Everyone is Working Hard

Principal Zhang's finger, which had been tapping the tabletop, paused. "11.4? I remember he had just broken through to 11.0 half a month ago. At this speed, he hasn't slowed down at all compared to before level 11!"

Wang Wenhai and Zhou Yun exchanged a glance, smiles appearing on both their faces.

All three of them were martial artists of considerable strength, so of course they understood what Principal Zhang meant.

Before level 11, it was normal for a martial artist's life energy level to grow quickly. But if it could still grow rapidly after level 11, that meant he could even digest D-grade potions swiftly.

"Xu Wuyi's Basic Body Tempering Method has reached minor mastery, and his blood energy conversion efficiency is extremely high," Zhou Yun explained, a hint of emotion in her voice.

"More importantly, his comprehension far exceeded our expectations. Not only is his life energy level rising quickly, his progress in martial techniques is also incredibly fast."

"Martial techniques?" Principal Zhang pressed. "He chose a weapon?"

"He chose the Wind-Settling Spear," Wang Wenhai said, taking over. "From what we've observed, he has already preliminarily grasped the force-generation technique of Cloud-Parting Force, and has even begun trying to integrate spear intent into his boxing."

"In the last ranking challenge, under equal energy levels, he defeated Hu Haobo with a punch that contained spear intent."

Principal Zhang leaned forward slightly, a gleam flashing in his eyes. "Integrating the essence of weapon martial arts into fists and feet? It's only been so long... It seems Honghe No. 1 High School really picked up a treasure this year!"

He pondered for a moment, then said, "However, United and Yingang aren't pushovers either. Yu Peiling went to the provincial capital for special training and won't participate in this joint exam, but they still have other experts."

Zhou Yun's expression grew a little more solemn. "We received word that Li Mo from Yingang No. 1 High School has already reached a life energy level of 12.5."

"12.5?" Wang Wenhai drew in a slight breath. "That is somewhat troublesome."

Principal Zhang nodded. "Mm. This Li Mo is said to be relatively mediocre in martial skill, but relying on the absolute advantage of his life energy level, he fights head-on and charges straight through. He's very hard to deal with."

"In addition, United High School has two more people we need to pay attention to. One is called Zhao Ding. His life energy level is 11.6, and he cultivates the top-tier C-grade defensive martial art Iron Wall Art. His endurance is extremely strong;"

"The other is a girl called Su Yueling. Her life energy level is 11.3. She is the disciple of a famous teacher and excels at Shadow Sword Technique, which is almost impossible to guard against."

He looked toward the two teachers. "This joint exam will simulate the practical combat rules of the college entrance exam. First, there will be grading through guided battles, then student-versus-student fights to determine the specific rankings."

"We not only have to compete for individual rankings, but also for the school's overall results. The special recruitment recommendation quota from the Provincial Martial Arts Association will depend on this performance."

"Principal, rest assured. We will formulate a detailed preparation plan," Zhou Yun said solemnly.

"Good." A faint smile appeared on Principal Zhang's face. "Go add more fuel to the children's fire. The school has also prepared rewards. Whoever ranks first individually in the three-school joint exam will receive a support quota of 200,000 Federal Credits from the school!"

The next day, in No. 1 Training Hall.

The atmosphere in the sprint class was even more fervent than usual.

News of the three-school joint exam and the observers from the Provincial Martial Arts Association had long since spread among the students.

Zhou Yun and Wang Wenhai stood at the front, their gazes sweeping over the twenty-four faces below, each brimming with fighting spirit.

"I'm sure you all know the news by now," Wang Wenhai said in a resonant voice. "The three-school joint exam will be held on March 5th! This is the most important practical combat test before the college entrance exam, and also your chance to show yourselves on a higher stage."

Zhou Yun took a step forward, her cool voice like icy water striking the ground, instantly sobering the restless atmosphere. "The joint exam will gather many experts. Li Mo from Yingang No. 1 High School has already reached a life energy level of 12.5."

A burst of suppressed gasps rose from below the stage.

A life energy level of 12.5 pressed down on everyone's hearts like a massive boulder.

A huge gap in level meant an all-around crushing advantage in blood energy, strength, and speed.

"Scared?" Zhou Yun's eyes were sharp. "On the path of martial arts, you grow stronger when facing the strong! Losing your courage before the battle is a martial artist's greatest taboo!"

Her tone shifted, carrying a hint of encouragement. "The principal specifically instructed that for this joint exam, the school will issue additional rewards according to ranking!"

"Anyone who enters the top twenty among the three schools will receive an award. If anyone can take first place among the three schools, the reward will be a support quota of 200,000 Federal Credits!"

"Two hundred thousand!"

This time, even the usually steady Zeng Bonan's eyes lit up, let alone the others.

Two hundred thousand Federal Credits—if spent entirely on D-grade Blood Energy Potions, it would be enough to last one or two months!

And this was an extra reward. It would not count against the school's original support quota.

The enormous temptation instantly diluted the pressure, replacing it with an even hotter fighting spirit.

"Now, the ranking challenges begin," Wang Wenhai announced at the right moment. "This is the final internal adjustment before the joint exam. I hope you all bring out your full strength!"

As soon as he finished speaking, challenges rang out one after another.

Stimulated by the news of the joint exam and the huge reward, the atmosphere of this round of challenges was fiercer than ever before.

Everyone wanted to raise their ranking at the final moment, obtain more resources, and meet the joint exam in their best condition.

Shi Yi challenged a student ranked above him. After a bitter ten-minute battle, he ultimately won by a narrow margin.

Liu Jing was challenged again as well. This time, her gaze was icy, and her fighting style was even more ruthless and decisive than before. Her Spirit Rhinoceros Finger struck out repeatedly, and in less than three minutes she knocked her opponent down, solidifying her position in fourth place.

Hu Haobo likewise defeated a challenger with ease. His Stone-Splitting Palm seemed to have improved again, its palm wind even sharper.

But immediately afterward, he faced Liu Jing's challenge. Their life energy levels were now close, and both of their fighting styles excelled at offense, so the match turned into a clash of attacks.

Neither of them held back at all. In just three short minutes, the victor had been decided. In the end, Liu Jing was still one move short and lost the duel.

However, from the side, Xu Wuyi could tell that Liu Jing's Spirit Rhinoceros Finger truly had considerable power, and her proficiency was very high as well.

According to his judgment, it was at least above 50% of entry-level.

In the end, she had lost because she had suffered from the gap in life energy level. If she had fought with a bit more strategy, she very well might have won.

"Their martial techniques have improved far too much compared to before. Looks like they've both already been through the Ranked Battle."

Xu Wuyi did not know whether they had gone in after learning weapons, or had used weapons like brass knuckles or boxing gloves to experience it. In any case, everyone was working hard.

After battle after battle, some rejoiced while others brooded.

When the final challenger was defeated, the venue temporarily fell quiet.

Everyone's gaze involuntarily turned to the two people who still had yet to make a move—Zeng Bonan and Xu Wuyi.

Zeng Bonan took a deep breath, stepped forward, and fixed his eyes on Xu Wuyi.

"Xu Wuyi." Zeng Bonan's voice was steady. "In our last virtual spar, I lost by one move. During this period, I feel I've improved as well."

"The joint exam is coming up. I want to fight you again... in reality!"

Everyone's eyes focused instantly.

Zeng Bonan versus Xu Wuyi!

This was currently recognized within Honghe No. 1 High School as the peak showdown!

Xu Wuyi looked at the fighting spirit in Zeng Bonan's eyes and nodded. "In reality... all right!"