By now, it has become art!

“Hunting Throwing?”

“A new skill unlocked?”

Chen Jue glanced at the panel notification, then looked over at the pile of javelins stacked nearby.

He had assumed that after maxing out [Hidden Weapon Throwing], there would be no further skills to specifically enhance his hand strength; he’d have to rely on street workouts or traditional weight training to improve further. Yet, those methods couldn’t match the efficiency of skill-based enhancements.

He hadn’t expected that just as he was wishing for something, the panel would deliver exactly what he needed—a most pleasant surprise.

As for the senior sports students, after measuring the distance of Chen Jue’s javelin throw with their measuring tape, their expressions grew increasingly animated.

“63.7 meters!”

“So close to the threshold for a Tier-1 athlete!” shouted the one called Xiao Gao, his excitement evident even from afar.

Such a casual throw was enough to leave these sports students dumbfounded. Javelin is a niche event, with very few practitioners—even among the athletics students at Jiang University, hardly any specialized in it. Who would have thought a random passerby could unleash such strength?

“Have you trained in javelin before, senior?”

“Hiding your talents, aren’t you?” the tall, leading student asked, curiosity in his eyes.

“This is actually my first try—just lucky, I suppose,” Chen Jue replied with a smile.

He had been focusing on dart throwing, skimming stones, playing cards, and similar small throwing implements. Thanks to his ever-improving skills, the flexibility and explosive power of his hands had increased dramatically.

Even without considering the rest of his body’s muscle strength, just his arms could already be compared with those of ordinary athletes.

Moreover, [Hidden Weapon Throwing] honed his technique and power generation. While using this skill with a large implement like a javelin was initially unfamiliar, there were nonetheless similarities, allowing for some cross-application. That throw just now, performed at full force by mimicking what he’d seen, soared 63.7 meters—well beyond what an average person could achieve.

“First try and you’re already near a Tier-1 athlete’s level?”

“Senior, you’re being modest!” the tall student said in disbelief.

But after noticing Chen Jue’s muscular arms and recalling the advanced calisthenics he’d performed earlier, none of the javelin students dared underestimate him. Instead, they invited him to try a few more throws.

61.8 meters, 60.6 meters, 59.3 meters—each throw was stable and impressive, leaving the sports students amazed.

“Senior, why not join our track and field team?”

“With your physical prowess, a bit more training and you could easily place in competitions,” the tall student suggested.

The others chimed in as well: “Exactly! Too bad Coach Li is on leave—if he were here, he’d definitely pull you onto the team.”

Seeing their enthusiasm, Chen Jue waved it off. “I’m just an auditing student, not as impressive as you think.”

At the mention of his status, the athletics team members were taken aback. So this hidden talent wasn’t even officially enrolled at Jiang University.

Without student status, he couldn’t compete in university events, and given his age—over twenty-eight—he was ineligible for the younger age brackets anyway. If he wanted to compete, it would have to be against professional athletes.

...

After chatting with the javelin students and picking up some tips on proper throwing form, Chen Jue left the track. Having spent the whole afternoon doing calisthenics, his energy was depleted.

Still, the newly unlocked [Hunting Throwing] skill had already gained over twenty proficiency points—not a bad start.

“Hunting Throwing? How is it different from Hidden Weapon Throwing?” Back at his apartment, Chen Jue pulled out his sports training textbooks and began leafing through them.

The textbooks gave a detailed overview of the main track and field events—javelin, being an Olympic discipline, was naturally included.

“Javelin originated as an early human hunting tool, crafted from sharpened bamboo or wood, used for both thrusting and throwing. Over time, it evolved into a weapon of war...”

After half an hour of self-study, Chen Jue finally understood why his panel categorized javelin-throwing as [Hunting Throwing].

Like shot put and other field events, the javelin began as a spear, an essential tool for early humans in hunting wild animals. As civilization advanced and people shifted from hunting to agriculture and animal husbandry, this primitive activity gradually became a competitive sport.

The men’s competition javelin weighs 800 grams and measures between 260 and 270 centimeters, with a specially designated center of gravity. In fact, prior to a major rules revision, a competitor named Uwe Hohn set a world record by throwing the javelin 104.8 meters.

When the Olympic committee saw this almost superhuman feat, their first reaction wasn’t excitement, but terror—just a little farther, and the javelin could pierce the spectators! To prevent disaster, they moved the javelin’s center of gravity forward by 4 centimeters, instantly reducing the event’s maximum range by ten percent.

Thus, the javelin event now has two world records: Hohn’s “eternal record” of 104.8 meters, and Jan Železný’s “current record” of 98.48 meters.

Chen Jue’s strength attribute had just broken past the 1.0 mark; his 60-plus meter throw was thanks to his remarkable learning ability and max-level [Hidden Weapon Throwing]. With a bit more progress, he could break the 66.10-meter threshold for Tier-1 athletes—no wonder the sports students were so enthusiastic about him.

...

