Chapter 85: An Impossible Sprint

The saber-toothed tiger moved with remarkable agility. Despite its massive frame, its footsteps were utterly silent, reminiscent of a tiger’s quiet stillness before the hunt. Bing showed no intention of holding back; he continually pointed out minor tricks to Tang Tian. Tang Tian seemed to possess exceptional talent for operating the mechanical armor—whenever Bing offered a tip, Tang Tian would quickly master it, which secretly astonished Bing.

If only I’d had such a recruit under my command back then...

He shook his head, dispelling the thought. Times had changed; mechanical armor, destined for obsolescence, would only lead to greater disappointment the more time one invested in it.

Bing’s keen experience enabled him to instantly spot defensive weaknesses. Thus, Tang Tian slipped by unnoticed, quietly advancing. As they penetrated deeper, Tang Tian grew increasingly surprised and whispered, “Uncle, why do they have so many mechanisms here?”

Bing snorted coldly, “You call these mechanisms?”

Though he spoke disdainfully, Bing felt a chill of apprehension. The two skirted one mechanism after another, so many that Bing wondered if he’d been transported back to his own era. Fortunately, these mechanisms were not quite the same as those of his youth.

The adversary was also adept with mechanisms.

This realization made Bing more vigilant; he dared not grow careless. Tang Tian and Bing knew little about the major factions in Three Souls City. The origins of the Lin family were a complete mystery to them.

It was clear things were not so simple... and moreover...

Bing gazed with annoyance at the bronze machines. He could tell at a glance that these were clear imitations of the Southern Cross Legion’s designs. Most people might believe the Lin family had inherited the legion’s legacy, but to an expert like Bing, the errors were glaring. Most importantly, Bing’s competitive spirit was suddenly roused.

He had hoped Tang Tian would lose the battle, but upon seeing these bronze machines with their strong Southern Cross Legion flavor, a surge of resolve welled up within him—

—How could they lose to this heap of scrap metal!

Bing’s eyes gleamed, but he quickly calmed himself. The Southern Cross Legion had vanished; there was no point in fighting over such things anymore. Tang Tian was the future. If the legion had any future left, it would rest on Tang Tian’s shoulders.

Tang Tian’s growth mattered above all.

As an instructor, Bing understood perfectly well which mattered more: petty pride or the soldier’s development.

His gaze sharpened, growing cold and focused.

From their concealed vantage, Tang Tian watched as roughly four hundred meters away, Kong Youlin and his companions entered a solemn, ancient manor.

“Young man, do you see that grayish spot?” Bing suddenly asked.

Following Bing’s direction, Tang Tian noticed a patch of gray lime at a corner of the manor’s outer wall. “That corner?”

“Exactly!” Bing replied gravely. “This place is tightly guarded. Your opportunities are limited. If you can cross the four hundred and thirty-two meters within eight seconds, you’ll avoid the bronze machines’ line of sight. That’s a blind spot—once you’re in it, you’ll have multiple attack routes to choose from.”

“Eight seconds...” Tang Tian was taken aback.

“That’s right. Eight seconds to cover four hundred thirty-two meters—that’s over fifty meters per second. Even the third-tier lightfoot techniques, renowned for speed, can only manage forty meters per second at their peak. Only fourth-tier lightfoot skills can reach that velocity.” Bing was remarkably calm. “Your Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada, even with the saber-toothed tiger’s boost, only theoretically makes it possible.”

“Theoretically? So it’s possible?” Tang Tian immediately caught the implication in Bing’s words.

“Yes. In theory, if you execute Eight Steps to Catch the Cicada flawlessly and control the saber-toothed tiger with equal precision, you might achieve it,” Bing shook his head. “But that’s impossible. Your Eight Steps are excellent, but you’ve spent too little time controlling the saber-toothed tiger; you’ve had no systematic training, especially in short-range sprints.”

“Is short-range sprinting difficult?” Tang Tian asked.

“In theory it’s simple, but only after prolonged training can one reach a high level,” Bing explained.

“Then let’s start now,” Tang Tian said quickly.

“Start what?” Bing was momentarily confused.

“Start teaching! Hurry up! If you drag your feet, I won’t even be able to see that bastard’s shadow!” Tang Tian urged.

“Cramming at the last minute never works...” Bing shook his head; he thought Tang Tian’s suggestion was a joke. If any recruit under his command had dared propose such nonsense, Bing would have locked him up without hesitation.

Anyone who disregards training deserves confinement!

