Chapter 6: The Mystery of the Empty Strike (Please follow for updates)

The Constitution attribute broke through the 99% threshold, finally reaching 9 points!

This wasn't a simple matter of adding points for an upgrade.

It was the tangible result of daily exercise and long-term accumulation.

"9 points in Constitution, that’s about the healthy standard an adult male should have..."

Fang Cheng felt his body becoming subtly sturdier and more resilient.

His gaze swept over the upgrade progress of his other attributes.

Strength 86%, Agility 73%, Spirit 42%.

His previously fatigued body was instantly filled with drive once more.

Looking at the experience values of the various skills on his panel, his heart burned with intensity.

Often, what people fear is not the hardship of persistence, but the inability to see a clear goal.

Some things may seem very far away.

But as long as you keep at it, it will eventually get closer and closer!

After taking a deep breath, Fang Cheng bent his arms at the elbows and lowered himself to the floor.

Pressing on, he continued to execute the unfinished task of 100 standard push-ups.

………………………………

There were three boxing classes in the afternoon.

Two of them were still general classes for regular students.

The final session was a small class for elite students preparing for professional matches.

It could also be called a true professional combat course.

Past five o'clock.

The setting sun slowly sank, obscured by the skyscrapers outside the window.

The light inside the room became soft and profound.

Many students left one after another, and the gym gradually returned to its empty state.

His colleagues yawned repeatedly, keeping their eyes on the wall clock, waiting for the end of their shift.

Fang Cheng, however, became even more spirited, staring intently at the figures throwing punches on the boxing ring.

Two young men in combat training shorts and sturdy builds stood in a classic guard, tentatively attacking each other with their fists.

Standing nearby was an older coach, who would occasionally shout for them to stop and point things out.

He was teaching these two elite students match experience, as well as some advanced techniques and tactics.

Such as pendulum swaying, gazelle punches, followed by various combination punches, and double liver shots.

"To be honest, although these moves have the miraculous effect of defeating an enemy in one blow, I advise you not to use them lightly."

"Because while you're going all-out at close range, it also means your weaknesses are completely exposed within the reach of the opponent's fists. This tests a fighter's reaction speed too much; the outcome is either you KO the opponent, or you get KO'd by them."

"If you want to utilize the techniques and tactics you've trained in a match, the priority is to master the sense of distance, timing, and rhythm."

"These cannot be taught; they can only be formed into your own physical instincts through years of actual combat."

One fighter nodded after listening, then asked

"Coach, besides hitting the heavy bag, it's hard for us to find suitable opponents for daily training. What should we do?"

"Go back and watch more tapes of top fighters. Imagine them as your enemies—how they throw punches, how they dodge, how they feint."

"Every time you simulate actual combat, your brain and body will record it through neural pathways. The more you practice, the more handy you will be in future matches..."

The coach's low voice echoed in the gym, causing the two elite students to nod repeatedly in instruction.

It was like a bolt of lightning flashing through Fang Cheng's mind.

Shadowboxing!

Also known as "hitting the shadow."

It originated from ancient warriors who saw their own projections cast by sunlight on walls and used them as imaginary enemies.

Simply put, it is fighting against a shadow enemy imagined by your brain, simulating actual combat by striking the air.

This is a very important training method in standing combat.

Regardless of skill level, as long as one has mastered the basics, one can use shadowboxing to hone techniques, build combat awareness, cultivate a sense of rhythm, and thereby improve actual combat ability.

Many top fighters even use shadowboxing to warm up and relax before a match, preparing for psychological tactics.

At this moment, the coach continued, pointing out the problems in the students' daily training.

"The reason you feel shadowboxing is ineffective is, firstly, your basics aren't proficient enough, and secondly, you pursue continuity too much and lack a sense of rhythm."

"Shadowboxing isn't just about throwing a few quick combos and swaying your body a few times; there aren't that many opportunities for continuous combination punches in real combat."

"If you want to understand the sense of rhythm, treat the coordination of your punches and footwork as if you were dancing."

"The rhythm of dancing comes from the background music, so the rhythm of shadowboxing comes from the opponent you imagine."

"Like this: you throw a lead jab, the opponent can choose to trade blows with you, or side-step and counter with a rear hand—that's his accompaniment. You tilt your head to create distance and make a targeted defensive move—that's your rhythm."

"The stronger the accompaniment provided by your opponent, the stronger the sense of rhythm you will master. Only then can you be composed in actual combat. When the opponent throws a punch, you can instantly think of various counter-tactics and make the most appropriate choice..."

The coach used vivid metaphors to explain the key points of shadowboxing practice.

Finally, he pointed to his head

"So, the key is for this to be flexible. If you box without using your brain, you'll only be a sparring partner for life!"

Fang Cheng listened with a surging heart, gaining a great deal.

This was the truly useful "dry goods."

Before, when he practiced boxing, he was just purely imitating and repeatedly rehearsing routines.

He had never established a clear imaginary enemy to actively try to deal with offensive and defensive changes outside of the routines.

Therefore, the speed at which he unlocked skills and gained experience had been relatively slow.

It wasn't until he personally experienced a street fight that he deeply realized the benefits of actual combat.

However, opportunities for actual combat are rare and hard to come by.

Shadowboxing was clearly an effective substitute to accelerate skill improvement and make up for the lack of experience.

"Besides... I have the panel. My efficiency in practicing shadowboxing will definitely be higher than that of ordinary fighters!"

Fang Cheng's eyes shone, and he couldn't help but feel the urge to roll up his sleeves and give it a try.

He decided that after work, he would immediately go to a video store to rent some discs of fighting stars' matches and watch them at home.

However, world-class boxing champions were ultimately quite far from him.

And the most familiar fighter right now...

None other than Coach Hu, who used to do kickboxing and won the championship in the Nanjiang Provincial competition!

In the coach's lounge.

Coach Hu held a thermos cup, sipping goji berry tea.

Suddenly, he shivered.

He looked up at the air conditioner's temperature display—it wasn't low, so why did he feel a chill?

In winter, it gets dark quickly.

Soon, it was time to get off work, and the "beep" of the time clock sounded one after another.

The training hall, which smelled of detergent and disinfectant, had its lights turned off one by one, sinking back into silence.

After taking a hot shower, Fang Cheng walked out of the staff passage last, carrying his bag of clothes.

The background wall at the entrance was covered with a few matte posters, reflecting a dim, eerie light.

On them were special offer enrollment ads, upcoming fight announcements, and portraits of some star athletes.

Fang Cheng's gaze swept past them, landing on the headshot of a famous, muscular, dark-skinned boxing champion.

Does this world really have power that exceeds the limits of the mortal body?

He didn't know.

But...

If you keep climbing up the mountain, you'll eventually see a different view, right?

(End of chapter)