When Wan Ze saw the completion requirements for the Breathing Technique, he knew everything was in the bag!

...

[Illustrated Guide: Thunderbolt Breathing Technique]

[Skill Beginner Level Satisfying Conditions: Breathe 10 times]

...

’Is getting to the Beginner Level hard?’

’All I need is a mouth!’

While Wan Ze’s mind was reeling, Lei Ming was still imparting his wisdom. "...Generally speaking, you use your breath to guide your qi and blood. In our line of work, there’s an old saying... ’Practice the fist but not the breath, and you’ll just be smashing your head against a wall. Practice the breath but not the mind, and you’ll be an outsider for ten years.’"

Wan Ze discreetly took ten breaths while Lei Ming was still rambling on, then quickly glanced at his data panel.

...

[Illustrated Guide: Thunderbolt Breathing Technique] (Beginner Level Mastered)

[Skill Basic Satisfying Conditions: Breathe 30 times]

...

Wan Ze secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

’It’s not the difficulty of a task that’s scary, but how convoluted it is.’

Just then, Lei Ming’s voice cut in. "You must memorize the incantation for the Thunderbolt Breathing Technique... ’Breathing is the root, Breath Regulation the application, the Dantian refines the fire, and the thunderous sound shatters the sky’... Got it?"

"Got it."

"You try circulating the Breathing Technique first. I’ll keep an eye on you," Lei Ming said with a serious expression.

Wan Ze hesitated.

He had already reached the Beginner Level and didn’t want to reveal his talent.

Thinking Wan Ze was worried about wasting his time, Lei Ming smiled reassuringly. "You’re just starting your Cultivation of the Breathing Technique, so this first step is crucial. Don’t worry, with your talent, it won’t take long at all. I’m free tonight, so I’ll help you get past this hurdle... And don’t count on Master Qin. The old man is too old to pull an all-nighter."

Seeing this, Wan Ze didn’t hedge any longer.

Inside the breathing chamber, the two sat facing each other.

Blue smoke from the sandalwood incense slowly drifted upward. Lei Ming didn’t forget to advise in a low voice, "Regulate the rhythm of your breathing. Recite the incantation silently from the start and find the point of balance between your body and mind..."

Wan Ze: "..."

He wanted to say that he’d already reached the Beginner Level.

’But on second thought,’ he decided, ’never mind.’

He had completed thirty breaths at some point without even realizing it. He secretly took a peek.

[Illustrated Guide: Thunderbolt Breathing Technique] (Basic Mastered)

[Skill Intermediate Satisfying Conditions: Breathe 100 times]

Wan Ze now understood the situation.

So he simply settled in, Concentrating the Spirit.

Lei Ming stopped bothering him and waited quietly. He looked at Wan Ze, who was sitting with his eyes closed, breathing, and after a moment of observation, he had to admit that this junior brother was truly handsome... ’To be this handsome and this talented... is he even letting others live?’

As he thought this, he glanced at Wan Ze again... ’His breathing is calm and steady. Hmm, not bad. If he keeps this rhythm, it won’t be long before he triggers the opportunity for the Beginner Level... Back in my day, it took me over an hour, and Master still praised me for being talented. I wonder how long it will take Junior Brother Wan.’

One minute... two minutes...

Lei Ming had expected Wan Ze to speak up with a question, but seeing him remain silent, he just assumed the young man was too proud to ask. Amused, he decided to wait a bit longer.

But that wait turned into twenty minutes.

When Wan Ze opened his eyes, he saw Lei Ming looking at him. Out of concern, Lei Ming comforted him, "Don’t be discouraged. Calm your mind and maintain it for at least an hour."

’So it took my senior brother an hour to reach the Beginner Level?’

Lost in thought, Wan Ze’s gaze dropped to what was displayed below his line of sight.

...

[Illustrated Guide: Thunderbolt Breathing Technique] (Intermediate Mastered)

[Effect: Sharp Perception (Coordination +0.02)]

[Skill High Level Satisfying Conditions: Breathe 10,000 times (300/10k), and defeat one person using Iron Mountain Fist]

...

