As the clone entered the river, Chen Chu began his return journey. However, because his attention was divided between controlling the heavy armored beast's swimming and his own thoughts, he seemed a bit absent-minded on the way back.
This distracted state continued through dinner that evening.
Zhang Xiaolan, seated across from Chen Chu, noticed his unusual behavior and asked with concern, "Ah Chu, is everything okay?"
Chen Chu, snapping back to the present, replied, "Oh, I'm fine, just a bit preoccupied."
Moments earlier, the heavy armored beast had encountered a one-meter-long herring at the riverbed. Without thinking, Chen Chu had pounced on it and easily overpowered the larger fish. Despite the difference in size, the heavy armored beast subdued the herring with a single claw, exerting a force exceeding a thousand kilograms—an astounding display of strength.
At this stage, the creature was still in its juvenile form, measuring only 70 centimeters in length. When it eventually grew to three meters and weighed hundreds or even thousands of kilograms, its strength would be truly formidable.
After the meal, Chen Chu excused himself, claiming he needed to practice, and once again let his mind drift as he controlled the heavy armored beast to roam freely.
After over an hour of swimming, he finally reached the river's mouth several dozen miles away. The Tao Tao River flowed vigorously, and on the weed-covered bank, a menacing black head emerged from the water.
Chen Chu surveyed the surroundings, noticing the absence of nearby buildings. Along the embankment behind him ran a road, while the loess riverbank in this area stood several meters above the water's surface, suitable for digging and constructing caves.
Although the hexagonal salamander was amphibious and could spend extended periods underwater, Chen Chu believed that creating a nest on the shore would be safer.
Under Chen Chu's guidance, the heavy armored beast's claws sunk into the mud. With a rustling sound, it began to dig a hole underwater, expanding it steadily as it moved upward. In no time, a dark cavity several meters deep was created. Chen Chu then added a small air inlet above the hole.
Hoo!
In his room, Chen Chu exhaled slowly, gradually opening his eyes. Operating outdoors was distinct from indoors. After releasing the avatar, Chen Chu had to maintain constant vigilance to prevent the heavy armored beast from reacting too slowly, which could result in dire consequences.
In such a scenario, even though his main body would remain unaffected, he would still incur significant losses if the heavy armored beast were to perish.
Indeed, each evolution of the heavy armored beast not only heightened its combat prowess but also greatly enhanced its physical strength. It became clear to Chen Chu that the heavy armored beast needed ample sustenance to facilitate its continuous evolution.
It wasn't until after completing the nest that Chen Chu could finally withdraw most of his attention, preparing to embark on his nightly training task.
However, he couldn't help but notice a difference in his practice as he commenced his exercises. With the thickened circulation of qi and blood coursing through his body, extraordinary energies congregated around him. They were drawn into his body by his spiritual power and refined, thanks to the doubled speed of both circulation and absorption compared to before.
Whether it was the swiftness of qi and blood circulation or the quantity of extraordinary energy absorbed, it had all doubled, effectively doubling his overall cultivation speed. Chen Chu believed that the first level of Dragon Elephant Kungfu, initially projected to take four months to master, could potentially be conquered in a little over a month.
This accelerated progress surprised Chen Chu and only fueled his determination to train harder. As he continued to cultivate, his muscles, fascia, and physical endurance grew increasingly resilient with each cycle of qi and blood circulation.
Nonetheless, this strengthening process was still slow.
...
In the morning, Chen Hu approached Chen Chu for a comparison and remarked in astonishment, "Brother, have you grown taller again?"
A month ago, Chen Chu had stood at a mere 1.7 meters, slightly shorter than the 1.75-meter-tall Chen Hu, who was just thirteen years old. However, as time passed and his physique continued to strengthen through rigorous training, he had naturally grown to match Chen Hu's height, albeit without the bulk. His figure was now harmonious, well-proportioned, and notably more robust, with slightly bulging upper-body muscles and straight posture.
"I've been growing lately," Chen Chu replied casually.
The two brothers strolled towards the school, and as they reached the city's crossroads, a young girl approached from the side and waved to Chen Chu as she spotted him.
The young girl had a slender figure, her long black hair was tied with a white bow ribbon at the back of her head, and her face radiated pure beauty, making her appear like a picturesque scene.
Chen Hu appeared somewhat surprised and remarked, "Brother, it looks like she's greeting you."
Chen Chu nodded and smiled at Luo Fei, who stood before them. He said, "Yes, she's a classmate."
Just as the traffic light turned green, Chen Chu led Chen Hu towards her and asked, "It's rare to meet you; shall we go together?"
"Sure," Luo Fei replied softly.
Chen Hu, leaning closer, exclaimed, "Sister, you're so beautiful, like a fairy from a historical drama."
Chen Chu interjected, slightly embarrassed, "Excuse me, this is my younger brother, Chen Hu."
Luo Fei smiled and said, "No problem; your brother is very cute."
As the three of them walked along, Chen Hu moved a few steps closer to Luo Fei and curiously inquired, "Sister, are you and my brother good friends?"
Luo Fei hesitated momentarily and replied, "...We're friends, I suppose."
"Oh, I thought you and my brother were close friends," Chen Hu said, sounding somewhat disappointed.
"Friends? Well, I guess we're that too," Luo Fei replied, looking at Chen Chu and blinking.
Chen Chu smiled and added, "Of course."
Having known each other for a long time, their relationship had evolved beyond mere classmates and could be described as friendship.
A bit further ahead, Chen Hu spotted his little classmates and waved to Chen Chu. "Brother, pretty sister, I'm going ahead."
Turning and running toward his friends, Chen Hu winked at Chen Chu, as if to convey, 'Brother, I've done all I can.'
Chen Chu was left speechless.
After Chen Hu's departure, Chen Chu and Luo Fei continued walking side by side towards the school, casually discussing their cultivation experiences.
Upon entering the school gate, they encountered Luo Fei's classmate, Li Wenwen, whose eyes widened as if she had seen something astonishing.
Inside the classroom, once Chen Chu took his seat, Xia Youhui, who was seated in front of him, turned around and approached. However, he soon let out a faint sigh. "Ah Chu, why do I feel like you've grown stronger?"
Chen Chu glanced at him and inquired, "Stronger in what way?"
Xia Youhui regarded him suspiciously and asked, "It's strange. Tell me honestly, did you use any cultivation resources after going back yesterday?"
Chen Chu responded, somewhat exasperated, "Do you really think someone as financially challenged as me, who can't even afford qi and blood resources for foundation building, could somehow afford cultivation resources?"
"It does make sense, but..." Xia Youhui's doubts persisted.
Having sparred with Chen Chu just two days ago, Xia Youhui was particularly attuned to changes in Chen Chu's aura. As soon as Chen Chu took his seat today, Xia Youhui sensed a faint threat emanating from him. Although it was the same person, there was an inexplicable sense of pressure when he sat there.
But how could Chen Chu be a threat?
Xia Youhui was well-acquainted with Chen Chu's talent. While Chen Chu possessed a calm demeanor and a promising future, Xia Youhui couldn't easily accept that he had suddenly experienced an epiphany, abruptly surpassing his own abilities.
Both of them were still in the first heaven, focusing on body training and not yet reaching the sixth heaven, which placed greater emphasis on understanding. So, how could their strength suddenly surge like this?
"Could I be mistaken?" Xia Youhui scratched his head.