Outer Sect Assessment, Spear-Challenging a Strong Foe

The Outer Sect Disciple assessment grounds were grander than the sparring arena used for the martial arts exam. The plaza was packed with disciples undergoing assessment and a crowd of onlookers, their chatter and shouts filling the air.

The assessment was divided into three rounds. The first two were a basic spear technique and a Blood Essence test, both of which Fang Yan passed with ease. His Blood Essence was stable at 1.19, still a distance from the 10.0 threshold for a Martial Master. The introductory moves of the Profound Ice Spear Technique he displayed were steady and exuded a chilling aura, catching the eyes of the assessing Elders.

The third round was a live combat duel, decided by a drawing of lots. Fang Yan's opponent was a veteran powerhouse among the Outer Sect Disciples—Zhao Hu. Zhao Hu's Blood Essence was a high 1.21, and he specialized in the Fierce Tiger Fist, a technique known for its fierce power and immense strength. He ranked in the top fifty among Outer Sect Disciples, his strength far surpassing any opponent Fang Yan had faced before.

"Hahaha, I actually drew a newbie?" Zhao Hu looked at Fang Yan with disdain. "Kid, if you know what's good for you, just surrender now and save yourself from having your arms and legs broken later!"

The surrounding disciples began to discuss:

"Who is this Fang Yan? He actually dares to fight Zhao Hu?"

"I heard he just passed the martial arts exam not long ago and learned spear techniques, but he's definitely no match for Zhao Hu."

"Yeah, Zhao Hu's Fierce Tiger Descending Mountain Fist can send someone flying with just one punch!"

Fang Yan remained silent, merely tightening his grip on the Ink Ice Spear in his hand, his eyes as cold as frost. He knew that words were useless; strength was the best proof.

"Assessment begins!" As the Elder's command echoed, Zhao Hu struck first.

"Fierce Tiger Descending Mountain!"

Zhao Hu roared, lunging forward with his body. His fist, carrying whistling winds, shot straight for Fang Yan's face. A faint tiger-shaped energy aura even condensed around his fist, creating a terrifying momentum.

Fang Yan dared not be careless. He immediately executed the Wind-Treading Steps, his body flashing to the side like a phantom. Simultaneously, the Ink Ice Spear in his hand thrust out, its tip aimed directly at Zhao Hu's ribs, attacking a vital point.

"Hmm?" Zhao Hu frowned, surprised by Fang Yan's swift reaction and the tricky nature of his spear technique. He had no choice but to retract his fist and sidestep to evade the thrust.

"Interesting!" A flicker of surprise flashed in Zhao Hu's eyes before he launched another fierce assault. His fists rained down like a storm, each punch carrying immense power, steadily shrinking Fang Yan's space to evade.

Fang Yan weaved through the barrage of fists with his agile footwork, constantly harassing Zhao Hu with the Ink Ice Spear. He discovered that while Zhao Hu's boxing was powerful, it also had numerous openings, especially during the recovery phase after throwing a punch.

"Now!"

Fang Yan seized an opportunity. As Zhao Hu's punch missed and his old strength waned, Fang Yan took a sudden step forward, sweeping the Ink Ice Spear horizontally.

"Profound Ice Spear Technique—Ice Shard Stab!"

Several sharp ice shards condensed at the spear tip, carrying a bone-chilling coldness as they shot directly towards Zhao Hu's chest.

Zhao Hu's expression changed drastically. It was too late to dodge. He could only cross his arms in front of his chest to block the strike.

"Clang!"

The ice shards struck Zhao Hu's arms with a crisp sound. Zhao Hu felt a biting cold spread from his arms throughout his body, stiffening him and making his Blood Essence circulation sluggish.

"Argh!" Zhao Hu roared in pain and swung his fist again.

But Fang Yan had already gained the upper hand. He activated the Ice Heart Art, channeling his internal energy into the Ink Ice Spear, which was instantly covered in a thick layer of ice.

"Profound Ice Spear Technique—Frozen Miles!"

Fang Yan grunted, thrusting his spear forward. The spear erupted with immense cold energy, forming a colossal phantom ice spear that crushed towards Zhao Hu.

This strike, imbued with all his internal energy and the essence of the Profound Ice Spear Technique, was far more powerful than anything before.

Zhao Hu stared at the massive phantom ice spear with fear in his eyes. He wanted to flee, but his body was frozen by the cold, refusing to obey.

"Pfft!"

The phantom ice spear struck Zhao Hu squarely, sending him flying backward. He crashed heavily onto the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood. His body was covered in thick ice, instantly incapacitating him.

"Zhao Hu, defeated!" the Elder announced loudly.

The plaza fell silent for a moment, everyone staring at Fang Yan in disbelief. A newcomer who had just passed the martial arts exam had actually defeated Zhao Hu, who was ranked in the top fifty?

After a few seconds, the plaza erupted in thunderous cheers and exclamations:

"Incredible! Who is this Fang Yan?"

"His spear technique is so powerful, and that cold aura is terrifying!"

"Looking at his strength, he might even break into the top twenty Outer Sect Disciples!"

Fang Yan retracted the Ink Ice Spear, breathing slightly heavily. Although he had defeated Zhao Hu, he had also expended a considerable amount of internal energy. However, the joy of victory and the attention from those around him filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

The Elder walked up to Fang Yan and nodded with satisfaction. "Fang Yan, you are very good. Your performance far exceeded my expectations. You are approved to pass the Outer Sect Disciple assessment. Furthermore, based on your strength, you have been exceptionally promoted to fiftieth place among the Outer Sect Disciples!"

"Thank you, Elder!" Fang Yan cupped his hands in a salute, his heart filled with excitement.

Becoming an Outer Sect Disciple was merely the beginning of his Martial Dao journey. He knew that even more powerful opponents and tougher challenges awaited him. But he was confident that with his own hard work and fortunate encounters, he would be able to walk further down this path!