Chapter 3: The Human Limit

Zhang Shen strode confidently into the training ground, drawing the astonished gazes of those within. Their admiration was not only for his prestigious identity but also for his exceptional progress over the past two years, which had captivated their hearts.

In the training ground, martial artists responsible for guidance and young disciples between the ages of five and ten gathered to hone their physical prowess. They hoped to attain the human limit, earning the recognition of their family and the essential cultivation techniques for breaking through to the Acquired Stage.

But reaching the human limit was no simple task.

At the center of the training ground stood a solid iron rod weighing over a hundred pounds, flanked by more than ten standard large stone mills, each with a hole in the center and weighing a hundred pounds. Additionally, two smaller stone mills, each weighing fifty pounds, were placed nearby.

To be granted the Acquired Stage techniques passed down within the clan, one had to lift the iron rod, along with eight large stone mills and two small stone mills, in front of everyone.

A thousand pounds of weight was the universally acknowledged minimum threshold for the human limit. Only by achieving this level could one be considered eligible to embark on the path of a martial artist.

However, reaching this level was a monumental challenge.

Lifting a thousand pounds signified that with a single strike, one could effortlessly shatter an ordinary person’s skull or tear them in half. Without innate talent, cultivation techniques, or adequate nutrition, attaining this level was an unattainable dream.

Nutrition was particularly crucial. If it could not keep pace with one’s training, the body would gradually weaken and eventually collapse under the strain of constant exertion.

Zhang Shen confidently approached the center of the field, and everyone present sensed the upcoming spectacle, promptly setting aside their equipment.

“Please place five large stone mills and one small stone on each side of the rod,” Zhang Shen requested. One of the supervising martial artists stepped forward, effortlessly hoisting the stone mills as if they were mere toys and clanging them onto the iron rod.

“Young Master Shen, this amounts to 1,200 pounds. Please don’t overexert yourself,” the elder responsible for record-keeping cautioned him. Over the years, there had been numerous individuals who had overestimated their abilities, resulting in torn muscles and serious injuries.

“Mm, I understand,” Zhang Shen acknowledged.

‘Last time, my record was exactly 1,000 pounds. I’ve progressed since then, let’s see what level I can reach now.’

While others were content with achieving 1,000 pounds before attempting to break through into the Acquired Stage, Zhang Shen knew that merely reaching the lower limit did not guarantee success. The greater the force one’s body could generate, the higher the likelihood of a breakthrough.

Zhang Shen crouched down, grasped the iron rod firmly, and tested its weight.

“Ugh!” With a sudden surge of power, he lifted the 1,200-pound stone mill barbell off the ground.

“Ha!” Zhang Shen roared as he strained to hoist the weight higher.

In a flash, the stone mill barbell was raised above his head, held there with unwavering stability.

After maintaining the position for a full minute, Zhang Shen, though visibly struggling, finally lowered the stone mill barbell. It collided with the ground, causing a resonant ‘thud’ and making the earth tremble beneath them.

The astonishment among the surrounding martial artists was palpable. If he was this formidable at just five years old, they could not imagine what the future held for him. Conversations buzzed throughout the training field as they marveled at Zhang Shen’s performance.

Clapping his hands, Zhang Shen prepared to leave. As he walked past a nine-year-old boy of similar height, the youngster’s limbs were as thick as large bowls, and he couldn’t help but remark, “Incredible! You’re so strong.”

Zhang Shen offered a warm smile and patted the boy’s arm. “Don’t be envious. Work hard, and you can achieve this too in the future.”

Knowing that everyone present was either a member of the Zhang family or closely affiliated, he didn’t hesitate to offer words of encouragement.

The muscular boy’s eyes lit up with a renewed determination to train even harder.

Upon Zhang Shen’s return to the clan, he found Zhang Tianlong, Zhang Xun, and two clan elders awaiting him. It was evident they were already aware of his astounding feat at the training field.

Zhang Tianlong and Zhang Xun beamed with pride, while the two elders could only stand by with a mix of envy and bitterness.

