Chapter 10

C10 – Terrifying Combat Strength!

This machine was a cut above those found in the park, designed to endure the prowess of a Fifth Grade martial artist. Pei Yu’s fist came crashing down, causing the digits on the display to skyrocket. 599. His basic combat strength had soared to 599 after a rigorous bone tempering process, marking an increase of nearly 100 from before. It was a close call, but he had just made the grade.

With an upgrade to Second Grade or beyond, Pei Yu’s combat strength could become significantly more formidable. “Time to test the boost effect!” he declared. Pei Yu unfurled his arm and delivered a punch with nine times his usual force. The machine emitted a metallic clang, and the numbers on the screen shot up dramatically. They breezed past 3000 and continued to climb. When the combat value finally halted at 5401, it surpassed even Pei Yu’s expectations. This figure signified that Pei Yu’s peak attack had ascended to the Fifth Grade!

Indeed, with such a combat value, Pei Yu could walk into any Martial Arts University nationwide and, if he chose, assume the role of headmaster, standing shoulder to shoulder with the city’s elite. Such was the privilege afforded to a Fifth Grade martial artist.

“You’ve achieved a breakthrough to the Fifth Grade. Would you like to proceed further?” the system inquired, prompting Pei Yu automatically.

“A combat value of five thousand could propel me to the Fifth Grade, but advancing would drastically slow down my bone tempering,” he mused. “I should hold off on breaking through for now.”

Exercising caution, Pei Yu decided against an immediate breakthrough. At First Grade, he could complete bone tempering in mere hours, but the Fifth Grade would present a much greater challenge. He still had many bones left to temper.

With a mind to return home and continue his bone tempering, Pei Yu was ready to depart posthaste. However, as he was about to make his exit, three students approached him.

“Good day, Mr. Pei.”

“No way. He’s nothing but a First Grade nobody. How could he possibly have a Fifth Grade combat value?”

“But he was the only one here before us.”

Despite their vehement denial, they had clearly seen Pei Yu walk away from the machine—there was no mistaking it.

Realizing the implications, they exchanged uneasy glances. The one with glasses piped up, “I just remembered, I’ve got things to do. No training for me today—I’m out of here.”

He made a beeline for the exit.

“I’ve got other commitments, too. I’m heading out.”

The remaining two followed suit, leaving in haste. The last one left standing couldn’t bear to linger. If Pei Yu’s combat value truly was 5000, he had ascended to the Fifth Grade.

Even their dean would have to kowtow to a Fifth Grade martial artist, and here they were, having bad-mouthed Pei Yu moments ago.

Should Pei Yu return to settle scores, they’d be doomed.

In an instant, all three scattered, fleeing in utter disarray.