Assessment Day, Ten Thousand People Empty Streets

The streets of Jiangnan City were already bustling before dawn.

Today was the annual enrollment assessment day for Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy—for countless poor youths, this was their only chance to change their fate; for noble families, it was a stage to showcase their clan's strength; for the entire city, it was a grand festival.

Lin Fan walked home with light steps.

The three-day special training in Wind Howl Valley had completely transformed him. Though he still bore injuries and his clothes were torn in several places, his gaze was sharper than before, and his aura was steadier.

He first stopped at a pharmacy, using the money he'd taken from the three attackers to buy some external wound medicine and bandages. Then he picked up steaming meat buns and soy milk from a breakfast stall at the alley's entrance—his little sister loved these.

When he pushed open the courtyard gate, Lin Xiaoyu was already up, drawing water from the well.

"Brother!" Seeing Lin Fan return, her eyes lit up, but then she frowned. "You... you got hurt again?"

Lin Fan looked down at his ragged clothes and smiled. "It's nothing, just bumped into something while training."

"Liar." Lin Xiaoyu walked over and gently touched the bandage on his arm. "That's clearly a knife wound."

Lin Fan was startled. When had his sister's observation become so sharp?

"Really, it's fine." He ruffled her hair. "See? I'm alive and kicking. Go wash your face and eat breakfast. Today I'm taking you to the academy to watch the assessment."

"Really?" Lin Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled even brighter. "I can go?"

"Of course." Lin Fan handed her the meat buns and soy milk. "But you have to promise me—stay in the audience area and don't run around."

"Mm-hmm!" Lin Xiaoyu nodded vigorously, taking small bites of the meat bun, her face full of anticipation.

Looking at his sister's rosy cheeks and bright eyes, a warmth surged in Lin Fan's heart. The Lung Cleansing Pill was clearly working—she hadn't coughed much in the past three days, and her stamina had improved significantly.

If he could successfully enter the academy and secure its medical guarantee quota, his sister's illness could be completely cured.

This was a battle he had to win.

After breakfast, Lin Fan changed into clean clothes—still old, but at least without holes. He carefully treated his wounds, making sure they wouldn't affect his performance today.

"Let's go."

The siblings locked the courtyard gate and merged into the stream of people heading toward the academy.

Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy was located in the eastern part of the city, covering a thousand acres—one of Jiangnan City's most magnificent architectural complexes. Its towering walls were built from blue stone, engraved with complex defensive formations; the vermilion gate was ten zhang wide, flanked by two three-meter-tall stone lions, exuding an imposing aura.

At this moment, the square before the academy gate was packed with a sea of people.

Lin Fan estimated at least thirty to fifty thousand people had gathered. Among them, about two to three thousand were examinees; the rest were accompanying family members, curious citizens, spies from various factions, and vendors.

The square was divided into several zones: the Examinee Waiting Area, the Family Viewing Area, the Vendor Area, and the Academy Staff Area. Academy Enforcement Team members in blue uniforms maintained order, but the crowd was so vast that the noise surged like tidal waves, one after another.

"Brother, so many people." Lin Xiaoyu clutched Lin Fan's sleeve tightly, a little nervous.

"Don't be scared." Lin Fan shielded his sister as he pushed through the crowd toward the Examinee Waiting Area.

The waiting area was separated by temporary railings, with staff checking identities at the entrance. Lin Fan showed his Identity Card and entered smoothly. According to the rules, family members couldn't accompany him, so Lin Xiaoyu had to go to the viewing area.

"Xiaoyu, go sit over there and wait for me." Lin Fan pointed to the nearby Viewing Platform. "Remember, don't run around."

"Okay, brother, go for it!" Lin Xiaoyu waved her little fist and trotted off.

Lin Fan watched until his sister found a seat and sat down before withdrawing his gaze and beginning to observe the other examinees around him.

Several hundred people had already gathered in the waiting area, all between fifteen and eighteen years old. Most wore expressions of nervousness and anticipation; some were even trembling with anxiety. But a few were completely at ease, even gathering in small groups to chat and laugh—these were mostly noble children, well-prepared for the assessment.

Lin Fan found a corner, stood still, and closed his eyes to rest.

The [Basic Breathing Technique] quietly circulated, Origin Energy flowing through his body, slowly recovering the stamina spent in last night's battle. At the same time, his ears caught snippets of conversation around him.

"I heard this year's registration broke the record—over three thousand people, but only two hundred spots."

