Academy Recruitment, The Only Way Out

Dawn light was faint, the mist not yet fully dispersed.

Lin Fan left Grandpa Li's small courtyard and didn't head straight for the dock. Instead, he detoured to the open space at the center of the Slum District. There stood a mottled notice board, the only information hub in the slums—job postings, missing person notices, buy-and-sell messages, all plastered there.

Today, a dense crowd was gathered in front of the notice board.

At least three times more people than usual.

Lin Fan's heart stirred, and he squeezed into the crowd. He wasn't particularly tall, but his strength had already surpassed 15 points. Moving forward without drawing attention, few could block him.

"Make way, make way..."

"What's the push for! In a hurry to reincarnate?"

Complaints rose and fell, but no one actually started a fight. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the brand-new announcement in the center of the board, stamped with a red seal.

It was a sheet of pale yellow thick paper, edges gilded, its quality far superior to the tattered job ads around it. At the top was an emblem: a sword and a book crossed, beneath which were six large characters—"Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy."

Lin Fan held his breath and quickly read the announcement.

[Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy · Annual Enrollment Notice]

Enrollment Targets: Blue Star citizens aged 16 to under 18

Enrollment Period: Spiritual Recovery Calendar Year 303, September 15 to September 30 (starting today, lasting half a month)

Testing Location: Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy Main Campus (Outer City, East District)

Testing Content:

1. Strength Test (Strength Testing Monument, minimum standard: 300 kg)

2. Speed Test (100-Meter Gale Array, minimum standard: 7 seconds)

3. Combat Test (Fight the academy's Standard Puppet, last over one minute)

Enrollment Benefits:

- Tuition-free, accommodation-free

- Monthly basic resource allocation (nutrients, basic medicinal herbs)

- Outstanding performers may receive additional technique and martial skill rewards

Notes:

1. Those who pass all three tests will be admitted based on comprehensive score

2. Admission quota: 500 total (including 50 for Genius Class, 450 for Regular Class)

3. Children from impoverished families may apply for meal subsidies with household registration proof

Below the announcement, dozens of crimson fingerprints had already been pressed—marks of registration.

Lin Fan stared at those lines of text, his heartbeat gradually quickening.

Tuition-free, accommodation-free, monthly basic resources... This was practically an opportunity tailor-made for him!

His sister's illness required long-term medication. The cheapest "Lung Cleansing Pill" cost 5,000 Credit Points a month. Yesterday, he'd worked the entire day at the dock until he collapsed from exhaustion, earning only 41 points. Even if he ate nothing and spent nothing, he'd need three years to save up.

But entering the Martial Arts Academy would change everything.

Once he became a martial artist, even just the lowest 1st Grade Martial Trainee, hunting a single 1st Tier Demonic Beast in the Wilderness could earn him hundreds of points. If he made it into the "Genius Class," the academy would provide better techniques, pills, and possibly even a dedicated instructor...

"Opportunity..." Lin Fan muttered to himself.

This was the first clear path upward he'd seen since crossing over.

"Tch, the Martial Arts Academy again." A pockmarked middle-aged man beside him spat. "They recruit every year, but how many actually get in?"

"No kidding," another man, tall and thin, chimed in. "Last year, over two hundred people from our district went. Only three made it, and all in the Regular Class."

"That's still not bad!" a young boy said excitedly. "Getting into the academy is like a carp leaping over the dragon gate! My cousin went in two years ago. Now he's a 2nd Grade Martial Artist, a deputy squad leader in a Hunting Group, earning 20,000 points a month!"

"20,000?!" Gasps rippled through the crowd.

In the Slum District, ordinary laborers earned barely a thousand points a month. Getting to two thousand was considered a good living. Twenty thousand was a number they didn't even dare to dream of.

"So you've got to try!" The boy clenched his fist. "What if you make it?"

"Make it? Do you know how hard the tests are?" The pockmarked man sneered. "The strength test requires 300 kg! People like us, eating two thin meals a day, are lucky to hit 150 kg. And that Gale Array—wind blows inside! If you haven't trained in footwork, you'll get blown right out!"

"The combat test is even scarier." The tall thin man lowered his voice. "My neighbor's kid went last year. Fighting that Iron Puppet, he got two ribs broken and was bedridden for three months. The academy calls it 'controlled damage.' Hah! If they actually kill someone, they just pay some compensation and call it done."

The crowd buzzed with talk, excitement and fear interwoven.

