At noon, Qin Zheng arrived fashionably late.
He was also here to practice boxing.
At this time, Lu Chenzhou had already taken a shower and was dining in the Martial Arts Academy's cafeteria, though, actually, his non-yearly membership did not include meals.
This was a special approval by Ji Xuantong, who said that the cafeteria food often went to waste. Lu Chenzhou could just eat as he wished; Old Ji was such a kind person.
"Damn Lu Chenzhou, you've started rolling up early."
Qin Zheng always had the illusion that Lu Chenzhou was constantly getting stronger.
Mainly because the guy was too dedicated; in all his life, he had never seen such a tough person, who, besides studying and practicing boxing, really had no entertainment.
Didn't scroll through short videos, didn't play games, didn't flirt.
What was the joy in living like that?
Lu Chenzhou couldn't help but advise,
"One should get up early to practice boxing, Club President, you wake up too late."
As a member of the Martial Arts Society, he still hoped Qin Zheng would push on. With his conditions, if he put in the effort, becoming a Martial Artist wasn't guaranteed, but reaching the Dark Force Realm was not a problem.
"Okay, I'll be more diligent in the future and follow your lead."
Qin Zheng readily agreed, mainly because Li Linling was focused on reviewing these days, rejecting many of his date invitations, and he felt embarrassed to disturb her.
Might as well use this time to improve his Martial Arts cultivation. In half a year when Li Linling graduated, he might also be a Third Rank expert, which would certainly impress her!
Qin Zheng played with his food while scrolling through his phone and asked,
"By the way, Chenzhou, I remember you mentioned your family wanted to change houses in the Inner City, right? I have a friend whose family is high up in a real estate company.
If you need, I can talk to them and maybe get you an internal discount. Properties in Su City aren't selling well these days."
Lu Chenzhou thought of his mother, who longed for the Inner City house.
"We don't have the money for now, I'll contact you if we need. By the way, why are the houses in Su City hard to sell, isn't the Inner City highly sought after?"
Qin Zheng looked around and whispered,
"I suspect it has something to do with the recent Virtual Disaster."
"Wasn't the source already taken care of?"
Regarding Lu Chenzhou's naive look, Qin Zheng laughed softly.
He finally had an edge over Lu Chenzhou.
His family had money and connections, and they were privy to more inside information.
He pulled Lu Chenzhou to a secluded place and whispered,
"Don't discuss what I'm about to tell you with anybody else."
"Okay."
"Good brother, I trust you."
In the half-year they had been together, he trusted Lu Chenzhou's character.
This kid's biggest fault and strength were his honesty!
Qin Zheng said with an air of mystery,
"It's said that the Central Void Control Department has dispatched a special team here to Su City, indicating the problem with the Virtual Disaster here is far from resolved. I suspect there's a Void Realm intersection point here."
Lu Chenzhou's expression shifted slightly.
Qin Zheng continued,
"News can't be contained forever, the authorities will report on this matter sooner or later, and then, would the wealthy people of Su City not migrate elsewhere for property and residence?
Who would dare buy houses here in Su City?"
Lu Chenzhou said,
"With Da Xia's technological means, and those who have broken through the Seventh Shackles, this should be solvable; there's no need to worry too soon.
If it really can't be resolved, and such a terrifying Virtual Disaster erupts, where could one run to? Also, if Da Xia feels unsure, they would definitely relocate the residents before the disaster erupts, as has been done before."
Some small foreign countries had once fallen.
They were like ghost states then, with Void Things rampant. However, this was very rare. Later, they were pacified by other countries and taken under their management. The new territories added to the new Da Xia, exceeded even those of its peak times before, came about this way. For instance, Sakura Island—it's nominally a country, but practically almost like a province of Da Xia. Otherwise, this super moneymaking event of the All Nations Martial Arts Competition wouldn't have been hosted by Da Xia.
Qin Zheng, thoughtful, added,
"You have a point, but panic is inevitable; historically, whenever the Void Control Department's special investigation team visits a place, it's always like that. This time the commotion is bigger than ever before. A whole team of Martial Arts Grandmasters came, just think..."
Martial Arts Grandmasters, the ones who have broken through the Fourth Shackles.
In some ordinary Martial Arts universities, they could be presidents.
Lu Chenzhou asked,
"Is your family planning to move?"
Qin Zheng shook his head.
"No, it won't go that far, after all, my family's company is here, moving would be complicated, and my dad also believes this Virtual Disaster can be resolved, trusting the central authorities!"
Lu Chenzhou said,
"Thanks, Club President."
