116: Chapter 116 Chen Wu's Vigilance: Strength Still Needs Improvement

The pale golden light bands in the core area of the Extreme Array had not yet dissipated when Chen Wu stood alone beside the wreckage of the "Qi Energy Bomb."

His fingertips brushed against the cold metal fragments, and the scenes of the previous battle replayed in his mind: the thrill when Snake Queen's "Snake-Form Poison Energy" nearly broke through his Mystic Water Energy defense, the luck when the Cultivation Technique Extraction Cannon's red beam rebounded, and even the stinging pain when Poison Vortex's "Dual-Energy Daggers" tore through his tactical suit—all pierced his heart like needles.

The global live broadcast lens captured his solemn expression, and the barrage from 520 million viewers slowly shifted from "Celebrating Victory" to "What's wrong with Chen Wu?"

The migrant worker brother, "Watcher of Huangtu Slope," who had always been following him, popped up a heartwarming message: "Teacher Chen, don't be too tired, you've already done very well!"

"Done well? It's not enough." Chen Wu's voice carried self-scrutiny.

He pulled up the "Battle Data Review" on Lin Mo's tablet: Although the Xingji Fist's "Xingji Lock" had frozen Poison Vortex's Qi Energy core, it had consumed 35% of his Yijin Energy. If he faced two core assassins simultaneously, he would likely fall into Qi Energy depletion.

Facing Snake Queen's "Poison Energy Raid," his defense relied entirely on Su Chen's Mystic Water Energy; he had no anti-poison ability himself.

Most importantly, the Xingji Fist's "Hard-Soft Conversion" could only be utilized at close range; he had almost no counter-measures against the long-range extraction cannon.

In the pale green night-vision footage, these shortcomings were circled in red, forming a stark contrast to his highlight moments of "defeating the enemy with one move."

Grandpa Wang's pipe tapped out a dull sound against the wreckage, and the sparks from the pipe bowl were particularly striking under the pale golden light.

The old man flipped open the "Martial Artist's Self-Reflection Record" left by his grandfather. The yellowed pages glowed pale blue under the holographic light.

One page was written in cinnabar with a "Tomb Guardian's Warning": "Victory without arrogance, defeat without discouragement. A true Martial Artist is always on the road to discovering deficiencies—In 1951, in the battle against the Qijue Sect, although victorious, the 'long-range energy technique' shortcoming was exposed and needed to be mended."

The pipe bowl pointed at the annotation on the page. "Your great-grandfather won the battle back then, but it took him three years to complete the long-range energy technique. Today you defeated Snake Queen, you should see your own shortcomings even more!"

A thread-bound "Energy Technique Supplement" suddenly flew out of the camphor wood chest. The "Hard-Soft Long-Range Chapter" on the cover glowed with pale golden light, resonating with Chen Wu's Xingji Fist Qi Energy.

In the Flower Girl's basket, the eight-colored petals of the inheritance grass suddenly tilted toward Chen Wu.

Dewdrops rolled on the leaf surface, reflecting the Qi Energy fluctuations in his palm—after consecutive battles, the purity of his Yijin Energy had dropped from 92% to 85%, and the Fusion ratio of Xingyi Energy and Baji Energy also showed slight deviations. If not adjusted in time, Qi Energy disorder would likely occur after entering Yijin Pavilion.

The young girl mixed the "talisman power dew" with "vitality dew," and the colorful "Qi Energy Repair Agent" dripped onto Chen Wu's palm: "Elder Zhou said this is a 'Energy Technique Stabilizer'," she lightly tapped the dewdrop with her fingertip, "It can quickly restore Qi Energy purity and optimize the Fusion ratio, just like giving your Qi Energy a comprehensive maintenance!"

In the global live broadcast barrage, Martial Artists from various countries sent "shortcoming reinforcement suggestions."

The Egyptian ancient martial arts expert uploaded a teaching video on "Long-Range Qi Energy Condensation Method," suggesting Chen Wu compress the Hard Energy of Xingji Fist into "Qi Energy Bullets."