Lin Fan listened quietly, analyzing rapidly in his mind.

300 kg punching power—his current actual strength was 15.6 points. Based on previous tests, each strength point roughly equaled 12 kg of punching power, so about 187 kg. Still a gap from 300 kg, but not insurmountable. If he could raise his strength above 20 points within half a month, or train his fist techniques to a higher level for greater bonuses, he'd have a chance.

Speed test, 7 seconds for 100 meters—ordinary people ran 100 meters in about 12–15 seconds. Trained martial artists could get under 10 seconds. His Basic Footwork was already at Mastery Level, giving a 20% boost. His speed attribute was 9 points, so his actual speed was around 10.8 points. A 100-meter sprint was probably around 9 seconds. Still needed improvement.

Combat test, lasting one minute—this was the most uncertain. How strong was the puppet? What was its attack pattern? The Original Owner's memory had no relevant information.

But no matter what, he had to pass.

"Move! Everyone move!"

A harsh shout came from behind the crowd.

The onlookers parted to make way. Lin Fan turned to see three well-dressed youths striding over, the leader being Wang Hao.

Today, Wang Hao wore a black training uniform embroidered with gold trim, a jade belt at his waist, and beast-hide boots—the full bearing of a noble scion. Behind him followed two lackeys, also clad in fine silks, a stark contrast to the ragged slum dwellers around them.

"Tch, a slum is a slum. Stinks of sour rot." Wang Hao pinched his nose, face full of disdain.

He walked straight to the notice board, scanned the announcement, and curled his lips in a contemptuous smile. "300 kilograms? 7 seconds? And this standard dares to call itself a Martial Arts Academy? At our Wang Family Martial Hall, even entry-level disciples need 400 kilograms and 6 seconds."

"That's right, Brother Hao. Last year you already hit 450 kilograms on the strength test and 6.2 seconds in the hundred-meter sprint, making the Genius Class preliminary list," one lackey flattered.

"This year, I'm breaking 500 kilograms," Wang Hao said arrogantly. "The Genius Class? I'm as good as in."

The surrounding slum youths all lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.

Wang Hao relished this fear. His eyes swept the crowd and suddenly stopped on Lin Fan.

"Oh? You're here too?" He raised an eyebrow, tone mocking. "What, trying your luck as well?"

Lin Fan said nothing, just looked at him calmly.

"Save yourself the trouble." Wang Hao stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Martial arts aren't for mud-legged trash like you. No resources, no techniques, no pills—you could train until you die and still not hit 300 kilograms."

He paused, his smile turning nasty. "But... if you kneel and beg me, I might toss you a few bottles of 'Body Tempering Pills.' Maybe they'll barely get you past the threshold. How about it?"

Lin Fan's eyes chilled slightly.

But he didn't get angry. He only said flatly, "No need to trouble yourself."

"Ha, still stubborn." Wang Hao sneered. "Then just wait and see. On the testing field, don't cry when the puppet beats you."

With that, he turned and left with his lackeys, deliberately bumping into Lin Fan on the way out.

Lin Fan's body swayed slightly, then steadied.

The panel prompted: [Slight impact received. Iron Body Skill proficiency +1.]

His heart stirred—this worked too?

It seemed the system's judgment was broad; any action related to "training" could increase proficiency.

After Wang Hao's group had gone far, the crowd stirred back to life.

"Wasn't that the Wang family's young master?"

"Yeah, Wang Hao. He almost made the Genius Class last year. This year, he's probably a lock."

"Sigh, born with everything. We break our backs and still can't catch up..."

"Fate."

Amid the sighs, people began stepping forward one by one to press their thumbprints below the notice.

Lin Fan also stepped up, pressed his right thumb into the inkpad beside it, then firmly stamped it onto the blank space below the announcement.

A clear fingerprint, mingled among dozens of others.

"Brother Fan?" A familiar voice came from behind.

Lin Fan turned to see Chen Dahu squeezing over. The honest youth wore a coarse cloth shirt washed pale white, but it was clean, and his face was still sweaty.

"You're signing up too?" Lin Fan asked.

"Yeah!" Chen Dahu nodded hard. "My dad said if I don't pass this year, I'll have to go with him to the Hunting Group as a helper. But I want to get into the academy... Brother Fan, do you think I can make it?"

Lin Fan sized him up.

Chen Dahu had a sturdy build and broad frame—clearly a strength type. Though he'd never trained in systematic martial techniques, he'd tempered his body since childhood with his father, giving him a much better foundation than the average slum youth.

