Two Worlds in the Apocalypse: Each journey through the modern world lasts 60 seconds.

Sitting on a sofa covered with clean sheets and soft cushions, Xu Mo had a large food container lid in front of him that served as a plate. Inside was a generous amount of steaming white rice, and next to it were sliced ​​braised beef and braised pig ears. The rich aroma of meat mixed with the fragrance of rice created the most luxurious feast in the apocalypse.

For this, Xu Mo even luxuriously poured himself a small glass of baijiu (Chinese liquor). The clear liquid swayed slightly in the glass, exuding a mellow aroma of grain.

Picking up a large slice of braised beef with chopsticks, the amber-colored sauce soaking into the muscle fibers, and putting it in his mouth, the savory and rich flavor exploded on his taste buds instantly, the firm texture bringing unparalleled satisfaction. Then, he shoveled down a mouthful of soft, fragrant white rice, paired with crispy braised pig's ear, and finally took a small sip of spicy yet sweet-smelling white wine… This long-lost feeling of fullness and happiness, a return to normal life, almost brought Xu Mo to tears.

This is a world of difference compared to when I first transmigrated here!

Xu Mo's thoughts drifted back to when he first transmigrated. It was the same small town where he, like a panicked mouse, dragged his feverish and weak body into this dilapidated building.

At that time, his throat felt like it was being sanded, each swallow a burning pain; his forehead was so hot it could fry an egg; his consciousness swung between unconsciousness and wakefulness; his stomach was empty, clinging to life only to a few expired biscuits and a few mouthfuls of dirty water. The fear of the unknown, the terror of the zombies, the despair of the disease, like an icy tide, almost overwhelmed him completely. Every night was long and unbearable, leaning against the cold wall to draw out the meager coolness, feeling that he might silently die in this unknown corner at any moment.

And now...

Xu Mo looked around. There was enough food and drinking water piled in the corner, along with life-saving medicine. A sharp cleaver lay at his side, and a clean, soft bed was beneath him. Within him lay the strength he had fully recovered from, even surpassed by his previous power from his stance training. More importantly, he had mastered the rules of using the "door," finding the key to actively acquiring resources!

This stark contrast between hell and earth made Xu Mo realize the importance of his own abilities more deeply, and also subtly changed his view of the future from simply "surviving".

After eating and drinking his fill and tidying up the dishes, Xu Mo didn't immediately start practicing standing meditation or resting as usual. He leaned back on the sofa, his eyes clear, and began to seriously plan his future path.

"The rules have been figured out. As long as we carefully choose the type and symbol of the 'door,' the source of food and basic supplies is basically stable." Xu Mo analyzed calmly. "Since the pressure of survival has been greatly relieved for the time being, the plans that could not be carried out due to the limitations of the conditions must now be put on the agenda."

His gaze sharpened as it fell upon the manual in his mind called "Thirteen Bodyguards' Horizontal Training".

Previously, due to the recent recovery from a serious illness, my body was weak and my energy replenishment was insufficient, so I could only perform the most basic and least demanding stance training. That was more like a restorative exercise and preliminary sensory training. But now, the situation is completely different.

"The Thirteen Protectors," as the name suggests, is the ultimate external martial arts! Second Uncle boasted about it to the skies back then, but Xu Mo still remembered its core essence—to temper the muscles, bones, and skin, from the outside in, to pursue unparalleled physical strength, which is by no means something that can be achieved by simply standing still.

The true "Thirteen Protectors" need to be:

Resistance training involves using specific techniques, and even tools, to slap and impact various parts of the body, stimulating the skin, fascia, and even bones to make them more resilient and dense, gradually achieving the defensive capabilities described in the "cowhide realm" or even higher levels. This process inevitably involves pain and minor injuries, requiring sufficient nutrition and rest for repair and strengthening.

High-intensity strength and physical training is meaningless without a strong foundation. It requires extreme squats, running, weightlifting, and striking to fully push physical limits and unleash the body's potential, resulting in a surge in strength.

Whether it's repairing minor injuries from impacts or rebuilding and strengthening muscle fibers after high-intensity training, both require massive amounts of energy and high-quality protein as "building materials." Previously, Xu Mo couldn't even afford enough to eat, let alone dream of such a thing. But now, he has rice, meat, and in the future, he can even obtain more high-energy foods and nutritional supplements through the "gate."

Standing meditation is merely the foundation, the first step in awakening bodily awareness, adjusting breathing, and stabilizing the core; it's the "static" practice of this external martial art. Now, Xu Mo has accumulated sufficient "resources," and his body has been brought to its optimal state. It's time to begin the real, "dynamic" cultivation!

"Let's start today!" Xu Mo stood up abruptly, his eyes burning with unwavering determination.

He was no longer content with merely struggling to survive in the apocalypse. He wanted to actively arm and strengthen himself by utilizing his unique abilities and the potentially miraculous techniques he possessed.

Xu Mo longs to have enough power to no longer fear the night, no longer fear zombies, to be able to explore this world at will, and even... to trace the source of all this disaster?

This goal may seem far away, but at this moment, the first step towards it is clearly laid out beneath his feet.

Upon reaching the center of the room, Xu Mo did not immediately begin vigorous exercise. Instead, he slowly assumed the stance for Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation). He wanted to first adjust his state to its optimal level through Zhan Zhuang, calming his breath and focusing his mind.

A quarter of an hour later, Xu Mo slowly finished his practice, his eyes revealing a hidden glint.

Then, he took off his slightly tattered T-shirt and, recalling his second uncle's teachings on patting his body with medicinal wine, began to pat his arms, chest, abdomen, back, and even legs rhythmically, gradually increasing the pressure.

"Slap! Slap! Slap!"

The crisp tapping sound echoed in the quiet room. At first, his skin turned red, but soon, waves of heat surged through his body with each tap, causing his muscles to tremble slightly and bringing a peculiar soreness, numbness, and swelling.

After the patting, Xu Mo warmed up a bit before starting basic strength training such as squats, push-ups, and sit-ups. He pushed himself to exhaustion in each set, squeezing out every last bit of strength. Sweat streamed down his body, leaving dark water stains on the ground.

The fatigue from the high-intensity training was immense, but whenever he was exhausted, Xu Mo could feel the rice and meat he had eaten turning into a surge of heat, sustaining his energy expenditure and nourishing his muscles.

Practice, replenish energy, rest, then practice again...

Xu Mo knew that this would be a long and arduous road, far more tedious and painful than simply searching for supplies. But he also knew that in this world, only the power one possesses and that no one can take away is the true foundation for survival.