The Liver Emperor Appears, Day and Night Unceasing

The morning light pierced the clouds, casting a hazy golden hue on the crooked shacks of the Slum District.

Lin Fan stood at the entrance of the shack, his consciousness sinking into the panel, gazing at the two lines of data:

[Basic Fist Technique (Proficient 201/500)]

[Basic Breathing Technique (Beginner 79/100)]

And in the corner of the panel, the System Status bar: [Integrity: 3.1%], along with the faintly visible "Task System" in the Unlock List.

"The efficiency is still not enough," Lin Fan muttered to himself.

After a night of Hard Training, Basic Fist Technique had reached Proficient Level, and he had accumulated an extra 100 Proficiency – that 1 Skill Point was well spent. Breathing Technique had also made Progress, only 21 points away from Proficient Level.

But with the Three-Day Limit, only two days remained.

His sister's medicine required 5000 Credit Points. At market price, a 1st Tier Demonic Core was about 100 points, meaning he needed to Hunt 50 1st Tier Demonic Beasts. With his current strength, this was almost impossible – not because he couldn't defeat them, but because he couldn't find that many straggler Demonic Beasts, let alone the other dangers he might encounter during the hunt.

"So, I must pursue a Dual-Line Parallel approach," Lin Fan calculated rapidly in his mind. "Continue to Improve Strength to prepare for hunting Higher Tier Demonic Beasts, while also finding ways to Earn Quick Money, at least to stabilize my sister's Condition first."

He looked at the Attribute Bar on the panel.

Strength 10, Defense 8, Speed 9.

According to the description, the Average for an Ordinary Person was 5; his Base Attributes were almost double. But this was not enough, far from it.

"If only there was a way to directly increase attributes..." Lin Fan focused his attention on the Strength Value.

There was no reaction.

He tried concentrating on the "(+0)" behind it.

This time, a tiny prompt box popped up: [Attributes can be increased through the following methods: 1. Realm Breakthrough; 2. Cultivation Technique Buff; 3. Natural Treasures; 4. Special Opportunity.]

All conditions that were currently unavailable.

Lin Fan exited the panel and walked into the shack. Lin Xiaoyu had already woken up and was sitting on the Straw Mat, sipping the Thin Porridge left from last night in small mouthfuls. Seeing Lin Fan enter, she forced a smile, "Brother, you're up so early."

"I have to go out to work today." Lin Fan crouched down and touched his sister's forehead; it was still a bit hot. "You rest well, don't Get Out of Bed."

"Okay." Lin Xiaoyu nodded obediently, hesitated, and then asked softly, "Brother, the medicine... is it expensive?"

"It's not expensive," Lin Fan replied quickly. "Brother will Earn Money today and buy you medicine tonight."

He said it with certainty, as if stating an Established Fact.

Lin Xiaoyu's eyes lit up for a moment, but then quickly dimmed again, "Brother, don't get too tired. I... I can still endure it."

Lin Fan didn't reply. He simply tucked the worn Thin Quilt around her, then rummaged through the bottom of the Wooden Box to find a small cloth bag – inside were the last remnants left by their Parents: a rusty Bronze Badge with a blurred character "Lin" engraved on it; and a few yellowed papers, recording the most Simple Herbal Identification Method.

He tucked the badge close to his body and turned to leave.

On the east side of the Slum District, near the City Wall Base, there was a Messy Open Space.

This was the "Temporary Labor Gathering Place."

Dawn had just broken, and hundreds of people had already gathered in the open space. Most were ragged men, with a few women and teenagers among them. Everyone was waiting for the supervisors from the Inner City to come and select the laborers needed for the day.

Lin Fan squeezed into the crowd and found a relatively clean corner to stand.

He looked around and saw familiar faces—most were neighbors from the original owner's memories, and a few were people the original owner had worked with before. Everyone was sallow and thin, with Numb Eyes, like a group of beggars waiting for charity.