"Strength shouldn't be a problem," Lin Fan said honestly. "What about speed?"

"I'm not fast..." Chen Dahu scratched his head. "Hundred meters, probably around 11 seconds."

"You've got half a month. Practice footwork, and you'll have a chance," Lin Fan said.

"Footwork? How do I practice?" Chen Dahu's eyes lit up.

Lin Fan thought for a moment, then said, "Starting tomorrow, come to the Abandoned Workshop east of here every morning. I'll teach you."

"Really?!" Chen Dahu was overjoyed. "Thank you, Brother Fan! I'll... I'll study hard!"

"Fair warning—it'll be tough," Lin Fan said, looking at him.

"I'm not afraid of hardship!" Chen Dahu puffed out his chest. "My dad says there's no martial training without suffering. If you can endure the pain, you get the chance."

Lin Fan nodded.

This youth had good spirit—worth helping.

After signing up, Lin Fan didn't leave immediately.

He circled to the side of the notice board, where a yellowed "Jiangnan City Simplified Map" was posted. It marked the division between inner and outer city districts, main streets, and several key landmarks.

Jiangnan City had a three-tier structure:

At the core was the "Inner City," the smallest area, home to the city lord's offices, major families, high-level Martial Artists, and most importantly, the "Spiritual Qi Tower"—the heart maintaining the Protective Grand Formation.

The middle was the "Outer City," the largest area, divided into four districts: east, south, west, and north. The east district housed academies, martial halls, and merchant guilds; the west was residential; the south held workshops and markets; the north was the military garrison and Hunting Group headquarters.

The outermost ring was the "Slum District" and the "Buffer Zone." The slums hugged the city walls, while the Buffer Zone was a five-li stretch of Wilderness beyond the walls, regularly cleared and relatively safe.

Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy, located in the eastern district of the Outer City, spanned a thousand acres and was the largest martial arts talent cultivation base in Jiangnan City.

From the Slum District to the academy, it took two hours on foot.

"I need to figure out a way to get a bike..." Lin Fan frowned.

Four hours on the road every day was a huge waste of time. In this half-month sprint period, every minute was precious.

But his total assets were only 41 points, and even the cheapest secondhand bike cost 200 points.

"Head to the dock first." Lin Fan made his decision.

Work harder today, aim to earn 50 points. Then... maybe he could take on some "side jobs."

The dock was still bustling with noise.

Lin Fan found yesterday's foreman, collected his work tag, and started hauling.

[Strength Proficiency +1]

[Strength Proficiency +1]

The panel notifications popped up steadily.

He tried adjusting his force application—no longer relying purely on brute strength, but incorporating the power techniques from Basic Fist Technique, coordinating his waist and legs, driving his waist with his legs and his arms with his waist.

Efficiency indeed improved.

Cargo boxes that originally took three steps to move now only needed two. And his stamina consumption was lower, his breathing steadier.

"Kid, trained before?" An Old Porter beside him watched for a while, then suddenly asked.

Lin Fan nodded. "Just messing around."

"Doesn't look like messing around." The Old Porter squinted. "Your force application has traces of martial arts foundation. Pity... you're a bit old. If you'd trained since childhood, you might be a martial artist by now."

Lin Fan didn't respond and kept working.

The Old Porter didn't say more, only occasionally glancing at him with a complicated expression.

During the lunch break, Lin Fan sat by a pile of goods, gnawing on dry rations. The Old Porter walked over and handed him a water pouch.

"Drink some. It's got salt."

Lin Fan took it and thanked him.

"Want to get into the martial arts academy?" The Old Porter suddenly asked.

Lin Fan paused mid-motion and looked at him.

"I saw you pressing your handprint on the notice board this morning." The Old Porter sat down, lit a hand-rolled cigarette. "My son went last year too. Didn't pass. During the combat test, a puppet broke his arm."

"...Sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry about." The Old Porter exhaled a puff of smoke. "That kid just wasn't good enough. Can't blame anyone else. I'm just telling you, that academy gate isn't easy to get through."

He paused, lowering his voice. "Especially the combat test. Those puppets are decommissioned 'War Soldier No. 1' units from the military. Even though they're the oldest models, their strength is close to a 2nd Grade Martial Artist, and they're not slow either. The worst part... they feel no pain, never tire, and only execute preset attack programs."

Lin Fan listened carefully.

This was valuable intel.

"How do you fight them?" he asked.

