Passive Combat Technique

One was melee, and the other was ranged. This determined that their methods of utilizing energy were completely different.

A sword could be continuously infused with life energy, applying it to the blade to multiply the power of its slashes.

But bows and arrows were different; the energy needed to act upon the arrow.

However, once an arrow left the string, it was completely separated from the body. How to maintain that energy's enhancement after it left the body became an insolvable puzzle.

“Since I can't turn it into an 'active' attack technique that leaves the body...” A thoughtful light flickered in Matthew's eyes. “Can I change my line of thinking? What if I convert the application of energy into a 'passive' comprehensive enhancement of my own state?”

“Hmm? That actually seems quite feasible. It would be equivalent to a passive skill in games from my past life...” Thinking of this, he began to channel his breathing technique to deduce the possibility.

Since it was impossible to continuously infuse life energy into the arrow after it left the bowstring, it would be better to use the energy to strengthen himself—briefly boosting his eyesight and arm strength during the entire process of drawing, aiming, and releasing.

“With enhanced eyesight, I can capture the target's movements more clearly. With enhanced arm strength, my draw will be steadier, and my range will be farther.”

“Just like how a breathing technique can nourish the body and improve stamina... Perhaps I can try to guide the life energy to my eyes, arms, and nerves, creating a brief burst of a 'shooting state'.”

At this thought, Matthew was eager to try. Looking around, the thin mist was extremely sparse; he had clearly reached the outskirts of the forest.

Feeling reassured, he raised his hunting bow and held his breath, slowly guiding the circulating life energy in his body toward his eyes and his arms holding the bow.

At first, it was only a subtle warm current. But as he deliberately guided it and synchronized it with his breathing rhythm, his vision actually grew clearer—

The swaying of the distant treetops, the faint paw prints in the snow, and even the trajectory of the falling snowflakes in the air became exceptionally distinct.

At the same time, a solid sense of fullness rushed into his arms, as if the bow itself had become lighter and the string easier to draw.

He notched an arrow, aiming at a grey finch resting on a withered branch thirty paces away—

He released the string, and the arrow flew.

The sound of the arrow tearing through the air seemed sharper than usual!

The arrow embedded itself deeply into the tree trunk, its fletching vibrating violently with a low hum.

Matthew lowered his bow, frowning slightly as he looked at the tree trunk.

The arrow had penetrated deep into the wood. Under the enhancement of his arm strength, its power had indeed increased.

But the problem was... no prompt appeared.

He stared at the vibrating arrow tail and waited a moment longer, but there was still no black text popping up before his eyes.

“But that's only normal. How could it succeed on the first try?” Matthew muttered to himself, his brow smoothing out.

He recalled the process of practicing 【Melting Slash】. That had also taken several attempts to succeed. A "passive" skill like this would probably require much more effort to initially master.

“At least the general direction is correct this time. The brief enhancement of my vision and arm strength just now was real.”

This was exactly the first step he needed in exploring an archery combat technique: verifying that the path was viable.

As for how to turn this "feasibility" into "stability" so that it could be recognized and recorded by the panel, that was a problem he would have to solve through a lot of practice next.

“This passive technique is a bit like the effect of Eagle Eye...” Realization dawned in Matthew's mind as he felt the brief but clear visual enhancement from moments ago.

“Enhancing both arm strength and eyesight is an absolute game-changer for archery!”

Arm strength meant faster shooting, while eyesight meant accuracy!

And this was only his first attempt, yet it already had such an effect!

Matthew felt a wave of anticipation rising in his heart.

He knew that as long as he practiced extensively, letting his body adapt to and master this "enhanced state," his archery would surely undergo a qualitative leap.

The sky was darkening, and the light in the forest grew increasingly dim.

He calmed his breathing technique, letting the life energy return to its normal circulation throughout his body.

Then he walked forward, pulled the embedded arrow out of the tree trunk with force, and carefully inspected the shaft and arrowhead.

Confirming there was no damage, he put the arrow back into his quiver and slung his hunting bow over his back.

Snow began to fall thick and fast again.

Matthew pulled his leather coat tighter. With one last look at the edge of the forest where the mist was thin, he turned and retraced his steps, walking steadily back toward his cabin.

When he returned to the cabin and pushed open the wooden door, a wave of warmth mixed with the aroma of meat instantly dispelled the chill on his body.

Aidan was tending to the hearth, carefully stirring the bubbling broth in the iron pot. The swirling steam made the room feel even cozier.

Seeing Matthew return, Aidan immediately stood up with a smile on his face. “Brother Matthew, you're back. The meat broth is ready. Eat it while it's hot.”

“Practice went well today, and I caught these along the way. Keep them for yourself.” Matthew handed the wild rabbit and hazel grouse to Aidan, speaking in a calm tone.

Aidan quickly took them with both hands and said gratefully, “Thank you, Brother Matthew!”

Matthew nodded, casting an inconspicuous glance over Aidan. A trace of satisfaction flickered in his eyes.

Over the past month, Aidan had been diligently practicing the White Snake Breathing Technique every day. His physique had grown much sturdier, his eyes were sharper, and his movements carried a sense of power.

He had clearly put in a lot of hard work.

A few days ago, Matthew had tested Aidan's strength, estimating it to be roughly around 5.5 to 5.8. For a youth who had been frail and thin just over a month ago, this was already a highly significant improvement.

Aidan was now standing on the threshold of extraordinary power. Once Matthew gained some comprehension of his own archery combat technique, he could bring Aidan into the forest with him.

Of course, Aidan's improvement was also inseparable from the abundant meat Matthew provided for him.

After all, practicing a breathing technique consumed a massive amount of energy. Without sufficient nutritional support, it would all be for nothing.

While Matthew was lost in thought, Aidan carefully set a large, brimming bowl of meat broth on the table before him. Matthew didn't stand on ceremony, picking up the bowl and drinking.

The piping hot soup, mixed with the tender, slow-cooked meat, quickly dispelled the lingering cold from his body.

Watching Brother Matthew take the bowl and gulp down the soup, Aidan felt both grateful and reassured.

Over the past month, not only had his strength grown and his body become sturdier, but what made him happiest was that his status in the village had improved significantly!

Previously, Aidan could only do menial chores, but now he could stand by Brother Matthew's side and act as a guard. The boys he used to know were incredibly envious of him.

But Aidan knew very well why he was here today.

It was entirely because of the breathing technique Brother Matthew had taught him, and the fact that he was well-fed at every meal. Especially those precious meats—how could ordinary people in the village ever hope to eat them?

He didn't dare to slack off in the slightest. He only wanted to train even harder so that he could join his brother in the forest to help out sooner. Only then would he not let this kindness go to waste.

...

...