"Oh?" Jiang Ping raised an eyebrow slightly.
Is the Nourishing Life Art really that difficult?
Why is it that after just six days, two people have already mastered the 2nd Layer?
At this rate, wouldn't someone soon break through to the 4th Layer and become an Escort Master?
Of course, he didn't consider himself in this equation, as Jiang Ping could break through to the 5th Layer of the Nourishing Life Art by this morning. Yet, he thought the two who had only mastered two layers were progressing too quickly.
One shouldn't be too biased, right?
Beside him, Liu Wensheng couldn't see what Jiang Ping was thinking and assumed he was too shocked to speak. Feeling proud, he said, "Didn't expect that, did you?"
"Well, congratulations to Brother Liu," Jiang Ping replied.
"Let's go, it's time for the Fist Strength Test again."
......
Before long.
Martial Training Ground.
A hundred people stood in neat rows, straight and tall, though their expressions varied; some were expectant, others nervous.
In front of them, Chief Escort Liang stood imposingly, exuding authority without anger. Beside him, Escort Master Huang had already opened the yellow booklet and read out the first name:
"Zhang San!"
Zhang San immediately stepped out from the crowd, forcing a smile, as if he already knew his test result.
And the answer did not disappoint him. When the Head Escort announced "146 pounds," he trembled all over, and Escort Master Huang, instead of comforting him, looked at him with disdain and said:
"Too poor, after eating so much beef from our escort agency, you've only increased your fist strength by four pounds, still far from the entry level threshold. You might want to consider other paths after this."
Hearing this, Zhang San walked back into the crowd, dejected.
After he left, Escort Master Huang didn't immediately call the next person. Instead, he scanned the crowd and sneered:
"Our escort agency's beef may be delicious, but don't think you can enjoy it until the assessment ends. If you want a free lunch, you have to show your strength. I'm officially informing you that after the next test, those who haven't reached the entry level of the Nourishing Life Art will no longer receive free food supplements, including rice!"
At these words, the crowd instantly erupted.
Many people looked panicked, and the invisible pressure suddenly doubled.
"Didn't they say they'd provide free meals? Why are they suddenly not? Without food supplements, how are we supposed to train?" someone said, looking displeased, unwilling to accept it.
"Yeah, I've just reached the entry level threshold. If I can't break through in the next three days, won't I have no meat to supplement?"
Many were dissatisfied with the Escort Master's words, thinking the requirements were too harsh. After all, they had only been training for six days, totaling just nine days. What if someone started slow?
Of course, while some couldn't accept this decision, others found it reasonable.
"Don't blame the road for being uneven if you're not up to it. Isn't nine days enough? How much more time do you want to reach entry level, a month, a year? If you lack talent, you should recognize reality early."
Sun Zheng spoke with a mocking tone, looking down on others, glancing at Luo Daniu and the others.
Luo Daniu and his group had complex expressions. Although Sun Zheng's words were harsh, they were true.
The escort agency's willingness to train them for free was already a favor. Wanting to freeload indefinitely wasn't reasonable; they had no obligation to provide free food supplements forever.
"If anyone disagrees with this decision, step forward."
At this moment, Escort Master Huang looked at the crowd and snorted coldly.
Instantly, everyone fell silent.
They were in a low position and weak, how could they dare to defy the escort agency's will?
"No objections, then let's continue. Li Si," Escort Master Huang said.
As the test continued, one young person after another received their results.
Many had reached the entry level of the Nourishing Life Art, but the majority had not.
Among these people, none had mastered two layers of power.
Until Sun Qi.
When his name was called, the scene instantly became lively.
"This is the most powerful among us. He was the first to reach entry level, and the first to break through the 2nd Layer. Is he planning to hold the top spot on the fist strength list until the end?" someone said sourly.
"That's my brother!"
Sun Zheng looked proud and excited, speaking loudly, afraid others wouldn't know.
Bang!
