Chapter 863: Chapter 863
Breaking the sound barrier with the physical body is not just a record of competitive running, but an exemplary demonstration of the transformation of a life’s state.
It signifies that the human flesh and blood can break free from the constraints of physical laws and reach for domains once only belonging to iron machinery or mythological legends.
However, recalling the thrilling experience just now, Fang Cheng still finds it a bit too stimulating.
The challenges of breaking the sound barrier are comprehensive.
First is air resistance; the faster the running speed, the more pronounced the viscosity and compressibility effects of the air become.
The oncoming airflow is no longer "wind" but a "wall of air" that is violently compressed and extremely dense, drastically increasing resistance.
Next is the "heat barrier effect," where high-speed movement results in intense friction with the air, generating immense heat capable of roasting flesh.
Finally, for Fang Cheng, the most terrifying is the "shock wave effect."
At the critical speed of sound, the air in front of the body is compressed to the extreme while the air on both sides remains uncompressed, forming a distinct shock wave.
This invisible shock wave, like a sharp blade, can easily tear a person’s body into pieces.
More lethal is that the human body, due to its physiological structure, easily resonates with the surrounding high-speed airflow, causing vibrations that penetrate the internal organs and bones.
The larger the surface area, the stronger this effect becomes, and the more exposed body parts suffer severe impact and resonance damage.
Even an ordinary airplane struggles to cope in such conditions, liable to lose control and disintegrate with the slightest carelessness.
Let alone the unprotected human body.
The reason Fang Cheng was able to cross this chasm is due to the qualitative change brought by his three attributes surpassing 60 points.
Strength is the "engine" of high-speed running, providing sufficient propulsion to rip through the air barrier.
Agility is the "gyroscope" maintaining the body’s stability, preventing him from losing control amidst the turbulent airflow. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel·fıre·net
Most crucial of all is the Constitution of 70 points.
It is like the most resilient armor that withstood the scorching heat, the ripping airflow, and the backlash of the shock waves.
Without this rock-like Constitution as the foundation, relying solely on muscle strength for a forced sprint would have caused his body to collapse near the speed of sound.
"A step away, like a chasm."
Fang Cheng felt a multitude of emotions in his heart.
The hidden dangers and the sweat expended behind this are things only he knows best.
From the initial frailty, struggling to meet basic physical standards, to this moment of earth-shattering breakthrough of the sound barrier.
The hardships of this journey are unspeakable to others.
Fortunately, the heavens reward the diligent; he, possessing the attribute panel, has never wasted a drop of sweat.
Having crossed this threshold, he finally experiences the extraordinary sensation that is beyond ordinary imagination.
Fang Cheng lay on the surface of the lake, letting out a long breath.
He was well aware that this time was just a barely-adequate breakthrough.
The momentary pain and bodily feedback clearly told him.
There’s still a massive gap between him and "mastering supersonic speed."
This breakthrough almost exhausted all of his stamina, even causing considerable damage to his body.
Acceptable in training, but in real combat; such recklessness is akin to suicide.
All he could do now was, like a child pushing with all his might, to open a heavy door, barely catching a glimpse of the marvelous world behind it.
With a mortal’s body, he started touching the once unreachable "Divine Domain."
"Looks like I still need to continue enhancing my body attributes."
Gazing into the distant, vast night, Fang Cheng’s eyes became incredibly resolute.
"Maybe when Constitution, Strength, and Agility all break the 80-point barrier, breaking the sound barrier will be as easy and natural for me as today’s jog."
As he pondered, the roar of an engine approached from a distance
A truck loaded with vegetables emerged from a fork in the lake road, its headlights cutting through the rain.
Voices came from the far embankment, a few cleaners wearing raincoats pushing garbage carts, rustling as they began their day’s work.
Fang Cheng did not linger any longer, pushing off the water with his legs, his whole body sprang out like a dragon reaching the surface, silently landing on the shore.
Then his entire body trembled suddenly, and the water droplets attached to his skin were shaken off instantly, like a fierce beast shaking off dew.
Under the dim streetlamp, his perfectly proportioned, well-defined physique was fully exposed.
Every muscle brimming with explosive strength and streamlined beauty.
Like a piece of refined steel repeatedly hammered and heated to a fiery red, finally quenched in an ice spring in its last process, completing its final hardening.
Fang Cheng glanced around, and when looking back, his pupils contracted slightly.
On that asphalt road, polished bright by the rain, a series of shocking footprints was clearly visible.
Especially in the section where he sprinted with all his might and abruptly stopped, the footprints were deep, and the road surface was cracked.
There was even a several-meter-long charred friction mark, exceptionally conspicuous in the rain.
Fang Cheng shook his head, a trace of apology appearing on his face.
This is damage to public facilities; I’ll need to some money to make up for the rural revitalization project of the township government.
This wasn’t the first time.
It’s just that this time the damage was more severe, and being seen in daylight would probably stir up a commotion again.
"Next time, it’s better to run on the beach."
The thought flashed as Fang Cheng surveyed his surroundings.