Looking at the spirited young man in front of him, Escort Master Huang nodded and said, "Not bad, keep up the good work."

"Alright."

Jiang Ping responded obediently.

Ever since Sun Qi broke through to the 2nd Layer, he also planned to showcase his progress in two layers of cultivation.

For two reasons.

First, to secure a spot in the top five and earn extra food supplements.

Second, for the Stance Art.

Jiang Ping actually preferred to cultivate quietly without drawing attention, but obtaining the Stance Art was a problem for him. To get it quickly, he needed to become an Escort Master and earn money.

Therefore, he had to show some of his talent.

Of course, the display of talent had to be just right. He couldn't be too conspicuous, as being too noticeable was not ideal. The second or third position was perfect, showing strength without being too flashy.

Jiang Ping sought the Stance Art to enhance his strength and secure his place in the world. However, just showing talent wasn't enough; he had to be cautious and advance step by step.

Thus, for future breakthroughs in the Nourishing Life Art, he would never be the first. He would let himself remain under the shadow of the 'first in the escort agency,' being the eternal second or third.

Then again, what if he caught the attention of a big shot in the escort agency and was granted the Stance Art?

So, revealing some talent was necessary; he couldn't always hide, or he'd truly become a turtle.

However, he couldn't show too much; he had to know when to stop and let the first person draw the attention.

In short, he couldn't reveal too much, just a tiny bit.

"Hmm, from now on, that first person... is the only one I look up to!" Jiang Ping muttered to himself.

......

As Jiang Ping walked into the crowd, Luo Tiegen immediately approached enthusiastically, exclaiming:

"Congratulations, Brother Jiang, I knew you could do it! We must celebrate this, gather everyone from our dorm tonight, and chip in to give Brother Jiang a proper celebration."

Jiang Ping was slightly surprised.

This person changed quickly; just now, he was cozying up to Sun Qi, and now he was coming to him, even changing his address to 'Brother.'

Moreover, he wanted to celebrate to build a good relationship, but he was genuinely taking out money and urging everyone to spend together, clearly wanting to invest in Jiang Ping, seeking to give first but not wanting to lose too much.

"No need." Jiang Ping waved his hand, straightforwardly refusing.

He understood now; Luo Tiegen liked to take small advantages but was also shrewd. Unfortunately, Jiang Ping disliked such people the most, as they were likely to betray.

After speaking, Jiang Ping moved to the back of the crowd, and everyone instinctively made way for him.

See, this is the symbol of strength!

As he passed Sun Zheng, Jiang Ping caught a glimpse of his trembling legs.

Just a cowardly person putting on a brave front.

When Jiang Ping returned to his original spot, Liu Wensheng also offered congratulations, though with a hint of complaint, "Brother Jiang is even better at hiding than Fang Yong."

"It's just that I can't let our top five lose face."

"......" Liu Wensheng.

While the two whispered, the Fist Strength Test continued ahead.

After Jiang Ping, it was his dorm mate's turn.

Luo Daniu and the others were still at the Entry Level, walking a bit awkwardly. The thick-skinned Luo Tiegen was still at the 1st Layer of the Nourishing Life Art, making progress but not yet breaking through.

When it was Qian Dele's turn, he wore a full smile, showing respect, and somehow learned a set of movements to bow to the Head Escort.

Others were unaware, but his dorm mates Jiang Ping and Luo Daniu watched with a knowing attitude, understanding he was currying favor with Chief Escort Liang.

However, people were also whispering, wondering if this perennial top five could continue the legend like Jiang Ping and Fang Yong.

"Two hundred and five pounds!"

The result came, and everyone had different expressions. Compared to Sun Zheng's disappointment and Sun Qi's dismay, most people were visibly relieved.

Three people had already mastered two layers of power; if another appeared, how would they survive?

At the front, Qian Dele bowed again, still smiling, but the usually silent Chief Escort Liang suddenly raised an eyebrow and scolded:

"Why are you bowing? Are you worthy of performing the Discipleship Rite to me?"