Just as Wan Ze was wondering how to get away from the enthusiastic Lei Ming, Sun Fan happened to show up. "Wan Ze, come with me."

Lei Ming: "???"

He looked at the two of them, stunned.

He stared at Wan Ze in disbelief.

’Wait, you guys just met once, and you’re already hitting it off?’

Realizing his expression was a bit over the top, he gave a light cough and took the initiative to resolve Wan Ze’s awkward situation. "If you have something to do, go ahead. You can try again tonight if you have time. If not, I’ll guide you to the Beginner Level tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Brother Lei. Thank you so much for today. I’ll... be going then."

Hearing this, Lei Ming waved them off. Watching the backs of Wan Ze and Sun Fan as they left together, he thought they made a handsome couple.

Suddenly, his communicator vibrated. After seeing the message on it, his expression changed slightly, and he hurried out of the martial arts hall.

...

Sun Fan wasn’t nosy enough to ask about what was going on between Wan Ze and Brother Lei. The two arrived at the A Class courtyard, which was deserted.

"They usually only stay at the hall for a few hours a day. Most of the time, they’re out taking private jobs," Sun Fan said, seeming to know quite a lot.

"Private jobs?" Wan Ze’s interest was piqued.

Sun Fan casually explained, "For one, they already have the ability to protect themselves. For another, martial arts training is expensive. For students from ordinary families like them, it’s the only way to cover the costs... Sorry, I didn’t mean to single them out."

Wan Ze shrugged, showing he didn’t mind. "How are we sparring? Same as this morning?"

"No holding back," Sun Fan said suddenly, her words pointed.

Wan Ze: "..."

After a moment of silence, he couldn’t help but ask, "I’m curious, how did you know?"

"It wasn’t difficult. The way your qi and blood operate when you’re truly fighting is completely different from when you’re intentionally holding back... Unless you become a master someday and learn to conceal your qi and blood, you can’t fool me," Sun Fan stated calmly.

"A lesson learned."

Sun Fan took out five Silver Coins marked with "100" and handed them over. "Take the money. I’m your employer now. My demands aren’t high—just fight with all your strength. Otherwise... I have no reason to waste money on you."

Wan Ze took the money, felt its weight, and casually stuffed it into the pouch on his belt. He smiled. "I do have some professional ethics."

Sun Fan wasted no more words. She tore off her jacket, revealing a black bodysuit underneath.

Wan Ze kept his eyes straight ahead. ’When facing a goddess of wealth, one must show the proper respect!’

"Are you ready? Here I come!"

"Bring it!"

Sun Fan shot forward with a single step. Wan Ze raised his hand to block and quickly returned the punch.

Both of them were on the verge of Qi and Blood Refining. This was why Sun Fan had asked Wan Ze to spar with her. Besides, everyone else at the martial arts hall knew her identity and always held back when fighting her, which was a huge pain.

Now, seeing Wan Ze go all out, she didn’t hold back either.

The wind from their fists was fierce, their exchange swift and violent, kicking up dust from the ground.

At first, Sun Fan just thought Wan Ze’s Iron Mountain Fist was decent but lacked something. She couldn’t put her finger on what that "something" was. But as they fought, she grew more and more alarmed.

The confidence she’d had, the belief that she could control the fight, was being silently shattered by Wan Ze. Just as she was hesitating, Wan Ze spoke. "What’s wrong?"

"N-Nothing..."

Sun Fan couldn’t describe the feeling. Thinking it was just her imagination, she charged forward again, her hands reaching for Wan Ze’s shoulders.

Her speed was fast, but in Wan Ze’s eyes, it was still lacking.

After his Thunderbolt Breathing Technique reached the Intermediate level, the combined effects of Basic Swordsmanship and Iron Mountain Fist weren’t a simple "1+1+1." Instead, they had subtly synergized and surged to a remarkable degree, especially his Perception, which was now almost like precognition.

He dodged to the side, easily avoiding her.

Then, alternating his hands, he quickly pushed forward.

BANG!

Sun Fan was knocked to the ground on the spot. Overwhelmed by the pain, she sat on the ground and burst into tears.

Wan Ze’s expression changed slightly.

’Oh no,’ he thought. ’She’s going to try and scam me!’