Chapter 422 21: College Entrance Exam (Part 2)

"Martial Artists!"

"It's actually two Martial Artists!"

"A duel between Martial Artists so soon. It looks like the quality of this year's examinees is much higher than in previous years."

"It must be an accident. Normally, duels between Martial Artists are scheduled for the end to avoid missing out on outstanding students."

"..."

The dozens of college entrance exam arenas were not only being watched by live audiences, but were also being broadcast in real time. The most exciting fights would undoubtedly attract even more viewers.

"PENG!"

Two figures collided once more.

The power erupting from the Low-Level Martial Skill, Cannon Fist, and the Mid-Level Martial Skill, Fluctuation Fist, made the very air tremble.

Wuh Ping's Fist Force was fierce and his Body Technique swift. Every punch was like a cannonball leaving the chamber, carrying a destructive power.

His Fist Technique had reached a point where it was ingrained into his very bones.

As for Zhu Xiaoshuang, she clearly hadn't cultivated her Fluctuation Fist to the Mastery Realm. The transitions in her Fist Technique were obviously clumsy as they exchanged blows.

But.

Even if she was only at the proficient or Entry Level, the power of a Mid-Level Martial Skill far surpassed that of a Low-Level Martial Skill.

"CRACK!"

Their fists met, and their figures crisscrossed past each other.

Wuh Ping's sleeve suddenly exploded open. Wounds appeared on his Skin and Flesh, and his heart sank.

Fluctuation Fist!

This Fist Technique incorporated mechanical and electromagnetic waves, driven by Fist Force, making it comparable to an indestructible blade.

Thanks to his explosive increase in Strength, Wuh Ping wasn't afraid of a head-on collision. However, the Power of Fluctuation spread out in all directions. It wasn't just the front of her fist; both of his arms were also within the range of her Fist Force.

Even.

As they drew close, his entire body was enveloped by her Fist Force, making it completely impossible to dodge or evade.

'I can't fight her head-on!'

As the thought flashed through his mind, Wuh Ping's figure retreated explosively.

Ejection Unloading Step!

This was also a basic footwork from Cannon Fist. It used the force of the enemy's attack to slide backward, shedding thirty percent of the force with each step. After seven steps, the force would be completely dissipated.

His extreme speed left scorch marks on the arena floor from the soles of his shoes.

Across from him, Zhu Xiaoshuang merely sneered with disdain at the sight, her body flickering as she closed the distance again.

Victory.

For her, it was only a matter of time.

...

"Wuh Ping actually became a Martial Artist!"

Below the arena, Lin Yuxi's face was flushed with excitement, but also a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Why did he hide it from me?"

"No!"

Beside her, Lin Dong shook his head gently, speaking thoughtfully,

"I don't think he intentionally hid it from you. He probably just advanced not long ago. Look, he's clearly not used to his own body yet, or he wouldn't be in such a sorry state. I guess he might have only become a Martial Artist after taking a Genetic Enhancement Potion yesterday."

"Huh?" Lin Yuxi froze for a moment, then frowned.

"That's not right!"

She wasn't actually blaming Wuh Ping, just saying it offhandedly, but Lin Dong's explanation didn't seem logical either.

"Even though advancing to a Martial Artist brings a huge increase in strength, it doesn't happen overnight. Someone who just advanced shouldn't be this strong."

"There are always exceptions," Lin Dong said, his eyes flickering.

"The effects of the Genetic Enhancement Potion vary from person to person. Some can utilize the potion's power to the fullest extent. These types often experience a massive surge in strength in a short time and possess immense potential."

"Wuh Ping..."

"...is probably one of those people!"

"Ah!" Lin Yuxi was moved.

"Brother, you mean Wuh Ping is a rare Martial Arts prodigy? That his genes are a perfect match for the Enhancing Potion?"

"Not necessarily," Lin Dong said.

"You should know that the effects of the Genetic Enhancement Potion are best the first time it's taken. And Wuh Ping has been tempering his Physical Body for all these years using ancient methods, so of course, the effect would be even better for his first time."

"Then he's a genius!" Lin Yuxi said dismissively.

She knew her brother was always meticulous in his words and actions, always maintaining a degree of caution.

But in Wuh Ping's case, what other explanation could there be besides exceptional Talent?