Unexpectedly acquiring a new hand-based athletic skill, Chen Jue was in high spirits. With this targeted skill, he could ensure steady gains in hand strength, edging ever closer to that million-yuan gold bar’s grip requirement.

First, though, he wanted to try more scientific arm training.

After dinner, he returned to his apartment, ordered a javelin and a shot put online, and also purchased a 50-kilogram power twister bar.

Finger grippers alone were no longer enough for his current needs. Ever since leaving his job, he’d had more free time, and this power twister would let him train his upper body and chest efficiently right in his room.

With all his physical attributes now over 1.0, Chen Jue stepped onto his body composition scale to check his metrics.

“Weight: 79 kg. Body fat: 18.3%. BMI: 24.9.”

“That’s odd—the weight barely dropped, but body fat decreased so much.”

“Did all the lost fat turn into muscle?” he wondered.

Compared to last time, he’d only lost 1.5 kg—not much—but his body fat percentage had dropped significantly. High-intensity calisthenics had targeted his core, burning away stubborn belly fat.

The human body is complex: losing fat through exercise doesn’t always mean losing weight, since muscle growth can offset fat loss. Thus, his weight didn’t change as dramatically as when he first started training.

...

Having trained all day, he took it easy that evening, giving his body a rest.

He logged his body composition data, then spent some downtime watching shows and taking fish oil and ginseng supplements he’d ordered online.

The internet claimed ginseng could invigorate blood, boost vitality, and enhance masculinity, though too much could cause overheating. Whether it was truly miraculous, he’d have to find out through experience.

He’d never paid much attention to dietary or medicinal supplementation before, relying on sheer willpower to recover from injuries. But ever since fish oil had improved his [Constitution] stat, he’d become more attentive to nutrition.

Practicing card throwing in his room was no longer necessary—[Hidden Weapon Throwing] was maxed out, so there was no further proficiency to gain.

However, [Ear Health Exercises] was still worth doing. Since this skill was self-taught, progress was slow and could only be improved over time.

...

After a restful night, Chen Jue woke up feeling noticeably more energetic. His mouth was a bit dry—perhaps the ginseng was taking effect.

He drank half a bottle of hot water, then performed his usual eye and ear massage routines.

By the time he reached the park, it was already 7 a.m. Wu Fang wasn’t there, but Old Mr. Wu greeted him cheerfully with a thermos in hand: “Fangfang’s still sleeping in. She’ll be over later!”

Hearing this, Chen Jue almost lost his composure. Clearly, the old man was waiting for him to inquire about his granddaughter.

“Well... I’ll go practice some Tai Chi first, Grandpa Wu. You take care~” Chen Jue made a discreet exit to the grove.

Old Mr. Wu watched him go, growing ever more satisfied. “This young man looks better each day! Pity about his thinning hair, though—if only it would grow back, he’d be the complete package.”

Chen Jue had finally shed his excess weight, and with ongoing high-level training, his core muscles were developing. As his waist, abdomen, and back strengthened, his posture and gait became more upright, and with the fat fading from his face, his youthful masculinity was returning.

But one flaw remained—his lost hair wouldn’t grow back, and the wind could already reveal his scalp. Hair loss and baldness remain stubborn medical mysteries; even with a system panel, Chen Jue couldn’t regrow his hair overnight.

...

He joined Zhao Jianguo in the grove to continue practicing Tai Chi.

The middle-aged Taoist he’d seen yesterday was still there, sitting by the stone table, sipping tea, eyes half-closed, softly chanting from a Taoist scripture.

Chen Jue couldn’t understand the recitation, but it brought a strange sense of calm, making his Tai Chi practice steadier and more powerful than usual.

After an hour and a half, his constitution and free attribute stats each rose by 0.01, and his Tai Chi skill proficiency increased significantly, bringing him closer to the next level.

“Senior Zhiqing, he’s left! Are you sure you don’t want to ask him?” After Chen Jue finished and took his leave, Zhao Jianguo approached the stone table.

The Taoist continued chanting serenely, but as Chen Jue departed, his eyes suddenly widened. They were as clear and bright as a child’s, utterly lacking the cloudiness of middle age.

He gazed after Chen Jue’s retreating figure and said, “No rush, no rush! Fate has not yet arrived—let’s observe for a few more days.”

...

Returning to the chess table at the park entrance, Chen Jue finally saw the vibrant and youthful Teacher Wu.

Today she’d swapped her training suit for casual attire: a sky-blue autumn jacket, beige trousers, and pink-and-white sneakers—a truly refreshing sight.

She wasn’t alone; beside her and Old Mr. Wu stood a lean-faced middle-aged man.

Spotting Chen Jue, Wu Fang quickly called out, “Brother Jue!”

The middle-aged man’s face brightened at the sight of Chen Jue. He stepped forward, grasping Chen Jue’s hand, and thanked him profusely: “Thank you! Thank you so much, little Chen!”

Chen Jue was a bit puzzled—he didn’t recognize the man.

