estimated to increase absorption efficiency by 20%, with a low chance of acquiring basic characteristics. Proceed?]

Only 20%? And a low chance? Lin Feng was a bit disappointed, but beggars couldn't be choosers. Just as he was about to select "Yes," a thought flashed through his mind.

"System, can the optimization direction of Basic Body Tempering Technique focus on 'physical strength' and 'meridian unblocking'?"

He remembered the term "deduction direction" in the System's description.

[Command received. Redefining deduction direction: Focus on physical strength and meridian unblocking. Estimated optimization effects: Absorption efficiency increased by 10%, physical strength increased by 15%, meridian unblocking speed increased by 30%, no characteristics can be derived. Proceed?]

This result made Lin Feng's eyes light up! Although the increase in absorption efficiency was less, the improvements in physical strength and meridian unblocking speed were more important for his current cultivation of Nine Heavens Thunder Blade and improving his foundation!

"Proceed with optimization!"

He took out the jade box and held the three gene repair fluids, which glowed with a faint blue light.

[External energy source detected, requirements met. Initiating deduction and optimization...]

The repair fluid in his hand turned transparent at a speed visible to the naked eye. Its essence was extracted by an invisible force and channeled into Lin Feng's body. At the same time, he felt nearly half of his spiritual energy being drawn by the System.

In his mind, the rune representing the Basic Body Tempering Technique began to flash violently. Its structure was being fine-tuned, becoming more complex and efficient, especially the parts targeting physical tempering and meridian nourishment, which were greatly strengthened.

A few minutes later, the deduction concluded.

[Deduction complete! Basic Body Tempering Technique (Perfect Version) has been optimized into Basic Body Tempering Technique: Quenching Chapter!]

[Mastery: 100% (Inherited Automatically)]

[Effects: Spiritual energy absorption efficiency increased by 10%, physical strength increased by 15%, meridian unblocking speed increased by 30%]

[Evaluation: A more solid foundation has been laid, providing a strong base for subsequent cultivation of advanced martial arts.]

It worked!

Lin Feng immediately felt the difference! The already dense spiritual energy around him was now absorbed even more smoothly. He tried to circulate his cultivation technique, and as his Blood Essence surged, his muscles felt a more pronounced sense of strengthening. Especially the blocked meridians, they seemed to be continuously cleansed by a gentle force, and the tingling sensation intensified!

"The effects are immediate!" Lin Feng rejoiced inwardly. This was just the initial optimization. If he had enough energy in the future and fully utilized the System's functions...

He wasted no more time and immediately began cultivating the new Basic Body Tempering Technique: Quenching Chapter, while also practicing the Nine Heavens Thunder Blade intermittently.

With the boost from the optimized cultivation technique, the damage to his muscles when practicing the Nine Heavens Thunder Blade was significantly reduced, and his recovery speed increased, allowing him to practice more recklessly.

"Lightning Flash!"

"Thunderclap Break!"

His figure moved rapidly within the confined training room, his punches whistling, carrying faint sounds of wind and thunder. His mastery began to increase slowly but steadily.

When he finished his training and emerged from the Martial Arts Hall, it was already late at night.

[Strength: 235kg]

[Agility: 16m/s]

[Physique: Good (Meridians Unblocked 18%)]

[Nine Heavens Thunder Blade (Beginner Chapter) Mastery: 11%]

Feeling the increasingly abundant strength within him, Lin Feng was filled with anticipation for the upcoming city-wide mock examination.

"Zhang Kuang, Liu Feifei... what you've seen is merely the tip of my iceberg."

"The Martial Arts Examination is my true starting point!"