Three days before the Copa del Rey match, Lu Chuan appeared on the training ground before dawn.
At this time, Vallecas Stadium was empty, with only dew on the grass shimmering under the faint streetlights.
Lu Chuan changed into his training uniform and silently chanted in his mind: "System, activate training space."
Instantly, his consciousness was pulled into a brand new world.
In the training space, the texture of the grass was exactly the same as Vallecas Stadium, and even the dampness of the grass blades was indistinguishable.
Lu Chuan took a deep breath; there was even the fresh scent of grass in the air. He set his opponent as the "Barakaldo simulated team" and repeatedly practiced 搶點 (snatching points), shooting from acute angles, and headers within the penalty box.
Every failed attempt could be infinitely repeated in the space.
The ball flew from his feet again and again, sometimes hitting the post, sometimes being saved by the goalkeeper. The physical exhaustion of a real-life training session simply didn't exist here.
Time flew by in the virtual space, and when Lu Chuan's consciousness returned to reality, the sky was already tinged with the white of dawn.
During a break in training, Lu Chuan opened the Legendary Shop.
His LP balance was: 250 (initial) + 50 (Girona match) = 300 LP.
He scanned the shop; the expensive skills were temporarily out of consideration. He scrolled through the screen, looking for the most suitable exchange item for his current situation.
Volley Master required 2500 LP, and Precise Through Pass Master required 1800 LP. While these skills were impressive, they were expensive and not immediately useful.
His gaze finally settled on a more basic, more practical skill—Penalty Box Finisher (Entry Level).
This skill could significantly improve his shot conversion rate and composure in the penalty area, making it the most cost-effective option for him, who desperately needed goals.
System Prompt: Do you want to spend 2200 LP to exchange for "Penalty Box Finisher"? Insufficient LP.
Lu Chuan frowned; 2200 LP was still a long way off.
System Prompt: Detecting strong host demand, installment/trial function unlocked. You can spend 250 LP to exchange for "Penalty Box Finisher (Trial Card)", which lasts for 3 matches and has 50% of the full version's effectiveness.
"Exchange!" Lu Chuan said without hesitation.
After the exchange was completed, Lu Chuan didn't feel any warm current in his mind; it was just that when he looked at the goal again, the previously blurred shooting lines became clear, and he could instinctively judge which angle would make the shot most tricky.
In the afternoon's shooting training, Lu Chuan's performance greatly surprised his teammates.
Whether it was snatching points from a cross or a rebound shot, his shots always accurately hit the target, and he handled the ball with exceptional composure, without any unnecessary movements.
"Damn, did this chinese kid secretly train last night?" Tiago Bebe's eyes widened, forgetting to put on his training bib.
"Look at his shooting, both his left and right feet are so accurate!" Antonin Cortés clapped Bebe's shoulder hard, "I've been playing for three years and I don't have this level."
"This footwork is even richer than the red wine I drank yesterday." Mario Suárez stroked his chin, his eyes full of admiration.
"Look, that feint before his shot, the goalkeeper was completely fooled!" José Pozo pointed to Lu Chuan's recent shot trajectory.
"This chinese kid is really only 19 years old?" Velázquez shook his head, "I was still playing beach soccer when I was 19."
Álvaro leaned against the goalpost, arms crossed, watching Lu Chuan. He felt that his previous bet was too rash; this chinese kid's shooting progress was completely unreasonable.
"Lu Chuan, didn't you sleep last night?" Álvaro walked over and patted Lu Chuan's shoulder, "Your shooting is as accurate as a missile guidance system."
"I just practiced for a while." Lu Chuan wiped the sweat from his forehead, his tone calm.
"A while?" Álvaro's eyes widened, "Are you sure you didn't practice all night?"
"Really just for a while." Lu Chuan smiled, "Maybe I'm in good form."
"In such good form?" Álvaro rubbed his head, "I'm starting to doubt that bet."
"What, want to back out?" Trejo walked over from the side, holding a bottle of mineral water.
"No, no." Álvaro quickly waved his hand, "A man keeps his word, I'm just... a little nervous."
Head Coach Paco Jémez remained calm on the sidelines, but he had his Assistant Coach record every one of Lu Chuan's shots.
He knew that he might have truly found a treasure.
"Carlos, did you see that?" Paco nudged Assistant Coach Suárez with his elbow.
"I saw it, his shooting awareness is completely different." Suárez stopped filming, "Yesterday he was still struggling with shot timing, but today he can hit the target with one strike."
"Talent is truly amazing," Paco mused, "Some players never find the feeling in front of goal their whole lives, while others just 'get it' overnight."
"I don't think it's as simple as just 'getting it'," Suárez shook his head, "Every one of his shots is very purposeful, like it's been precisely calculated."
"Anyway, this is good for us." Paco put away his tactics board, "Barakaldo's goalkeeper is going to have a bad time."
In the evening, Lu Chuan received a call from his father.
"Son, are you adapting well in Madrid?" His father's voice came through the receiver, full of concern.
"I'm doing well, Dad." Lu Chuan sat on the sofa, looking at the night view outside the window.
"I saw the news, it said you had an assist in your segunda división debut." His father's voice carried pride, "Our whole family is very happy."
"It was just an assist." Lu Chuan responded modestly.
"Don't be modest, your mother was so excited she couldn't sleep all night." His father chuckled, "She tells everyone now that her son plays football in Spain."
"Tell Mom not to get too excited, this is just the beginning." Lu Chuan could imagine his mother's excitement.
"Your uncle even called yesterday, asking when he could watch your match on TV."
His father's voice became relaxed, "I told him, he'll see it soon."
"Dad, are you and Mom doing well?" Lu Chuan asked with concern.
"We're all good, we just miss you." His father's voice choked slightly, "Take good care of yourself over there, don't make us worry."
"Son, be steady and don't rush for success." His father's tone became serious, "Every step you take, countless eyes in China are watching. Remember, you not only represent yourself, but you also carry the hopes of many people."
This sentence instantly made Lu Chuan's mood heavy. He knew that as a chinese kid playing football overseas, the pressure he carried was far greater than other players.
"I know, Dad. I will work hard." Lu Chuan gripped the phone, "I won't let you down."
"We've never been disappointed." His father's voice was gentle, "That you've come this far has already exceeded our expectations."
"Dad, I still need to train, I'll hang up now." Lu Chuan didn't want his father to hear the pressure in his voice.
"Okay, get some rest early, don't get too tired." His father instructed.
After hanging up the phone, Lu Chuan's gaze became even more determined. He walked to the window and looked into the distance.
Although he didn't know the exact direction of the Basque Country, he knew that it was the venue for the next round of the Copa del Rey.
He softly said to the air: "Barakaldo... my first goal, my first hat-trick, let it start with you."
He didn't look out the window again. For him, vows didn't need witnesses, only to be fulfilled with one goal after another.
The system panel flickered in his mind: Current LP Balance: 50.
Lu Chuan closed his eyes, already replaying the match three days later in his mind.
Barakaldo's defense, their goalkeeper's weaknesses, the best shooting angles—all of these clearly appeared in his mind.
This was not just a match, but his stage to prove himself.