"Kid, you here to take a job too?" A middle-aged man with a face full of stubble glanced at Lin Fan. "There's not much work today, probably won't be your turn."

Lin Fan recognized him. Everyone called him "Old Zhang." He had been a laborer in the Slum District for over ten years and was familiar with all the foremen.

"Uncle Zhang," Lin Fan nodded. "What kind of work is there today?"

"What else could it be?" Old Zhang sneered. "Dock Unloading, Construction Site Brick Moving, Garbage Cleaning. All the Dirty and Tired Work that the Inner City masters don't want to do."

As they were talking, a commotion arose at the edge of the open field.

Three pickup trucks drove over and stopped by the roadside. Several men in work clothes, with batons at their waists, jumped out of the vehicles. Leading them was a Bald Fatty, with a whistle hanging around his neck.

"It's Foreman Wang," Old Zhang whispered. "He's in charge of Dock Unloading. He pays on time, but the work is heavy."

Foreman Wang stood on a rock, blew his whistle, and the noisy crowd immediately fell silent.

"We need thirty people today!" the fatty bellowed. "Unloading ore trucks. 5 Credit Points per truck, and two meals are included! If you have strength, stand over here!"

The crowd surged forward immediately.

There were thirty quotas, and at least 150 people present. Everyone pushed forward, waving their arms and shouting, "Pick me, pick me!"

Lin Fan didn't push forward. Instead, he stood his ground, observing Foreman Wang's Selection Method.

The fatty's gaze swept across the crowd, and he pointed with his finger: "You, you, and you... Hmm, that dark-skinned kid, you look sturdy enough, come here."

The people he pointed to were all relatively strong and looked capable of carrying heavy loads. Lin Fan's Thin Physique was not conspicuous in the crowd.

Soon, twenty-nine people were selected.

The fatty was about to choose the last one when his gaze swept over Lin Fan, and he frowned. "Too thin, no."

"Foreman Wang, I can do it," Lin Fan stepped forward, his voice calm. "I have good strength."

"Good strength?" A sturdy man who had been selected scoffed. "Kid, an ore truck carries two to three tons. Can you carry that?"

Lin Fan ignored him and looked at Foreman Wang. "Let me try. If I can't do it, I won't take a single credit point."

The fatty stared at Lin Fan for a few seconds. Perhaps sensing something different in the young man's eyes, he finally nodded, "Alright, you're in. But let's get this straight, slack off or can't handle it, and you're out immediately!"

"Understood."

Lin Fan followed the group onto the back of the pickup truck. The truck bed was packed with people, a mixture of sweat and body odor filling the air. The strongman who had scoffed at him earlier was sitting opposite, constantly glancing at him with disdain.

"Kid, don't come crying later," the strongman grinned, revealing yellow teeth.

Lin Fan didn't reply, merely closing his eyes to rest.

The truck started, driving out of the Slum District, passing through a heavily guarded checkpoint, and entering the "Outer City." The buildings here were noticeably more orderly, and the streets cleaner, but patrolling soldiers and defensive fortifications on the high walls were still visible.

After another ten minutes of driving, they reached the docks.

Jiangnan City was built beside a large river, and the dock area was a crucial hub for material distribution. Dozens of cargo ships could be seen anchored in the distance, cranes loading and unloading containers, and workers scurrying between piles of goods like ants.

Foreman Wang led the group to an open-air storage yard. Large piles of dark brown ore were stacked here, each piece the size of a basketball, with rough surfaces and a metallic sheen.

"Today's job is simple!" the fatty pointed at a train car approaching in the distance. "The ore trucks will bring the ore from the mining area. You guys are responsible for unloading it and moving it to those piles over there, stacking them neatly. Five points per truck, payment upon completion! Lunch will be steamed buns and soup, and it's all you can eat!"

He paused and added, "A reminder, this is 'Black Iron Ore,' heavier than ordinary stone. Each piece weighs at least thirty to forty pounds. Be careful not to drop it on your feet!"

