Body Tempering Fourth Rank!
Display of Strength!
This time, Lin Guanhuo didn't hold back.
After all, the test results were related to his treatment and benefits.
The Demon Suppressing Division was the undisputed authority in Blackwater City, and it was considered a reputable sect. Lin Guanhuo didn't have to worry about anyone harboring ill intentions towards him.
At this moment, seeing the test results caused the entire apprentice training ground to erupt in an uproar.
"1230 jin of strength???"
"Is the strength testing post... malfunctioning??"
The few scribes responsible for recording the results exchanged glances, thinking the strength testing post had broken.
They quickly rushed over and even had someone else test it with a couple of punches. The results showed the post was fine and operating normally.
"Instructor..." one of the scribes looked at the instructor Zhou Cang on the stage and said, "The machine isn't broken."
1230 jin!
A genuine Body Tempering Fourth Rank!
"Good! Good kid!"
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap~~~
Zhou Cang was only stunned for a moment before he excitedly started clapping.
Due to the sheer surprise, Zhou Cang didn't know what to say for a moment, only managing to exclaim "Good!" twice.
"This is the first time I've seen Instructor Zhou Cang lose his composure like this..."
"He's found a good prospect. This year, we have geniuses like Lin Guanhuo and Shen Yifan. If you were the instructor, you'd be excited too!"
"Lin Guanhuo is usually so low-key, but he's actually a hidden genius..."
Everyone started discussing amongst themselves.
Then, under the gazes of countless people, Zhou Cang approached Lin Guanhuo.
Zhou Cang's eyes were like torches, and he could immediately sense the vitality within Lin Guanhuo's body. It was incredibly abundant and pure.
It was far beyond the strength gained through pills or unorthodox methods.
In other words, Lin Guanhuo's Fourth Rank martial artist strength was genuine.
In fact, Fourth Rank martial artists were not uncommon in the Demon Suppressing Division; one could say they were everywhere.
Lin Guanhuo's Fourth Rank martial artist strength wasn't the key point.
The key points were his talent and his future.
Lin Guanhuo was only eighteen years old!
And he knew that Lin Guanhuo used to be just a low-ranking official in the county yamen. He was orphaned from a young age and was recommended here by the discerning eyes of the Demon Suppressing Division.
He had no family background and relied entirely on himself to forge his own path in martial arts!!
With such talent, if nurtured properly, his future would be immeasurable!!
Perhaps, this Lin Guanhuo standing before them could become the next Golden Medal Emissary of their Demon Suppressing Division!
Meanwhile, Lin Guanhuo remained calm, simply cupping his fists slightly, neither subservient nor arrogant.
As he stepped down from the stage, the expressions of all the apprentices changed. There was envy and surprise.
But more than anything, there was admiration.
"Lin... Senior Brother Lin."
Just then, a gust of fragrant wind swept through.
Li Miaomiao, a beauty who was quite popular among the apprentices this year, had appeared beside Lin Guanhuo at some point.
A sweet smile, never seen before, graced her pretty face.
She clasped her hands behind her back, leaning slightly forward, looking charming and lovely.
"Um... I just passed the assessment too, and I'm still a bit clumsy with some moves. I was wondering if Senior Brother Lin could... give me some pointers privately in the future?"
Hearing this, the surrounding male apprentices' eyes turned red with envy.
This was Li Miaomiao! Even Shen Yifan, who had been so impressive earlier, hadn't seen her act this proactively.
And now, she was practically throwing herself at him!
Was this the charm of strength?
However, Lin Guanhuo simply replied indifferently, "I'm busy lately."
Two words, crisp and decisive, completely killed the conversation.
The smile on Li Miaomiao's face froze.
Watching Lin Guanhuo's receding back, she bit her red lips lightly, her delicate fists clenched.
Just a thought, though...
"Hmph, he must be shy..."
She mused inwardly.
After all, she'd heard Lin Guanhuo was a loner and from a poor background. Seeing a beauty show interest for the first time, he'd surely be embarrassed.
"It's okay, we're in the same division. There will be plenty of opportunities later." Li Miaomiao's eyes flashed with a determined glint.
Not far away.
Shen Yifan watched the scene with a hint of dejection.
He had initially wanted to compete, but seeing that terrifying 1250 jin figure, and then Li Miaomiao's fawning expression.
He finally realized he and Lin Guanhuo were on completely different levels.
"Brother Lin, congratulations."
Shen Yifan took a deep breath and cupped his hands towards Lin Guanhuo.
At this moment, he was genuinely impressed.
"Alright."
Meanwhile, on the high platform.
Zhou Cang's smile faded, and his usual stern demeanor returned.
He announced loudly, "Lin Guanhuo, you've passed the assessment! You're officially a Class A Division Servant, with a monthly salary of seventy taels!"
