Longevity Martial Arts: Grinding Experience in the Chaotic World novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Chapter 3: State Solidification

"Chopping wood counts as martial arts too?"

Gu Sheng was initially stunned, but soon, surprise and delight bloomed on his face.

No matter why, if chopping wood counts as martial arts and even shows up on the proficiency panel, then it's simple!

"According to the development logic from my previous life, as long as proficiency reaches 100%, I can advance to the next level."

"Chopping ten logs just contributes 1% proficiency for the entry-level skill. Ideally, chopping a thousand logs would promote it to Small Success!"

"Of course, there might be variation depending on condition and comprehension, but it should be close enough."

Gu Sheng pondered deeply, finally understanding why chopping wood appeared on the proficiency panel.

"Holding the axe to chop wood actually demands skill in exerting force. It also strengthens the arms. In some way, this does qualify as the crudest form of martial arts."

"This axe skill for chopping wood—if it were anyone else, it might just make them a bit more efficient. But I'm different. If I train chopping wood to Small Success, Great Success, or even Perfect, its power can absolutely evolve significantly."

"The most crucial thing is, as my chopping skill levels up, I can make more money each day!"

Gu Sheng couldn't help but lick his dry lips, then took a sip of water, his eyes glowing with excitement.

The top priority was survival.

Earning two copper coins a day, occasionally dipping into his savings, left Gu Sheng feeling very insecure.

But now, with hope to earn more, Gu Sheng was suddenly brimming with energy.

He looked at the piles of dry logs, as if seeing piles of experience and copper coins.

"Let's grind!"

He stood up, propped up a log, and held the axe with both hands high above his head before chopping down with force.

This time.

Gu Sheng clearly felt something different.

In the past, after chopping dozens of logs, his physical state varied, his focus shifted, and the force and precision naturally fluctuated.

But now.

As soon as he brought the axe down, he unmistakably felt as though a certain force was assisting him, making his state better than ever before!

If memory served, the smoothest and easiest chop earlier also gave this feeling.

"There's no mistake—this is one of the functions of the panel: state stabilization. As long as I've achieved the optimal state in this martial skill before, the panel will remember it. From now on, every instance will preserve that optimal state!"

Gu Sheng's eyes sparkled with joy. He swung the axe twice in a row, solving one log effortlessly.

He saved at least 20% of his effort!

The monotonous and tedious chore of chopping wood surprisingly gave him a sense of satisfaction.

"Keep going!"

Thump!

Crunch!

The alternating sounds resounded through the courtyard with a rhythmic cadence.

Gu Sheng grew more and more exhilarated as he chopped.

Interspersing brief moments of rest, a quarter-hour later, another ten logs were chopped neatly.

Glancing at the proficiency panel, Gu Sheng's lips curled into a slight smile—chopping wood was now at entry-level 2%!

Everything matched his earlier predictions perfectly.

"This state stabilization effect is amazing!"

"Without the panel, with my physical decline and sore arms, finishing these ten logs in a quarter-hour would've taken way longer, possibly even failing to chop the two hundred logs I'd planned before sunset."

"But now, it seems I might manage even more!"

Having tasted success, Gu Sheng took rhythmic short breaks before continuing to chop wood.

...

Time passed.

Soon, it was noon.

The sun hung high in the sky, its rays beating down relentlessly. Sweat streamed down Gu Sheng's back, and his cloth shirt had long been discarded lest it get drenched.

Rubbing the muscles of his arms, already numb from exertion, Gu Sheng slumped to the ground, eating coarse bread with water fetched from the well.

Though it tasted awful, he had to eat. Consuming so much energy, failing to replenish it could cause him to faint.

Thankfully, the results of the morning were remarkable.

Over 120 logs had been chopped, stacked neatly to one side.

The proficiency panel showed that chopping wood had reached 12% proficiency.

That 12% proficiency saved Gu Sheng significant effort, reinforcing his belief that without the panel, he wouldn't have even managed 100 logs by noon.

"This afternoon, even if my energy levels drop compared to the morning, chopping another eighty or ninety logs should not be a problem. Today's goal would be completed, and I could gradually secure my footing from now on!"