The train car slowly came to a stop. The car doors opened, revealing piles of Black Iron Ore.

"Let's get to work!"

The thirty people split into two groups. One group went onto the train car to unload, and the other stayed below to carry and stack.

Lin Fan was assigned to the carrying group. He walked to the edge of the train car and looked at the mountain of ore piled inside, taking a deep breath.

He bent down and picked up a piece.

It felt heavy in his hands, indeed thirty to forty pounds. If it were the old Lin Fan, carrying it would be a struggle even to walk, but now...

He exerted force with his arms and steadily lifted the ore.

[Detected Strength-based labor]

[Strength Proficiency +1]

A system notification flashed before his eyes.

Lin Fan's eyes lit up.

As expected!

Labor could also accumulate proficiency! And judging by the notification, this was "Strength Proficiency," very likely corresponding to an increase in the [Strength] attribute!

He didn't hesitate. Holding the ore, he quickly walked towards the pile twenty meters away. His steps were steady, his breathing even, without the stumbling and panting of an ordinary person carrying heavy objects.

Put down the ore and turned back.

The second piece, the third piece, the fourth piece...

[Strength Proficiency +1]

[Strength Proficiency +1]

Prompts flashed continuously.

Lin Fan discovered that each time he carried something, as long as the movement was standard and the force was applied completely, he would gain 1 point of proficiency. If the movement was distorted or paused midway, it was useless.

"It's like practicing martial arts. The system recognizes 'effective labor'," he understood.

Therefore, he deliberately adjusted his carrying posture: when bending down, he squatted with his legs, using leg strength to support; when lifting, he kept his back straight and core tight; when walking, he maintained a steady pace and balance.

Each movement was like practicing a skill of "Heavy Load Carry."

His efficiency was a notch higher than others.

The Strongman who had mocked Lin Fan was out of breath after carrying three pieces and had to stop to rest. Lin Fan, however, had already carried eight pieces. Only a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his breathing remained steady.

"Kid, not bad." Old Zhang next to him looked at him in surprise. "Have you practiced before?"

"Just a bit of strength," Lin Fan replied simply, and picked up another piece of ore.

[Strength Proficiency +1]

In one morning, Lin Fan carried fifty-three pieces of ore.

Calculating an average of thirty-five jin per piece, the total weight he moved was close to one ton. This wasn't the most crucial part—the most crucial part was that he gained 53 points of "Strength Proficiency."

During lunchtime, the workers sat around the pile of goods, each with two Black Flour Buns and a bowl of clear soup with a few floating vegetable leaves.

Lin Fan received his portion but didn't eat immediately. Instead, he checked his panel first.

[Strength Proficiency: 53/100]

There was no independent "Strength Skill Bar," but this proficiency bar did exist. It was located behind [Strength: 10] in the Attribute Bar, with a very small gray progress bar that could only be seen if he concentrated.

"So, basic attributes like Strength, Defense, and Speed can also accumulate proficiency through corresponding activities?" Lin Fan speculated. "When proficiency is full, will it increase the attribute values?"

If that were the case, this system would be too powerful.

Not only combat skills, but even basic attributes could be improved through "grinding"!

"Eat first." Lin Fan took a bite of the bun. The rough wheat bran scratched his throat, but he ate earnestly. His body needed energy, and the afternoon would be the real test.

There was a half-hour Rest time after lunch.

Most people lay on the ground for a nap, but Lin Fan found a secluded corner, sat down cross-legged, and began to run the Basic Breathing Technique.

His breathing was long and steady, and the vital energy flowed.

[Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +1]

One cycle, two cycles...

Although the environment was noisy, Lin Fan quickly entered the state. Fatigue was drawn away bit by bit, and the soreness in his muscles slowly subsided under the nourishment of vital energy.

Half an hour later, he opened his eyes.

[Basic Breathing Technique (Beginner 85/100)]

Another 6 points pushed forward.

Only 15 points left until Proficient Level.

