Translator: Cinder Translations
---
[Bronze Statue Technique: Beginner (65/100) +]
Two hours later, inside the quiet room.
The internal heat gradually subsided, and Chen Feng looked at the progress of his Bronze Statue Technique with some surprise.
It wasn't that it was slow.
On the contrary, it was a bit fast.
After all, the Bronze Statue Technique was the core true technique of the Flame Tiger style.
To some extent, its power was stronger than the Giant Tiger Technique, and naturally, the difficulty was higher.
A single Muscle-Fortifying Tiger Bone Pill had helped him complete two-thirds of the beginner level. The effect of the secret medicine was evident.
"Perhaps it's also because I have the foundation of the Giant Tiger Technique."
"Although the two strengthening techniques have different effects, at their core, they both enhance the body..."
Chen Feng had a rough idea and finally looked at his limit-breaking light orbs and skills.
[Limit Break Points: 2]
[Explosive Fist: Mastered (61%) +]
[Crimson Tiger Force: Beginner (56%) +]
[Bronze Statue Technique: Beginner (65%) +]
With three skills in front of him, Chen Feng focused more on the Crimson Tiger Force.
Before entering the technique, secret medicine couldn't be used, so limit-breaking light orbs became the only way to improve this true technique.
As for Explosive Fist and Bronze Statue Technique, they each had other ways to break through.
"Enhance!"
Without hesitation, Chen Feng silently spoke the word.
[Crimson Tiger Force: Beginner (72%) +]
"Still four more limit breaking light orbs needed."
Chen Feng made a rough estimate, feeling that the power inside him had become a bit denser.
With a thought, the faint red energy appeared in his hands, covering almost half of his palm.
Unlike others' white glows, this was the characteristic of Crimson Tiger Force—once practiced to the beginner level, the energy would turn into a flame color. The higher the realm, the darker the color.
"The energy has accompanying techniques, which can unleash power stronger than the body's base strength."
Chen Feng recalled Li Tong's words and after considering it for a moment, he decided to select one or two techniques from Crimson Tiger Force to practice.
Since Li Tong had only passed on the first two layers of the mantra, there were only a few moves that he knew of.
[Tiger Roar Style: A shock technique that gathers energy into both palms, capable of injuring internal organs from a distance, like striking a cow from the air.]
[Steel Claw Style: A claw technique that concentrates energy into the fingers, extending the power of the attack, transforming it into tiger claws to tear through flesh and bones.]
[Flame Blast Style: A blasting technique that compresses energy between the fists, erupting in an instant to break the enemy.]
[Tiger Leap Style: A body technique that covers the legs with energy, making movements more flexible.]
After thinking for a while, Chen Feng felt that the Tiger Roar Style and Flame Blast Style suited his fighting style.
He made up his mind and quickly tried practicing them in the martial hall.
Gradually, time passed.
Though hindered by a lack of energy, the effects of practicing the techniques were still faint but not without progress.
---
"Senior Brother!"
"Hello, Senior Brother!"
At noon, Chen Feng went to the cafeteria for lunch.
The respectful calls echoed, and Wu Tian, who had originally planned to find a place to hide, was a step too slow.
"Big Senior Brother."
He awkwardly called out, while Pei Yue next to him acted more casual, seemingly indifferent.
"Mm, keep practicing."
Chen Feng passed by them, maintaining a calm attitude.
Lin Hao, who was nearby, tried to stifle a laugh but failed, causing Wu Tian's face to redden, though he could do nothing about it.
Eventually, a day of training came to an end.
Around 3 PM, Chen Feng changed clothes and got into Lin Hao's car.
Vroom!
The engine roared as they headed straight for the club.
The shopping mall was bustling with people, and after parking, they took the elevator directly to the second floor.
"Mm?"
Chen Feng's gaze sharpened when he saw that the Dongling Boxing Gym had closed down.
"Heh, I heard they ran off. They didn't show up yesterday."
"It seems they've opened another gym somewhere else."
Lin Hao explained, and Chen Feng nodded in understanding.
Trying to take over the gym had ended in failure, and it had become embarrassing.
Plus, since many people witnessed it, their boxing business plummeted. Naturally, the best solution was to cut ties and move to another location.
Without stopping, the two walked toward the club.
On the way, a man and woman approached, and they brushed past each other.
"Mm?"
Suddenly stopping, the woman in a black leather skirt and windbreaker coat looked back in confusion.
The tall, muscular figure entered the club and disappeared. She thought the person seemed somewhat familiar.
"What's wrong, Xiao Yue?" the man asked.
"Nothing, just thought the person who went in looked familiar."
"Oh." The man looked at the club and smiled. "How about we go in and take a look?"
"This Haofeng Club just opened, but it's quite famous. I heard there's a seventh-level coach, very impressive."
"They offer more than just boxing—there's fitness and other services too."
"Forget it."
Xiao Yue had little interest in those things, and even if the person looked familiar, it didn't matter.
