Golden Cicada Robe could indeed improve Lu Chong's overall attributes. Aside from strengthening his physical defenses, it also provided a considerable boost to his basic strength and speed.
The only thing Golden Cicada Robe couldn't affect was the brain's most mysterious neural system. He hadn't expected Principal Fang to have created such an incredible martial art.
"You'll understand its effects once you've trained in it."
Principal Fang didn't explain further. He simply took out an Inheritance Jade Slip and had Lu Chong receive its contents right there in front of him.
Lu Chong, of course, didn't refuse. Martial arts like this were priceless on the market, and it certainly wouldn't be any cheaper than Golden Cicada Robe.
Before long, Lu Chong had recorded the training method for Tiger Roar Skill in his mind.
Principal Fang continued, "Tiger Roar Skill does have some moves, but its main focus is on the roar. Once you reach a certain level, you can create sound-wave attacks that have a stunning effect on the mind."
"Of course, as a top-grade martial art, it's also very difficult to master, and medicinal solutions can't help you train in it."
"For the time being, you can come to me for guidance after class every day. I believe you should be able to reach Small Accomplishment before the College Entrance Exam."
Principal Fang was still talking at length, unaware that Lu Chong was already secretly overjoyed.
The moment he finished receiving the inheritance of Tiger Roar Skill, a notification rang in his mind.
"Tiger Roar Skill has drawn inspiration from Eagle Claw Technique, Nine-Shadow Step, and Mountain Leaning Back, reaching Small Accomplishment. Training speed doubled."
"Tiger Roar Skill has benefited greatly from an expert's guidance. Training speed doubled again."
"Wow. A top-grade martial art reached Small Accomplishment right away, and its training speed doubled twice. I can get perks like this too?"
Even Lu Chong hadn't expected training in this top-grade martial art to go so smoothly.
But after thinking it over, he felt there was some logic to it.
The seven Martial Skills taught at school were the most basic of the basics, laying the groundwork for students to train in more difficult skills later.
The moves in Tiger Roar Skill included tiger claws, pouncing tigers, and whipping tails. They did share some common elements with those basic skills.
Ordinary people would have to spend time adapting and absorbing those elements, but Lu Chong could directly transfer them to a new martial art.
"So basic Martial Skills definitely aren't useless. Even after your cultivation improves, they can still be very useful." Lu Chong now understood just how important low-grade martial arts were.
It was like the foundational knowledge taught in primary and secondary school. Did it become useless once you entered university or joined the workforce?
Without that basic knowledge, you probably wouldn't even understand your university courses. And once you entered the workforce, you might not even be able to balance the books.
So Lu Chong was glad he had mastered all seven Martial Skills taught at his high school. It would save him a lot of time he'd otherwise spend going back to fill in the gaps.
"Lu Chong, are you listening?" Principal Fang noticed that Lu Chong had zoned out and reminded him, both exasperated and amused.
At a moment this important, the kid could still lose focus. Was his Tiger Roar Skill not good enough?
"I am, I am. Please go on, Teacher Fang." Lu Chong came back to his senses and quickly perked up.
"Good!" Principal Fang stood up. "Now I'll demonstrate Tiger Stance for you."
"When you can start to take on the shape of a tiger, that means you've begun to master it."
As he spoke, Principal Fang, who had seemed rather frail and old, suddenly straightened up. He seemed to grow taller and more imposing right before their eyes.
Then Principal Fang bent his knees slightly and leaned his upper body forward. He held his arms out and curled the index fingers of both hands slightly, like tiger claws.
That wasn't all. Maintaining the posture, Principal Fang began running back and forth through the stone chamber, which was less than thirty square meters. He moved faster and faster, his momentum fierce as a tiger's.
Lu Chong watched, fascinated. For a moment, he could almost see an actual tiger descending the mountain in search of prey, majestic and imposing.
"Give it a try. Follow behind me." Principal Fang made three rounds, then slowed as he passed Lu Chong and called to him.
Lu Chong had been itching to try. Without a word, he assumed the same posture and ran alongside Principal Fang, moving with the same powerful, tiger-like stride.
Thankfully, it went smoothly. After all, he'd already reached Small Accomplishment.
Lu Chong thought it was only natural.
But after one lap, Principal Fang was completely taken aback.
He stopped, turned around, and blocked the eager Lu Chong, staring at him in disbelief. "Kid, have you trained in Tiger Roar Skill before?"
Lu Chong was used to this sort of reaction. He knew why Principal Fang had asked, so he simply shook his head and answered honestly, "No, Principal Fang. Didn't you just pass it on to me?"
"Yes, I did pass it on to you." Principal Fang stroked his beard. "But do you know you've already gone beyond the entry level? You've reached Small Accomplishment in Tiger Roar Skill."
"You've already begun to take on the shape of a tiger. You can even start imitating its spirit." Principal Fang could hardly believe it.
He was truly shaken. He'd heard the kid was highly perceptive, but he'd never seen anyone this perceptive.
Was this really just a matter of talent? This was cheating.
Principal Fang knew the students had a gaming term that seemed to describe exactly this sort of thing.
But to preserve his dignity, Principal Fang didn't ask about it. Instead, he stroked his beard and composed himself. "Don't get cocky."
"Your comprehension is impressive, but you haven't grasped the essence of Tiger Roar Skill yet. So from now on, you need to train properly under my guidance."
Lu Chong replied modestly, "Understood, Principal Fang."
"Don't be so formal. Call me Teacher from now on." Principal Fang stressed again.
"Okay, Teacher," Lu Chong readily replied.
"Hmm. To refine your mind with the tiger's roar, this place isn't very suitable." Principal Fang looked around, then made up his mind. "Come on. Follow me outside to practice Tiger Roar Skill."
Lu Chong was more than happy to comply.
He followed Principal Fang outside, but hadn't expected the old principal to grab him and leap straight down from the fortress wall, a hundred meters high.
They weren't heading into the fortress. They were going toward the dark Wilderness outside.
Principal Fang was actually taking Lu Chong out to the Wilderness to practice Tiger Roar Skill.
A current of air soon sprang up beneath Principal Fang's feet, slowing their fall. The two of them glided for several hundred meters before landing smoothly.
Lu Chong couldn't help but marvel. Principal Fang simply said, "It's just a little trick of a Martial Ancestor's ability to fly. Once you reach that level, you'll be able to do it too."
Lu Chong nodded, though in truth he was more curious about the Wilderness around them.
This place was nothing like the Hunting Ground. It was truly sparsely populated territory belonging to the Exotic Beasts.
Awooo...
Low, mournful howls echoed all around them. Lu Chong saw pairs of scarlet eyes appear in the darkness.
The feeling was completely different from being in the Hunting Ground. The hairs all over Lu Chong's body stood on end involuntarily.
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