"I should be able to break through this afternoon," Lin Fan said as he stood up and stretched his shoulders, feeling more than half recovered.

The labor in the afternoon was even more arduous.

The sun was scorching, and the ore was hot to the touch. Many workers started to slack off, and their carrying speed noticeably slowed down. Foreman Wang prowled around with a stick, cursing, but he didn't have many options – the weather was too hot, and pushing too hard would cause trouble.

Only Lin Fan maintained the same rhythm as in the morning.

One piece, two pieces, three pieces...

[Strength Proficiency +1]

[Strength Proficiency +1]

His movements became smoother and smoother, as if his body had adapted to this high-intensity labor. Every bend, lift, walk, and put-down was like a precisely calculated action, maximizing efficiency and minimizing stamina consumption.

That Strongman carried two more loads before he finally couldn't take it anymore. He sat down on the ground with a plop, gasping for air, "I... I can't do it anymore, this damn weather..."

He looked at Lin Fan, his gaze shifting from initial disdain to disbelief.

That scrawny teenager had been carrying ore continuously for nearly four hours without a single stop or a single complaint of tiredness. Sweat soaked through his tattered clothes, clinging tightly to his body and outlining the slightly bulging muscle lines – not the bulky muscles of the Strongman, but lean, taut, and resilient lines.

"Monster..." the Strongman muttered.

At 3 PM, the first cart of ore was unloaded.

Foreman Wang blew his whistle to gather everyone and began the settlement.

"Listen up!" the fat man said, holding a small notebook. "Old rules, money is calculated by the amount carried! 0.1 Credit Points per piece, report your numbers, and I'll verify!"

The workers began reporting their numbers.

"Twenty-seven."

"Thirty-one."

"Nineteen..."

When it was the Strongman's turn, he hesitated, "Forty-two."

Foreman Wang glanced at him and made a note in his book.

Finally, it was Lin Fan's turn.

"One hundred and nine," Lin Fan said.

The scene fell silent for a moment.

"How much?" Foreman Wang thought he misheard.

"One hundred and nine," Lin Fan repeated.

"Are you fucking bragging?!" the Strongman couldn't help but shout. "I worked myself to death and only got forty-two, and you got one hundred and nine? Do you think you're a Martial Artist?"

The others also cast doubtful glances.

Foreman Wang stared at Lin Fan, "Kid, you won't get a single cent if you report a false number."

"You can check," Lin Fan said calmly. "The ore I moved is stacked in the third row of the west pile. Counting from the top down, the first five layers were stacked by me. Each layer has about twenty pieces, the top layer has nine, totaling one hundred and nine."

The fat man, half-believing, walked over to check.

The pile was stacked neatly. Each layer had twenty pieces of ore, with only the top layer having nine. The third row of the west pile indeed had five layers, and the ore on top still bore fresh sweat stains and handprints.

Foreman Wang counted twice, then turned to look at Lin Fan, his expression complex, "It really is... one hundred and nine."

Whoosh--

The workers erupted.

"How is that possible?!"

"He moved as much as two or three of us by himself!"

"What does this kid eat to grow so strong?"

The Strongman's face turned red. He wanted to say something but couldn't.

Foreman Wang made a heavy mark in his book, then began distributing the pay. Most people received three or four Credit Points. The Strongman got 4.2 points.

When it was Lin Fan's turn, the fat man counted out 10.9 coins—these were metal Credit Point tokens, with the Jiangnan City logo on the front and the denomination on the back.

"Kid, you're something else." Foreman Wang handed a coin to Lin Fan, giving him a thumbs-up. "Coming back tomorrow? I'll save you a spot."

"I will." Lin Fan took the coin, a small, heavy handful.

This was the first time he had earned money on his own since transmigrating.

Although it was only 10.9 points, still a long way from 5000, it was at least... a start.

More importantly, he checked his status panel:

[Strength Proficiency: 109/100]

[Strength: 10 → 11]

[Tip: Strength attribute increased. Current punching power is approximately 130 kg, weightlifting capacity is approximately 110 kg.]