In a moment, Sun Qi threw his strongest punch.
"253 pounds!" The Head Escort's voice came, causing many to gasp.
With such fist strength, an ordinary person would likely suffer significant injury from a single punch.
"Mm, keep it up," the Escort Master nodded slightly.
"Sun Qi will," Sun Qi cupped his fists, appearing neither arrogant nor humble, but when he faced the crowd, he couldn't help but show a hint of pride.
"Brother Qi is number one!" Sun Zheng gave a thumbs up, this time provocatively glancing at Jiang Ping behind him.
......
"Fang Yong," Escort Master Huang called out, his gaze sweeping the crowd.
Soon, an ordinary-looking young man stepped forward.
He no longer had the fear from last time, instead showing anticipation on his face.
When the test result came out.
"222 pounds!"
"Hiss!"
The sound of inhaling was endless, many people showing surprise.
"If I remember correctly, his fist strength was over 170 pounds last time, and now it's suddenly increased by 50 pounds?"
"This person has also broken through the 2nd Layer, and he kept quiet about it until now."
The crowd whispered in surprise.
"Hmm?" Sun Qi couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, looking slightly serious as he scrutinized Fang Yong.
"This person shouldn't be underestimated," Liu Wensheng thought to himself.
Hearing this result, Qian Dele and Sun Zheng were instead somewhat pleased. Sun Zheng sneered, "The top five rankings are going to change, Jiang Ping will have to give up his spot!"
Saying this, he looked back and saw Jiang Ping still in shock, feeling extremely satisfied.
Ahead, Fang Yong stood straight and smiled, "Escort Master Huang, the Nourishing Life Art doesn't seem too difficult, does it?"
As soon as he spoke, the crowd was in an uproar. Some thought Fang Yong was showing off, while others found his words reasonable. After all, in such a short time, two people had already broken through the 2nd Layer, making the Nourishing Life Art seem not as difficult as rumored.
Escort Master Huang didn't explain, only saying, "Keep it up."
This novel is available on "p𝑎wread.com".
As Fang Yong left the stage, the test continued.
Zhao Lusi, who had briefly entered the top five in fist strength, faded into obscurity. He still hadn't reached entry level, a flash in the pan.
"Jiang Ping!"
When Jiang Ping was called, Liu Wensheng couldn't help but whisper, "Good luck, try not to embarrass us top five."
He didn't say much, but his words implied he thought Jiang Ping might not hold his top five position.
"Alright."
Jiang Ping nodded, showing no signs of nervousness.
"Hmm?"
Watching Jiang Ping's back as he walked forward, Liu Wensheng's eyelid twitched, feeling an inexplicable sensation.
Wait a minute.
Could this kid have quietly mastered two layers of power again?!
"Fist strength 227 pounds!"
The voice came, and a certain young man smiled, turning to Liu Wensheng:
"Brother Liu, you spoke too soon again."
"......." Liu Wensheng.
His face turned slightly red, having been caught off guard by that kid again. Why didn't he say anything beforehand?
Ahead.
At the moment he heard the fist strength result, Sun Zheng's expression changed drastically, feeling extremely uncomfortable.
This time, he didn't receive comfort from his old friend. Instead, Qian Dele solemnly advised:
"Don't dwell on what happened with him before. If you see him, endure it if you can, and never provoke him again."
Hearing this, Sun Zheng's face turned pale.
He immediately understood that even his old friend had backed down.
"By the way, Brother Sun Qi asked me to tell you, if there's a conflict, he won't step in."
Qian Dele added, causing Sun Zheng to instinctively shudder, his expression full of fear.
Wuxia / Martial Arts
Urban / Supernatural
Urban / Sci-fi
Isekai / Mature
Sci-fi / Supernatural
Supernatural / Drama
Xianxia / Fantasy
Xuanhuan / Martial Arts
LitRPG / Horror
Xianxia / Xuanhuan
Urban / Sci-fi
LitRPG / Adventure