"Director Zhuge."
He was cautious, terrified that some slip of his might offend the other party. This Director Zhuge, dressed in a Tang Suit, was clearly a high-ranking executive of the Extreme Martial Arts Hall.
In the circles Luo Zhe had moved in previously, no one had ever been qualified to even brush shoulders with someone of such status.
Although he possessed a super cultivation cheat like the Dimensional Space, Luo Zhe's horizons were ultimately still narrow; he was, after all, just a fledgling newcomer to the world of martial artists.
When facing a bigwig of this caliber, one still had to tread carefully.
Heaven knew what kind of temperament the man had.
If he were to accidentally catch the man on a bad day and get hit with an unexplainable, full-combo beatdown, Luo Zhe's fragile frame wouldn't be able to withstand it.
However, this Director Zhuge was clearly quite easy to get along with. He didn't put on any fake displays of concern, simply maintaining his stoic bigwig persona while nodding and smiling at Luo Zhe.
Then, his gaze shifted to Tong Yang beside Luo Zhe. With a slight frown, he asked, "What is the meaning of this? Are you planning to give up, or do you have other arrangements?"
Tong Yang laughed heartily, waved his hand, and replied in a cryptic tone, "Don't be nervous, it's the same as always."
Then, he draped his right arm over Luo Zhe's shoulder and introduced him solemnly to Zhuge Tao once more: "This is the new genius from our Jiangdu District this year, Luo Zhe."
The second introduction finally made Zhuge Tao take Luo Zhe seriously. He scrutinized Luo Zhe carefully, and this time, his eyes held a sharpness that seemed intent on peering right through the screen to see Luo Zhe's true nature.
Luo Zhe felt goosebumps rise under that blade-like gaze and nearly couldn't resist stepping away to escape the man's scrutiny.
But Tong Yang's right hand was as firm as an eagle's claw, pinning him to the spot so he couldn't move an inch.
"Don't be so serious, relax! The kid is still just a child, after all! With a look that scary, aren't you afraid you'll scare him off?" Tong Yang teased.
With Tong Yang's banter, Zhuge Tao's gaze lost its sharpness. Luo Zhe finally let out a sigh of relief, and the atmosphere in the room was no longer as heavy as before.
But Zhuge Tao clearly still didn't understand why Tong Yang had contacted him this time. Could it really be for such an insignificant genius?
One had to realize that at this critical juncture, every move they made could affect the bigger picture. Did Tong Yang not even understand that?
Thinking of this, a trace of dissatisfaction inevitably arose in Zhuge Tao's heart.
But Zhuge Tao was, after all, a man who dealt in big matters. Not only did he keep his dissatisfaction hidden, but he also replied calmly, "He is indeed a decent kid."
Tong Yang had dealt with the man often enough to naturally pick up on the subtle signs of his displeasure, but he had no intention of explaining, choosing instead to continue on his own.
"Luo Zhe, male, 21 years old this year, just passed the Quasi-Martial Artist assessment a few days ago."
Hearing this, Zhuge Tao nodded. A 21-year-old Quasi-Martial Artist was not bad, but that was all.
"He has already completed his first session of Genetic Origin Energy cultivation, and his punching power increased by nearly five thousand kilograms! In the test, he was able to strike with nearly six thousand kilograms of force!"
At these words, the pupils in Zhuge Tao's eyes on the screen instantly dilated, and his body stood up involuntarily.
"His speed has also reached 73.8 meters per second, and his nerve reaction test results were at the excellent level, even for an Advanced Warrior Level assessment! He is an absolute genius-level martial artist!"
"Did you verify this personally?" Zhuge Tao asked urgently.
"All the data above has been verified by me personally; there is no mistake!"
Zhuge Tao slumped back into his seat, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts.
"Is Luo Zhe a student of our Extreme Martial Arts Hall? Also, does anyone else know about this news?"
As expected of a director, he made his move in an instant, hitting the nail on the head with two questions.
"He was originally an advanced student in my Jiangdu District, studying at our hall all along, and only passed the Quasi-Martial Artist assessment a few days ago. Furthermore, only the three of us know about the growth of Luo Zhe's strength; it hasn't leaked out yet."