"Two hundred? One hundred and fifty are for the Regular Class, forty for the Elite Class, and ten for the Genius Class. The Regular Class is doable, but the Genius Class... you'd have to be a monster to get in, right?"

"Wang Hao of the Wang Family, I heard he's already at 2nd Rank. He's definitely got a spot in the Genius Class."

"Not just Wang Hao—Liu Feng of the Liu Family and Li Yue of the Li Family are both 2nd Rank too. For us 1st Ranks, getting into the Regular Class is good enough."

"Did you hear? The assessment rules changed this year—the puppets in the combat round got stronger."

"What? No way! Then I'm doomed..."

The chatter rose and fell.

Lin Fan opened his eyes and swept his gaze across the crowd. He spotted Wang Hao—the guy was wearing a flashy silver martial arts outfit today, with a gem-studded longsword at his waist, surrounded by seven or eight lackeys, holding forth loudly.

As if sensing Lin Fan's gaze, Wang Hao turned his head, and their eyes met in the air.

Wang Hao's expression first showed surprise and suspicion—the three subordinates he'd sent to Wind Howl Valley hadn't returned, and there was no response to his messages. Then it turned cold, finally morphing into a provocative smirk.

He mouthed silently: "Waiting to die."

Lin Fan expressionlessly looked away.

A clown jumping around.

What concerned him now wasn't Wang Hao, but the assessment itself. According to what he'd just heard, this year's difficulty had increased—which was good for him. The harder it was, the more he could widen the gap.

But it was also bad—if the difficulty was too high, there might be unexpected trouble.

"Silence!"

A booming shout rang out, overpowering all the noise.

A middle-aged man in a blue mentor robe stepped onto the high platform at the front of the waiting area. His expression was stern, his gaze sharp as lightning, and a powerful aura radiated from him—at least a 4th Grade Great Martial Master!

"I am Liu Batian, Vice Dean of Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy." His voice boomed like thunder, carrying across the entire square. "I am in charge of this year's enrollment assessment."

The entire venue fell silent instantly.

Liu Batian's gaze swept across the waiting area, pausing briefly on a few candidates who were clearly from noble families, then he continued, "The assessment rules—I will only say them once. Listen carefully."

"First round, strength test. Use the Strength Testing Monument, strike it three times consecutively, and take the highest value. Passing standard: 500 jin. Those below 500 jin are eliminated on the spot."

Gasps rippled through the crowd below. Last year's passing standard had been 400 jin; this year it had been raised by a full 100 jin!

"Second round, speed test. Traverse the 100-Meter Gale Array. The formation generates wind resistance, which grows stronger the further you go. Passing standard: 15 seconds. Those exceeding 15 seconds are eliminated."

Another stir of commotion. 100 meters in 15 seconds, under wind resistance—this speed requirement was nearly thirty percent higher than last year!

"Third round, combat test. Face off against a Combat Puppet. Hold your ground without being defeated for the duration of one incense stick, or defeat the puppet. Note: this year's puppets have been adjusted to 2nd Grade Initial Stage."

Even the noble-born candidates' expressions shifted slightly.

A 2nd Grade Initial Stage puppet! In previous years, they had been at 1st Grade Peak; this year, they had been raised by an entire minor realm!

"Those who pass all three rounds will be ranked by comprehensive score. The top two hundred will be admitted, with the top ten entering the Genius Class, ranks eleven to fifty entering the Elite Class, and the rest entering the Regular Class."

Liu Batian paused, his voice growing even sterner: "During the assessment, the use of external aids such as pills or talismans is strictly prohibited. Violators will be disqualified. Maliciously harming other candidates is forbidden. Violators will have their cultivation crippled and be expelled from Jiangnan City. Is that clear?"

"Clear!" The candidates responded in unison, though their voices carried obvious tension.

"Good." Liu Batian waved his hand. "Now, according to your registration numbers, groups of ten, proceed with the first round test in order. Numbers 1 through 10, step forward!"

Ten youths walked out from the crowd and followed the staff toward the testing area.

The assessment had officially begun.

Lin Fan's registration number was 487, placing him in the middle-to-late range. He wasn't in a hurry; this gave him a good chance to observe the others' performances.

The testing area was on the east side of the square, where ten black stone monuments stood—the Strength Testing Monuments. Each monument was two meters tall and one meter wide, its surface smooth as a mirror. When a candidate struck the monument's face, it would glow with light, displaying a specific number.