"Didn't we agree to check out the new sky blue handbag? I heard it's on sale for only fifty or sixty thousand. How about we go now?"
"Alright, let's go."
---
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
Inside the club, when Lin Hao asked, Chen Feng calmly shook his head.
He walked into the members' practice area.
"Coach Chen!"
"Coach, you're finally back!"
The warm greetings echoed as Li Chengdong and Zhuang Xiaoqing stood up with smiles on their faces.
Beside them were three to five other young men and women.
Though they were dressed in loose sportswear, their demeanor was clearly exceptional.
According to Lin Hao, these people were friends from Li Chengdong and Zhuang Xiaoqing's circle.
They came from prominent families, some with relatives in the council or security bureau, while others had family-owned businesses.
After witnessing Chen Feng beat Dongling Boxing Gym, Li Chengdong and Zhuang Xiaoqing had flaunted it a little in their circle, attracting these people to come.
"Coach Chen, hello."
"My name is Luo Yue."
A young man spoke directly, extending his hand.
His short hair was sharp, and his bronzed skin showed that he often worked out.
With a slight sense, Chen Feng immediately realized that this person's skill was higher than Li Chengdong's—already at the professional level.
"Have you trained?"
Chen Feng asked calmly, meeting his gaze.
During their handshake, he could feel the other person testing him with force.
"My family hired a few coaches, and I've been training for five or six years," Luo Yue answered truthfully.
His expression grew more serious, and by the end, he grunted, his face flushing slightly, feeling as if his hand was being caught in a vice, the pain intense.
"How does it feel?" Chen Feng asked calmly, then let go.
"Coach Chen is indeed strong, stronger than any coach I've ever met!"
Luo Yue quickly nodded, his tone much more respectful than before.
Most of the people around didn't understand what was happening, but Li Chengdong could see the clue.
He silently shook his head but didn't speak.
Chen Feng didn't mind, as he had received payment from the other party, so it was understandable for him to test him once.
Afterward, he asked the new arrivals for their thoughts and quickly arranged training plans for them, pointing out and correcting some of their movements.
"Don't swing your arms too widely. When applying force, your center of gravity needs to be stable."
He gave a couple of pointers while standing next to Zhuang Xiaoqing. She nodded brightly in agreement.
"Coach, I—"
She slightly opened her mouth to speak, but quickly saw Chen Feng turn his head toward the door of the practice room.
Wang Cheng hurriedly entered, his expression serious. "Brother Chen, someone is looking for you!"
The title had quietly changed, and Chen Feng's senses expanded as he immediately recognized who had arrived.
"Lead the way."
His tone was calm as he turned and left the practice room.
Many students looked on curiously as he walked to the door of the club, where two figures were standing.
On the left was a young man with a pale face, weak breathing, and a slender frame.
He was still wearing a bandage on his chest—this was the same youth who had caused trouble the other day.
On the right was an elderly man with gray hair, dressed in a green robe and sporting a goatee.
Upon closer inspection, the elderly man's arms were unusually long, like a monkey's, and his knuckles were thick and prominent. He carried an aura of calm strength.
Thud!
The footsteps stopped, and Chen Feng narrowed his eyes.
The slender young man avoided his gaze, lowering his head and not daring to look at him.
The elderly man, however, met his gaze openly.
There was no malice sensed, which surprised Chen Feng.
They're not here for revenge?
Then, within his line of sight, the elderly man suddenly cupped his fists in a respectful bow and introduced himself.
"Heart Ape Sect, Liu Fangming."
"Oh?" Chen Feng raised an eyebrow.
He had heard from Cao Tong the previous day about this person—Liu Fangming, one of the two current masters of Heart Ape Sect, an elder of the sect.
"The rebellious disciple hasn't apologized yet."
Apparently noticing Chen Feng's surprise, Liu Fangming slapped the slender youth next to him.
The youth's face turned red, but he obediently cupped his fists and greeted Chen Feng.
"Heart Ape Sect, Sun Fei, offering my apology to the direct disciple of the Flame Tiger Sect."
Slap!
"Look at you! You can't even apologize properly. You've been practicing martial arts all this time and still haven't learned how to behave?"
Liu Fangming scolded, slapping the youth on the back of his head.
The youth's face flushed red, but he didn't dare to rebut. Liu Fangming then turned to Chen Feng.
"My rebellious disciple was misled by others. He didn't know you were the direct disciple of the Flame Tiger Sect."
"Two days ago, he rashly offended you. Thanks to your mercy, he was able to keep his skills and barely saved his life."
At the end of his words, Liu Fangming once again cupped his fists in respect.
His attitude was sincere, and there wasn't a single flaw to be found.
Chen Feng raised an eyebrow, roughly guessing that the other party must have learned about his apprenticeship from somewhere.
Seeing his sincere attitude, Chen Feng's expression softened.
He nodded slightly, signaling that it was all in the past.
"Indeed, as expected of a high-ranking disciple of Flame Tiger. Your broad-mindedness is impressive."
"Rebellious disciple, hurry and thank the coach!"
