A Century's Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity, Martial Arts Displaying Sharpness

In the center of the training grounds, as Wang Yue and Wang Qishan took their positions, an elderly martial artist emerged from the back of the crowd.

This person was around fifty or sixty years old, with half-white hair, wearing a faded, coarse cloth martial uniform. Though not imposing in build, he exuded a steady demeanor. It was Wang Shuo, a highly respected elder within the clan. Most disciples in the back courtyard had only heard his name, never seen him. Seeing him step forward now, they instinctively held their breath.

"I am Wang Shuo. I will be presiding over today's assessment," the elder stated calmly, his voice carrying an unquestionable authority. "You will step forward one by one to spar with me. Remember to give it your all. I will determine the final rankings."

As his words fell, the training grounds fell silent. No one stepped forward first. Everyone wanted to observe others' strength and gauge Wang Shuo's abilities before potentially embarrassing themselves by going up first.

Wang Yue stood at the front of the line. After a brief contemplation, he stepped forward. "An assessment is meant to showcase one's strength. Rather than waiting, it's better to take the initiative."

Seeing him step out first, a flicker of a smile crossed Wang Shuo's cloudy eyes. "The lad has some courage. I'll remember this and give you an extra point later."

The people on the high platform heard this, and not a single person raised an objection. Wang Shuo was Wang Hezheng's paternal uncle, held a very high position within the clan, and had previously been an instructor at the Martial Academy. No one dared to easily refute his decisions.

Wang Yue cupped his hands in greeting, his tone respectful. "Greetings, elder."

As soon as he finished speaking, he adopted the starting stance of Harmonious Flow Fist. With a slight shift of his feet, he suddenly advanced, first displaying the Introductory level of Harmonious Flow Fist. His movements were precise, but he held back three parts of his strength, intending to test Wang Shuo's capabilities.

Wang Shuo remained in place, his feet unmoving. He simply used his arms to block, easily disrupting Wang Yue's fist techniques. His movements were fluid and natural, as if Wang Yue's techniques held no secrets to him.

"Hmph, is that all you've got?" Wang Qishan scoffed from below the high platform, his contempt deepening. He had thought Wang Yue was much stronger, but it turned out he was only at the Introductory level.

Wang Yue, however, remained unhurried. His fist techniques suddenly changed, and he unleashed the Proficient level of Harmonious Flow Fist. His fist speed increased, his fist energy became more condensed, and each punch carried a whistling sound as it aimed for Wang Shuo's vital points.

"Oh? Interesting." Wang Shuo's interest was piqued. He stopped merely defending and also unleashed the Proficient level of Harmonious Flow Fist, clashing with Wang Yue.

The "bang bang" sounds of fists and palms colliding echoed across the training grounds. As Wang Shuo threw punches, he also offered guidance: "Harmonious Flow Fist, the key lies in the words 'harmonious flow.' The strength in your body should converge like flowing water, and the transitions between fist techniques should be seamless. Lad, do you understand?"

Wang Yue's heart jolted. These words precisely pinpointed the weakness in his Harmonious Flow Fist. He realized he had never fully grasped the essence of "harmonious flow." This was guiding him toward his next stage of cultivation!

"Thank you for your guidance, elder!" Wang Yue responded in a deep voice, his fist techniques becoming even more fluid. "I still have a few moves I wish to learn from you, elder!"

Wang Shuo was slightly taken aback, then chuckled heartily. "Unleash them freely. Don't worry about hurting this old man. I'm not that fragile!"

As his words faded, Wang Yue's fist techniques changed again. The Minor Accomplishment level of Harmonious Flow Fist erupted, his fist shadows weaving like a dense tapestry, swift like a great spear in a strategic alliance, charging towards Wang Shuo's face with an unstoppable momentum!

"Minor Accomplishment?!"

The expressions of everyone on the high platform turned serious. Many people on the platform stood up, moving closer to the highest point of the platform, towards Wang Hezheng's seat. Even Wang Shanhai couldn't help but lean forward, wanting to get a clear view of the battle in the arena!

Wang Hezheng abruptly stood up, his aura involuntarily circulating, causing Wang Shanhai beside him to stagger back half a step. He stared at Wang Yue in the arena, his eyes filled with astonishment!