The Brazilian Martial Artist Alliance shared "Anti-Poison Energy Technique," using breathing adjustments to form a "Anti-Poison Layer" on the body surface.

Even the staff at the Antarctic research station sent "Low-Temperature Environment Qi Energy Control Techniques," worried that the special environment inside Yijin Pavilion would affect combat power—the Technical Department's real-time data showed that within just half an hour, global viewers had submitted 800 effective reinforcement plans, among which "Long-Range Xingji Bullet," "Qi Energy Anti-Poison Layer," and "Automatic Fusion Ratio Adjustment" were listed as priority Breakthrough targets.

Lin Mo's tablet suddenly popped up a "Legacy Points System" notification: "Current available points: 10.7 million. Can exchange for 'Xingji Fist Long-Range Module,' 'Anti-Poison Energy Technique Atlas,' 'Qi Energy Fusion Regulator.' Do you want to activate the 'Strength Enhancement Plan'?"

The young man's fingertips slid gently on the keyboard, projecting the effects of the three enhancement options onto the stone wall: The long-range module could increase the attack distance of Xingji Fist from 5 meters to 50 meters; the anti-poison atlas could unlock the "Qi Energy Anti-Poison Layer," resisting 90% of poison energy attacks; the Fusion Regulator could automatically optimize the hard-Soft Energy ratio, avoiding deviations during combat.

"Chen Wu, these enhancements can just fill your shortcomings," Lin Mo's voice was full of excitement, "The Technical Department says that after the exchange, you can also practice through the Leyline Qi Energy to quickly master new abilities!"

Precise Enhancement of Legacy Points.

Chen Wu took a deep breath and tapped "Confirm Exchange" on the virtual interface.

10.7 million Legacy Points were instantly deducted, and three pale golden light clusters flew out from the System, merging into the "Energy Technique Supplement," his palm, and the Qi Energy Shield respectively—the slow-motion footage of the global live broadcast showed the "Hard-Soft Long-Range Chapter" of the "Energy Technique Supplement" suddenly flipping automatically, and the text turned into light brown Qi Energy, demonstrating the condensation steps of "Xingji Bullet" before Chen Wu's eyes; the "Qi Energy Repair Agent" in his palm fused with the anti-poison atlas, forming a layer of transparent "Anti-Poison Film," where one could clearly see the dark red poison energy being automatically repelled upon contact; the Qi Energy shield was upgraded to a "Fusion Regulator," and the silver patterns on its surface flickered in sync with the Xingji Fist Qi Energy, displaying the Fusion ratio in real-time.

"Practice the Long-Range Xingji Bullet first!" Following the guidance of the "Energy Technique Supplement," Chen Wu condensed the Hard Energy of Xingji Fist in his palm.

The pale black Baji Energy and the light brown Xingyi Energy were mixed in a 7:3 ratio, while the Yijin Energy wrapped around the outside like a thin film, continuously compressing with the rhythm of his breathing—during the first condensation, the Qi Energy bullet exploded as soon as it left his palm, and pale golden light debris splashed on the stone wall, leaving tiny traces.

"Don't rush, use your great-grandfather's method, use Dantian Qi Energy to control the compression speed," Grandpa Wang's voice came from the side, and his pipe pointed to Chen Wu's Dantian, "Compress the Hard Energy to 1/10 of the original, then wrap it with Soft Energy, just like installing a buffer sleeve on a cannonball!"

Chen Wu adjusted his breathing rhythm, and Dantian Qi Energy slowly injected into his palm.

This time, the Hard Energy, wrapped in Yijin Energy, gradually compressed into a Qi Energy bullet the size of a pigeon egg, with its surface gleaming with interwoven pale gold and pale black light.

He gave a gentle push toward the stone wall 50 meters away, and the Qi Energy bullet flew out like a meteor, exploding a pit with a diameter of half a meter on the stone wall. The dark red poison energy traces in the pit were instantly cleared by the Hard Energy—the global live broadcast barrage instantly filled with "Too cool," and the Egyptian ancient martial arts expert's connection was reconnected.

