Free Web NovelChapter 182: Chapter 124: A Deeper Vortex
「A few days later.」
Dusk fell once more as the sun dipped below the horizon.
The lingering glow of sunset streamed through the window, falling upon the second-floor training hall of the Jinshi Boxing Hall.
SPLASH!
As the figure within the wooden tub stood up, the medicinal bath churned, sending water splashing.
Having finished another session of training his Rock Martial Skill, Lu Chao let out a long, heavy breath. He felt much of the pain in his body dissipate at that moment.
It was replaced by a strange, tingling soreness that spread through his skin, muscles, and bones, giving him an irresistible urge to scratch.
’Almost there.’
His eyes shone brightly. Lu Chao endured the discomfort, knowing full well what it meant.
It was a sign that his Rock Martial Skill was on the verge of a breakthrough. The tingling and soreness meant his muscles, bones, and skin were gradually transforming, like a wound forming a scab as it healed, growing back even stronger.
Normally, he might not have been able to feel it so clearly. It might have even taken him longer to reach this state.
But now, ever since his control over his body had reached a new level, his training speed in the Rock Martial Skill had also quickened.
’Five or six days at most. I’ll definitely break through before the challenge match!’
Lu Chao was certain. The improvement in his physical control gave him a clear grasp of his progress in every Martial Skill.
He suspected that once he broke through with his Rock Martial Skill, his Life Energy would surge. It might even be enough to reach the Elite Level.
He immediately suppressed these distracting thoughts.
He climbed out of the tub, went into the changing room to rinse off, and changed into dry clothes.
When he got down to the first floor, the muffled thuds of punching bags echoed through the hall. A heavy, round iron ball was set down with a loud clang.
Looking around, he saw over twenty official disciples in the various training areas, honing their bodies and training diligently.
These were the disciples who had chosen to stay, despite the pressure from the Thunder Extreme Martial Arts Hall.
Their numbers weren’t much different from when he had first arrived.
But a closer look revealed many new faces. Quite a few of the old members had already quietly left.
"The Thunder Extreme Martial Arts Hall is so arrogant. They actually issued a challenge in the Ring Daily, saying they’re going to beat every single one of our disciples."
"That Lei Chongming is insane. He claims no disciple under twenty-two is a match for him. He even dared to say he wants to challenge Senior Brother Luo to ’test the mettle’ of an Elite Level master."
"Just you wait. When the time comes, Senior Brother Luo won’t even have to lift a finger. Senior Brother Zheng and Senior Sister Lin will beat him black and blue."
The low murmur of conversation rose from the rest area, and Lu Chao stopped in his tracks.
He wasn’t surprised by what he heard.
He had already seen the news in the Ring Daily that morning.
The expeditionary forces dominated the headlines as usual. And yet, despite that, the Thunder Extreme Martial Arts Hall had still made a huge splash, taking up a full page to issue another challenge.
"Sir, what are your thoughts on the challenge issued by the Thunder Extreme Martial Arts Hall?"
Another voice called out, and Lu Chao looked toward the entrance.
Several reporters in suits had somehow gotten inside. The female reporter in the lead was holding a microphone and interviewing a few of the disciples nearby.
The disciples didn’t answer. Some even moved to block the reporters.
But the reporter seemed to be looking for a specific target. Her eyes lit up when she saw Lu Chao, and she ignored the disciples trying to stop her, striding quickly toward him.
"Sir, I’ve seen you here a few times. You must be one of the Hall’s professional-level experts, right?"
The reporter was a young woman with long black hair. She pushed the microphone toward Lu Chao as she spoke, while someone behind her held up a camera. "I hear that Lei Chongming is only twenty-two, yet he’s already defeated over ten peak professional-level experts and is just one step away from the Elite Level."
"Faced with such an opponent, do you think you can beat him?"
She asked again, her face a mask of curiosity. Her tone was clearly meant to stir up trouble, as if she had scented a hot new story.
Many of the surrounding disciples’ expressions soured, and they hurried over to intervene.
Lu Chao’s expression remained calm. He was used to this sort of thing.
He had encountered similar incidents several times over the past half-month. Some had even boasted that the Jinshi Boxing Hall was doomed to lose. If Master Luo hadn’t forbidden them from getting physical, those people might not have been able to walk out of the hall on their own two feet.
"Sorry, our Hall declines to answer such questions."
Before Lu Chao could speak, Zheng Wu stepped forward and blocked the microphone.
His sturdy, well-built frame was clad in a white and gray training uniform. With a quick wave of his hand, he had a few disciples escort the reporters out.
"Senior Brother Zheng."
"Junior Brother Lu, don’t pay them any mind."
Zheng Wu shook his head. "It’s just a ploy by the Thunder Extreme Martial Arts Hall," he said seriously. "They want to seize the initiative and mess with our heads."
"We’ll see who wins and who loses on the day of the match."
His tone was steady, and Lu Chao nodded in agreement.
Then, he noticed the black backpack Zheng Wu was holding out to him.
Inside, it seemed to be filled with numerous secret medicines wrapped in cloth and paper.
"Senior Brother Zheng, this is..."
"This is what Master told me to give you."
Zheng Wu pulled him into a corner and lowered his voice. "There are two intermediate-grade Nutritional Potions inside, as well as the secret medicinal powder you need to practice the Rock skill."
’Oh?’
Lu Chao frowned. Something felt off.
’Why are they suddenly giving me these things?’
"Master said that the tempering phase for the Rock skill is over. Whether or not you can break through now is all up to you," Zheng Wu’s voice was low and deliberate. "For the next week, Junior Brother Lu, you just need to stay home and soak in the medicinal baths."
As he finished speaking, their eyes met.
Lu Chao saw a mix of complex emotions in his senior brother’s eyes: worry and pressure, but also the calm acceptance of someone ready to shoulder a great responsibility.
