The venue for the Outer Sect Disciple examination was far grander than the Martial Arts Examination's trial grounds. The square was packed with disciples taking the examination and onlookers, while voices of discussion and shouts rang out without end.
The examination was divided into three rounds. The first two were Basic Spear Technique and the Vitality Test, and Fang Yan passed both with ease. His vitality had stabilized at 1.19, still a considerable distance from the 10.0 threshold of a "Martial Master." Meanwhile, the introductory moves of the Profound Ice Spear Technique he displayed were steady and awe-inspiring, with biting cold radiating from them. The elders in charge of the examination were all impressed.
The third round was a practical battle, conducted by drawing lots. Fang Yan's opponent was Zhao Hu, a veteran powerhouse among the Outer Sect Disciples. Zhao Hu's vitality was as high as 1.21, and he excelled at the Fierce Tiger Fist. His punches were fierce and powerful, and he possessed boundless strength. He ranked among the top fifty Outer Sect Disciples, with strength far surpassing any opponent Fang Yan had faced before.
"Hahaha, I actually drew a newcomer?" Zhao Hu looked at Fang Yan with utter disdain. "Kid, if you know what's good for you, surrender on your own. Otherwise, I'll break your arms and legs in a moment!"
The surrounding disciples began discussing among themselves as well:
"Who's this Fang Yan? He actually dares to fight Zhao Hu?"
"I heard he only passed the Martial Arts Examination recently. He even learned spear techniques, but he definitely isn't Zhao Hu's match."
"That's right. Zhao Hu's Fierce Tiger Descending Mountain Fist can send someone flying with a single punch!"
Fang Yan said nothing. He merely tightened his grip on the Ink Ice Spear, his gaze cold as frost. He knew that no matter how much he said, it would be useless. Strength was the best proof.
"Let the examination begin!" At the elder's command, Zhao Hu struck first.
"Fierce Tiger Descending Mountain!"
With a thunderous roar, Zhao Hu suddenly pounced forward, his fist carrying a howling gust of force as it shot straight toward Fang Yan's face. A faint tiger-shaped aura even seemed to condense around his fist, its momentum terrifying.
Fang Yan dared not be careless. He immediately used the Wind-Treading Steps, his figure flickering sideways like a specter. At the same time, the Ink Ice Spear in his hand thrust out with the motion, its tip aimed directly at Zhao Hu's ribs—a strike aimed at the place his opponent had to defend.
"Hm?" Zhao Hu furrowed his brows. He had not expected Fang Yan to react so quickly, much less wield such a treacherous spear technique. He had no choice but to pull back his fist and turn sideways to evade the thrust.
"Interesting!" A trace of surprise flashed through Zhao Hu's eyes, and he immediately launched another fierce assault. His fists poured out like a raging storm, each one heavy and powerful, steadily shrinking the space available for Fang Yan to evade.
Fang Yan wove through the shadows of the fists with his nimble footwork while constantly harassing Zhao Hu with the Ink Ice Spear. He discovered that although Zhao Hu's boxing was fierce and powerful, it also contained many openings—especially during the moment after he threw a punch, when he was retracting it.
Now!
Fang Yan seized an opening. As Zhao Hu's punch struck empty air and before he could summon new strength, Fang Yan suddenly stepped forward and swept the Ink Ice Spear horizontally.
"Profound Ice Spear Technique—Ice Spike Thrust!"
Several razor-sharp ice spikes condensed around the spear tip. Carrying bone-piercing cold, they stabbed straight toward Zhao Hu's chest.
Zhao Hu's expression changed drastically. It was already too late to dodge. He could only cross both arms before his chest and take the thrust head-on.
"Clang!"
The ice spikes struck Zhao Hu's arms with a crisp ringing sound. He felt a fierce chill spread from his arms throughout his body, stiffening him from head to toe and making the circulation of his vitality sluggish.
"Ah!" Zhao Hu cried out in pain and fury, swinging another punch.
But by then, Fang Yan had already seized the initiative. He used the Ice Heart Art, pouring his inner force continuously into the Ink Ice Spear. In an instant, a thick layer of ice covered the spear shaft.
"Profound Ice Spear Technique—Ice Seals Ten Thousand Miles!"
Fang Yan gave a low shout and thrust the spear forward. Vast, freezing energy erupted from the shaft, forming the enormous phantom of an ice spear that bore down on Zhao Hu.
This strike gathered all the inner force in his body and the essence of the Profound Ice Spear Technique, making its power far greater than before.
Terror filled Zhao Hu's eyes as he stared at the enormous ice-spear phantom. He wanted to flee, but the cold had frozen his body stiff and left it beyond his control.
"Pff!"
The ice-spear phantom slammed solidly into Zhao Hu, sending him flying backward. He crashed heavily to the ground, spat out a mouthful of blood, and was instantly covered in thick layers of ice. He lost his combat ability on the spot.
"Zhao Hu, defeated!" the elder announced loudly.
The square fell silent in an instant. Everyone stared at Fang Yan in disbelief. A newcomer who had only just passed the Martial Arts Examination had actually defeated Zhao Hu, who ranked among the top fifty?
A few seconds later, thunderous cheers and excited discussion erupted across the square:
"That's incredible! Just what kind of background does this Fang Yan have?"
"His spear technique is so powerful, and that cold energy—just looking at it makes my hair stand on end!"
"Judging from his strength, he might even break into the top twenty of the Outer Sect Disciples!"
Fang Yan put away the Ink Ice Spear and breathed slightly heavily. Although he had defeated Zhao Hu, he had also expended quite a bit of inner force. Still, the joy of victory and the attention of those around him filled his heart with a sense of accomplishment.
The elder walked up to Fang Yan and nodded with satisfaction. "Fang Yan, you're very impressive. Your performance far exceeded my expectations. You've passed the Outer Sect Disciple examination. Furthermore, based on your strength, you're being promoted directly to fiftieth place among the Outer Sect Disciples!"
"Many thanks, Elder!" Fang Yan cupped his hands in salute, his heart surging with excitement.
Becoming an Outer Sect Disciple was only the beginning of his martial path. He knew that even stronger opponents and more arduous challenges awaited him ahead. But he had confidence that, relying on his own efforts and fortuitous encounters, he would surely go farther along this path!
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