"You can't." The Old Porter shook his head. "The test requires 'survive one minute,' not 'defeat.' So don't think about going head-on. You have to dodge, maneuver, and use the terrain."

"Terrain?"

"The testing ground is a circular arena twenty meters in diameter, with energy barriers on the edges. Going out of bounds means failure." The Old Porter said. "The puppet's attack pattern is fixed: straight Charge Punches for the first thirty seconds, then it adds sweeping kicks for the last thirty. What you need to do is, within that twenty-meter range, avoid its attacks, don't get hit, and don't go out of bounds."

Lin Fan calculated quickly in his mind.

Twenty meters in diameter, minus the space taken up by the puppet and himself, the actual movement area wasn't large. The puppet's strength was close to a 2nd Grade Martial Artist, and its speed was probably not slow. Dodging wouldn't be easy.

"Any tricks?" he asked.

The Old Porter glanced at him. "Footwork. It has to be footwork that's reached the entry level, or you won't dodge in time. The puppet's Charge Punch has a tell—its shoulder moves first. When it sweeps, its center of gravity drops. You have to read these signs and dodge early."

Lin Fan looked thoughtful.

This required observation skills, and also Combat Experience.

His Combat Experience was only 8 points right now, far from enough.

"Thanks." Lin Fan said earnestly.

"No need." The Old Porter waved his hand. "I just see that you're willing to work hard, like I was back in the day. Pity I'm old now, no chance left. You're still young. If you have a chance, go for it."

He stood up, patted the dust off his pants. "Oh, by the way, there's a batch of 'private goods' to move at the dock warehouse tonight. Thirty points a trip. You in?"

Lin Fan's eyes lit up. "I'm in."

"Eight o'clock, back door of Warehouse No. 3." The Old Porter said, then turned and left.

During the afternoon hauling, Lin Fan was even more focused.

He not only trained his strength but also deliberately practiced his footwork—while weaving between the cargo piles, he tried using the techniques from Basic Footwork, turning and shifting to improve his agility.

[Basic Footwork Proficiency +1]

[Basic Footwork Proficiency +1]

Proficiency grew slowly but steadily.

When work ended at dusk, the foreman gave him 45 Credit Points—four more than yesterday, thanks to his improved efficiency.

Adding that to yesterday's 41, he now had 86 in total.

He was still 114 points short of a secondhand bicycle.

"If that side job tonight goes through, I'll only be 84 short," Lin Fan calculated.

He first went to the pharmacy to buy three days' worth of medicine, spending 150 points—money Grandpa Li had lent him. When Grandpa Li heard he was preparing for the academy exam, he'd proactively loaned him 200 points, saying there was no rush to repay.

Lin Fan kept this debt of gratitude in his heart.

After buying the medicine, he returned to Grandpa Li's small courtyard.

Lin Xiaoyu was helping pick vegetables in the yard. When she saw Lin Fan come back, a smile spread across her face. "Brother."

"How are you feeling today?" Lin Fan asked.

"Much better," Lin Xiaoyu said. "Grandpa Li made me some medicinal soup. After drinking it, my whole body feels warm."

Lin Fan looked toward Grandpa Li, who was lying on a recliner under the eaves.

The old man had his eyes closed, seemingly asleep, but Lin Fan could sense that his breathing was long and steady—definitely no ordinary person.

"Thank you, Grandpa Li," Lin Fan said softly.

Grandpa Li didn't open his eyes, just waved a hand.

Dinner was coarse rice and vegetable soup—simple, but filling.

After the meal, Lin Fan chatted with his sister for a while, then checked her pulse—still weak, but more stable than yesterday.

"Brother, I heard about the academy recruitment," Lin Xiaoyu suddenly said. "I know you can do it."

"Mm," Lin Fan nodded. "Brother will pass the exam, then take you out of the Slum District."

"I don't care where we live," Lin Xiaoyu looked at him. "I just want you to be safe."

Warmth filled Lin Fan's heart. He ruffled her hair. "Brother will be careful."

At 7:30, Lin Fan stood up to leave.

"Going out again tonight?" Grandpa Li opened his eyes.

"Picked up some work to earn tuition," Lin Fan said.

Grandpa Li was silent for a moment, then pulled a small cloth pouch from his chest and tossed it to Lin Fan. "Take this."

Lin Fan caught it and opened it. Inside were three thumb-sized black pills, giving off a faint medicinal scent.