Tang Tian cut him off. “This is combat learning! Quick, old man, stop wasting time—the godlike youth is waiting impatiently!”

Impatient...

Bing resisted the urge to slap Tang Tian, his face dark as he explained the essentials of short-range sprinting.

“It really is quite simple,” Tang Tian commented.

Bing no longer bothered to object. He became ever more convinced that Tang Tian’s arrogant, self-important nature was coming to the fore.

All who underestimate training meet a miserable end!

Bing decided to wait and watch Tang Tian crash and burn. Hmph, youth—only then will you realize that every word from a top iron-blood instructor is a priceless gem!

“I just have to reach that corner, right?” Tang Tian asked eagerly.

“That’s right,” Bing replied tersely.

“In the face of the godlike youth, everything else is trash!” Tang Tian declared with overwhelming confidence.

The saber-toothed tiger crouched, one leg drawn back, body low, poised to spring. The deep bronze gleam, in shadow, carried an intimidating power. Its spines bristled with chilling menace.

Tang Tian mentally recited the key points.

He double-checked for omissions, then suddenly opened his eyes. The saber-toothed tiger’s fierce gaze also snapped open, exuding the kingly aura of the jungle. Its eyes slowly narrowed, the light within dimming, body lowering.

Bang!

The two powerful bronze tiger legs exploded into action, the earth beneath them erupting and splattering.

A streak of blue vanished in a flash.

Bing snorted. He awaited Tang Tian’s failure; though he couldn’t fault Tang Tian’s previous movements, he felt no surprise. For a top iron-blood instructor, knowing his recruits inside and out was a fundamental skill. The start of a short-range sprint required explosive power—Bing knew Tang Tian possessed it, so a perfect launch did not surprise him.

A perfect start means little. Back in the recruit camp, barring those with poor innate ability, everyone could do it.

There were few technical requirements for short-range sprints, but executing those few movements required perfect bodily coordination. It seemed simple, but maintaining coordination at high speed was extremely difficult. During the Southern Cross Legion days, many recruits struggled greatly with the short-range sprint assessment.

Youth, you’ll soon learn how naïve and laughable your ideas are!

Bing’s eyes remained fixed on Tang Tian.

True power transferred to the saber-toothed tiger and then flowed back into his own body, creating a cycle of energy between them. The energy returning to Tang Tian seemed tinged with the tiger’s bronze chill and lethal aura. Immersed in the moment, Tang Tian felt as if a blaze roared in his heart, wind whistled past, unprecedented speed and exhilaration surged through him. Yet his mind was cool and clear, each movement’s essentials vivid in his mind, his body coordinated beyond description, responding instinctively to every impulse.

The sensation was simply sublime!

Tang Tian was utterly absorbed, unable to extricate himself.

He moved even faster, his energy circulated at greater speed.

Hmm?

Bing was surprised—after a hundred meters, Tang Tian’s speed didn’t drop at all; in fact, it increased slightly. That was the hallmark of a short-range sprint: the speed continually climbed. If Tang Tian could accelerate further, it meant there were no technical flaws in his sprint.

Bing’s expression grew serious.

To achieve such performance on the very first attempt at short-range sprinting was rare in Bing’s instructor career.

This youth...

The saber-toothed tiger gained speed, a blue whirlwind, its heavy bronze legs landing without a sound. Compared to the thunderous mechanical ostriches, its steps were nearly silent.

The tiger’s explosive power during the sprint was astonishing; its ferocity and speed were on full display, and Tang Tian’s control was impeccable—every step was nimble.

The fusion of swift brutality and agile grace produced an intense visual impact.

Bing was amazed; he hadn’t witnessed such a scene in a long time. If they were in the legion, and others saw Tang Tian’s sprint, applause would surely erupt. Though Bing opposed Tang Tian wasting time on mechanical armor, seeing him showcase the saber-toothed tiger’s style so fully elicited a hint of admiration in his eyes.

Tang Tian’s eyes focused solely on the gray patch at the corner.

Desperate sprint.

Wind roared in his ears, bronze chill bit at him, energy raced through him, blood boiled, his heart burned fiercely!

Tang Tian—charge!

A silent roar exploded in the youth’s heart, full of stubbornness and defiance, carrying his self-assurance, propelling him forward!

The tiger’s legs, once nimble and heavy, now abandoned lightness; they plunged deep into the earth like blades. Tang Tian’s fighting spirit blazed to the limit, his eyes flashed with sharp courage, every ounce of strength gathered and unleashed without reserve!

The saber-toothed tiger soared, leaving Bing stunned and speechless!