0105 The Human Flag, Upgraded!

The commotion in the back row regarding the squeezing of the apple lasted only a moment. Once the class bell rang and Li Rui appeared on the podium to begin the lecture, the classroom fell instantly silent.

Regardless of how boisterous they were before class, all the students, including Ma Qiang, listened attentively and took notes once the formal lesson began. This was because, although Jiang University was a top-tier institution in China, its sports department was not its strongest suit. Usually, elite athletes or top-tier sports students did not choose Jiang University; most preferred to pursue advanced studies at the Beijing Sport University or prestigious institutions like Tsinghua or Peking University.

Aside from first-class athletes, the best-performing students admitted via special recruitment were typically national-level athletes. As for the international-level athletes capable of competing for medals on the global stage, they were a rarity at Jiang University. This was because international-level athletes could join provincial or national teams, where they received a fixed monthly salary and subsidies. For instance, a top performance, such as becoming an Asian champion, would net an athlete roughly 18,000 RMB a month—not nearly as high as the general public might imagine.

Only by becoming world-class sports stars, consistently winning gold medals in major competitions, and attracting endorsements and frequent trending topics could a sports student truly be considered successful. In reality, most sports students, like ordinary graduates, had to find their own way to make a living after graduation or retirement. Their paths usually led to one of three outcomes: becoming a sports teacher or coach, or relying on family support to open a club related to their area of expertise.

Therefore, the freshmen, including Ma Qiang, were all diligently absorbing knowledge to ensure they could transition steadily into a new career path after graduation or retirement. Chen Jue, observing the intense academic atmosphere of the class, felt inspired as well, practicing with his grip strengthener while taking notes. By the time the sports training session concluded, his panel’s [Strength] attribute had increased by another 0.01, and he had also acquired professional knowledge related to sprinting.

***

After class, the sports students began to disperse, but Li Rui, the lecturer, stopped Chen Jue at the door.

"Xiao Chen, I’ve been busy with classes this week and my energy is limited, so I've only finished half of your training plan. I should have the final draft by Sunday." Li Rui handed a sheet of A4 paper to Chen Jue. "I’ve given you a list of the equipment you’ll need first. These supplies are crucial for your training progress, so it’s best to prepare them early to avoid logistical shortages or injuries later on."

Chen Jue looked at the paper, which was densely packed with dozens of different items. Beyond standard exercise equipment like dumbbells, barbells, and jump ropes, it included swimming suits, goggles, fitness support belts, and other protective gear. At the bottom of the list were several common sports supplements, such as whey protein, liquid pre-workout, and sugar-free electrolytes.

"As expected of a track and field coach at Jiang University!" Chen Jue exclaimed after reading the list. Compared to his own aimless online shopping, Li Rui’s list was clearly far more professional. Many of the protective gears and supplements had English import labels—things Chen Jue hadn't even heard of before. It was evident that the coach had put significant effort into researching the most advanced international training practices.

"Thank you, Teacher Li! I’ll get these ordered right away," Chen Jue said, gratefully accepting the list.

Li Rui waved it off dismissively. "It’s nothing, don't mention it. Once Haohao is discharged from the hospital, my whole family wants to treat you and Xiao Fang to a meal to thank you both properly! Besides, designing this training plan for a sports enthusiast like you led me to browse foreign forums, where I learned quite a bit of cutting-edge knowledge that will be very helpful for my own teaching."

According to Li Rui, sports science related to the human body was advancing daily, and certain foreign training techniques were far more advanced than the traditional methods favored in the domestic sports scene. However, while these theories seemed impressive, they were not yet standardized and had a limited user base, carrying significant risks and side effects, which made them less applicable for general use. For example, the "BFR (Blood Flow Restriction) bands" mentioned on the list were said to aid in localized muscle growth, but only a very small number of foreign athletes were experimenting with them. Furthermore, the domestic sports training circle was relatively rigid, favoring a "safety-first" approach, so such avant-garde theories and equipment were rarely widely adopted. Only private enthusiasts or fitness hobbyists were willing to take the risk.

Chen Jue happened to be at the forefront of this group, driven by a "fanaticism" for muscular perfection, and he was willing to take risks in the pursuit of higher, faster, and stronger physical fitness.

***

After receiving the list, Chen Jue bid Li Rui farewell and walked toward the track and field stadium with his 20-pound sports backpack. He only had one class on Friday morning, and with plenty of time left, he planned to get in a good workout.

