Assessment

When Wang Huan saw it was the younger brother who had betrayed him before, his smile faded, and he said with no warmth, "What's it to you? Go practice your punches."

With that, he was about to return to the quiet room.

"My boxing technique is improving quickly; I should be able to get started soon."

Chen Sanli's eyes darted around, and he pretended to be surprised, saying, "Oh, you know Brother Xu broke through to the Second Meridian too? I was just about to tell you."

Wang Huan's body stiffened, and he turned his head back with some difficulty, "Who did you say? Xu Yuan broke through to the Second Meridian?"

"So Brother Wang didn't know yet?" Chen Sanli's face held a hint of deliberate surprise.

"Master Chen personally verified it. Brother Xu is the first martial artist in our training grounds to break through in both boxing technique and cultivation..."

Wang Huan couldn't hear the rest. He only felt the thoughts in his mind instantly turn into a mess, and he stumbled into the quiet room in a daze.

Chen Sanli watched the other's disheveled state with interest, a sense of satisfaction growing in his heart.

The feedback from Xu Yuan breaking through to the Second Meridian was immediate, even more intense than when he first mastered his boxing technique.

The next day, he received even more direct and significant attention.

After breakfast, Zhao Qiusheng, a small steward from the Personnel Hall and a powerful Third Meridian martial artist, actually came looking for him personally.

"Good kid, you've broken through in both your boxing technique and cultivation. If it weren't for Old Chen, I probably wouldn't have known."

Zhao Qiusheng patted Xu Yuan's shoulder familiarly. Although he knew the young man had a good disposition and was good at handling things, he hadn't been very optimistic about his aptitude, as it had taken him over fifty days to become a martial artist.

Who would have thought that this time, he had maxed out both indicators in just one month? Good heavens, if a few more months pass, you might become a Third Meridian like me?

With such aptitude and disposition, he was truly a gem. Coupled with their existing connection, if he didn't invest in him, he would have lived these decades in vain.

Thus, he had come looking for him early this morning.

"I was fortunate enough to break through just yesterday. I was planning to visit you these past couple of days, but I was afraid you'd be busy with your affairs, so I didn't want to disturb you."

Xu Yuan cupped his hands, feeling the even warmer attitude from the other party, as if he were a close elder. He sighed inwardly, 'There truly is no such thing as kindness for no reason in this world; value and strength are the foundation of everything!'

"I am busy with my affairs, but if it's you, kid, I can still squeeze out some time."

Zhao Qiusheng said with a smile. Whether he was disturbed or not depended on the person. For those with no value for association, he would naturally use his busy schedule as an excuse.

Then, Zhao Qiusheng no longer beat around the bush and stated the purpose of his visit:

"The matter you inquired about is clear. Quan Xiong and a steward named Liu from my Shangyang Family have some connections, but now that you are in the Second Meridian and have displayed considerable aptitude, they will no longer dare to trouble you."

"I also specifically warned Steward Liu. When Quan Xiong returns, he will likely proactively seek reconciliation with you."

He understood human relationships well; what you do and what you give must be known to others for them to remember the favor!

Xu Yuan understood and immediately bowed gratefully, "Thank you for this, Steward Zhao. I apologize for the trouble you've gone through."

"Ah, there's no need to be so formal... How about this, I'm probably older than your father. If you don't mind, you can call me Uncle Zhao." Zhao Qiusheng said with a smile.

"Alright, Uncle Zhao." Xu Yuan followed his lead smoothly, but his movements remained proper and respectful.

Seeing this, Zhao Qiusheng became even happier. After a few more pleasantries, he left.

Xu Yuan stood there contemplating. Since Zhao Qiusheng knew, Feng Xiao would likely hear about his breakthrough soon. He should go inform him to avoid appearing ungrateful.

Arriving at the outer courtyard, Xu Yuan proactively shared the news.

As expected, Feng Xiao was very pleased to see that Xu Yuan hadn't forgotten his past promotion, and his attitude was different from before.

In past conversations, he often felt like he was guiding a junior. Today, perhaps because their cultivation levels were comparable, he subconsciously treated Xu Yuan as an equal, conversing as peers.

