Chapter 17: First Heaven

As the energy entered Chen Chu's body and met his transpiring qi and blood, it resembled sparks igniting gasoline, setting his entire body aglow. Of course, this was metaphorical, devoid of actual combustion.

The influx of extraordinary energy intensified the 'burning' sensation within Chen Chu's blood, circulating it throughout his entire body, fortifying not just his muscles and bones but also his internal organs, fascia, and nerves.

This newfound strength pervaded every facet of his physical being, akin to the enhancements he experienced during his previous avatar evolution. It marked a comprehensive boost in physical prowess through the infusion of extraordinary energy.

With each passing minute, Chen Chu's body grew increasingly robust, motivating him to practice with even greater intensity. His mental power guided the extraordinary energy into his body with unwavering determination.

In this process, the transpiration of qi and blood in the casting art served as the foundation for igniting extraordinary energy, while the strength of mental power cultivated through meditation determined the amount of extraordinary energy he could channel per minute and how long he could persist.

Both elements were indispensable, and it was evident that the creator of this foundation-building technique possessed true genius.

As Chen Chu commenced his foundation work, the classroom's many students cast curious glances at his usual seat, which remained empty.

Beside them, a short-haired girl remarked with envy, "Chen Chu hasn't appeared today. I bet he made a breakthrough and sought Teacher Pang for foundation building."

"I have my doubts," countered another boy, shaking his head. "Remember when he first practiced the Body Casting Jue? It took him nearly fifty minutes to complete one round, whereas most students managed it in twenty to thirty minutes."

"He's the least talented in the class; how could he outpace us?"

"No, I think he might have made a breakthrough."

"Though he started slow with qi and blood circulation, I observed his cultivation progress swiftly improving during later practice sessions. Just yesterday, he effortlessly reached the eighth rank."

"I believe it's a breakthrough as well."

"I envy him; I've only reached rank seven in cultivation, and it takes me half an hour to reach rank six. I wonder when I'll break through."

"You're better off than me. I can only manage five ranks at a time now. If I push further, I feel dizzy and utterly drained."

"It took you half a month to reach rank five? You're in a tough spot; perhaps focusing on academics would be wise."

"Oh dear! I've only made it to rank four. What should I do..."

...

The foundation-building state endured for a considerable time, and as Chen Chu's mental power waned to the point where he could no longer guide external energy into his body, he gradually ceased his efforts.

Exhaling deeply, he opened his eyes, reflecting both exhaustion and excitement in his gaze.

Fatigue signaled profound mental exertion, while excitement affirmed that his diligent efforts had paid off.

With the successful establishment of his foundation, he now possessed a clear awareness of the qi and blood within his body, resembling a furnace, infusing him with newfound strength. It almost felt as though he could break through a wall.

Naturally, this sensation was a mere illusion stemming from the rapid strengthening of his physique.

Reining in his excitement, Chen Chu summoned the attribute page with a thought. He promptly noted that his physique had reached 21, strength stood at 20, agility at 19, and spirit at 24.

All four major attributes had surged by 9 points, effectively doubling the standard of an ordinary individual.

Furthermore, Chen Chu vaguely sensed that this foundation building had not only substantially improved his physique but also induced inexplicable changes within his body.

Deep in contemplation, he stepped through the door.

Observing the young man emerging from the room, Pang Long nodded with satisfaction. "Impressive work. You've dedicated two hours to laying your foundation, placing you in the upper middle class in terms of results."

Judging by your appearance, it's evident that you've made significant progress. Let's proceed to select your true martial arts."

"Yes, teacher," Chen Chu responded, eagerly following behind.

The successful establishment of his foundation marked just the beginning, with the next step being a true immersion into the path of cultivation.

Accompanied by Pang Long, the two ascended to the top floor of the 33rd-story building. This space resembled an extensive library, housing shelves filled with books and physical tomes.

As Chen Chu contemplated whether these books might contain actual martial arts manuals, Pang Long led him to another area, reminiscent of private rooms in an internet cafe.

"In each room, there's a computer. Once you enter, input your student number, undergo a facial recognition scan, and provide basic data. This grants access to browse exercises within your authorized level."

"Be mindful that the school divides initial access for new students into increments of three days, one week, half a month, and one month."

"Given your achievement of foundation building in under half a month, you now have the privilege to learn two low-level exercises. Keep in mind that once your selections are made, they cannot be altered, so choose wisely."

"If you wish to explore higher-level exercises or others in the future, you'll need to accumulate contribution points. The computer contains explanations on what contribution points entail."

"By the way, outside, you'll discover Taoist and Buddhist scriptures, profiles of allied countries, and information about mutant beasts and practitioners' experiences. It wouldn't hurt to explore these resources after your practice."

"Alright, I'm heading off for some tea with a colleague. Feel free to proceed on your own."

After conveying this information to Chen Chu, Pang Long made his way into a nearby office, where a middle-aged man tended to the balcony's flowers and plants.

Chen Chu secured an unoccupied room, locked the door, and settled onto the sofa in front of the computer. The computer powered on, allowing him to input his student number directly.

"Drip! Student number 2055...967... initiating face verification..."

As the automated voice spoke, the camera on the monitor emitted a faint red light, scanning Chen Chu's face.

"Verification successful. Welcome to the Tianyu Think Tank system. The next step is data entry. Please conduct the required tests using the adjacent tester."

"Let's begin with the first test: arm strength."

"Data test?" Chen Chu stood up, walked to the arm strength machine on the left side of the room, gripped the pull rings on both sides, and took a deep breath, showcasing his upper body muscle strength.

"Arm strength is 102 kilograms. Data uploaded. Please proceed to the punch test."

Boom!

"Punching strength is 210 kilograms. Data uploaded. Now, the kicking strength test."

Boom!

"Kicking force is 290 kilograms. Data test complete."

"Your basic data meets the criteria for first-level entry, entitling you to receive contribution points. Currently, you can earn 3 contribution points every month."

"Now, students, please proceed to select your martial arts."

Following this announcement, a skill browsing option appeared on the computer.

However, Chen Chu didn't hastily choose his exercises. He stood there for a moment, reflecting on the sensation of his explosive power moments ago.

Arm strength at 100 kilograms, fist strength at 200 kilograms, and kick strength nearing 300 kilograms. Such power could be lethal when directed at an ordinary person.

Yet, this power was merely an introduction to true martial arts, showcasing its potential to gradually surpass technological civilization.

Filled with awe, Chen Chu returned to the computer, sat down, and began browsing. More than fifty exercise names populated the monitor.

He clicked on each exercise to delve into its detailed description.

"Ming Yujue, emphasizing defense and explosiveness. After mastery, the practitioner's body becomes as resilient as jade, capable of withstanding submachine gun and rifle bullets."

"Spiritual Light Sword Technique, enhancing sword agility and speed..."

"The Explosive Bear Combat Physique, focused on strength and defense. Cultivation thickens qi and blood, granting exceptional strength rarely matched by exercises of the same level."

"Ghost Legs, emphasizing speed and burst. Practitioners achieve astonishing swiftness, becoming nearly invisible to infrared equipment."

"Dragon Elephant Skill, prioritizing strength..."

"Brothers, remember to vote for it."