"A pity!"

Lin Dong sighed lightly.

"His luck is just too bad. He ran into Zhu Xiaoshuang, who has mastered a Mid-Level Martial Skill, in the very first round."

"Even if he's become a Martial Artist, he won't be able to get into a High-Level Academy!"

"This..." Lin Yuxi's pretty face turned pale.

"What can we do?"

"Brother, Wuh Ping's Talent is so good. It would be too much of a waste of his abilities if he just enters society like this."

Lin Dong rubbed his chin, lost in thought.

As Lin Yuxi's older brother and the deputy director of the Public Security Bureau, he had conducted a deep investigation into Wuh Ping.

An ordinary person.

Some Talent, but not much.

Hardworking and diligent, but uselessly so.

But from the looks of it now, Wuh Ping's Talent was far greater than the evaluation in his investigation file.

Perhaps...

...it was because he was saddled with an irresponsible father that his Talent never had a chance to show.

'A high school Martial Artist, as long as they don't make a misstep, can almost always become a Martial Master in the future. The genes of a Martial Master wouldn't be considered a stain on the Lin Family...'

Glancing sideways at his sister, Lin Dong's thoughts churned, and he said slowly,

"If he can't get into a High-Level Academy, there are other options."

"Joining a major corporation's Hunting Team or the City Defense Army are both ways to obtain subsequent Cultivation resources."

"No!" Lin Yuxi shook her head without hesitation.

"That's too dangerous."

"Heh..." Lin Dong shrugged.

"How about this, he can come to the Public Security Bureau as a temporary measure. I can get him a spot as a visiting student at a university. Although he won't have the resources of a real university student, his Cultivation and studies will still be better than an ordinary person's."

"Brother!" Lin Yuxi was overjoyed, throwing her arms around his shoulders and bouncing up and down.

"I knew you were the best to me!"

"Alright, alright." Lin Dong calmed his excited sister down and said,

"I can arrange a position for him at the Public Security Bureau, but there are things he'll need to do well. And he must become a High-Level Martial Artist within five years and have the foundation to break through to a Martial Master. Otherwise, the two of you still can't be together."

"And..."

"As long as he isn't a Martial Master, you two can never truly be together. The Lin Family's genes cannot be tainted!"

Five years, High-Level Martial Artist.

Lin Yuxi's expression shifted, but then she nodded firmly.

"I believe he can do it!"

"But..."

"His father might be a problem. That man definitely wants Wuh Ping to work and earn money for him."

"Don't worry," Lin Dong's voice was indifferent.

"Wuh Tian won't be alive for much longer."

"Ah!" Lin Yuxi was stunned.

"Why?"

"A while ago, a manager from the Celestial Wealth Group's security department died. Before his death, he was plotting against Wuh Tian, but he ended up dying himself before he could make a move," Lin Dong explained.

"Of course..."

"Everyone knows that the manager's death couldn't possibly be related to Wuh Tian. But this matter requires an explanation, and Wuh Tian is undoubtedly the perfect scapegoat. So, he's a dead man."

Lin Yuxi opened her mouth, her expression complicated.

Because she cared for Wuh Ping, she had complex feelings about his father. She certainly had no good impression of Wuh Tian, who had abused Wuh Ping, but he was still Wuh Ping's father in the end.

With her simple heart, she had even thought about trying to ease the conflict between the father and son.

So, hearing this news naturally left her at a loss.

"You don't need to concern yourself with this matter." Lin Dong's expression didn't change. But when his gaze shifted back to the arena, his face suddenly changed. A look of shock, even disbelief, appeared in the eyes of the usually composed man.

"How could this be?"

*

*

*

Ejection Unloading Step!

Impact Needle Instant Step!

...

Cannon Fist!

The Basic Body Technique and Basic Boxing Technique he had learned in school were executed perfectly by Wuh Ping.

Facing Zhu Xiaoshuang's storm-like onslaught, he displayed an even more tenacious will.

Even covered in wounds, he still struggled to hold on.

"It's useless!"

Zhu Xiaoshuang said coldly,

"I admit you've cultivated your Fist Technique very well, but Cannon Fist is just a trash-tier Low-Tier Martial Skill. You can't possibly be my opponent. So just give up now. You'll suffer less that way."