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Xu Yuan couldn't help but sigh again, strength is the foundation of everything.

Just like Zhao Qiusheng, after a brief exchange, Feng Xiao reminded Xu Yuan to come find him at the beginning of next month when he selects his duties.

Clearly, he was trying to curry favor with him again.

Time flew by, and two days passed in the blink of an eye. It was the first day of the first lunar month, the very beginning of the New Year.

Therefore, after completing the assessment in the morning, the afternoon would begin with a holiday.

The teaching Martial Master Chen Ze, along with two other Three-stripe Household Guards, a total of three people, jointly presided over this assessment.

The first to be tested were naturally Xu Yuan and Zhou Yu, both martial artists who had mastered their boxing techniques and cultivation.

The process was uneventful, but the Heavenly Net Mirror used for the test was worth mentioning.

They placed their hands on a transparent mirror and circulated their Blood Essence, causing the mirror to light up with two patterns, representing the Ren Meridian and the Governing Meridian, the symbols of a Second Meridian martial artist.

"Xu Yuan, Zhou Yu, having broken through to the Second Meridian realm, you are promoted to Second Pattern Household Guard."

The assessing Martial Master handed the two a jade pendant inscribed with the character '证' (Zheng - Certificate). "With this item, you can go to the Personnel Hall to be promoted to a Second Pattern Household Guard, collect your relevant clothing and waist token, and receive your monthly salary as a Second Pattern Household Guard starting this month."

Then, he announced the most important reward: "These two have broken through in both boxing technique and realm. They are rewarded with six months of self-selected duties."

As the words fell, dozens of people in the training ground cast envious glances.

Among them, Huang Lihong's reaction was particularly strong.

Her eyes widened, and her face was filled with disbelief, "His aptitude is clearly so mediocre, why has he managed to master both his boxing technique and realm?"

"He definitely cheated!"

Beside her, Sun Rong tugged at Huang Lihong's arm and whispered, "Don't talk nonsense. Three Martial Masters personally confirmed it. How could there be cheating? Be careful not to get noticed and bring trouble upon yourself for no reason."

Hearing this, Huang Lihong's emotions calmed slightly, but she still couldn't quite understand. "Didn't you say his aptitude was mediocre? But with this speed, very few of the dozens of people here can match it!"

Sun Rong looked in Xu Yuan's direction with a complicated expression, her lips filled with bitterness.

"He did indeed break through near the end of the month back then. It was likely due to a deficiency in Blood Essence. After he recovered, his true talent was revealed."

After speaking, Sun Rong fell silent, regretting her past actions deeply. She blamed her own short-sightedness at the time. Once she became a Martial Artist, her mindset had changed.

She thought there was a barrier between her and Xu Yuan, fearing he might pester her about something in the future.

Now, she realized how laughable her one-sided thinking was.

"If I had maintained a good relationship with him from then until now, imagine how much of a help it would have been..." Sun Rong murmured to herself.

Such a young Martial Master, coupled with his considerable comprehension, would undoubtedly soar to great heights in the future if nothing unexpected happened.

Unfortunately, there's no medicine for regret in the world. The outcome was already decided the moment she chose to give up and distance herself from that relationship.

In the center of the arena, the other three Martial Artists who broke through to the Second Meridian Realm stepped forward to be tested and received their choice of assignments for April.

Following that, Tian Yang, Gao Yuan, Chen Sanli, and a total of nine others successively took the stage, demonstrating the introductory level of Thunderclap Fist, and received their choice of assignments for March.

And then... that was it!

In the audience, Wang Huan lowered his head, his face flushed with shame. Yes, he had failed to break through to the Second Meridian Realm.

He had actually had a chance to break through two days prior, but after being provoked by Xu Yuan, he became restless and distracted, his mind wandering during practice, making it impossible to focus.

Ultimately, his efforts were in vain. He could only wait for a randomly assigned task like everyone else.

Fortunately, he had inquired and learned that with the Shangyang Family and Bai Family's war just beginning, the assigned tasks wouldn't be too dangerous.

However, it wouldn't be considered easy or carefree either. It would certainly be less stable than a self-selected assignment.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.