From Lighting Up Talents to Becoming a Demon God Section 37

And this still was not his greatest gain.

Because, according to the explanation in Vitality Development Theory, after breaking through the 20-point vitality threshold, an individual life would undergo a slight qualitative transformation.

Aside from strength, speed, and the like being enhanced by a notch, physique, endurance, recovery ability, and so on would all receive a certain boost.

And most importantly—

"Energy."

Lu Chao's gaze sharpened. He focused his will and carefully sensed himself.

A stream of warm energy, like a brook, was slowly flowing through his tendons, meridians, blood, and flesh.

It was exactly the same as the Martial Arts Energy Master Luo had mentioned when giving him guidance back then. It was a special power of almost the same quality as the life energy, genetic source, and other forces from other paths.

Once, there had only been a faint wisp of it, but now it had grown several times stronger, like a gently flowing stream.

Even subconsciously—

When he willed it and adjusted his breathing according to the essentials of the Gold-Stone Combat Arts—

Buzz!!

His body trembled, and he looked at his hands.

The skin of his palms had actually changed color, shifting from a normal healthy red to a faint grayish white, radiating a sense of toughness like stone.

Just as he was about to examine it closely, footsteps sounded, and two figures appeared before him.

"Junior Brother Lu, congratulations."

Zheng Wu walked over with Li Dong and came to a stop.

He solemnly cupped his fists, revealing a heartfelt smile. He knew very well that the hardship this junior brother before him had endured had finally paid off.

The other party no longer had to leave the Martial Arts Hall.

And he, too, had truly gained a reliable junior brother.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Zheng, Junior Brother Li."

Lu Chao nodded with a smile and cupped his fists in return, feeling somewhat emotional as well.

Although his expression had remained normal during this period, in truth he had been under no small amount of pressure.

Fortunately, everything had succeeded, and there was no longer any need to worry.

After that, amid their conversation and laughter, many senior and junior brothers inside the Training Building gathered around, smiles piled on their faces as they repeatedly congratulated him.

Paying no mind to everything that had happened before, Lu Chao either cupped his fists in return or nodded in acknowledgment, dealing with everyone one by one.

"Senior Brother Zheng, may I ask what exactly is so profound about this Rock Skin?"

Taking advantage of the gap after the crowd left, Lu Chao looked toward Zheng Wu and hurriedly asked for guidance.

The combat art Master Luo had taught him only had the first level, and Rock Skin was its end point, so he did not understand the mysteries involved.

"So-called Rock Skin is a martial arts method obtained after one's vitality undergoes a qualitative change."

Zheng Wu replied with a smile and slowly raised his right palm.

It could be seen that the color of his thick palm changed, gradually turning into a deep grayish white like granite.

Lu Chao looked closely and found that its color was deeper than his own, and the texture of the skin seemed to have become even rougher and harder.

"It allows us to initially mobilize Martial Arts Energy and briefly condense it in a specific part of the body."

"Different combat arts produce different effects. Some martial arts schools focus on the legs, greatly increasing speed, while others focus on the whole body, improving reaction speed."

Zheng Wu explained unhurriedly, his voice steady, then looked at his own palm.

"Our Gold-Stone Combat Arts focuses more on defense and physique, so the main effect of Rock Skin is to greatly increase the hardness and toughness of the flesh and skin of our hands."

As he spoke, he bent a finger and lightly flicked the iron post beside him.

Clang!

A crisp sound of metal striking metal rang out.

"With this, we can even briefly withstand a blade."

Zheng Wu indicated his palm. His grayish-white finger was completely unharmed.

"However..."

After a pause, he reminded him, "If the enemy using a weapon is also a combatant, then that's a different matter."

So that was how it was.

Lu Chao understood, grasping what he meant.

In other words, by consuming Martial Arts Energy, he could greatly increase the defense of his hands, making them briefly comparable to certain cold weapons.

"Only the palms?"

"No. If your energy is deep enough, it can also spread to both arms."

Zheng Wu shook his head and said, "But the consumption that way is too great. You'd at least need to reach Professional Grade to barely manage it."

"Oh, right."

At this point, his tone shifted, and he said seriously, "Junior Brother Lu, since you've broken through, according to the rules, you should come with me to meet Master."

Lu Chao nodded at this and did not refuse.

Breaking through to Combat Grade counted as good news, so naturally Master Luo should be told.

Besides, only by reaching Combat Grade could one truly be considered rooted in the martial arts hall, enjoying privileges and receiving Master Luo's instruction in later combat techniques free of charge.

Tap, tap!

At once, the two of them set off, crossing the training ground and heading toward the back door.

One senior and junior brother after another watched with envy, while the many ordinary students outside the windows wore even more complicated expressions, longing showing on their faces.

"Combat Grade..."

A few minutes later, Lu Chao followed Zheng Wu into the rear courtyard.

There was some standing water on the cement ground after the rain, and the scent of mud mixed with the fragrance of flowers and grass drifted to his nose.

He looked up.

He saw flowers in full bloom, green grass growing, and dewdrops falling from between the branches and leaves. It was completely different from the austere, hard-edged atmosphere he had imagined.

This was his first time coming here.

A low cement house stood at the end of his line of sight, surrounded by flower beds on both sides. It had clearly been carefully tended, planted with many flowers and plants.

In addition, wooden trellises built from bamboo poles stretched over the path, like a corridor. Grape and vine-melon branches twined around each other, and tender young melons and early fruits hung among the dense green leaves.

"When Master has free time, he likes growing a few flowers and plants, vegetables and fruits."

"Junior Brother Lu, once you come here a few more times, you'll get used to it."

Zheng Wu smiled as he spoke from the side, lightly patting his shoulder to signal that there was no need to be too nervous.

Lu Chao came back to himself and nodded, then followed him through the wooden trellis corridor to the cement building.

"Master."

Zheng Wu called out. Luo Qianshan was lying on a brown wooden recliner by the doorway.

A light, thin blanket covered him. His short hair was gray-white, and his aged face bore some wrinkles and stubble.

Hearing the voice, he opened his eyes and sat up to look over.

"I already know."

Signaling that Zheng Wu need not say more, Luo Qianshan looked at Lu Chao, clasped his hands behind his back, and paced left and right for a moment.

"Little Wu has always admired that resilience of yours."

"Looking at it now, perhaps this can be counted as your talent as well. You were meant to break into this realm."

He nodded lightly, a trace of approval flashing through his eyes.

Lu Chao thanked him modestly, then saw the other man gently wave a hand.

"What plans do you have for the future?"

"If you're willing to stay, then starting today, you will be a core disciple of the martial arts hall. In the future, you may come here to train at any time..."

Luo Qianshan followed the thread and asked him about his plans for the future. Lu Chao did not hesitate; he had long since made his decision.

"Thanks to Master Luo's and Senior Brother Zheng's guidance, this disciple was only lucky enough to break through."

"Grateful for the martial arts hall's nurturing grace, I naturally should stay and continue following Master in training."

He spoke humbly, his tone sincere.

There was a ready-made training ground here, as well as a Professional Grade expert like Zheng Wu to spar and exchange with, and a powerful figure like Master Luo to give free guidance.

If he left this place and wanted to obtain a training dojo like this, he would undoubtedly have to pay a considerable price, adding an extra expense out of nowhere.

Moreover, by now, he could also be considered to have established a firm foothold in Gold-Stone Martial Arts Hall and earned people's trust.