Barely Satisfactory

"It's done?"

"I have not failed in my mission!"

Shi Quan, the agent, had a composed expression as he cupped his hands slightly towards Lin De.

"Lin Yin, quickly thank Uncle Shi."

Lin De hurriedly called Lin Yin forward.

Lin Yin's expression was solemn as he clasped his hands in a bow.

"Thank you, Uncle Shi!"

As he spoke, he deliberately took a few steps forward, his palm brushing past Shi Quan inadvertently.

Feeling several smooth, warm objects appear in his palm, Shi Quan was first stunned, then his smile became exceptionally brilliant.

Lin De noticed this small gesture, but he didn't react, his expression remaining normal.

Relationships are relationships, and interests are interests. Lin De was both surprised and gratified by Lin Yin's preparation.

"Nephew Lin Yin, although you have successfully passed the preliminary selection and secured a quota, the subsequent assessment will depend on yourself."

After some flattery, Shi Quan's expression turned serious.

"Assessment?" Lin Yin raised an eyebrow slightly.

"That's right, assessment! Under normal circumstances, those who secure a quota will remain with the Fist Manor, but there are individual cases where they might be eliminated during the subsequent review."

Speaking to this point, Shi Quan's face showed some awkwardness.

"This review involves the examination of Fist Manor disciples, and it's not something we outsiders can influence."

"I understand. Thank you for your warning, Uncle Shi," Lin Yin said.

He certainly didn't believe that the Fist Manor's assessment, under the jurisdiction of a martial arts school, would be so simple.

Even if it was just a quota for a Living Stake, it would still receive preferential treatment from Lingyun Martial Arts School's resources. How could it be so easy to get in?

However, at least the preliminary selection quota had been met. The subsequent assessment depended entirely on himself. For Lin Yin, the most difficult hurdle had passed. Now it was time to prove himself.

The Living Stake assessment tested one's "hardware." After the previous probing questions to Lin Lin, Lin Yin, who had gained more understanding of martial arts practice, was not afraid at all.

Seeing Lin Yin's calm expression, his Third Uncle, Lin De, nodded with satisfaction.

He was looking more and more favorably upon this nephew, who usually kept a low profile and had a reserved personality.

"Brother Shi, whether the subsequent matters succeed or fail, it will be Yin'er's own destiny. You don't need to worry."

"That's good then."

With that, Shi Quan felt at ease and pocketed Lin Yin's belongings.

Even if his actions today were well-executed, he still had to consider Lingyun Martial Arts School's feelings. At the very least, for a while afterward, he would have to lie low.

Lin Yin and his uncle's understanding put his mind at ease.

Soon, the quota announcement was made. Some people looked excited, while others appeared dejected.

Lin Yin saw a teenager, about sixteen or seventeen, crying in his family's arms. He also saw someone shouting that they would join the martial arts school no matter what. But beyond these scenes, there was more despair and numbness.

Having lost the Fist Manor Path, they were completely cut off from martial arts. This meant they had lost their chance to cross class boundaries.

Unless they were lucky enough to find an opportunity later or seek another path, they would have to remain in Langshi Town, continuing their monotonous, food-scarce lives.

The crowd gathered at the Fist Manor dispersed. The disciples standing at the Fist Manor Entrance with indifferent expressions began calling out names.

When Zhang Da Niu's name was called, Lin Yin was surprised to notice a man as sturdy as a little calf in the crowd.

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf to avoid losing it next time.

It was the hunter's son who was the first to step onto the stage to test the bow a while ago... Zhang Da Niu!

After a few days, Zhang Da Niu's physique seemed even more solid. His honest face held a calm expression, as if undergoing some special change.

Lin Yin remembered this guy was the first to step up and draw the two-stone bow. Although he didn't draw it to perfection, it was still impressive and memorable.

He hadn't expected this guy to show up too.

Lin Yin knew that Zhang Da Niu only looked mature; his actual age shouldn't exceed sixteen, likely the same as himself.

He wasn't surprised at all that this guy's physical condition qualified him for the quota.

Facing the burly and tall Zhang Da Niu, even the Fist Manor disciples looked serious and cupped their fists in greeting.

"Junior Brother Zhang..."

"Senior Brother!"

Zhang Da Niu responded with a cupped fist. After a brief exchange, Zhang Da Niu stood behind the Fist Manor disciple on his own. The disciple nodded, then looked back at the crowd.

"Shi Zhong, Li He, Lin Yin... Wan Qing. Besides those whose names have been called, others may leave."

Compared to the importance and special treatment given to Zhang Da Niu, this disciple was much more indifferent towards Lin Yin and the others.

Especially when he saw Lin Yin and Wan Qing, who was the last to step onto the stage, their slender physiques made him reveal a look of disdain in his eyes.

For these formal disciples of the martial arts school, while physical condition wasn't everything, they couldn't look too poor.

Whether it was Lin Yin or the equally slender Wan Qing, as living stakes recruited by the Fist Manor, their conditions were a bit too unsatisfactory.

"The quality is really getting worse and worse."

Mocking without reservation, the disciples who were selected for the living stake quota exchanged glances.

They subconsciously looked at Li Yin and Wan Qing, who were the last to take the stage.

There was no way, in front of this group of tall and strong "men", the slender Lin Yin and Wan Qing were too conspicuous.

Lin Yin looked better, although his build was thin, at least his appearance was decent and his temperament was steady.

Wan Qing, on the other hand, had a poor appearance and physique. His skin was dark, his eyes were narrow, and coupled with his not-so-strong body, it was hard to convince people.

Feeling everyone's gaze, Lin Yin's expression remained unchanged. He cupped his hands towards the lecturing disciple and replied, "Senior Brother."

Beside him, Wan Qing, who was a beat slower to react, had his face turn red. He also hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and bowed, also saying, "Senior Brother."

In response, the Fist Manor disciple didn't even bother to reply. He beckoned to Zhang Da Niu and a few other sturdy youths.

"Follow me into the manor. Today is just a provisional quota. Whether you can truly join the Fist Manor later will depend on your own abilities."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yin's expression remained unchanged. Everyone else, except for Zhang Da Niu, was more or less apprehensive.

Clearly, they all knew that there would be a subsequent assessment to join the Fist Manor.

Taking all their expressions and actions into his eyes, the Fist Manor disciple suddenly shouted.

"If you feel you are ready, follow me into the manor. If you feel you are not up to it, you can also leave."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expression changed.

They knew the meaning of "leaving." No matter how daunting the upcoming assessment was, since they could come here, they all harbored dreams of becoming martial artists.

No one would joke about their dreams and future.

Everyone's expression became solemn.

Seeing that no one responded, the Fist Manor disciple nodded and then directly beckoned them towards the main door of the Fist Manor.

The tall red wooden door slowly opened under the gaze of Lin Yin and the others.

Behind them, their parents, brothers, and sisters watched with anticipation. These energetic youths, with solemn expressions, resolutely stepped through this threshold that seemed to be a turning point in their lives.

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