Just as he expected!

Once Strength Proficiency reached 100 points, the attribute directly increased by 1 point!

From 10 to 11, it seemed like only a 1-point increase, but considering the average for an average adult male is 5, this was already more than double the strength of a normal person. Furthermore, his punching power increased from 120 kg to 130 kg, and his weightlifting capacity rose from 100 kg to 110 kg.

Tangible growth.

"If I keep working like this, can I keep stacking up my strength?" Lin Fan pondered in his mind. "But the efficiency is still too low. Only 109 points of proficiency in an afternoon. To get the next attribute point, I need another 100 points..."

He needed a more efficient method.

After work, the laborers gradually dispersed. Lin Fan didn't leave immediately. Instead, he walked up to Foreman Wang.

"Foreman Wang, I want to ask, is there any heavier work?" Lin Fan asked directly. "More pay, I don't mind being more tired."

The fat man was tidying up the ledger. He looked up at Lin Fan when he heard him. "Heavier work? There is, but that kind of work... it's easy to get into trouble."

"What kind of work?"

"Loading and unloading 'refined steel ingots'." Foreman Wang lowered his voice. "They're transported from the inner city factories. Each one weighs over a hundred catties. The pay is high, 0.5 points per ingot, but it requires two people to lift it, and you have to coordinate well, otherwise, it's easy to get injured. There have been accidents before, people have died. Not many dare to take it now."

Over a hundred catties, requiring two people to lift.

Lin Fan calculated in his mind: If he tried to move one by himself, would that count as an "over-level challenge"? Would the system give him extra proficiency?

"Can I try?" Lin Fan asked.

Foreman Wang stared at him for several seconds before finally shaking his head. "Kid, I know you're strong, but this isn't the time to show off. Lifting a hundred-catty steel ingot by yourself isn't impossible, but the risk is too great. If you slip up, at best you'll break a leg, at worst you'll lose your life. Money is important, but your life is more important."

He spoke sincerely, not dismissively.

Lin Fan was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Foreman Wang."

"Same time, same place tomorrow," the fatty said, patting Lin Fan's shoulder. "With a master like you, I wish I could come every day."

Leaving the dock, Lin Fan didn't head straight back to the Slum District.

He wandered the streets of the Outer City for a while, using the 10.9 Credit Points he'd earned to buy two White Flour Buns—twice as expensive as Black Flour Buns, but softer and easier to digest.

He spent another point on a small bag of Coarse Salt.

The rest of his money was converted entirely into the cheapest "Nutritional Paste"—an Industrial Synthesis paste that tasted terrible but was high in calories and could quickly restore stamina. Each tube cost 5 points, and he bought four, spending all his money.

By the time he returned to the Slum District, dusk had fallen.

In the Shack, Lin Xiaoyu was curled up on her Straw Mat, her face even paler than in the morning. Seeing Lin Fan return, she tried to sit up, but it triggered a violent coughing fit.

"Don't move," Lin Fan said, quickly going over and supporting his sister. He pulled a still-warm bun from his embrace. "Eat something first."

Lin Xiaoyu stared at the White Flour Bun, stunned. "Brother, this... this must be expensive, right?"

"It's not expensive," Lin Fan said, breaking off a small piece and offering it to her. "Eat."

Lin Xiaoyu ate it in small bites, her eyes slowly reddening. "Brother, I'm sorry... I'm just a burden to you..."

"Don't talk nonsense," Lin Fan said, ruffling her hair. "You're my sister. There's no such thing as a burden."

After his sister finished half the bun, Lin Fan took out the remaining Nutritional Paste. "Keep this. Eat a little every day to replenish your strength. Don't worry about the medicine, brother has a way."

After settling his sister, Lin Fan walked out of the Shack.

The Night Wind was cool.

He checked his status panel.

