Seven-Hundred-Pound Stone Lock, Grade A!

Chen Mo stopped in front of the seven-hundred-pound stone lock. It was indeed nearly half a size larger than the six-hundred-and-fifty-pound one, and looked extremely intimidating.

For the past two days, he had not left the inn once, devoting himself to breaking through.

He had tried six times in all, each attempt lasting longer than the last.

Each time, he had expanded the channels and pathways in his body to a new breadth. The energy flowing through them was like a newly opened mountain spring: with every strike of the pick, more sweet, clear water gushed forth.

After his final attempt, he had felt that he was only a hair's breadth away from Dark Jin, as thin as a cicada's wing.

The closer he got, the more cautious he became.

My strength has grown considerably because of it, too. I wonder how strong I'll be once I truly break through.

He pondered silently.

A moment later, he gathered his thoughts.

Chen Mo tightened the belt around his waist. His expression solemn, he slowly lowered his hips and crouched.

The seven-hundred-pound stone lock was no six-hundred-and-fifty-pound stone lock. Its center of gravity was higher, and his arms had to spread wider, making it harder to exert force.

He understood that, and he also knew how to make the best use of his strength.

More accurately, with his understanding of the Dragon-Subduing Stake Technique, no one present knew better than he did how to exert force.

"Lifting a seven-hundred-pound stone lock with Ming Jin? Good heavens, he's about to begin!"

At that moment, the entire field fell silent.

Those farther away simply stood up to watch, eager to see whether this ordinary young man could deliver a surprise.

Chen Mo pressed both hands against the rough stone. The energy within him surged, racing through his broad channels and pathways.

In the space of an instant, all his energy had gathered in his waist and arms.

Chen Mo exerted force through his waist. His strength traveled into his arms, then into his palms, and the stone lock slowly lifted from the flagstones, inch by inch.

"It's moving! It really is!"

Someone shouted from the edge of the training ground.

A wave of cheers rose along the sidelines.

When something had never happened before, people hoped to see it happen.

That was exactly the case now!

Everyone wanted to see whether someone with Ming Jin could lift a seven-hundred-pound stone lock.

The muscles in Chen Mo's arms were like the thick branches of an old locust tree, a stunning sight. The veins on his neck stood out slightly, and a powerful, robust presence radiated from him.

Several young women saw this and couldn't help resting their chins in their hands, their hearts fluttering.

Over at Tianqing Martial Hall, not a soul dared make the slightest sound, for fear of disturbing him.

Zhou Pi, whom Chen Mo had once defeated, stood rooted to the spot, his mouth hanging wide open.

As Chen Mo continued to pour strength into the lift, the stone lock rose to his chest. He paused there for two breaths, then slowly raised it above his head.

At that moment, the roar of a landslide and a tidal wave swept through the crowd.

"One breath!"

"Two breaths!"

"Three breaths!"

Some of the Ming Jin students joined the shouts. They, too, were moved. A few among them had failed to break through twice, which meant they would never have another chance at Dark Jin.

But who said those with Ming Jin had to be trampled beneath those with Dark Jin?

Chen Mo was living proof that it could be done. If he could do it, so could they!

Of course, most of the Ming Jin students felt deeply bitter, resentment welling up inside them.

If I can't do it, why can he?

As time passed, ten breaths were nearly up.

"Nine breaths!"

"Ten breaths!"

"Oh, my heavens! He really did it!"

"Someone with Ming Jin really can lift a seven-hundred-pound stone lock!"

Chen Mo lowered the stone lock, his chest heaving rapidly.

The seven-hundred-pound stone lock truly was his limit. If he wanted to go any further, he had to break through to Dark Jin.

The Strength Trial shouldn't hold me back now. It all comes down to tomorrow's Technique Trial...

He thought to himself, No matter what, I have to break through tonight!

"Seven-hundred-pound stone lock, Grade A!"

After the clerk announced the result, Chen Mo calmly returned to his place.

All kinds of gazes fell on him from every direction, lingering for a long time.

Chen Mo went over to Xie Jinnian. Xie Jinnian's mouth twitched. He seemed to want to say something, but couldn't find the words, so he could only cup his hands in congratulations. "Brother Chen, a true master keeps his abilities hidden! Plenty of Dark Jin students can't do what you just did, but you did it!"

As he said this, his earlier words of encouragement to Chen Mo seemed to still be drifting in the wind. His ears reddened slightly.

Chen Mo returned the salute. "You flatter me, Brother Xie."

As the two spoke, a man with a beard graying at the chin approached and bowed to them. "Young Master Xie, Brother Chen Mo, I'm Liang Wen, head of the Liang Family. I was astounded by Brother Chen Mo's performance just now and admire him greatly. I'd like to invite you both to my humble home for a few drinks the day after tomorrow."

Chen Mo was slightly taken aback.

He hadn't expected an attempt to recruit him to come so quickly, barely moments after he'd stepped away from the trial.

He had heard a little about the Liang Family. It was a minor family in the county seat, with strength somewhere between the Wu Family and the Zhao Family.

Chen Mo saw right through it. Liang Wen had invited him because he was interested in Chen Mo himself, while inviting Xie Jinnian was an attempt to curry favor with the Xie Family.

The man hadn't specified what position he intended to offer Chen Mo. Instead, he'd first invited him to his home for drinks. Once Chen Mo had enjoyed the food and wine, he would feel indebted and find it harder to refuse.

So, after a few moments' thought, Chen Mo replied, "If I have time after the Martial Examination is over, I'll pay you a visit."

He didn't say whether he would definitely go, making it conditional on having time. That way, even if he didn't go, he wouldn't be breaking his word.

Liang Wen didn't press him. "Then I'll await you both at my humble home."

He stepped back until he was ten feet away, then turned and left. His etiquette was flawless.

After Liang Wen, several more people of varied builds and distinguished bearing came over to invite Chen Mo warmly.

Chen Mo told each of them that he would go if he had time. He neither refused nor agreed.

It was rather ironic. Before he'd shown what he could do, nobody had sought him out. Now that he'd made a name for himself on the training ground, the people looking for him were like frogs croaking all over a pond after the rain.

Xie Jinnian reminded him quietly, "Brother Chen, these are all minor families. The resources they can offer you are limited. With the talent you've displayed, some of the major families may take an interest in you. I can recommend you to the Xie Family."

Chen Mo considered it briefly, then replied, "In that case, many thanks, Brother Xie!"

The Xie Family was a major family. Winning their favor would be the best possible outcome for Chen Mo at present; he had no reason to refuse.

Of the students who competed next, two more with Dark Jin lifted the seven-hundred-pound stone lock, drawing cheers for a while. No one else made a particularly impressive showing.

Once all the students had competed, the chief examiner led the other examiners in checking everyone's scores and recording them. That brought the day's Strength Trial to an end.

The crowds on either side of the training ground gradually dispersed.

As a few young women left, they turned to glance at Chen Mo several times. They covered their mouths, whispered to each other, then reluctantly went on their way.

Just then, Yin Tianqing led his disciples over to Chen Mo. Chen Mo bowed and called him Master.

Yin Tianqing beamed, his face bright with delight. "You little rascal, hiding a trick like that from me! You even managed to fool your master!"

Yin Shanshan and Ji Chang looked at him with admiration. Li Xuan felt a little bitter, but managed a strained smile.

On the other side of the training ground, Zhao Huayuan and Zhang Chong walked to its edge. Zhao Huayuan glanced back over the entire field. "Today's Strength Trial was just a warm-up. Tomorrow's Technique Trial is your real stage. How confident are you?"

"Eighty percent confident of placing in the top three," Zhang Chong replied without hesitation.