Chapter 16

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With a headache, Lin Xiao faced a choice, with no clue at all. Should he spend so much energy on a gamble, not knowing the outcome, and with a minimum bet of 5% of his energy?

After all, he had too little energy. Lin Xiao only had 5.8% energy stored. If he chose to break through to the fourth level, he would need at least 5%. In modern times, no one had tried to find out the maximum required. If this breakthrough exceeded his energy reserves, Lin Xiao would face one word: 'death.'

Lin Xiao felt as if an angel and a demon were fighting on his head, each with their own thoughts.

"Living is victory, isn't it? You are already very strong. Why chase the fourth level? You can continue to search for energy and break through when you have more reserves," the angel on his head said.

"What's life? Power is eternal. Trust me, the feeling of having power is wonderful. Power is the foundation. As long as you have power, energy will come quickly," the demon on his head said.

"What's the use of power without life?"

"Who says you will definitely lose your life? Just take the bet and see."

"It's unwise to bet with your life."

"Winning is all that matters. You lack confidence."

The two sides argued without yielding, and Lin Xiao felt like he was about to explode. The more he thought, the more his head hurt.

What are you exploding about? Aren't these two thoughts yours? Are you fighting yourself?

He slapped his head hard, shook it vigorously, and finally felt a sense of calm.

Forget it, let's not think about it for now. Let's try the power of the third level first.

This is the benefit of being a nobody. The mindset is more balanced, not extreme, and more objective.

Finding a corner where no one was paying attention, he felt the power he had just broken through. After a while, Lin Xiao roughly grasped his current strength, but he still needed more practice to fully utilize it.

Compared to the second level, the third level was not just a little stronger. The first two levels were about cleansing, while the third level began to significantly increase strength.

At least three times stronger than the second level, whether in strength, speed, or physical fitness.

Lin Xiao's current strength was not far from catching bullets bare-handed. Ordinary bullets would embed into his muscles by at most one centimeter, and only sniper rifles could pose a threat to him.

Satisfied with his current strength, he didn't suffer in vain. He hummed a tune happily on his way home.

If those two words hadn't trembled, I wouldn't have noticed my discomfort.

Lin Xiao's phone rang. He saw that the caller was Ye Ding and answered, "Brother Ye, what's up? Is there a problem with the blood orchid again?"

"Um... Brother Lin, I have a question for you."

"Sure, I'll tell you everything I know."

"Brother Lin, since you know the formula for the blood orchid, you should have a hundred-year-old ginseng, right?" Ye Ding was in a hurry and felt that since Lin Xiao needed the blood orchid, he should have a hundred-year-old ginseng. Even if Lin Xiao didn't have it, his friends definitely would, otherwise, why collect the blood orchid?

"Huh... Brother Ye, didn't you already have a hundred-year-old ginseng? Why are you asking me?" Lin Xiao remembered that Ye Ding already had a hundred-year-old ginseng, so he asked in surprise.

"Ah!~~~ Don't mention it. When I was preparing to extract it, I found a problem. That hundred-year-old ginseng was actually only 95 years old. I was completely fooled. If I hadn't noticed in time, the blood orchid might have been wasted," Ye Ding sighed.

"Is that so? I'll ask my friends and let you know tomorrow," Lin Xiao said after some thought.

"Ha ha, are you sure, Brother? Great, I'm waiting for your good news." Ye Ding was stunned and overjoyed.

"Hehe, I'm not sure, Brother Ye, don't get too excited," Lin Xiao replied.

In fact, Lin Xiao was considering a problem. He could cultivate a hundred-year-old ginseng, but to do so, he needed to reach at least the fourth level of the basic body technique.

Only after learning to use energy could he apply the cultivation effect to plants in the space.

After much deliberation, he constantly overturned his thoughts, hesitating and uncertain.

After much consideration, Lin Xiao finally made up his mind in secret.

I'll take the risk... no matter what, I have to break through to the fourth level.

Perhaps... after breaking through to the fourth level, I can try that place. If successful, I won't lack energy for a while.

I might even make a fortune, solving the energy shortage problem in a short time.

Having thought it through, Lin Xiao began a new round of training, adjusting his body to prepare for the breakthrough.

For Lin Xiao, his inner character was actually very complex. He had been struggling in society for nearly ten years, with a stubborn and proud spirit in his bones. He never lacked perseverance, just a bit of decisiveness.

They say that your position determines your mindset. This is true for Lin Xiao. In the past, he was a low-level white-collar worker, not needing to consider much. Improving his performance was the main theme of his life.

When his life was in danger, he realized that his fate was in his own hands. However, some mindsets had become habits, not easy to change.

Through this incident, Lin Xiao was also reminded of a warning. If he continued with the old mindset, not facing his inner self, the problems would be significant when his inner flaws were exposed.

He slowly released the energy stored in his mind, following the route of the fourth level.

The fourth level was somewhat similar to the legendary internal martial arts, both using the dantian as the base, circulating energy throughout the body.

If the first three levels were the foundation, then the fourth level marked the true enhancement of strength. From the fourth level onwards, each level increased strength tenfold.

Sitting cross-legged, his body bent into a strange C-shape, his hands crossed, left hand touching the left foot, right hand touching the right foot, he began the most crucial step, releasing stored energy to break through.

Energy began to flow, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%...

Starting from the dantian, gradually connecting the hands, body, head, and feet.

After connecting all the limbs, energy consumption exceeded 2%, and the real challenge was still ahead.

Time passed slowly. Lin Xiao, who was initially uncomfortable, now felt as if he was back in his mother's embrace, warm and unfamiliar.

Suddenly, Lin Xiao moved, his whole body floating eerily, eyes still tightly closed.

Invisible energy circles lifted him, floating in the air, just like in early martial arts movies where a master suddenly achieves supreme martial arts and can float and spin while practicing.

In fact, this was due to the energy leakage during the breakthrough, causing Lin Xiao to float.

After a long wait, Lin Xiao opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing in them, revealing a fierce gaze. A few seconds later, the intimidating feeling slowly faded.

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