Chapter 10 | The Second Space Probe

Before dawn, Li Xing sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), clutching the tools he'd left over from repairing the car the night before.

His mind replayed yesterday's blunder.

[First blunder after skill fading]

The feeling of rustiness, panic, and tension was still unforgettable.

He knew that improving his speed and precision on his own would take a long time.

But the space… might help him.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

In his consciousness, that familiar gray space slowly appeared.

[Copy Space - Binding]

[Currently copyable target: Non-living physical object / Skill proficiency (Intermediate)]

Li Xing knew he couldn't be careless this time.

Last time it was just basic skills; this time, he wanted to copy—the proficiency in continuous operations, to etch the entire car repair process into his mind in one go.

His fingers lightly touched the air, and the target appeared in his mind:

"Bicycle repair—complete process, intermediate proficiency."

A notification appeared in the space:

[Risk Assessment: Medium]

[Mental Energy Consumption: Medium]

[Failure Penalty: Short-term finger stiffness, mental energy reduction]

Li Xing gritted his teeth: "Execute."

The familiar dizziness struck again, but more intensely than the first time.

A flood of images flashed before his eyes—the screw removal sequence, chain adjustment force, brake calibration, tire pressure…

Information poured into his brain like a waterfall, each piece so clear it stung his meninges.

His fingers unconsciously traced movements in the air; he could feel it—

This was his body and mind learning simultaneously, not just memorizing.

The dizziness lasted for about a minute.

Li Xing's Adam's apple bobbed, his eyelids twitched, and sweat dripped down his forehead.

"Done."

The spatial feedback was clear:

[Copy Completed]

[Mental Energy Consumption: Medium]

[Skill Duration: 12 Hours]

Li Xing slowly opened his eyes, gesturing in the air, as if he could still feel the elasticity of the chain and the resistance of the screws.

This time, he didn't rely on any real-world tools; he was simply "practicing" with his consciousness.

He reached out and grabbed the broken-down car beside him, his movements frighteningly smooth—

Even the detail of yesterday's slip-up was now firmly under his control.

He took a deep breath, understanding in his heart—

This time, he truly held the initiative.

But at the same time, he also felt—

The fatigue in his wrists, shoulders, and head was heavier than ever before.

The space wasn't omnipotent; the price was real.

He looked down at the daylight clock on the wall.

Three hours until dawn.

If he used the space any later…

The risk would be even higher.

Li Xing lowered his hand and took a deep breath.

“From today onward, I must learn to maximize the usefulness of space within a limited time.”

He pushed aside the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed) and walked into the yard.

The north wind blew against his face, as if reminding him—

Behind every ability lies the weight of reality.