The Barracks

Indeed, Xu Xin's thoughts weren't wrong. Xu Qing was starting to encounter many new things, especially martial artists, which were things he'd never known before.

This led to Xu Qing's understanding of the world beginning to mature. As his understanding matured, he himself would also mature.

In short, he was finally truly connecting with the world, no longer the Xu Qing who used to stay in his ivory tower.

With his intelligence and talent, he accepted all new things very quickly, instantly understanding and grasping their essence.

"Hehe," Xu Qing chuckled, looking rather cute, without that dull expression anymore.

Xu Xin reached out and pinched his cheek. "There aren't many people here now, let's sit down and have some juice."

"Okay," Xu Qing sat down.

Over the past month, through observing Xu Qing, Xu Xin confirmed that he was indeed different. He had become much livelier, his eyes more spirited, and like a normal person, his expressions were rich – he would smile, frown, pout, and even get angry.

This had never happened before; it was as if he had become a different person, no longer dull at all.

"It seems I protected him too well before, making him a bit like a child who hasn't grown up, naive about many things," Xu Xin realized. It was her fault as his sister, overprotecting him.

But now it was good. After encountering the new things in the outside world, Xu Qing had grown up instantly.

The only thing that hadn't changed was that he still loved to eat and drink juice, just like before.

Also, he would still go fishing from time to time, especially when he was bored.

"Xiao Qing, tomorrow is the practical assessment. Be careful and don't get hurt," Xu Xin said, checking the date.

"Don't worry, Sister Xin, I'm very strong. I'll pass the practical assessment in a flash," Xu Qing said confidently.

Xu Xin smiled gently. "I know you're strong, but you still need to be careful. Also, don't reveal your true strength."

"Okay, I will," Xu Qing nodded. He now understood this was called "hiding one's strength."

As long as he successfully passed the practical assessment and obtained his martial artist identity, that would be enough.

The next morning.

Xu Xin saw Xu Qing off at the door. "Xiao Qing, be safe."

"Don't worry, Sister Xin. When I come back, I'll be a martial artist," Xu Qing waved with a smile and got into the car.

"We're off," Xu Gang said after greeting her, driving Xu Qing towards the Limit Martial Arts Hall headquarters in the city center.

Xu Xin stood at the door, a smile on her face. "My silly brother has grown up. Should I let go and let him forge his own path? I'll ask for his thoughts when he gets back."

Seeing Xu Qing mature, Xu Xin felt like watching her own child grow up – she was gratified and happy.

Xu Gang dropped Xu Qing off at the Limit General Hall in the city center.

"Xiao Qing, be careful during the assessment. I wish you success and that you become a true martial artist," Xu Gang said, then drove away.

Xu Qing walked into the Limit Dojo building. The first-floor lobby was already filled with many aspiring martial artists, most in their early twenties, numbering no less than a hundred.

"It's almost time, we should get going," a middle-aged man appeared and addressed the crowd, taking a headcount and checking the time.

This martial artist was Wu Jiang, who would be testing Xu Qing.

Afterward, led by Wu Jiang, Xu Qing and the other aspiring martial artists boarded a train. They would be taking the train to the military region to participate in the practical assessment.

The carriage was sealed, so they couldn't see outside, but it was equipped with display screens.

On the screens, figures of important people appeared, giving speeches. They came from major powers, such as the Limit Martial Arts Hall, Thunder Martial Arts Hall, the Underground Alliance, and the military.

Xu Qing listened until he was drowsy and leaned back, falling asleep.

The other aspiring martial artists were all excited listening to the speeches of the important figures, contemplating which faction would be better to join after they became martial artists.

After an unknown amount of time, a loud voice rang out, "North Military Region, we've arrived!"

The loud voice directly woke Xu Qing up.

"We're here?" Xu Qing rubbed his eyes and yawned.

People nearby looked at him strangely. Was this person really here for the practical assessment? He was too relaxed, showing not the slightest hint of nervousness.

"All members, disembark!"

At the command, Xu Qing and the other aspiring martial artists got off the train.

A large military camp came into view, vast in area. The perimeter was equipped with various heavy weapons, with huge cannons pointed outward, and many armed soldiers on guard.

Outside the military camp's cordon, some monsters roared but dared not approach.

There were also many flying monsters in the sky, numbering at least several hundred, soaring past.

Xu Qing and the other aspiring martial artists entered the military camp, looking around curiously.

Only martial artists could leave Jiangnan Base City. This was their first time seeing the world outside the base, and it was very novel.

"So those are monsters," Xu Qing said, looking at the roaring monsters outside the cordon. His first impression was that they were ugly.

His second impression was that they were fierce, wanting to eat people on sight – blatant and unpleasant.

As aspiring martial artists from various parts of Jiangnan City arrived, the number of aspiring martial artists in the military camp quickly reached over a thousand.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Jiangnan City North Military Region. This is where your practical assessment will be held."

"Although it's unlikely, we still hope you can all pass the assessment smoothly, and we hope all of you can survive this practical assessment!"

The military district's loudspeaker blared, and a man's voice spread out.

At noon, Xu Qing and the others ate lunch in the military district.

In the afternoon, over a thousand prospective martial artists, including Xu Qing, gathered in an open space. On a high platform in front stood high-ranking officials from the North Military Region and the two major martial arts schools.

"Next, the prospective martial artists whose names are called will come up to receive their combat uniforms and weapons."

There were many prospective martial artists, so they were called in groups of ten. Even so, it took a full half hour.

In the square, Xu Qing and the other prospective martial artists received suitable combat uniforms and the weapons they desired.

All weapons were cold weapons; there were no firearms, as per the rules of the practical combat assessment.

Xu Qing had requested a bow and arrow, so he received a bow and twenty arrows.

"Little sister, why did you choose a bow and arrow? It's definitely not as good as a saber," a somewhat flamboyant young man walked over.

He had already put on his combat uniform, was carrying a shield, had a saber slung at his side, and wore a communication watch. He was fully equipped.

"Who are you calling little sister? I'm not," Xu Qing pouted, picked up his combat uniform, and walked away with his things.

Seeing Xu Qing avoid him like the plague, the young man felt awkward. He had approached her because he found her quite cute, intending to strike up a conversation, but he had failed.

Behind him, several prospective martial artists he knew laughed.

"What are you laughing at?" the young man glared at them, which only made them laugh louder.