In the screen, the old man held a clay tablet and sighed: "This is the essence of 'Hard-Soft Long-Range Energy Technique'! Hard Energy breaks defense, Soft Energy controls speed, it's more perfect than the ancient Egyptian Qi Energy bullet!"

Next was the practice of the "Qi Energy Anti-Poison Layer."

Chen Wu adjusted the Fusion Regulator to "Anti-Poison Mode," and the pale golden Yijin Energy spread along his meridians, forming a layer of transparent Qi shield on his body surface.

The Flower Girl dripped "Poison Energy Samples" onto the Qi shield, and the dark red poison energy was automatically decomposed into harmless Qi Energy particles the instant it touched the shield—Lin Mo's tablet showed that the anti-poison layer's resistance rate to "Qijue Poison" and "Spirit-Devourer Poison" reached 92% and 88% respectively, far exceeding the expected results.

"In the future, when you encounter Snake-Form Poison Energy, you won't have to rely on Elder Su's Mystic Water Energy anymore!" Zhang Hao's voice carried excitement. He used his iron arm to simulate a poison energy attack, and although the Qi shield rippled slightly, it did not suffer any damage.

Finally, it was the test of "Automatic Fusion Ratio Adjustment."

Chen Wu simulated different combat scenarios in the Extreme Array core area: Facing Zhang Hao's iron arm Hard Energy, the regulator automatically increased the Baji Energy ratio to 60% to enhance defense; facing Love's Taiji Soft Energy, it adjusted the Xingyi Energy ratio to 50% to improve the unloading force effect; even during rapid movement, the ratio could be adjusted in real-time to avoid Qi Energy disorder—the Technical Department's real-time analysis bar on the screen showed: "The Fusion ratio error dropped from 5% to 1%, the stability of Xingji Fist increased by 40%, and combat endurance increased by 35%!"

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At this moment, the global live broadcast viewership surpassed 55 billion. The official account of the United Nations 'Global Ancient Martial Arts Protection Alliance' sent a congratulatory message: 'Mr. Chen Wu has demonstrated the spirit of "striving for excellence" in traditional martial arts through self-reflection and precise enhancement. His path of growth is worth learning for all Martial Artists!' The comment from 'Watcher of Huangtu Slope' was voted to the top: 'Teacher Chen has shown us through his actions that there is no best, only better. This is a true Martial Artist!'

Section 3: Deep Cultivation within the Leyline Qi Energy

To quickly master his new abilities, Chen Wu decided to use the Leyline Qi Energy in the core area of the Extreme Array for deep cultivation. He sat cross-legged in the center of the 'Extreme' totem, and the pale gold Leyline Qi Energy flowed into his body through his Acupoints, resonating with the Qi Energy of his Xingji Fist. In the night-vision footage of the global live broadcast, a layer of pale gold light appeared on his skin. The 'Addendum to Energy Techniques' hovered above his head, and the characters on its pages continuously transformed into Qi Energy, merging into his Dantian.

"Pay attention to the transition between 'Hard and Soft'!" Li Xuantong's Five Elements Energy was suddenly injected into the totem, and brownish Qi Energy formed a rotating Five Elements Wheel around Chen Wu. "After the Long-Range Xingji Bullet is fired, you must immediately use Soft Energy to recover the residual Qi Energy. This way, you can reduce consumption and quickly prepare for the next attack." Following the guidance, Chen Wu used Xingyi Soft Energy to recover the residual parts of the fired energy bullets. As expected, the consumption rate of his Dantian's Qi Energy decreased by 20%. Previously, he could only fire 5 consecutive Xingji Bullets, but now he could fire 7.

Zhao Lie, on the other hand, guided him on the 'Hard Energy Compression Technique': "The compression of Baji Energy cannot rely solely on the Dantian; it also requires the coordinated force of the shoulders, elbows, and wrists." The old man's Baji Energy condensed into a miniature energy bullet in his palm. "See? Hard Energy compressed like this can increase power by 15% and is less likely to burst prematurely." Chen Wu imitated his movements, exerting force with his shoulders, elbows, and wrists simultaneously. The surface of the Xingji Bullet suddenly gleamed with a dark black light. The depth of the crater it left when hitting the stone wall increased by 10 centimeters compared to before, and even the hard rock showed fine cracks.