Wu Fang explained, “This is Uncle Li Rui, the father of the boy you helped save before.”

Hearing that, Chen Jue recalled the incident. He vaguely remembered taking a call from Uncle Li, but the dog attack had happened weeks ago, and he’d almost forgotten.

“You’re too kind! Wu Fang did most of the work—I just helped finish things up.”

“How’s your boy doing?” Once he understood the man’s identity, Chen Jue inquired with concern.

...

“Haohao is out of danger, but his injuries are severe—he’s still recovering in the hospital,” said Li Rui. “I’ve been staying with him, and finally had a chance to come thank you two heroes in person.” He pulled out two thick envelopes from his bag, hoping to offer a reward, but both Chen Jue and Wu Fang refused.

After all, it was an emergency, and they’d acted out of decency, not for any reward.

“Li Rui, I have to criticize you for this!”

“It’s not the old days—who still does this? Who’s desperate for a few thousand yuan?” Old Mr. Wu chided. “If you really want to thank these two, just take them out for a meal when Haohao’s out.”

Seeing that the two young people wouldn’t accept, Li Rui nodded obediently. “You’re right—talking money is too crass. Once Haohao’s better, I’ll bring him to thank his benefactors in person!”

Satisfied, Old Mr. Wu nodded, then pointed to Chen Jue. “Aside from a meal, if you see this young man at school, look after him. He’s just started auditing at Jiang University—be a guide, as you’re a teacher yourself!”

“An auditing student?” Li Rui was surprised and probed further.

Upon learning that this middle-aged man was actually Teacher Li from the sports department currently on leave, Chen Jue was equally astonished. No wonder Li Rui seemed so familiar with Wu’s family.

So, most residents of this upscale neighborhood were Jiang University faculty? What a coincidence!

...

After chatting by the chess table for a while, Chen Jue learned that Li Rui was responsible for athletic training at Jiang University. This piqued his interest—he’d been lacking professional coaching, relying on self-study and brute force for exercise, with no systematic plan.

With a professional like Li Rui guiding him, he could tailor his training to that of sports students or athletes, surely boosting his rate of improvement.

However, seeing how eager Li Rui was to return to the hospital, it was clear his leave wouldn’t end soon. Chen Jue shelved his idea for now—the child was still hospitalized, after all.

It would be inappropriate to ask for training guidance at this time. Better to bring it up if they crossed paths at school in the future.

...

After seeing Li Rui off, Chen Jue made a casual agreement with Wu Fang to film some short videos together later.

He grabbed breakfast, then brought the filming equipment and props he’d purchased to the park’s small lake.

“You’re getting more and more professional!” Wu Fang exclaimed, surprised by the impressive gear Chen Jue had brought as she graded papers.

“What can I do? I just quit my job, so I have to make a living shooting videos now.”

“But I really should thank you, Teacher Wu—our channel’s hit over 100,000 followers!” Chen Jue didn’t hide his excitement, showing her the backend stats.

Wu Fang wasn’t particularly interested in internet metrics—her cheeks flushed slightly as she muttered, “Our channel?”

Lost in thought, she tried out the gimbal and drone Chen Jue provided. Being young, she picked things up quickly—especially since the devices were user-friendly. With a little instruction, Wu Fang was soon operating them with ease, flying the drone even better than Chen Jue.

Seeing this, Chen Jue decided it was time. He reached into a box and pulled out a handful of skipping stones.

“Are we filming your stone-skipping skills today?” Wu Fang asked curiously.

Of the three trick-shot videos Chen Jue had previously posted, the first—stone skipping—had left the deepest impression, since it was such a fun and accessible pastime.

“Not just stone skipping! We’re going higher—today’s shoot will be a montage of advanced tricks.”

“I’ve already got the title: The Art of Hidden Weapons!”

Chen Jue grinned, tucked eight petal-shaped skipping stones between his fingers, and strode to the lake’s edge, signaling Wu Fang to position the drone overhead.

“The Art of Hidden Weapons?” Wu Fang found the title rather flamboyant, unsure of Chen Jue’s intentions, but she focused the drone’s lens over the lake.

The next moment, Chen Jue took a running start, crossed his arms before his chest, and with a powerful motion, flung his hands outward.

Eight petal-shaped stones shot from his hands in a dazzling arc, skimming the water’s surface in unison.

Wu Fang’s eyes widened as she watched the drone feed.

Those eight stones, flying out together, created ripples across the lake’s surface—ripples that formed the outline of a blooming flower.

The pattern, resembling a butterfly-shaped blossom, appeared and vanished in an instant, stunningly beautiful—so much so that even Wu Fang, the young teacher, couldn’t help but stare, thinking, “It really is art!”

Second update~

Started coughing badly mid-afternoon and had to rush for an IV drip, but finished a large section after returning.

More to come later.

I plan to follow in Wuming’s footsteps—full health, play the erhu; low health, wander the world (facepalm). On release day, I’ll aim for a ten-thousand-word update!

(End of chapter)