Martial Artist: Stronger by Coasting Along
Chapter 31: Fell Asleep Again
CHAPTER 31: CHAPTER 31: FELL ASLEEP AGAIN
Zhang Lingfeng’s head tilted, and he fell to the ground with a thud.
The sound almost disrupted everyone’s breathing rhythm.
"Zhang Lingfeng."
Hong Lixin was caught off guard.
He had high hopes for Zhang Lingfeng, but he hadn’t expected that Zhang Lingfeng would fall asleep just ten minutes into following his breathing rhythm, as if he had no resistance to the drowsiness, coasting along in his cultivation.
He couldn’t help but tug at Zhang Lingfeng.
He found that Zhang Lingfeng was indeed in a deep sleep.
Moreover, even while asleep, his breathing was rhythmic, as if he was practicing breathing techniques in his dreams.
As an instructor in this field, Hong Lixin was aware that no one had achieved this yet. If people could maintain their breathing technique after losing consciousness, human survival wouldn’t be so precarious.
"Everyone, continue cultivating."
He assumed it was just an illusion. To avoid disturbing others’ cultivation, he ordered everyone to follow his breathing rhythm. As for Zhang Lingfeng, he decided to leave him be for now to see how long it would take for him to wake up.
He knew that after falling unconscious, it’s best to let the student wake up naturally. Waking them forcibly might cause them to faint again quickly during the next cultivation session.
He was aware that in the current environment, everyone was trying to become stronger, and only those lacking in resources and techniques might have to give up cultivation for other occupations.
Zhang Lingfeng’s admission into the Elite Class for cultivation was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even with a laid-back attitude, he wouldn’t disregard the Elite Class’s training courses.
Hong Lixin assumed that Zhang Lingfeng was just encountering his breathing rhythm for the first time and was unable to adapt, causing him to faint uncontrollably.
Time passed slowly.
Teng Qingshan noticed that ever since Zhang Lingfeng fell asleep on the ground, he showed no signs of waking up to continue cultivating. Instead, he seemed to be having sweet dreams, even drooling at some point.
Hong Lixin swore.
If it weren’t necessary for Zhang Lingfeng to wake up on his own to adapt his body to that breathing rhythm, he would have kicked Zhang Lingfeng out.
Eventually, it wasn’t until 3 PM that Zhang Lingfeng leisurely woke up from his stupor.
By then, the Cultivation Room was empty, and Teng Qingshan and the others were in another room suitable for training skills.
Only an intelligent robot was monitoring Zhang Lingfeng’s every move.
"Zhang Lingfeng is awake."
It quickly relayed the news to Hong Lixin.
Hong Lixin promptly found Zhang Lingfeng.
He wanted to ask about Zhang Lingfeng’s experience after fainting and if there were any changes in his body.
"Zhang Lingfeng, you slept from a little past 8 AM to a little past 3 PM. How do you feel?"
Hong Lixin asked seriously.
"I feel exhausted, like I’ve been through a battle."
Zhang Lingfeng replied sincerely.
After losing consciousness, he lay on the ground in an unhealthy sleeping position. Hong Lixin and the others hadn’t helped him adjust, so upon waking, he felt sore all over, with numb legs.
Hong Lixin’s lips twitched, but he patiently said, "You fainted so quickly because your mind wasn’t focused during the breathing exercises, unable to resist the dizziness. This is a severe issue and must be corrected promptly; otherwise, your combat power upgrade will become exceedingly difficult."
"Since it’s just you and me in the Cultivation Room, I’ll guide you in the breathing exercises. Follow my rhythm and give it another try."
Hong Lixin was determined that today, no matter what, Zhang Lingfeng must overcome the dizziness; he mustn’t let Zhang Lingfeng fall behind.
"But... I’m so hungry."
Zhang Lingfeng rubbed his stomach.
Three cultivation resource subsidies per day.
Zhang Lingfeng only had one in the morning, missed out on the midday one due to fainting, and hadn’t eaten since.
Even in a comatose state, his all-weather breathing and exhaling ability were constantly at work, which also consumed a lot of energy.
Moreover, cultivation resource subsidies were extremely precious. As someone who coasts along, Zhang Lingfeng wouldn’t waste them.
"Wait a moment."
Hong Lixin didn’t argue with Zhang Lingfeng and personally fetched the subsidies for him.
Considering that today could be a long battle, Hong Lixin brought two portions—one for Zhang Lingfeng’s missed midday meal and one for dinner.
He brought them all at once, intending to spend the time in the Cultivation Room with Zhang Lingfeng, ensuring that Zhang Lingfeng quickly adapts to the breathing rhythm.
So, Zhang Lingfeng ate both sets of cultivation resource subsidies in front of Hong Lixin without leaving a scrap.
Hong Lixin hesitated to speak.
But considering the upcoming intense training, even if Zhang Lingfeng devoured everything, he would soon digest it, so he didn’t stop him.
Meanwhile, Zhang Lingfeng wasn’t overthinking it.
As someone who embodies a Coasting Along Fate, when faced with a wealth of food resources, he had no reason to remain composed. If he could eat everything at once, why leave some for dinner?
Besides, classes ended at six.
It was already past three.
"Come, follow me in breathing exercises. Focus and resist the dizziness; no matter what, persevere."
Hong Lixin advised patiently.
A quarter of an hour passed.
"Zhang Lingfeng!"
Zhang Lingfeng was once again on the brink of collapsing, his eyelids heavy as if weighed down by thousands of pounds. Hong Lixin couldn’t help but call out, hoping to jolt him awake.
Ironically, the call caused Zhang Lingfeng’s eyelids to shut completely, and he fainted once again.
Hong Lixin checked the time and saw that Zhang Lingfeng only managed to last half a quarter more than the previous attempt.
By 9 PM.
Zhang Lingfeng slowly woke up in the Cultivation Room.
Hong Lixin was right beside him, looking as stern as the legendary judge Bao Qingtian.
Today marked Zhang Lingfeng’s first day in the Elite Class, yet the total training time barely added up to half an hour, with the rest spent asleep.
To avoid worrying Zhang Lingfeng’s family, he had even asked Yang Liru to inform them that Zhang Lingfeng was serious about his training and would return after night classes.
As the night class ended.
Zhang Lingfeng coincidentally woke up.
He noticed that only he and Hong Lixin were in the room.
"Mr. Hong, did I fall asleep again? Sorry about that; I don’t know what’s going on, I just suddenly dozed off."
Zhang Lingfeng scratched his head, apologetically.
He saw that it was now 9 PM, and judging by Hong Lixin’s expression, it was clear he had wasted much of his time.
In this harsh environment, Zhang Lingfeng understood how valuable time is for a Martial Artist, especially one whose Elemental Martial Artist abilities are on the rise.
"It’s fine. When you get home, take a look at some books on concentration exercises, and gradually try the breathing rhythm I’ve taught you."
Hong Lixin replied as gently as he could.