[Basic Fist Technique (Proficient 201/500)]
[Basic Breathing Technique (Beginner 85/100)]
[Strength: 11]
[Status: Moderate Fatigue, Mild Malnutrition (Recovering)]

His fatigue was higher than in the morning, but thankfully there was the "Recovering" prompt, indicating the Nutritional Paste was working.

"Begin Night Training."

Lin Fan assumed his Boxing Stance.

This time, it was completely different from yesterday.

As his fists flew out, the sound of them cutting through the air was clear. His Strength of 11, combined with the 10% power bonus from his Proficient Level fist technique, gave each punch a heavy, substantial feel.

More importantly, he discovered a new change—movements that previously required his full attention to meet the "Complete Practice" standard now only needed seven or eight parts of his attention to meet the standard.

This meant he could increase his practice frequency while ensuring quality!

One punch, two punches, three punches...

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]

His speed had doubled compared to last night!

Lin Fan felt invigorated but didn't rush. He maintained a steady rhythm, stopping to practice breathing after every twenty punches to recover his stamina and vital energy.

[Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +1]

[Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +1]

The efficiency of his breathing technique had also improved. On one hand, he was more familiar with the breathing method; on the other hand, his physical condition was better—the energy provided by the Nutritional Paste was slowly being released.

Time flowed by amidst sweat and breaths.

11 PM.

[Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +1]

[Skill: Basic Breathing Technique has been upgraded from 'Beginner' to 'Proficient']

[Current Proficiency: 101/500]

[Skill Effects Updated: Vital Energy Recovery Speed +10%, Fatigue Recovery Speed +10%]

[System Integrity increased to 3.5%]

Finally, the second skill had also reached the Proficient level!

Lin Fan could clearly feel that the surrounding "Qi" had become easier to capture. With each breath, vital energy poured into his Sea of Qi, and fatigue receded like a tide.

He checked his vital energy: [Vital Energy: 87/100].

He had consumed a lot of stamina moving ore earlier, but now, with less than two hours of breathing practice, he had recovered over eighty percent.

"Proficient level breathing technique is twice as effective as the Beginner level," Lin Fan estimated. "At this rate, the time I can 'grind' each day can be extended by at least a third."

He continued practicing his punches.

1 AM.

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]

The progress bar steadily advances: [Basic Fist Technique (Proficient 267/500)].

There was still some distance to Mastery Level, but at the current efficiency, reaching Mastery Level within three days was entirely possible.

Just then--

The panel suddenly vibrated slightly.

[Detected Binder completing 'High-Intensity Labor + Continuous Cultivation' cycle]

[Hidden condition met]

[Milestone 'Day and Night Liver Emperor (Beginner)' completed]

[Reward: Skill Point ×1, System Integrity +0.5%]

[Current System Integrity: 4.0%]

[Unlockable Function 'Task System' unlock progress: 40%]

A new milestone!

And it was a hidden one!

Lin Fan's spirits lifted, and he immediately checked the newly rewarded skill point.

Without hesitation, he added it directly to Basic Fist Technique.

[Skill Point -1]

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +100]

[Current Proficiency: 367/500]

Only 134 points away from Mastery Level (501 points).

"If I continue with high-intensity labor tomorrow and practice like this again tonight..." Lin Fan quickly calculated, "At the latest, by the night after tomorrow, Basic Fist Technique will reach Mastery Level."

Mastery Level meant a 20% power bonus.

By then, what would his Punching Power reach?

150 kilograms? 160 kilograms?

More importantly, System Integrity had reached 4.0%, and the Task System's unlock progress had reached 40%. Following this trend, completing one or two more milestones might activate the Task System.

And the Task System meant... there might be more direct rewards, such as Credit Points, or ways to acquire resources.

Lin Fan took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart.

Can't rush.

One step at a time.

He glanced at the shack, his sister sleeping soundly inside.

He glanced at the panel again, the lines of data quietly flickering in the darkness.

Then, he once again assumed his boxing stance.

The night was still long.

The path of the Liver Emperor had only just begun.

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