NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Assessment of Prospective Warriors
After exchanging a few words in the chat group, Jiang Li exited and opened the Points Mall.
Suddenly, a dazzling array of items appeared before him.
[Peach Blossom Island Sword Technique, by Little Chef Huang Rong – 15 points]
[Maoshan Physical Skills, by Zombie Taoist Priest – 20 points]
[Ming Yu Gong, by Yao Yue – 500 points]
[The Mysterious Secret of Xuanxin, by Yan Chixia – 800 points]
[...]
There were also many other items, talismans, and techniques uploaded by members of the group.
"My Tai Chi breathing exercises aren't enough anymore. The Tai Chi Longevity Sword Technique is just a sword technique. Even if I master its intent, it won't help me advance my realm. It seems I still need to create a higher-level technique!"
"Still, I should start by acquiring the 'Gene Energy Cultivation Method.'"
Early the next morning, after a loving breakfast with Ling Ling, Jiang Li set off for the meeting place.
"Brother Jiang!"
As soon as he arrived, Jiang Li was greeted by a young man.
"Luo Feng? Are you here for the assessment too?"
Jiang Li was surprised to see Luo Feng standing at the entrance of a gated community.
This was the gathering place for warriors in Jiangnan Base City—Mingyue Community.
"Gentlemen, this is Mingyue Community. Please keep your distance."
At the gate, a row of soldiers armed with live ammunition stood guard.
One of them warned sternly, "Please step back. If you cross this line, I have the authority to shoot on sight!"
"Just like the rumors say. Only warriors and their families live here. Even the police aren't allowed to enter without permission."
After a moment of awe, Luo Feng took out his student ID and said, "We're here for the prospective warrior assessment. I'm Luo Feng, a senior student at the Extreme Martial Arts School, and this is Jiang Li, also a senior student."
"Oh?"
An elderly man emerged from the guard booth, holding a handheld device. "So young? Please show me your student IDs."
Beep! Beep!
The IDs were scanned, and their information appeared on the screen.
"Jiang Li, twenty years old? Young and promising."
"Luo Feng, eighteen years old?"
The old man looked surprised. "Impressive! I hope you both pass today."
"I might not make it, but Brother Jiang definitely will!"
Luo Feng glanced at Jiang Li, who remained calm, and added, "Thank you, sir."
"Xiao Lin, escort them inside!"
The old man gave the order, and a soldier led them into Mingyue Community. As they walked, he cautioned, "Gentlemen, you're only permitted to enter the Extreme Club. Do not wander into the residential areas, especially where the warriors' families live."
"Violating this rule will result in immediate action by the patrols."
Jiang Li nodded in understanding and followed Xiao Lin to the Extreme Club Hall.
Although warriors weren't directly affiliated with the government, they were still a vital national force. If their families' safety couldn't be guaranteed, who would be willing to risk their lives fighting monsters outside?
"Hey, Jiang Li!"
As soon as they entered the Extreme Club Hall, Lu Fei approached them, a noticeable scar on his face. "Luo Feng, you're here for the assessment too?"
"You might not pass, but it's good practice."
"Yeah, I tried last month. My strength was up to par, but my speed fell short."
Lu Fei sighed. "Jiang Li, how did you train your speed? Your strength is insane, and your speed is even more impressive!"
"Haha, strength is easy; speed is the hard part!"
A booming voice interrupted them. "Lu Fei, are these two from your martial arts school in Yi'an District?"
Jiang Li turned to see a burly man with a thick beard and well-defined muscles. The man looked at Jiang Li curiously. "Even a big guy like you finds his strength terrifying? Kid, what's your punching power? 1,000 kg? 1,100 kg?"
"The name's Tong Guan..."
Lu Fei smirked. "Guess higher!"
Tong Guan's eyes widened as he looked at Jiang Li. "Could it be...?"
"Everyone, quiet!"