He no longer pursued an Inner City house. In the event of a massive Virtual Disaster, nowhere would be safe; it was best to reside in the Martial Arts University's family quarters.
At his current level, worrying about this was like worrying about a sky made of upturned baskets. However, he still needed to remind his family to pay more attention and consider moving if necessary.
When the time came, they could move to another city and apply to another Martial Arts University.
After dinner, Qin Zheng went to his lesson with Ji Xuantong while Lu Chenzhou took a refreshing nap. After revitalizing himself, he warmed up and proceeded to the Qi-Blood Measurement Room.
The sensors were properly attached.
He adjusted his Martial Arts momentum to its peak; even his Basic Boxing at Perfection level was done with flowing ease, unconstrained by form, exuding a master's temperament.
"Qi-Blood 1.46, congratulations, you have reached the Second Rank standard!"
"Second Rank now, just three months ago I was still ordinary."
Coming from a low-class root bone, achieving Second Rank in high school made Lu Chenzhou very satisfied. He returned to the training field and practiced Black Tiger Fist alone, the wooden dummies cracking with each strike.
His next goal was the small success of Black Tiger Fist, by which time his Qi-Blood should naturally reach Third Rank since opening the acupoints could also enhance Qi-Blood.
"Chenzhou, heading home?"
Qin Zheng had finished practicing, coming over to ask.
"You go ahead, I'll practice a bit more."
Lu Chenzhou adjusted his breathing slightly. His familiarity with Black Tiger Fist had only increased by 2% recently. He had vacations these past few days with no classes, eager to master Black Tiger Fist soon.
He couldn't wait to see the Divine Seed effects of Black Tiger Fist Perfection.
"Then I won't go back either."
Qin Zheng set down his bag and decided to practice until dark with Lu Chenzhou.
He stretched himself and then excitedly spoke:
"Chenzhou, let's have a practice fight. Since reaching Second Rank, I haven't sparred with anyone yet, let me show you just how fearsome Second Rank can be, hehe."
Lu Chenzhou stood up.
"Er, I also reached Second Rank. Forgot to tell you."
Qin Zheng was dumbfounded for a moment.
"Really? Weren't you just First Rank three months ago?"
"Yes, but back then I was already at 1.33."
"You've improved by 0.11 in three months?"
"Actually 0.13, I'm now at 1.46."
"Damn! Were they wrong about your root bone when you were born?"
Qin Zheng clearly doubted his life, because despite both having low-class root bones and him having better resources, Lu Chenzhou had overtaken him in Qi-Blood.
Good heavens, he was only at 1.45!
"I just used the time you spent gaming and dating the instructor for practicing. Plus, my dad bought me some Martial Arts Supplements; it's not as miraculous as you think."
Lu Chenzhou explained.
"I see, that makes sense."
Qin Zheng was somewhat relieved.
Jealous of a brother's hardships, yet also fearful when that brother excels!
"I'm not slacking off anymore! Starting tomorrow, I'll practice every day; otherwise, I'll be left far behind, where's the face of the society president then?"
Qin Zheng was intermittently filled with ambition!
As the president of the Martial Arts Society, he couldn't lag behind.
Lu Chenzhou asked:
"President, still want to spar?"
"Of course, we're both Second Rank, let's have a fair fight."
Qin Zheng readied himself, warming up, and then said:
"What fist technique will you use? I'm going to use Swallow Return Fist."
Swallow Return Fist was also basic Martial Arts, similar in level to Black Tiger Fist, merely Third Class. Basic Martial Arts also had classifications.
The White Ape Fist that Shi Ruyu learned at Pingjiang Martial Arts University was First Class basic Martial Arts. When combined with Dragon and Tiger Heavenly Pile and perfected, Qi-Blood could reach beyond Ninth Rank. Such Martial Arts were generally taught in universities, rarely in Martial Arts Academies.
Lu Chenzhou said:
"I'll use Black Tiger Fist then."
In fact, his power was greater now with his Perfection level Basic Boxing.
Let's not crush the president; after all, he's a good guy.
Qin Zheng coughed loudly and declared:
"Swallow Return Fist - Qin Zheng, please advise."
Lu Chenzhou didn't expect him to be so formal, which seemed rather silly as it wasn't a formal challenge; it was even more awkward because Qin Zheng's loud voice had attracted other trainees' attention.
A bunch of eyes turned their way, some punching wooden dummies or lifting weights.
Lu Chenzhou reluctantly said:
"Black Tiger Fist - Lu Chenzhou, please advise!"