"Qi Recovery Pills," Grandpa Li said. "When you're tired, hold one in your mouth. It'll restore your stamina. Don't swallow it—just hold it."

"...This is too valuable." Lin Fan knew that a single pill like this cost over a hundred points.

"Lent to you. Pay me back later." Grandpa Li closed his eyes again. "Go on. Don't die."

Lin Fan gripped the pouch tightly, bowed deeply, then turned and walked out.

In the night, the dock was sparsely lit.

Warehouse No. 3 was at the westernmost end of the dock, near the abandoned area. Few people ever came here.

Lin Fan arrived at the back door at the agreed time. Five or six sturdy men were already gathered there, including the Old Porter from earlier today.

"You're here?" The Old Porter nodded. "Everyone's here. Let's go."

He pushed open the iron door, and the group filed in.

The warehouse was huge, filled with wooden boxes. A faint fishy smell hung in the air. Several men in black stood in the shadows, their faces unreadable.

"You all know the rules, right?" One of the Black-Clad Men spoke, his voice hoarse. "Don't ask what the cargo is. Don't open the boxes. Don't talk. Move the goods, collect your pay, and leave."

Everyone nodded.

"Start."

The boxes were heavy—each one over two hundred kilograms. Lin Fan gave it a try. He could barely lift one, but walking with it was exhausting.

[Strength Proficiency +1]

[Strength Proficiency +1]

[Iron Body Skill Proficiency +1]

Proficiency notifications popped up like crazy.

Whatever was in these boxes was definitely not ordinary cargo—extremely dense, like metal, but with a bit of elasticity.

Lin Fan didn't dare dwell on it. He buried his head and worked.

An hour later, all the boxes had been moved. Everyone was panting from exhaustion.

The Black-Clad Men handed out pay one by one—30 points each.

When it was Lin Fan's turn, the Black-Clad Man gave him a look. "Kid, not bad with your strength. I'll find you again if there's more work."

"Thanks." Lin Fan took the money and tucked it into his chest.

He now had 116 points.

Leaving the warehouse, the Old Porter caught up and said in a low voice, "What happened tonight, bury it in your gut."

"Understood."

"Mm." The Old Porter paused. "Starting tomorrow, there's work every night. Still thirty points a trip. In or out?"

"In." Lin Fan didn't hesitate.

Half a month. If he could earn thirty points every night, that was four hundred fifty points. Plus his daytime wages, enough to buy a bicycle, with plenty left over for medicinal herbs and nutrient supplements.

"Same time tomorrow, Warehouse Two." The Old Porter turned and vanished into the night.

On the way back, Lin Fan didn't head straight to Grandpa Li's place. Instead, he detoured to the abandoned workshop east of the Slum District.

He wanted to try that Qi Recovery Pill.

Sitting cross-legged, he took out a black pill and placed it in his mouth.

A cool medicinal power slowly dissolved, flowing down his throat with his saliva, then spreading through his limbs and bones. Fatigue quickly receded. His sore muscles gradually relaxed, and his breathing grew deep and steady.

[External energy supplement detected. Cultivation Efficiency increased by 20%.]

The panel notification popped up.

Truly good stuff!

Lin Fan didn't waste the opportunity. He immediately began practicing his fists.

In the night, fist shadows flew.

[Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +1]

[Basic Footwork Proficiency +1]

[Iron Body Skill Proficiency +1]

With the Qi Recovery Pill in his mouth, he cultivated for a full hour before the medicinal power completely dissipated.

Lin Fan checked the panel:

[Basic Fist Technique (Mastery 612/1000)]

[Basic Footwork (Mastery 205/1000)]

[Iron Body Skill (Proficient 388/500)]

[Strength: 14 (+0.7)]

[Speed: 9 (+0.45)]

[Combat Experience: 8]

After a night of hard training, every skill had grown noticeably. Strength had increased by 0.4 points. His actual Punching Power was likely close to two hundred kilograms now.

At this rate, three hundred kilograms in half a month wasn't out of reach.

Lin Fan exhaled a mouthful of Turbid Qi and looked up at the night sky.

Stars twinkled. Moonlight was cold and clear.

In the distance, the silhouette of Jiangnan City stood towering in the darkness. The Spiritual Qi Tower in the Inner City emitted a faint Light Blue glow, like a lighthouse, pointing the way.

The Martial Arts Academy was right at the edge of that light.

That was his only way out.

And his little sister's only hope.

"I have to get in." Lin Fan clenched his fist, determination flashing in his eyes.