A sharp voice cut through the chatter. A middle-aged man in loose training clothes strode into the room. "Follow me upstairs. The chief instructor's old friend is here today. Be on your best behavior and don't cause any trouble!"
"The chief instructor's old friend?!"
The group exchanged uneasy glances.
The owners of the twelve martial arts schools in the city were referred to as 'instructors,' while the guild hall owners were called 'chief instructors.'
Ding.
The elevator arrived at the sixth floor of the clubhouse.
"People are here."
A long-haired middle-aged man spoke. "We'll talk later."
He was Wu Tong, the chief instructor of the Yangzhou Guild Hall.
As he finished speaking, the dozen or so warriors in the training hall turned their attention to Jiang Li and the other eight candidates. The atmosphere grew tense.
After all, everyone here was a warrior, and some were even at the general level.
"Oh? One of you just received your student ID yesterday?"
Wu Tong glanced at the information on his handheld device, then scanned the group. His gaze settled on Jiang Li. "Is this Jiang Li?"
"Chief Instructor, I haven't met him before, but it must be him."
Wu Tong's assistant confirmed. "His punching power is 1,320 kg, and his speed is 36 meters per second—already surpassing the junior warrior standard."
"It's a shame he awakened a bit late, but it's not too late."
Wu Tong shook his head slightly and walked toward the group. "First up, Tong Guan."
"Interesting. Even someone with a military background is here to take the exam at my Extreme Martial Arts Gym?"
"Yes, sir!"
Tong Guan stepped forward, took a deep breath, and delivered a powerful punch to the testing machine. The machine shuddered slightly.
989 kg.
"Pass. Next, Luo Feng."
"Eighteen years old?"
Wu Tong glanced at the information and raised an eyebrow. "Old Jiang, when did such a talented kid appear in your Yi'an District?"
"Haha."
Jiang Nian, the instructor from Yi'an District, couldn't hide his pride. "I didn't expect him to come this time either."
"Eighteen years old? Only those who pass can be called talented."
Another warrior nearby scoffed.
"Old Liu, at eighteen, he's already a senior student. What were you doing at eighteen? Still figuring things out, I bet!"
"Old Jiang, you've got a sharp tongue!"
"Enough!"
Jiang Nian stepped forward and called out, "Luo Feng, show them what Yi'an District is made of!"
"Yes, Instructor!"
Luo Feng stepped up to the punching machine, adjusted his stance, and delivered a powerful blow, his fist moving like a crossbow bolt.
Bang!
The screen displayed: 1,105 kg.
"Excellent!"
"Amazing! He's already at warrior-level strength!"
"Such power at eighteen? What a talent!"
The warriors erupted in praise.
"Not bad. He uses his waist and legs to generate power. There's hidden strength in his punch. Very impressive!"
Chief Instructor Wu Tong stroked his chin, clearly impressed.
"Haha, and that's not all..."
Jiang Nian beamed with pride. "Luo Feng is also skilled in actual combat. He's taken down three senior students in a row, clean and efficient!"
Luo Feng basked in the praise.
"Passed."
Wu Tong nodded. "Next, Bai Yang."
As Luo Feng returned to the group, everyone congratulated him.
"Not bad, kid. You've got a real shot this time."
Lu Fei chuckled. "I hope some of my luck rubs off on you two. I passed too. Jiang Li, why are you staring at the punching machine? With your strength, you'll pass easily."
"That's not what I'm worried about."
Jiang Li shook his head, touching his chin thoughtfully. "Lu Fei, what's the maximum punching force this machine can handle?"
"Uh... what?"
Lu Fei looked confused. "This is a warrior-level testing machine. Maybe three to five thousand kilograms? Why?"
"Just wondering."
Jiang Li nodded.
Though this world was dangerous, Hanxia was relatively safe compared to other nations. The earlier he revealed his talent, the more resources he could secure.
"Last one, Jiang Li!"
Since Jiang Li had only submitted his information the day before, he was scheduled last.