Liu Fangming scolded again. Sun Fei, the slender young man, quickly complied and expressed his gratitude.
"Many thanks to the direct disciple of Flame Tiger."
"Mm."
Chen Feng nodded while Wang Cheng, standing beside him, looked stunned.
The atmosphere eased significantly. However, Liu Fangming didn't seem to have any intention of leaving. Instead, he smiled and cupped his hands, indicating that he wanted to have a drink of water.
"Oh?"
Chen Feng's gaze flickered, sensing that the elder seemed to have something to say.
"Please follow me."
Chen Feng nodded and led Liu Fangming to the club's lounge.
Soon, the receptionist, Zhou Xiaoli, brought over three cups of tea, and Chen Feng sat down at the wooden chairs by the tea table, giving a simple gesture.
"Thank you."
Liu Fangming expressed his thanks and took a sip.
"Good tea."
He nodded and didn't seem to mind Chen Feng's expression. He spoke nostalgically.
"The last time I had such good tea was when I attended the Southern Martial Arts Tournament with your master."
"Back then, your master's style was truly impressive."
Chen Feng caught the implied meaning in his words.
"Senior Liu knows my master?"
"I wouldn't say we know each other, but we've met a few times," Liu Fangming smiled and waved his hand, lowering his posture. Sun Fei, standing beside him, looked quite bitter.
This was the difference between sect influences.
Liu Fangming only later learned that Chen Feng's background was with the Heavenly Flame Tiger Sect. If he had known from the start, he wouldn't have dared to challenge their dojo.
"I see. Then, what exactly is this Southern Martial Arts Tournament you mentioned?"
Chen Feng asked curiously. This was the first time he had heard about it.
"Oh? Your master didn't tell you?"
Liu Fangming was momentarily stunned, but Chen Feng nodded lightly.
"I see. As you're relatively new to the core of the sect."
"The Southern Martial Arts Tournament is a major event for the martial arts community in the southern part of our country. It happens once every five years, and many sects participate."
"From the juniors practicing bone and internal work to those who have reached the 'Entry Strength' realm and even higher-ranking sect leaders, they all participate to compete and decide the influence of each sect."
Liu Fangming explained, and Chen Feng roughly understood the meaning behind it.
In ancient times, many sects would compete for disciples and territories, leading to intense rivalries. To change this situation, some powerful sects set rules and brought these competitions into the open to reduce covert conflicts.
The Southern Martial Arts Tournament was the product of these rules. The reason the Flame Tiger Sect could dominate in Nanjiang City and establish its dojo here was because of this very event.
"The last Southern Martial Arts Tournament was four years ago. According to past rules, the next one should be next month."
Seeing that Chen Feng wasn't familiar with this, Liu Fangming continued to explain with enthusiasm, hoping to build a good rapport.
The two of them talked for more than ten minutes.
At the end, Liu Fangming's tone changed as he lowered his voice and said, "There is one more thing that I need to trouble you, Brother Chen, to inform your master."
"What is it?" Chen Feng asked calmly, suspecting that this was what Liu Fangming had been building up to say.
"The Blood Poison Hand has returned. Please remind your master to be cautious."
Blood Poison Hand?
Chen Feng was puzzled. Who was that?
"?"
Liu Fangming, seeing his expression, was also confused.
"Your master didn't tell you about this?"
Chen Feng nodded.
Liu Fangming went silent for a moment.
After several seconds, he explained that this person was a former 'Entry Strength' expert who had been severely injured and almost crippled by Master Li Tong. He was known for his evil ways.
He had escaped from Nanjiang City, but recently, he was spotted by another elder from Heart Ape Sect in the city.
"I'll inform my master," Chen Feng nodded and thanked him.
"Good."
Liu Fangming sighed in relief. After a few more pleasantries, he stood up to leave.
The door to the room slowly closed.
Chen Feng sensed the two leaving, his gaze flickering. He guessed that this visit from Heart Ape Sect was an attempt to clear up any lingering misunderstandings and bridge the gap between them.
His expression remained calm as he took out his phone, preparing to inform his master, Li Tong.
His fingers tapped the screen, and the sound of typing echoed.
But soon, he paused.
He suddenly felt an intense malice heading straight for him.
One hundred meters, ninety-nine meters, ninety-eight meters...
His gaze sharpened, and he expanded his senses to cover the area.
Inside the mall, people were bustling about, the lights shining down, creating a lively and peaceful atmosphere.
Outside the left window, traffic flowed continuously, and pedestrians conversed casually.
It seemed like a normal scene, but...
At a nearby manhole cover, a small brown-patterned snake suddenly slithered into his range of perception. It hissed and darted straight toward the mall.
Following it, strong figures dressed in black appeared, with bulging waistlines, moving in pairs.
There were even drones silently appearing, hovering near the mall.
(End of the Chapter)
---
Read (MF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL- c131.
Early Access at $5.
Translated (4) Series, (1.8K+) Chapters, (2.25M+) Words.