The first group of candidates was already in position.

"Begin!" the referee commanded.

All ten threw punches almost simultaneously.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

Muffled impacts rang out in succession.

The Strength Testing Monuments lit up, showing numbers:

First: 423 jin (Failed)

Second: 511 jin (Passed)

Third: 389 jin (Failed)

Fourth: 567 jin (Passed)

Out of ten people, only four had passed! The elimination rate was a staggering sixty percent!

Sighs and cheers rose from the Viewing Platform—some of the failed candidates burst into tears on the spot, while those who passed jumped up in excitement.

"Second group, numbers 11 through 20, step forward!"

The second group performed slightly better, with six passing. But even the highest score was only 680 jin, barely scraping by.

Third group, fourth group... As the test progressed, Lin Fan gradually discerned the pattern.

Most candidates from ordinary poor families hovered between 400 and 600 jin, with fewer than half clearing the 500-jin passing line. In contrast, noble-born candidates generally scored above 700 jin, and some even reached 900 jin.

This was the gap in resources.

Poor children ate poorly and trained hard, but without good techniques and medicinal baths to assist them, their strength grew slowly. Noble children had been soaking in medicinal baths since childhood, guided by renowned masters, and inherited family martial arts—their foundation was already a cut above the poor.

"Group 81, numbers 801 through 810, step forward!"

This group drew considerable attention—because Wang Hao was among them.

Wang Hao was number 803. He walked up to the third Strength Testing Monument, rolled his wrists, and wore a confident smile on his face.

"Go, Young Master Wang!"

"Hao-ge, number one!"

A few of his lackeys cheered from the sidelines.

Wang Hao took a deep breath, pulled his right fist back, infused Origin Energy into his Fist Edge, and blasted forward!

"Boom!"

A detonation louder than any strike before it!

The Strength Testing Monument blazed with light, the numbers leaping wildly: 800, 850, 900... finally stopping at—

"981 jin!"

The referee announced the result in a loud voice.

The entire venue erupted in uproar.

"Nearly a thousand jin! That's already the strength of a 2nd Grade Martial Artist!"

"As expected of the Wang Family's young master, with this power, he's guaranteed entry into the Genius Class."

"Tsk, he's on a completely different level from us..."

Wang Hao withdrew his fist, eyeing his result with satisfaction, then shot a provocative glance at Lin Fan.

Lin Fan's face was expressionless.

981 jin? Not bad. But...

He looked at his own fist.

In Wind Howl Valley, he had shattered a boulder twice a man's height with a single punch. That kind of destructive power was absolutely beyond the thousand-jin level. Though he hadn't measured it precisely, he estimated his current punching power was at least 1,500 jin.

"Next group, Group 82..."

The testing continued.

Occasionally, a few standout results appeared—a candidate named Liu Feng scored 920 jin, and a girl named Li Yue scored 890 jin. But none surpassed Wang Hao.

Time ticked by, and the sun climbed to its zenith.

"Group 48, numbers 471 to 480, step forward!"

Lin Fan's spirits lifted.

In this group, there was someone who caught his attention—a thin, pale-faced youth, number 478. Lin Fan remembered him. He was an orphan from the Slum District's East Street, called Xiao Shitou, who usually scraped by collecting trash.

Xiao Shitou walked up to the Strength Testing Monument, his hands trembling with nerves.

"Begin!"

The other nine threw their punches.

Xiao Shitou gritted his teeth and slammed his fist into the monument with all his might.

The monument's light flared: 488 jin.

Twelve jin short.

Xiao Shitou stared blankly at the number, his face growing even paler. He hesitated, then raised his hand. "Referee, I... can I try again?"

The referee glanced at him and shook his head. "Each person has only three chances. You've used them all."

"But..." Xiao Shitou's eyes reddened. "I was only a little short..."

"Rules are rules." The referee's face was impassive. "Unqualified. Leave."

Xiao Shitou stumbled off the platform, dejected, crossing the Waiting Area toward the exit. As he passed Lin Fan, Lin Fan heard him sob quietly, "Mother, I've let you down..."

Lin Fan's heart stirred.

He remembered that Xiao Shitou's mother had passed away last year, and her dying wish was for her son to enter the Martial Arts Academy and make something of himself.

Twelve jin short.

Because of those twelve jin, a boy's fate was being rewritten.

Lin Fan clenched his fist.

This world was too cruel.

"Group 49, numbers 481 to 490, step forward!"