As he walked, he spent nearly 20 minutes searching for the dozens of items on the list, adding them to his cart, and paying for everything in one go. Looking at the 20,000 RMB he had just spent, Chen Jue realized that professional sports and fitness were just as much of a "pay-to-win" endeavor as mobile gaming. This was "Real Life Earth Online," and buying basic equipment had already cost him tens of thousands. If he were to truly reach the level of a top-tier athlete and hire a professional support team, the costs would surely involve several more zeros.

"Money is just a piece of paper; spend it, then earn it back!" Chen Jue mused, finally understanding the mindset of Silicon Valley billionaires who spent billions of dollars in the pursuit of longevity.

***

Upon reaching the track, he found it relatively empty. The high-achievers of Jiang University were likely busy in class, leaving only a few sports students training hard. Chen Jue dropped his bag and went to a nearby kiosk to buy large bottles of functional beverages and mineral water.

He followed the warm-up routine Li Rui had taught him, stretching and loosening his joints before heading to the rubber track for a light jog. One, two, three laps—he didn't push the speed, taking 15 minutes to complete 10 laps. After nearly 4 kilometers of aerobic exercise, his body was burning and soaked in sweat, and his "Free Attribute" had increased by another 0.01.

"Whew!" Chen Jue let out a long breath, feeling exhilarated. He took a few sips of the functional drink and some water to replenish what he had lost. Once his heart rate stabilized, he headed to the corner where the high and low bars were located to practice calisthenics.

He started with five sets of 30 push-ups. With his increasing arm strength, Chen Jue no longer limited himself to standard push-ups. Referencing street workout tutorial videos, he began experimenting with more complex variations. From shoulder-tap push-ups, lizard push-ups, and 120-degree pike push-ups to the more difficult archer push-ups, Chen Jue was like a fearless rookie, as if he were trying to push the Earth itself.

He discovered online that foreign experts had categorized push-ups into 80 levels of difficulty. The higher the number, the harder the posture. Currently, Chen Jue could perform level 60—the archer push-up—which required immense strength and years of practice. As for the level 79 "unsupported push-up," the name itself sounded absurd: performing a handstand push-up at a 70 to 80-degree incline without any support, with legs dangling straight up in the air. This move was very similar to the Russian planche, one of the "Five Great Skills" of street workout; it required not just arm strength, but peak-level core stability and balance.

Though Chen Jue’s arm strength was sufficient to support his 150-pound frame, his core and lower body strength were still lacking. He could manage a few 90-degree vertical handstand push-ups, but the level 79 move remained out of reach.

However, the session was not without rewards. After completing his sets of fancy push-ups and warming up his upper body—earning another 0.01 to his Strength attribute—he moved to the pull-up bar. After a few muscle-ups and one-arm pull-ups, he grabbed the side of the vertical pole, swung his body sideways, and held himself horizontally, suspended like a flag.

He had finally mastered the "Human Flag," one of the Five Great Skills of street workout!

"Damn, that move is actually pretty cool." After trying it a few times and confirming he had mastered it, Chen Jue placed his phone on the ground, propped it up with his bag, and recorded himself performing the elegant pose.

According to the progression of the Five Great Skills, the Human Flag was ranked fifth, with the front lever, muscle-up, and one-arm pull-up being more difficult. However, because Chen Jue had transitioned into street workout mid-way, his initial "skills" had only enhanced his arm strength without improving his core. It was like having a lopsided academic record; it had taken him this long to finally master the flag.

Once he grasped the technique, he felt like doing more. While holding himself up on the vertical pole, he utilized his [Climbing] skill, using his powerful grip to slowly "climb" his horizontal body up the pole.

This scene happened to be witnessed by a group of members from the "Self-Discipline Club" who had just finished class. Suddenly, shouts of amazement erupted in the corner of the stadium. It was simply too cool! Usually, when people performed the Human Flag, they just stayed frozen. But Chen Jue wasn't just holding it—he was moving the flag up the pole!

The onlookers were stunned, cheering "Holy cow!" and "You're a beast, senior!" as they scrambled to take photos and videos. It was said that moderate exercise attracts the opposite sex, while excessive exercise attracts the same, and Chen Jue’s advanced version of the Five Great Skills drew quite a crowd.

Chen Jue himself saw the prompt pop up on his panel and smiled:

——————

[Ding!]

[You have completed an anaerobic exercise that exceeds your limits. Your upper body muscle groups have been thoroughly exercised, and your arm muscle endurance has increased slightly.]

[The explosive power of your core abdominal and back muscle groups has been significantly improved, and your body's balance has increased.]

[Strength Attribute +0.02]

[Free Attribute +0.01]