Although he had expected it, hearing the words "Class A" and "seventy taels" still caused an uproar among the crowd.
Class A Division Servant was the highest rank for a Demon Suppressing Division servant. The next step up...
...was becoming a Badge Walker.
"Those who didn't pass may leave. Go back and train hard, and come again next month."
Zhou Cang waved his hand.
The eliminated apprentices could only leave the martial arts field with envious and unwilling expressions.
On the vast square, only Lin Guanhuo, Shen Yifan, Li Miaomiao, Zhao Ming, and a small group of other successful apprentices remained.
"Congratulations to all of you."
Zhou Cang looked at this new batch of recruits and said solemnly, "From today onwards, you have truly stepped through the doors of the Demon Suppressing Division. As the first batch of outstanding individuals to pass the assessment, the division's resources will be prioritized for you."
A moment later, a middle-aged man arrived at the apprentice courtyard.
"Steward Liu," Zhou Cang nodded upon seeing the newcomer and then introduced, "These are this year's first batch of Division Servants."
The man called Steward Liu was dressed in a gray robe and appeared to be a civilian official.
"Head Instructor Zhou, you've worked hard."
Steward Liu bowed with a smile, his gaze swept over everyone, and then he chuckled, "Everyone, your new residences have been arranged. You have half an hour to pack your belongings."
Afterward, those who passed the assessment returned to their dormitories to pack their luggage and personal items.
After bidding farewell to Head Instructor Zhou, the group followed Steward Liu and left.
At this moment, the sun was setting, and Zhou Cang was the only one left in the apprentice square.
This year's newcomers included not only an unexpected genius like Lin Guanhuo but also promising talents like Shen Yifan and Zhao Ming.
"In recent years, local major powers like the Luohe Martial Arts School, the Xu Family, and the Blood Spear Sect have produced many geniuses... some of the younger generation are extremely formidable."
"Especially the eldest daughter of the Luohe Martial Arts School... she has already reached the Bone Forging Realm... these major forces, while appearing to be biding their time, are secretly pouring all their efforts into nurturing the next generation."
"These families and factions are all hoping that one of their young prodigies will become a Bright Sun Talent, competing with our Demon Suppressing Division for influence over Blackwater City..."
"Our Demon Suppressing Division must not fall behind them!"
Zhou Cang murmured to himself as he walked.
And just then.
Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump-thump!!
The sound of hooves echoed from behind Zhou Cang. He paused, startled, and turned his head.
At this moment, a convoy was slowly emerging from the inner courtyard. The lead carriage was entirely black, its body forged from profound iron.
Three warhorses clad in scale armor exuded an imposing aura.
Behind the carriage were dozens of accompanying guards, each wearing a mask and dressed in black, their presence inscrutable.
"Black Armored Guard?"
Seeing this display, Zhou Cang's expression turned serious.
The Black Armored Guard were the elite protectors of the Demon Suppressing Division. In terms of strength, each of them was a Martial Master or above, exclusively serving the important figures within the division.
"Is... is that the Commander?" Zhou Cang finally realized and immediately bowed slightly towards the convoy.
It wasn't just Zhou Cang; all the instructors, servants, and Badge Walkers near the entrance of the Demon Suppressing Division dismounted or bowed their heads in respect.
It was clear the person inside the carriage held a noble status.
However.
Just then, the convoy arrived near Zhou Cang.
"Stop."
A hand reached out from the carriage window and waved gently.
The curtains blocked the view inside the carriage, only allowing a glimpse of several blurred figures seated within.
"Zhou Cang."
A middle-aged male voice came from the carriage. "How are the newcomers this year?"
Zhou Cang trembled all over and quickly hurried forward.
He arrived beneath the carriage window, bowed even lower, and respectfully replied, "Reporting to you, Commander, there truly is a promising talent among this year's batch."
"This person's name is Lin Guanhuo. He's only eighteen years old and has already reached the fourth rank of martial artist. Both his temperament and talent are top-tier."
"Oh?"
The voice from the carriage seemed to gain a hint of interest. "From what you say, he's quite moldable."
The speaker was none other than the head of Blackwater's Demon Suppressing Division, Commander Ye Nantian!
He was also the foremost expert in all of Blackwater City.
During countless demon and monster invasions, it was Ye Nantian alone who bore the brunt for all of Blackwater City, saving it from devastation.
He was a revered figure in Blackwater City.
"Good."
Ye Nantian said calmly, "I will inform the Deputy Commander to keep a closer eye on this individual. If he is truly a piece of unpolished jade, then our Demon Suppressing Division will naturally not let him go unnoticed."
"Yes." Zhou Cang cupped his hands.
"Let's go."
Ye Nantian waved his hand.
The wheels rolled, and the black convoy started moving again.
Escorted by a large number of Martial Master guards, they disappeared at the end of the street.
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