Chapter 415 - 80: Martial Skill Advancement

That evening, Lu Chao left the Storm Club.

Stars dotted the night sky as he returned to the Superpower Bureau’s apartment building, carrying a black suitcase.

’Qi Manipulation Skill.’

Those three words echoed in his mind. His eyes shone brightly as he gradually began to grasp a hint of the mystery behind releasing his Qi Flame.

Then, he glanced at the black suitcase in his hand.

He knew he had to raise his Life Energy as quickly as possible to reach the limit of 169 points.

...

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

The calendar in Red Maple City was approaching July. A scorching sun hung in the sky, baking the city.

[Red Maple Daily: Recently, the City Lord’s Mansion dispatched inspectors to the Jinggang Chamber of Commerce, uncovering numerous violations in port management. Punitive measures have been ordered...]

[Wilderness Daily: According to reports, several Beast Kings have been spotted outside the wilderness fortifications. The City Guard Army has already dispatched multiple Superpower Commanders to fortify the front lines...]

[The United Committee has announced that it will intensify its crackdown on Rebels and warlord organizations, and will, at a later date, restart the special city-circle inspection mission...]

The light, nimble voice of a virtual anchor echoed from the holographic screens in the district. Passersby stopped to watch, their discussions endless.

In stark contrast, the Cultivation Chamber in the apartment building was exceptionally quiet. Only the sound of breathing echoed within, sometimes rising and falling like clouds, other times surging like waves.

Looking closely, one could see Lu Chao standing in the center of the metal-paved floor. Steam from his sweat swirled around him like a mist, and his brown Martial Arts Flame was so solid it looked real, covering his entire body like rock armor.

This scene continued for a long time, until at a critical moment, the Qi Flame around him suddenly condensed, and his eyes widened in a furious glare.

"ROAR!!"

The roar was earth-shattering. It was like the roar of a Wild Beast King—a tiger’s cry and a dragon’s chant—yet also like the rumbling might of heavenly thunder.

The entire Cultivation Chamber vibrated from the force, and the floor of the building seemed to tremble and shake.

Cracks visibly spread across the silver-steel training dummy standing before him, and then, with a loud BANG, it exploded.

’Finally, I’ve done it.’

Witnessing this, Lu Chao nodded to himself in satisfaction, then redirected his Qi Flame and calmed his breathing.

After many days, he had finally mastered the Thunder Sound Skill.

He had fused this sonic Secret Technique with his former Martial Skill, Fierce Sound Roar. Moreover, he was activating it with the power of someone at the Peak of Limit-Breaking, making its might far greater than when used by Lei Wanjun, the skill’s creator.

Without special means to counter it, even someone at the Peak of Limit-Breaking would have their eardrums shattered. Even an Exploration Level expert would feel their mind rattled, momentarily losing focus.

’If I combine this with the Life Mark from [Hunter], this move’s power could be enhanced even further,’ Lu Chao thought. He had experienced the special effect of the Life Mark when he killed the Black Robed Mage at the bottom of the riverbed.

Not only could it mark an opponent, but upon detonating the mark, it could also strike terror into their heart, triggering the primal fear of facing a natural predator.

If he could pair this with the Thunder Sound Skill, he could forcibly control even an Exploration Level expert for several seconds.

Thinking of this, Lu Chao grew even more satisfied.

He then looked at his panel.

[Life Energy: 163→167]

[Potential Progress: 79%]

Over the past half a month, he had produced two more biological serums. He had also used his monthly benefit to consume a dose of the Essence of Qi.

In addition, he had consumed nearly a thousand kilograms of High-Level Exotic Beast Meat and supplemented it with almost ten Senior-Level Nutritional Potions to fill the nutritional gap. All of this had allowed him to increase his Life Energy by another four points.

’Almost there.’

His eyes gleamed. Although he had spent over two million Alliance Coins to achieve this, Lu Chao could feel the Exploration Level drawing near.

His Potential Progress was also nearing completion, bringing him closer and closer to his next awakening.

Moreover, he glanced at his watch.

There had been some news from the Dark Web recently. Someone was anonymously selling Purple Jade Ore at a branch location.

He should find some time to make a trip and retrieve it.

DING-DONG.

Just then, the doorbell suddenly rang.

Lu Chao was slightly taken aback, and he instantly expanded his Life Sensing.

Several figures stood outside his door. The Superpower Level Life Magnetic Field of the person in the lead felt familiar.

A thought struck him, and Lu Chao ended his training session and walked out of the Cultivation Chamber.

When the door opened, Wei Cangming, dressed in a loose-fitting suit, came into view. In front of him stood another familiar figure.

...

"Miss Su."

「A few minutes later.」

The aroma of tea filled the living room. Lu Chao sat to one side, looking at the young woman before him with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Although he had anticipated something like this after the Beast Tide incident, he hadn’t expected her to visit in person.

"Leader Lu, it’s been a while."

Su Muqing smiled faintly. Her aura had subtly changed.

Her long golden hair was coiled up with a silver hairpin, and she wore a white silk formal hat. Dressed in a custom-made silk gown, she exuded an air of nobility.

Her clear eyes were still as bright and brilliant as ever. Her soft features and fair skin were accentuated by light makeup, making her look a bit more mature. It was clear she had been through many hardships.

"I should have paid you a visit when you first arrived in Red Maple, Leader Lu."

"But there have been too many things to deal with lately, and I simply couldn’t get away..."

she said softly, her tone as gentle and warm as ever.

Hearing this, Lu Chao smiled and waved his hand dismissively. Wei Cangming had said the same thing before, so he knew she must have been in a difficult situation and hadn’t had an easy time.

"How have you been lately, Miss Su?"

Lu Chao asked as he poured her a cup of tea.

Su Muqing blinked and smiled. "If you’re asking about my Life Energy development, then perhaps not so well."

"But if you mean my life and work, then I’d say things are finally back on track."

As she spoke in that teasing tone, Lu Chao instinctively sensed her Life Energy data.