As the sun sank in the west, the clouds on the horizon blazed orange-red, their slanting light spilling across the flagstones.
Duan Fan took a deep breath, stepped back half a pace with his right foot, twisted at the waist, and drove his shoulder forward, punching toward Golden Crocodile Douluo's chest.
Soul Power wrapped around his fist. The wind of his punch swept up the dust on the ground and sent it whirling into a small tornado.
Golden Crocodile Douluo raised his right hand, spread his fingers, and caught Duan Fan's fist with ease.
Palm met knuckles with a dull thud.
Duan Fan's fist was trapped in Golden Crocodile Douluo's palm, utterly motionless.
Golden Crocodile Douluo glanced down at the fist, then at Duan Fan's panting face. Suddenly, he released his grip and threw back his head, laughing.
"Hahaha, good!"
Golden Crocodile Douluo's laughter rang across the open space. "You can control your strength now, and your burst is strong enough. You've improved quickly. That's enough for today."
Duan Fan lowered his hand and let out a long breath. Sweat ran from his forehead down his chin and dripped onto the flagstones, splashing into a small dark spot.
He bowed to Golden Crocodile Douluo, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
All afternoon, under Golden Crocodile Douluo's guidance, Duan Fan had been training in how to use his strength.
Golden Crocodile Douluo had a unique teaching style. He rarely offered verbal instructions, instead sending Soul Power directly into Duan Fan's body to show him how to exert his strength.
Unlike Ghost Leopard Douluo's probing Soul Power, Golden Crocodile Douluo's Soul Power entered Duan Fan's body without causing any pain. It felt only like a warm current, and wherever it flowed, Duan Fan could feel where to apply force and how