The cold voice echoed, even the relaxed Escort Master Huang restrained his expression, and the crowd fell silent.

Everyone realized that Qian Dele had just performed the Discipleship Rite.

"The Discipleship Rite, is he worthy?" Those who disliked Qian Dele immediately mocked.

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Someone who had only practiced the 1st Layer of the Nourishing Life Art, with no strength, no background, and unremarkable talent, wasn't even sure to enter the escort agency, yet dared to cozy up to an 8th-Rank Martial Artist. Wasn't this self-humiliation, adding to the laughter?

The scene turned cold.

In front of the Head Escort, Qian Dele's face turned pale, his eyes filled with fear.

At eighteen, Qian Dele stood like an ant.

"Young people should focus on practicing diligently. Once you enter the escort agency, then think about these things."

Finally, it was Escort Master Huang who smoothed things over, signaling him to step down quickly.

Qian Dele, red-faced, quickly realized his foolish behavior and slunk back into the crowd.

......

Time passed, and shortly after the small episode, the third Fist Strength Test concluded.

Among the top five that many were watching, Sun Qi still maintained his leading advantage, respected as the first.

However, some speculated that his advantage might soon be erased.

Because Fang Yong, Jiang Ping, and Liu Wensheng were not willing to fall behind, they also mastered two layers of the Nourishing Life Art.

The obvious difference between them was that Sun Qi was wealthy, eating three servings of food supplements each meal, while the other three relied only on extra rewards without increasing their food supplement intake.

Sun Qi naturally noticed this, his expression slightly changing.

"Hmph, surpass me first, then talk." He glanced at the three, coldly snorting in his heart.

Then there was the fifth in fist strength, Qian Dele, who had been scolded by the Head Escort.

He dropped from second in the last test to the gatekeeper of the top five, with a trend of continuing to fall, as the sixth and seventh places were not far behind in fist strength, with only a three-pound difference between the sixth and fifth.

"Brother Qian, you must work harder to secure the fifth position." Sun Zheng's voice was somewhat hoarse, no longer as proud as before, looking a bit timid.

He realized that outsiders were unreliable, and only his best friend in front of him was his solid support.

"Let's eat." Qian Dele said in a low voice, his expression somewhat gloomy.

......

After the meal, the hundred people returned to the Martial Training Ground to practice.

This Fist Strength Test, aside from the changes in the top five, the most important was the notice from Chief Escort Liang.

'Those who do not reach the Entry Level by the next test will no longer receive food supplements!' This was a dangerous signal for many, concerning their future.

Therefore, most people practiced with extra seriousness this time, no longer joking around, not daring to slack off.

In the crowd, Jiang Ping, who had no such worries, practiced as usual. After three rounds, his Blood Qi suddenly surged.

The 5th Layer of the Nourishing Life Art was achieved!

Fist strength increased by another hundred pounds!

Jiang Ping's face showed no joy from the breakthrough. He sat down to rest while pondering:

"Getting closer to becoming a Martial Artist. After reaching the peak of the Nourishing Life Art, I need the Stance Art to continue on the Martial Dao. There are two ways to learn the Stance Art."

"First, spend twelve taels of silver at the Martial Hall, the safest way, as there are seniors to guide you, making cultivation faster."

"Second, go to the black market in Yangcheng City to buy the Stance Art at a low price. The downside is there's no one to teach, so the start might be much slower."

Actually, with Jiang Ping's eight taels of silver, he could have exchanged it at the black market long ago.

But he didn't know his talent at the time, fearing he might make mistakes in practice. Being cautious by nature, he didn't go.

Now it seems it was indeed a wise choice, as an important condition for practicing was to have enough to eat.

If he had insisted, not only might he not have succeeded, but he could have injured himself, which wouldn't have been worth it.

Now, with food supplements to aid him, practicing the Stance Art shouldn't be a problem. Plus, his talent was decent, so he might just succeed quickly.

"Everyone stop, line up, gather!"

At this moment, a voice interrupted Jiang Ping's thoughts.