Wang Hu stood to the side, already stunned. He knew Wang Yue's Harmonious Flow Fist had improved rapidly, but he never imagined it had reached the Minor Accomplishment realm. This speed was simply unbelievable!

In the arena, Wang Yue continuously threw punches, the six streams of Qi and Blood within his body surging uncontrollably. The power of each punch was increasing explosively, and the ferocity of his fist winds caused the surrounding disciples to instinctively retreat.

Wang Shuo, however, was not flustered at all. Instead, he laughed heartily. "Good lad! It's actually Minor Accomplishment! Circulate your Qi and Blood, unleash your full strength, and let this old man see the capabilities of the new generation of Wang Clan disciples!"

Wang Yue recalled Wang Hu's reminder to "not hide his strength." He no longer suppressed his abilities. The six streams of Qi and Blood spun rapidly within his body, his fist energy surging once more. Each punch carried a muffled boom that seemed to shake the air.

But what puzzled him was that no matter how fierce his fist energy became, Wang Shuo could always resolve it with ease, even using the force of the impact to guide him in adjusting his fist techniques.

Wang Shuo became increasingly satisfied with Wang Yue: without resources for deliberate nurturing in his youth, his physique was remarkably robust.

His fist techniques were sharp, his footwork solid; even his breathing synchronized with the rhythm of his punches, clearly indicating he had mastered a breathing technique. Such talent was rarely seen in the Wang Clan, occurring only once in a hundred years!

"Good, good, good! Truly unexpected!" Wang Shuo said "good" three times in a row. Suddenly, his fist techniques changed. What was originally the precise Harmonious Flow Fist became as agile as a crane spreading its wings. His martial arts were no longer confined by form; each strike carried an inexplicable, immense power.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

With just three punches, Wang Shuo shattered Wang Yue's stance, forcing Wang Yue to retreat three steps.

Wang Yue stabilized himself, his face filled with shock. "Your martial arts are superb, elder!"

"Lad, what is your name?" Wang Shuo retracted his fists and stood, his eyes full of admiration.

"Disciple Wang Yue. My father is Wang He," Wang Yue replied truthfully, taking a deep breath.

Wang Shuo's satisfaction deepened. "Direct blood relative of the Wang Clan, no special guidance, yet your martial arts have progressed so rapidly, and you've condensed six streams of Qi and Blood. Who taught you your breathing technique?"

Wang Yue's voice faltered. He said softly, "It was Uncle Wang Hu."

"That kid?" Wang Shuo was momentarily stunned, then chuckled. "I didn't expect him to have done something useful. It wasn't a waste of what I taught him back then."

Wang Yue was confused but didn't dare to ask further. From the looks of it, Wang Shuo and Wang Hu seemed to have some past connection.

On the high platform, seeing Wang Yue's astonishing performance, Wang Hu quickly stepped forward and said to Wang Hezheng, "Clan Leader, Wang Yue's martial arts are outstanding, and his strength far surpasses that of his peers. He should be ranked first in this assessment!"

"Presumptuous!" Wang Shanhai's expression darkened, and he rebuked sharply, "The assessment has just begun, and you dare to make a premature judgment. Has your brain gone bad?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Shuo, far away in the center of the training grounds, suddenly spoke loudly, "In my opinion, the first place in today's assessment belongs to Wang Yue!"

Saying this, he grabbed Wang Yue's arm and quickly led him to the front of the high platform, directly confronting Wang Shanhai's sullen gaze.

Wang Shuo let out a cold snort, his eyes sharp as knives. "Shanhai, do you have an opinion on my decision?"

Wang Shanhai's expression changed drastically. He quickly suppressed his aura and gave a sheepish smile. "Brother Shuo has a discerning eye. How could I possibly have an opinion? I just felt... shouldn't we see how others perform first?"

Wang Shuo snorted coldly and pushed Wang Yue to the edge of the high platform. "You wait here. I'm going to assess that bunch of useless fellows, lest they waste our time."

Wang Yue stood at the foot of the high platform, with Wang Hezheng directly above. The previous encounter left Wang Yue's heart pounding like a drum.

At such close proximity, how could Wang Hezheng not see his nervousness? He couldn't help but chuckle in amusement.