Chapter 038: Acting on Heaven's Behalf

Xin Lang was deeply envious of Gu Fatty’s cultivation method. Not only did he lack Gu Fatty’s carefree approach, but he was also facing daunting obstacles on his own cultivation path.

Opening the interface of his Level-Up Device, Xin Lang checked his character attributes:

Level-Up Device User: Xin Lang
Level: Warrior Apprentice—Level Ten
Experience: 83
Martial Skills: Mortal Grade—Low Tier “Dragon-Subduing One Hundred and Eight Palms,” Mortal Grade—Mid Tier “Dragon-Subduing One Thousand and Eight Palms,” Mortal Grade—High Tier “Dragon-Subduing Ten Thousand and Eight Palms,” Mortal Grade—Low Tier “Piercing Heart Dragon Claw,” Mortal Grade—Mid Tier “Rending Heart Dragon Claw,” Mortal Grade—High Tier “Shattering Heart Dragon Claw,” Mortal Grade—Low Tier “Tiger-Taming Seventy-Two Fists,” Mortal Grade—Mid Tier “Autumn Wind Falling Leaf Finger,” Mortal Grade—High Tier “Wild Wind Falling Leaf Finger.”
Weapon Equipment: None
Pet Beast: None

Xin Lang tried to access the “Weapon Equipment” and “Pet Beast” sections, but the prompt informed him his level was insufficient, and these features were temporarily unavailable.

Unable to unlock those sections, Xin Lang instead reviewed his martial skills. He now possessed nine—three each of low, mid, and high-tier Mortal Grade techniques—but none at the Earth Grade. Since his current level was too low, he couldn’t learn Earth Grade techniques yet. However, he did have an Earth Grade—Low Tier skill in his inventory.

Taking out the “Inch Force Fist” manual, Xin Lang knew he couldn’t instantly master this Earth Grade technique through the Level-Up Device, but he could still study it diligently on his own.

Carefully opening the manual, Xin Lang began to learn in earnest. Previously, though he had read many books, none were Earth Grade and thus none explained “hidden force” clearly. Now, through this study, his understanding of hidden force deepened considerably.

Hidden force was divided into ten levels:
First, transforming overt force into hidden force;
Second, vibrational force;
Third, penetrating force;
Fourth, water-severing force;
Fifth, stone-splitting force;
Sixth, iron-shattering force;
Seventh, impact force;
Eighth, spiral force;
Ninth, heaven-shaking force;
Tenth, force at will.

For a Level Ten Warrior Apprentice to be promoted to Warrior, the most critical step was transforming overt force into hidden force. Though others could teach the process or one could learn from books, the true essence could only be grasped through personal realization. Many with poor talent might never cross this chasm in their lifetime.

Xin Lang considered his own talent not inferior to others; what he lacked was physical constitution. Though he had reached Level Ten, his meridians remained blocked, which was why he feared he might not advance within the three-month time limit.

However, after studying the “Inch Force Fist,” much of his worry eased. The manual revealed that hidden force was largely unrelated to meridians. In essence, hidden force was an extension of “power” outside the body. Only upon reaching Grandmaster level, when it came time to “transform energy,” would qi need to circulate through the meridians—at that point, meridians would truly determine a warrior’s future potential.

The next morning, Xin Lang arrived at the grove where he trained every day. Rather than performing his usual tasks, he focused on practicing the Earth Grade “Inch Force Fist.” Since the main storyline mission required him to advance to Warrior within three months by his own strength, he devoted these prime morning hours to cultivating hidden force.

Again and again, Xin Lang struck at an ancient tree in the grove. Each punch was slow and deliberate; after his fist landed, he would pause, trying to sense the power transferring from his fist into the tree.

Bang, bang, bang...

No, it still wasn’t working! After hitting the tree, the force of his punch would immediately disperse, unable to achieve what the “Inch Force Fist” manual described as “concentrating force within an inch.” Not only could he not focus force within an inch—he couldn’t even gather the tiniest trace of hidden force!

He spent the entire morning practicing, yet gained nothing.

“Concentrate punch force... keep it within an inch... concentrate punch force... keep it within an inch...” Xin Lang muttered, pondering the phrase as he walked.

After learning the Mortal Grade—High Tier “Shattering Heart Dragon Claw” from Xin Lang, Qian Baidu’s confidence soared. Early that morning, he lay in wait outside Fatty Gu’s dorm, intent on robbing from the rich to give to the poor.

But after a whole morning, there was no sign of Gu Fatty. When Xin Lang passed by, Qian Baidu’s eyes lit up. Though his chances of beating Xin Lang were slim, scoring another Mortal Grade—High Tier skill would be quite a haul!

As Xin Lang approached, Qian Baidu suddenly jumped out, blocking his way. “Stick ’em up! Hand over your coins and martial skills!”

Even though Xin Lang’s Level-Up Device popped up a normal quest prompt, he was so absorbed in pondering the meaning of “concentrate punch force, keep it within an inch” that he ignored both the device and Qian Baidu.

Sidestepping Qian Baidu, Xin Lang continued on to his dorm.

“Huh... why’s the special-admissions student so cold today?” Qian Baidu muttered. Previously, Xin Lang would always invite him to “rob” him, but now, even when Qian Baidu tried to rob him, Xin Lang ignored his charitable efforts!

“Um... mister... do you have any more lollipops?” At the entrance to the dorm, Meng Chuchu stood with flushed cheeks, shyly asking Xin Lang.

She had spent all morning dressing up and waited outside just to greet him, but Xin Lang, lost in thought, paid her no attention.

Qian Baidu, having failed to rob Xin Lang, was turning back when he saw Gu Fatty return, brimming with satisfaction.

Seeing Gu Fatty’s exuberant look, Qian Baidu grew even more annoyed. He blocked Gu Fatty’s path and shouted, “You damned fatso, stick ’em up! Hand over all your money!”

Gu Fatty had spent the night “cultivating” at the Spring Courtyard. Now, refreshed in body and spirit, bolstered by his strength and high-level skill, he no longer feared Qian Baidu.

With a lecherous grin, Gu Fatty replied, “Sorry, you reprobate! I regret to inform you—you’re too late! All my money was robbed by the ladies at the Spring Courtyard last night!”

Qian Baidu’s anger only deepened at this. He could barely afford to eat, while this fatso feasted daily and visited brothels every night.

Envy, jealousy, and resentment could no longer describe Qian Baidu’s feelings. Fuming, he shouted, “Damn it! Today, I’m not robbing for the poor anymore! I’m switching careers to enforce justice and rid the people of evil!”

With that, Qian Baidu’s hands formed claws as he lunged at Gu Fatty.

PS: Early update today! Tomorrow will be an explosive release—at least five chapters! Begging for votes and favorites!