Finally, it was his turn.

Lin Fan took a deep breath and walked toward No. 7 Strength Testing Monument.

His appearance drew some attention—his clothes were too shabby, standing out starkly among a crowd of well-dressed young masters. And he looked too thin, not like a power-type.

"Number 487, Lin Fan." The referee checked his identity. "Prepare."

Lin Fan stood before the monument. Unlike the others, he didn't strike an exaggerated pose. He simply stood calmly, his right hand hanging naturally at his side.

"Begin!"

The other nine threw their punches simultaneously.

Lin Fan moved too.

His motion was simple—he raised his right fist and thrust it forward.

No wind-up, no shout, as casual as greeting someone.

"Thud."

The sound wasn't loud, even a bit muffled.

But the next instant—

The monument's light exploded!

Not just lit up—it burst! A blinding white radiance erupted from the stele, forcing everyone nearby to shut their eyes!

The numbers jumped wildly: 1,000, 1,500, 2,000...

Finally, it stopped at a number that plunged the entire venue into dead silence:

"2...2,103 jin?!"

The referee's voice trembled.

The entire square fell into dead silence.

Everyone—including Liu Batian on the high platform, the spectators on the viewing platform, and all the examinees—stared fixedly at the number on the No. 7 Strength Testing Monument.

2,103 jin.

Over two thousand jin!

This was no longer within the scope of a 2nd Grade Martial Artist; this was the kind of strength a 3rd Grade Martial Master could deliver!

But Lin Fan was clearly only 1st Grade!

"No... impossible!" Wang Hao was the first to shout. "The testing monument is broken! It has to be broken!"

His words jolted many back to reality.

Right. How could a 1st Grade Martial Trainee deliver two thousand jin of force? The monument must be malfunctioning!

The referee snapped out of it too and hurriedly checked the monument. But the formation was running normally, and the stele itself showed no damage.

"I request a review!" Wang Hao called out loudly. "I demand a replacement monument for a retest!"

Liu Batian frowned slightly and looked at Lin Fan. "Examinee Lin Fan, do you agree to a retest?"

Lin Fan nodded. "Fine."

He also wanted to confirm where his limit truly lay.

The staff quickly swapped in a new testing monument.

Lin Fan stood before it once more.

This time, everyone watched with wide eyes, afraid to miss even a single detail.

"Begin."

Lin Fan threw the same casual punch.

"Boom—!!!"

This time, the sound was like thunder!

The monument's light exploded again, the number surging upward until it settled:

"2,187 jin!"

Eighty-four jin higher than before!

Silence.

A deathly silence.

Then, an explosive uproar erupted into the sky!

"My god! It really exceeded two thousand jin!"

"A 1st Grade Martial Trainee with two thousand jin of strength... what kind of monster is this?"

"From the Slum District? How is that possible?"

"Lin Fan... I'm remembering that name!"

On the viewing platform, Lin Xiaoyu jumped up in excitement. "Brother! Brother is amazing!"

Among the crowd, a few inconspicuous old men exchanged glances. One of them was Old Man Li, who had given Lin Fan the Detailed Explanation of Basic Breathing Technique at the Night Market.

"Interesting." Old Man Li stroked his beard, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "This kid is even more intriguing than I thought."

On the high platform, Liu Batian gave Lin Fan a deep look and made a heavy mark on the roster in his hand.

Wang Hao's face turned ashen, his fists clenched until his knuckles cracked. He had thought he would be the brightest genius today, only to be completely crushed by some slum brat!

Lin Fan withdrew his fist, his expression calm.

This result was within his expectations. If he hadn't been afraid of causing too much of a stir, he could have gone even higher—he hadn't even used Spiral Force yet.

"Examinee Lin Fan, result valid." The referee's voice carried a note of reverence. "Please return to the waiting area."

Lin Fan nodded and turned to leave.

Wherever he passed, the crowd parted to make way. Everyone's gaze toward him had changed—from contempt and indifference to shock, awe, and even fear.

This was the respect that strength commanded.

Back in the waiting area, Lin Fan closed his eyes to rest again.

The first round, he had passed in the most stunning way possible. But this was only the beginning. The upcoming speed test and combat test would be the real trials.

Especially the combat test—a 2nd Grade initial-stage puppet.

Lin Fan opened his eyes and looked toward the row of black huts behind the testing area. That was where the combat test would take place.

He licked his lips.

He was looking forward to it.