Fang Cheng decided to switch to a special training method—the Dragon Flag.
This training method was a self-created cultivation technique by the Martial Saint of the previous generation, Bruce Lee, known as the ultimate abdominal exercise, a static core challenge of near-mythical skill.
The reason he thought of the Dragon Flag was due to its profound internal connection with the Hanging Leg Raise in terms of training goals.
The core of both is to enhance the rectus abdominis and the hip flexors.
However, the Hanging Leg Raise is a dynamic process of concentric and eccentric contraction.
In contrast, the Dragon Flag is a terrifying full-body isometric contraction exercise.
It demands not only a steely abdominal core but also requires the powerful cooperation of the latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, erector spinae, and even arm strength to resist the massive gravitational torque generated by the body as an ultra-long lever.
It can be said that the Hanging Leg Raise is the precursor, while the Dragon Flag is its ultimate advanced form.
"It’s time to challenge more difficult moves!"
Fang Cheng’s eyes narrowed, and he made his decision immediately.
He did not start from the simplest lying position.
He walked straight to a two-meter-high vertical bar supporting the bars, back against the pillar, leaning on it.
Then, he reached back and gripped the cold metal bar, his arms tensed like steel cables.
The next moment, he exerted force with his waist and abdomen, swinging his legs upward suddenly, and his entire body lifted into the air, over his head, until it was vertical to the ground.
Then came the most crucial step.
Supported strongly by his latissimus dorsi and arms, he controlled his body, using his scapula as the pivot, to lower himself extremely slowly.
His legs together, his back straight, his entire body from shoulders to ankles stretched into a straight, rigid line.
Suspended in mid-air, he maintained an almost parallel angle with the ground.
At this moment, time seemed to stand still.
He became like a flag defying gravity, flying stubbornly in the pre-dawn breeze!
Just maintaining this posture, Fang Cheng felt a burden far exceeding that of the Hanging Leg Raise.
He could clearly feel every bundle of muscle fibers in his abdomen, lower back, and buttocks instantly tightening and activating.
In the Dragon Flag, the body is a long lever; the farther the center of gravity is from the pivot, the greater the gravitational torque applied.
Being able to maintain it for a long time means your core muscles can generate and maintain enough tension to resist this enormous torque.
In the first few seconds, Fang Cheng’s body felt some slight discomfort.
But he quickly adjusted, finding the sensation of perfectly counterbalancing gravity.
Normally, when practicing the Dragon Flag, one holds for a few seconds before releasing, relaxing the muscles before attempting again.
Yet Fang Cheng remained in this position, unwavering against gravity.
Sustaining such static resistance for a prolonged period not only stimulates deeper muscle groups but also intensely tests body control.
Unnoticed, time slipped away, the sky turning from gray to faintly illuminated.
Faint footsteps were heard coming along the distant path.
Morning joggers began to pass by, their gazes inadvertently drawn to the figure in the park.
They saw a man, with sharply defined muscles, gripping the pillar with only reverse holds of his hands, his whole body seemingly hovering in anti-gravity, like a flag ’fluttering’ in the air, an exaggerated posture that left them speechless.
"An expert! Such strong core strength in the waist and abdomen?"
Someone couldn’t help but quietly exclaim, pausing for a moment before shaking their head and continuing their morning run.
They thought it was just a fleeting move.
Unaware that this challenging pose, glimpsed in surprise, had been held for a long time by this man.
Much longer than they imagined.
The first ray of morning light pierced through the treetops, illuminating the white steam rising from his body.
Sweat pearls, large and crystalline, dripped continuously from Fang Cheng’s forehead, chin, and chest, leaving small moist marks on the ground.
On his sculpted muscles, every fiber trembled slightly, as if countless currents were coursing under his skin.
The ’flag’ flying in the wind, initially unmoving, began to sway slightly, as if it might fall at any moment.
He gritted his teeth, eyes wide open, fighting against the terrifying gravity pulling him back to the ground, engaging in the most brutal duel between will and flesh.
Just as he felt he was about to reach his limit—
Before his eyes, a light blue panel suddenly lit up, flashing with unprecedented, almost dazzling brilliance.
Before his eyes, a light blue panel suddenly lit up, flashing with unprecedented, almost dazzling brilliance.