Chapter 11: Movement Techniques at the Microscopic Level
Wang Cheng carefully approached the thicket. This patch of bushes was quite large, spanning several hundred meters in radius. The six-to-seven-meter-tall shrubs provided a natural camouflage for the herd of Iron-Horned Bulls.
Faced with so many Tier-3 apprentice-level beasts, Wang Cheng frowned. Only now did he recall how much emphasis was placed on movement techniques back on Earth.
Once a person reached the "Microscopic" level of movement technique, they could survive even in the midst of a monster horde. Reaching the "Perfect" level meant they could counterattack with ease.
However, on Shuiyuan Star, such movement technique classifications didn't exist. Most people simply practiced the 256 Basic Martial Arts Forms.
The more forms one mastered, the better their movement technique. But it was almost impossible to elevate one's technique to a high level through self-practice alone.
Although Wang Cheng couldn't openly use his psychic power, using it to enhance his own speed and agility wasn't an issue. So he wasn't afraid of close combat with the monsters.
"Looks like I really need to train my movement. Even if I can't reach the 'Intent' level, I must still work on it. If nothing's wrong, my current level is probably just basic. No idea how long it'll take to reach the Microscopic level."
His eyes lit up. "Iron-Horned Bulls aren't known for their agility. With my protective suit, they're the perfect sparring partners to practice movement techniques." With that, he strolled forward.
As soon as Wang Cheng appeared, the bulls spotted him. Their eyes turned red, steam puffed from their nostrils, and they bellowed at him.
Even though they were herbivores, they enjoyed eating meat. At the roar of the mid-tier leader, more than a dozen Tier-3 Iron-Horned Bulls charged at Wang Cheng.
These beasts could run at speeds over 60 meters per second, closing the few hundred meters in under ten seconds.
And Tier-4 bulls could reach an incredible speed of over 90 meters per second.
Watching the bulls charge toward him, Wang Cheng didn't panic.
Although these monsters had a certain level of intelligence, it was still far below that of humans. Aside from understanding that dense forests weren't ideal for them, their strategies were mostly brute force.
In just seconds, the bull leader reached Wang Cheng.
Wang Cheng held a shield in his left hand and a blade in his right. Even as the bull's horn nearly grazed him, he stayed calm, his eyes gleaming.
With a burst of psychic power, he launched himself into the air and leapt over the leader, landing deeper into the herd.
Seeing its prey escape, the bull leader let out a frustrated bellow, stopped in its tracks, and turned back to look at its herd.
Wang Cheng's heart was pounding wildly. If it hadn't been for his psychic power, he wouldn't have reacted in time—his physical reflexes still weren't fast enough.
Fortunately, with psychic support, these Tier-3 monsters couldn't harm him. Even if they hit him, it wouldn't be serious.
The bull leader saw that the two-legged creature in the herd was only dodging clumsily, and with confusion in its eyes, it didn't charge again. After all, its powerful charge could easily harm its own kind in such a dense area, so it held back, observing and waiting for an opportunity.
Compared to the bull leader's cautious approach, Wang Cheng looked far more battered. Surrounded, he was flustered and overwhelmed.
He had thought that after killing more than a dozen monsters, he could handle a herd with ease. But he had clearly overestimated himself—there was a big difference between isolated monsters and a coordinated herd.
Still, Wang Cheng had a trump card.
On the way here, he had killed two Tier-3 monsters and over ten Tier-2 and Tier-1 monsters.
Now he couldn't afford to keep conserving them. He directed the monster corpses from his internal space toward the mysterious gray energy above.
Instantly, the strengthening energy surged into his cells, massively boosting his stamina and refreshing his mind. In a state akin to enlightenment, the once-deadly herd now appeared riddled with openings.
In this state of oneness with nature, Wang Cheng slightly shifted his body and easily dodged an incoming horn. From that point on, he moved with growing ease.
When the epiphany-like state faded, the bull herd once again felt overwhelming. But the sensation hadn't completely disappeared.
He tried recalling that feeling—he twisted his body with a large movement, managing to dodge another charging bull. Joy spread across his face.
"I really have improved. Even though I'm no longer in that 'enlightened' state, the feeling hasn't completely gone. If I can fully grasp it, I'll truly reach the Microscopic level."
At that moment, outside the battlefield, the bull leader saw the human—once clumsy—now moving with growing finesse. Rage filled its eyes as it let out a long bellow.
The already-tired bulls heard the call and instantly ramped up their attack speed—faster than ever before.
Now, Wang Cheng looked to be in even more danger. But instead of fear, he felt excitement.
"Perfect timing! I was just thinking you guys weren't giving me enough pressure. I didn't expect such a surprise so soon."
With the added pressure, Wang Cheng's movements became even more fluid. The earlier feeling grew stronger and clearer.
When he sidestepped another bull's sneak attack with ease, he suddenly let out a laugh:
"Haha! I've finally stepped into the Microscopic realm. Unfortunately for you all, you can't help me improve anymore. As thanks for your training, I'll make this quick."
After dodging a bull's charge, he flipped his blade upward with triple strength, instantly slicing off its head.
The sudden blood and gore caused a momentary pause in the herd—but then they went berserk.
Not only that, the already agitated bull leader let out a piercing roar and charged straight toward Wang Cheng's exposed back.
(End of Chapter)
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