Upon receiving Tong Yang's answer, the heart Zhuge Tao had been holding finally settled a little.
Good, good. This was a head of cabbage grown in his own garden, and a fresh, undiscovered one at that. It seemed it was ready for a safe harvest.
"Luo Zhe has already agreed to join the Extreme Martial Arts Hall early, but..."
Hearing the first part, Zhuge Tao nodded in satisfaction. Students trained by one's own hall were reliable; at least they still remembered the favors they had received. He felt completely at ease.
Since it was already in his mouth, could this little cabbage possibly run away?
However, Tong Yang's "but" instantly tugged at Zhuge Tao's slightly calmed heart again. He leaned forward and asked hurriedly, "But what?"
Seeming to realize his reaction was a bit too excited and didn't fit his bigwig persona, he gave a tactical cough to compose himself.
At this moment, Tong Yang turned to look at Luo Zhe. Out of Zhuge Tao's line of sight, he winked at Luo Zhe and mouthed the words: 'Special Training Contract'!
Only then did he reply: "But, Luo Zhe just made a request to me."
Scanning back and forth between the two, Zhuge Tao vaguely felt there was something fishy going on, but he couldn't help but speak first. His tone carried a hint of eagerness as he practically patted his chest to promise Luo Zhe:
"Luo Zhe, no matter what request you have, just name it! As long as it is within my power, I will make the decision to grant it! As long as you are willing to join our Extreme Martial Arts Hall, none of this is an issue!"
Luo Zhe turned to look at Tong Yang, who simply lifted his chin, signaling him to speak freely.
A knife delivered to my hand—it would be a waste not to use it.
"I heard that the Extreme Martial Arts Hall has a Special Training Contract. I want that!"
"Just that?"
Zhuge Tao was stunned. He turned to look at Tong Yang beside him, as if seeking confirmation.
After receiving a nod of affirmation from Tong Yang, Zhuge Tao let out a sigh of relief.
Good, good. That's not a big problem.
Although a Special Training Contract is difficult to apply for, given that the number of training spots is limited each year, Zhuge Tao believes that as long as he writes "fist strength increased by nearly 5,000 kilograms upon the first cultivation of Genetic Origin Energy" in Luo Zhe's contract, no matter how strict the reviewer is, they will approve it!
As the director of the Jiangnan Base City branch of the Extreme Martial Arts Hall, Zhuge Tao has long been accustomed to all kinds of geniuses; he has seen too many 16-year-old Intermediate Warriors and 20-year-old Advanced Warriors.
However, this is the first time Zhuge Tao has ever heard of someone increasing their fist strength by nearly 5,000 kilograms during their very first cultivation of Genetic Origin Energy.
Even special existences like Hong and Thor, who grew to surpass the War God Level in just a few short years, likely did not reach this level of progress during their initial cultivation.
Most importantly, Zhuge Tao suspects that Luo Zhe is highly likely an unawakened Spirit Reader!
The increase in fist strength is simply too outrageous—even more outrageous than the idea of him being an unawakened Spirit Reader. Having walked the path since the Great Nirvana, Zhuge Tao has never seen such a person!
Furthermore!
Regardless of whether Luo Zhe is an unawakened Spirit Reader, based solely on the talent he has displayed, requesting a Special Training Contract is not excessive.
"I will take responsibility and agree to these terms." Having thought it through, Zhuge Tao immediately agreed to Luo Zhe's conditions and urged the two, "Tong Yang, take Luo Zhe and set off for the main city district immediately. I will arrange the review process right now. I will wait for you at headquarters."
Zhuge Tao is, after all, the director of the Jiangnan Base City Extreme Martial Arts Hall. The only reason he was tricked by Luo Zhe and Tong Yang into granting a Special Training Contract was that the news he heard earlier was too shocking, and combined with Tong Yang's obvious bias toward Luo Zhe, he fell into the trap they had set.
Now that his emotions have settled, he has immediately arranged everything one by one.
He is just waiting for this little cabbage, Luo Zhe, to jump into his bowl!