NOVEL SIMPLE CHAPTER 90
Chapter 90: Unstoppable Progress
The black mist that had shrouded Nanxiang City since the rise of the Holy Tower was vast, enveloping the city along with its surrounding towns, counties, and villages. For Lu Ming, this expansive mist signified more than just a physical barrier—it meant a larger population, more zombies, and an increasing chance of encountering strange and dangerous enemies. Despite his growing strength, Lu Ming never let complacency settle in. He knew that strength was always relative, and there were always greater threats lurking somewhere.
On Day 74 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Huo Sheng arrived once again at Guangping Street, this time with a new group in tow. His purpose was twofold: to check on Wei Lan’s progress and to deliver what Lu Ming had requested.
"Mr. Lu, here are the martial arts experts you asked for," Huo Sheng announced with a gesture towards the eight individuals standing behind him. "I’ve brought them all."
The group, a mix of men and women of varying ages, bowed respectfully before Lu Ming.
"Greetings, Mr. Lu," they said in unison.
Lu Ming nodded in acknowledgment, his sharp gaze appraising the experts. Finding a handful of martial artists among the 100,000 survivors in the official shelter hadn't been difficult, but these individuals weren’t expected to be masters. Their role was simple: help Lu Ming develop new skills within his system. After all, spending hours slaughtering zombies without improving his skillset was inefficient.
After brief introductions, Huo Sheng excused himself, heading off to discuss matters with Meng Jie. Meanwhile, Lu Ming focused on the task at hand—sparring with the martial artists to trigger new skills.
"Shall we start this afternoon?" Lu Ming asked, eager to see the results.
"We’re ready whenever you are, Mr. Lu," they responded with enthusiasm.
The morning passed in typical fashion, with Lu Ming completing his usual exercise routine. Following a hearty lunch and a brief nap, he reconvened with the martial artists in the yard. From one o’clock until the evening, they sparred continuously. The experts shared their knowledge, covering unarmed techniques and various weapons, while Lu Ming absorbed every detail, refining his movements and internalizing the new styles.
By the end of the day, Lu Ming had achieved his goal, though his expression held a tinge of disappointment. The progress hadn’t been as substantial as he had hoped.
That evening, after dinner, Lu Ming retreated to his room and eagerly opened his attribute panel.
Name: Lu Ming
Level: 1 Mortal Realm
Age: 25
Strength: 456
Physique: 467.4
Agility: 451
Free Attribute Points: 1
Superpower: Awakening in Progress…
Skills:
- Basic Saber Technique (Lvl 1)
- Basic Sword Technique (Lvl 1)
- Basic Staff Technique (Lvl 1)
- Tiger Steps Stance (Lvl 1)
The afternoon’s sparring session had borne fruit. Lu Ming’s Cold Weapon Combat skill had branched into specialized techniques for the saber, sword, and staff, each now standing as individual disciplines.
[System Notification: Skill Specialization - Saber, Sword, and Staff Techniques are now separate skills.]
This specialization would allow for faster and more efficient growth in each area. Still, Lu Ming’s excitement was tempered by a hint of dissatisfaction—fist and foot techniques had remained grouped under Hand-to-Hand Combat. It seemed the quality of his instruction in that area might have been lacking.
Another minor frustration was the addition of only one new stance: Tiger Steps Stance. This technique, taught by a saber master, provided him with agility and power, adding versatility to his combat style. Yet, Lu Ming couldn’t help but wonder what other stances were out there, waiting to be unlocked.
"So, four skills in one afternoon," Lu Ming mused. His frown slowly relaxed as he evaluated his gains.
"It’s not bad," he concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. While the day’s rewards weren’t as bountiful as he had hoped, he had made measurable progress.
Mastering the newly acquired skills and leveling them up to unlock more attribute points was the next challenge, but Lu Ming was no stranger to hard work. The steady gains he witnessed every day fueled his determination.
After stretching out his limbs, Lu Ming stepped outside to practice the Tiger Steps Stance, visualizing his ever-growing potential.
[Day 75 of the Apocalypse Calendar: Thursday]
Morning: Routine training complete. All attributes gained.
Afternoon: Shot zombies from the lighthouse.
[Slingshot Shooting Level Up! Lvl 26 (102/2600)]
Agility +2.6
Evening: Resistance Stance upgraded to Level 11 (855/1100).
11 Free Attribute Points awarded.
[Day 76 of the Apocalypse Calendar: Friday]
Morning: Continued routine training.
Afternoon: Practiced saber, sword, and staff techniques.
All three skills upgraded to Level 3.
All attributes +1.5.
Evening: Practiced Tiger Steps Stance.
[Tiger Steps Stance upgraded to Lv2 (15/200)]
2 Free Attribute Points awarded.
[Day 77 of the Apocalypse Calendar: Saturday]
Morning: Exercises complete. All attributes gained.
[Fitness Skill Level Up! Lvl 20 (0/2000)]
Daily attribute gain increased to 2.5 points.
Afternoon: Guarded the tower.
Evening: Practiced stance techniques.
The days blurred together in a steady cycle of training, sparring, and refining his skills. With each passing day, Lu Ming felt himself inch closer to his ultimate goal.
By Day 88 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Lu Ming’s dedication had resulted in another major breakthrough. After his afternoon nap, he opened his attribute panel and couldn't suppress a wide grin as he surveyed his progress:
Name: Lu Ming
Level: 1 Mortal Realm
Age: 25
Strength: 541.5
Physique: 552.9
Agility: 548
Free Attribute Points: 86
Superpower: Awakening in Progress…
Skills:
- Fitness (Lvl 21)
- Slingshot (Lvl 29)
- Archery (Lvl 23)
- Firearms Shooting (Lvl 21)
- Hand-to-hand Combat (Lvl 29)
- Cold Weapon Combat (Lvl 29)
- Basic Saber Technique (Lvl 10)
- Basic Sword Technique (Lvl 10)
- Basic Staff Technique (Lvl 10)
- Tiger Steps Stance (Lvl 8)
- Resistance Stance (Lvl 14)
The system's assessment read: [System Assessment: Powerful, exaggerated, and beyond comparison!]
Lu Ming marveled at his newfound strength but reminded himself not to grow complacent. "I’ve become incredibly strong," he thought, "but there’s always someone stronger."
His path had no end. Only constant improvement would keep him ahead of the dangers that awaited.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Nanxiang, the black mist parted, and a lone figure emerged into the sunlight. Chang Yi stepped forward, grinning from ear to ear, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
"Level 5!" he cried, his voice echoing through the abandoned streets. "I knew it! The opportunity for Level 5 was in the black mist all along!"
His laugh rang out, confident and wild. "I, Chang Yi, am invincible!"
End of Chapter 90