“Shen’er, come here,” Zhang Tianlong called Zhang Shen closer, his satisfaction clear. “I’ve already heard about your remarkable accomplishment. 1,200 pounds, and you held it for a while. It’s clear that your true limit far surpasses that.”

Zhang Tianlong continued, “At this level, you’ve already proven yourself. Next, you can start learning the Acquired Stage cultivation techniques and martial skills in preparation for your breakthrough.”

Zhang Xun, unable to contain his elation, smiled as he handed over a small booklet. “Take this. It’s the Acquired Stage cultivation technique personally selected by your grandfather. Go back and study it carefully. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just come and ask me.”

Grateful, Zhang Shen accepted the booklet. He stood aside for a while, listening to his grandfather and father bragging to the two elders before eventually leaving to return to his own room.

After Zhang Shen’s departure, Zhang Tianlong spoke up, “You’ve witnessed the child’s abilities for yourselves. I trust there should be no objections to my proposal now, correct?”

The two clan elders exchanged glances. They were originally from the clan leader’s faction already, and now that they had seen Zhang Shen in person, they indeed found him impressive. “We have no objections.”

Zhang Tianlong nodded in approval. “Excellent. Once Shen’er breaks through and becomes a martial artist, his cultivation resources will be provided according to the highest standards within the family.”

Unaware of the conversation, Zhang Shen was wholly absorbed in the cultivation technique he held, the “Bright Moon Technique.”

“Great Sun burns like fire, Bright Moon flows like water…”

After reading the text once, Zhang Shen grasped the profound nature of the Bright Moon Technique. In comparison to the Ten Styles of Blood Strengthening, the two couldn’t be mentioned on equal terms.

“Bright Moon flows like water, offering stability. Cultivating this technique is steady and eliminates the risk of losing control or succumbing to demonic possession.”

Zhang Shen was immensely pleased. This was precisely the type of cultivation technique he desired. However, he couldn’t quite comprehend certain aspects of the later sections and would require time for in-depth study.

At present, his focus was on breaking through from the Human Limit to the Acquired Stage.

“I must not be impatient or hasty. First, I’ll dedicate a few days to study, understand the essential points of breaking through, and then attempt it.”

Following this, Zhang Shen maintained his daily training regimen while also allocating time to study and grasp the key points for breaking through. Whenever he encountered difficulties, he would turn to his father for guidance.

If Zhang Xun couldn’t clarify the issue, Zhang Shen would consult his grandfather. Once he became familiar with these points and felt prepared, he would be ready to attempt the breakthrough.

At that moment, his status panel displayed the following information:

Strongest Physical Body System

Host: Zhang Shen

Physical Level: Human Limit

Progress: 93%

Techniques: Ten Styles of Blood Strengthening (Complete), King of Gluttony (Complete)

Evaluation: Your physical body has reached the domain of human limits. Ordinary people are no match for you.

“My physical progress hasn’t reached 100%. If I continue to accumulate experience points and reach 100%, perhaps I can break through to the Acquired Stage with my physical body alone. But that’s too slow.”

The further he progressed, the more experience points he needed. Once he reached the upper limit, even if Zhang Shen maintained his daily food intake, his advancement would significantly slow down.

Of course, he could opt to learn martial skills to increase the rate at which he gained experience points. However, after analyzing the situation, he concluded that breaking through using traditional methods would be faster and more advantageous.

Stowing away the status panel, Zhang Shen lit an incense stick and focused his mind. Within the training room, he began cultivating internal energy according to the Bright Moon Technique.

His potent blood and qi coursed through his body, producing a soft, continuous sound. Gradually, strength was drawn from his blood and qi, converging at his core. By the time the half-meter-long incense stick had burned out, a dense strand of internal energy had quietly taken form in his dantian.

“Phew, it’s done.” As internal energy formed, his inner vision was awakened. Zhang Shen observed the subtle strand of internal energy, the culmination of his years of diligent effort.

Opening his eyes, he surveyed the dimly lit training room, his gaze sharp and full of vigor.