Su Chen's Mystic Water Energy suddenly deployed a water curtain in the cultivation area, projecting the flow trajectory of the Leyline Qi Energy onto it. "The purity of Leyline Qi Energy is 30% higher than ordinary Qi Energy. You can use it to nourish your Yijin Energy," he said, pointing at the flow of energy in the water curtain. "Guiding it along the 'Ren and Du Meridians' can restore the purity of your Yijin Energy to over 95%." Chen Wu adjusted his energy guidance route, and the pale gold Leyline Qi Energy flowed along the Ren and Du Meridians. Sure enough, the Yijin Energy at his Dantian became increasingly solid. The Fusion Regulator showed that the Qi Energy purity steadily rose from 85% to 93%, only 2% away from its Peak state.

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass suddenly bloomed in the cultivation area, its eight-colored petals unfurling toward the direction where the Leyline Qi Energy was most concentrated. Dewdrops rolled on the petals, filtering out the 'Impurities' from the Leyline Qi Energy and leaving only the purest pale gold Qi Energy to be injected into Chen Wu's body—this was the 'Purification Ability of the inheritance grass,' which could rapidly improve the efficiency of Qi Energy cultivation. The young girl's voice carried a hint of a smile: 'Elder Zhou said that the Leyline Qi Energy hides "Legacy Essence," and only the inheritance grass can extract it. Using it for you now is just right to help you break through that final 2%!'

When the dawn light filtered through the gaps in the Extreme Array into the core area, Chen Wu's cultivation was finally complete. He slowly opened his eyes, and the Qi Energy of the Xingji Fist condensed in his palm. The three new abilities—Long-Range Xingji Bullet, Qi Energy Anti-Poison Layer, and Automatic Fusion Adjustment—formed a clear 'Ability Map' in the vision of his Perception Talisman. The purity of the Yijin Energy in his Dantian reached 95%, and the Fusion ratio of Xingyi Energy and Baji Energy stabilized at 5:5, allowing him to respond flexibly to both melee and long-range combat. "How do you feel?" Lin Mo's voice was full of expectation. The 'Strength Assessment' on the tablet showed that Chen Wu's comprehensive combat power had risen from 'SS-rank' to 'SSS-rank,' with his long-range attack, defense, and endurance all reaching the standards of a 'Top-Tier Martial Artist.'

Chen Wu did not answer immediately but instead fired three consecutive Xingji Bullets at a stone wall 100 meters away. The first used Hard Energy to break through defense, the second used Soft Energy to disperse, and the third was an alternating burst of Hard and Soft Energy—the three energy bullets exploded on the stone wall, forming the two characters for 'Xingji.' The calligraphy was neat and the Qi Energy was even, without the slightest deviation. "It's a success!" His voice was filled with excitement. The Qi Energy of the Xingji Fist formed a rotating dual-colored light shield around his body, showcasing both the intimidation of Hard Energy and the flexibility of Soft Energy.

Section 4: Ultimate Preparation Before the Yijin Pavilion

As Chen Wu's team packed their gear to head toward the Yijin Pavilion, the Leyline Qi Energy in the core area of the Extreme Array suddenly flowed in the same direction—toward the entrance of the Yijin Pavilion. The pale gold Qi Energy formed a path of light ahead, wider and more stable than the previous passages. Lin Mo's tablet showed that no traps were detected at the entrance of the Yijin Pavilion, but the Qi Energy fluctuations were exceptionally strong. It was speculated that there was an 'Ultimate Trial of the Legacy Array' inside, which required the Hard and Soft Energy of the Xingji Fist to crack.

"The Technical Department has optimized the combat plan for the Yijin Pavilion based on your new abilities," the hologram of the Special Incident Response Department Chief appeared again, with the bustling Joint Command Center in the background. "The Long-Range Xingji Bullet will clear the Qi Energy obstacles at the entrance, the Qi Energy Anti-Poison Layer will deal with possible poison energy traps, and the Automatic Fusion Adjustment will help you adapt to the complex energy environment inside the pavilion. Special forces from 12 countries have completed the cleanup operations, and the remnants of the Snake-Headed Hydra have been completely eliminated. You can focus entirely on the trial of the Yijin Pavilion!"

Grandpa Wang handed both the 'Addendum to Energy Techniques' and the 'Martial Artist's Self-Reflection Record' to Chen Wu. "These two books—one teaches you how to become stronger, and the other teaches you how to stay clear-headed," he said, his tobacco pipe pointing toward the Yijin Pavilion. "Inside the Yijin Pavilion, there is not only the Muscle Tendon Change Classic but also the 'Legacy Trial' of the Tomb Guardian. Remember, strength is important, but your original intention is even more so. Don't be like the Snake Queen and lose yourself in the pursuit of power!" Pale gold Qi Energy surged from the books, merging with Chen Wu's peace lock and forming a 'Guardian Heart' totem in his palm, symbolizing the balance between strength and his original intention.

In the Flower Girl's basket, the eight-colored fruit of the inheritance grass suddenly split open, and countless tiny seeds carrying the energy of 'Qi Energy Repair Agent' flew toward everyone in the team. The seeds that landed on Chen Wu merged into his Qi Energy Anti-Poison Layer, increasing its defensive effect by another 10%. The seeds that landed on Zhang Hao reinforced the Mystic Water Energy coating on his iron arms. The seeds that landed on Su Chen increased the freezing speed of his Mystic Water Energy by 20%. "Elder Zhou says this is a 'Team Blessing'," the young girl said, her fingertip lightly touching a seed. "The trial of the Yijin Pavilion needs to be faced by everyone together. Only when the team becomes stronger can we successfully obtain the Muscle Tendon Change Classic!"

In the global live broadcast's bullet chat, 55 billion viewers simultaneously sent messages saying 'Good luck at the Yijin Pavilion.' 'Watcher of Huangtu Slope' sent a message: 'I'm at the foot of the mountain near the Yijin Pavilion, and I see the Leyline Qi Energy glowing with gold. It's definitely a good omen!' In London, Nurse Emily organized her hospital colleagues to pray for the team using the 'Mystic Water Breathing Technique.' The Brazilian Martial Artist Alliance launched a 'Qi Energy Support' event worldwide, where tens of millions of Martial Artists cultivated the Basic Breathing Technique simultaneously, transmitting their Qi Energy to Chen Wu through the broadcast System, forming a massive 'Qi Energy Support Circle' in the core area of the Extreme Array.

As Chen Wu's team stepped onto the path of light toward the Yijin Pavilion, the 'Extreme' totem in the core area and the global 'Qi Energy Support Circle' resonated with each other. Chen Wu gripped his Dual-Energy Daggers, the 'Guardian Heart' totem in his palm glowing pale gold, and the Qi Energy of the Long-Range Xingji Bullet flickering at his fingertips. He knew that the trials inside the Yijin Pavilion would be more dangerous than before and that obtaining the Muscle Tendon Change Classic would not be easy. However, he was no longer worried about his weaknesses, because he had his precisely enhanced new abilities, a team that cooperated perfectly, the support of Martial Artists worldwide, and most importantly, his original intention that he would never forget.

The final image of the global live broadcast lingered on the backs of Chen Wu's team. Their figures were like streaks of pale gold light, moving steadily forward on the road to the Yijin Pavilion. Behind them were the blessings of 55 billion viewers, the hope of traditional martial arts inheritance, and a future forged by both strength and original intention. Finally, a neat row of text appeared in the bullet chat: 'Reflect to mend weaknesses, enhance to forge the edge; the gates of Yijin Pavilion open, as the Legacy continues its new chapter!' This message was lit up by 55 billion viewers simultaneously, like a river of light flowing through the underground palace, illuminating the entrance to the Yijin Pavilion and the path of growth for Chen Wu as a Martial Artist. This path has no end, for a true powerhouse is always on the road to becoming stronger and always on the road to guarding the Legacy.