"...No!" Wuh Ping gritted his teeth.

"I will not give up!"

"Stubborn fool!" Zhu Xiaoshuang's pretty face darkened.

"Since you're looking for death, don't blame me!"

"PENG!"

Fluctuation Thunderclap Burst!

Her slender, fair fist slammed into the ground. The Power of Fluctuation shattered the hard surface, and the Qi Force sent shards of stone scattering like hundreds of lead pellets, covering everything within a thirty-meter radius.

'Damn it!'

Wuh Ping's pupils contracted. His figure retreated frantically as he unleashed a flurry of punches, doing everything in his power to blast away the incoming attack.

In the next instant.

His vision blurred.

Zhu Xiaoshuang's figure had already appeared before him.

"Run!"

"Let's see where you can run to now!"

Thousand Scatter Fist!

Her fists were like shotguns, blasting in all directions. The terrifying Fist Force and Power of Fluctuation made Wuh Ping's breath catch in his throat, and a look of despair filled his eyes, only to be replaced a moment later by a blank look.

In a daze,

he seemed to hear his father's voice, filled with boundless disgust and disdain, echoing in his ears.

"Is that all the power you have?"

"Your force channeling is barely passable, and you have almost no Fist Intent. Have you never seen a cannonball fired from its barrel?"

"Your punches are scattered. You can only bully ordinary people with them. You can't even condense your Strength. What good is it even if you hit someone?"

"Body like the chamber, strength like the shell, fists like fire, and intent following your will. Which of these can you do?"

...

Extreme unwillingness and anger intertwined in his heart. His temples throbbed, and a silent change was taking place within his body.

The 'voice' of Wuh Tian acted like a primer, instantly detonating the Strength within him.

"BOOM!"

Wuh Ping's eyes flew wide open.

"No!"

With a furious roar, he hammered out punches with alternating fists like a machine gun firing, landing thirty-six strikes in an instant. The extreme speed of his fists wove a Red Flame Barrage that met the incoming Fist Force head-on.

"PENG!"

A figure retreated frantically.

Zhu Xiaoshuang's hands trembled. Her eyes, filled with terror, were fixed on Wuh Ping, who stood firm.

"Impossible!"

"This is impossible!"

She had used the Killing Move of a Mid-Level Martial Skill. How could he not only block it completely but even force her back?

Cannon Fist.

It was clearly just a Basic Boxing Technique, and the so-called Continuous Fire Rapid Fire Form was only an unremarkable skill within it.

"Fist Intent!"

Below the arena.

A look of astonishment crossed Lin Dong's face, and he spoke in a solemn voice,

"It's actually Fist Intent!"

"The Fist Intent has seeped into his marrow, and his Strength Forms Gang. With that, a layer of Protective Gang Force now covers his entire body, making him fearless of the Fluctuation Fist's attacks. His own Fist Technique's power has surged, which is how he's able to suppress Zhu Xiaoshuang."

"A power-up at a critical moment..."

"You've got to be kidding me!"

"Fist Intent?" Lin Yuxi's face was alight with wild joy.

"I remember my teacher saying that Fist Intent is the key to advancing to a Martial Master. If someone can comprehend Fist Intent, they have a great chance of becoming a Martial Master. Does that mean Wuh Ping will definitely be a Martial Master in the future?"

"Well..." Lin Dong hesitated.

"More or less."

There was something he didn't say.

There are differences between one Fist Intent and another.

Wuh Ping's Fist Intent had already fused with his Physical Body in a perfect match. Every move he made carried a heaven-shaking intent. A Fist Intent of this level was rare even among Martial Masters.

"PENG!"

"PENG! PENG!"

On the arena stage.

The two were still locked in a fierce battle, but the tables had turned.

Wuh Ping had become the pursuer, while Zhu Xiaoshuang retreated frantically, relying on her Body Technique to survive.

'I can't lose!'

'I worked so hard to become a Martial Artist and learn a Mid-Level Martial Skill. I have to get into an Advanced Academy...'

'I don't want to go back!'

"AHH!"

With a furious roar, Zhu Xiaoshuang charged at Wuh Ping like a madwoman. Her fists were a torrential downpour, and the Power of Fluctuation suddenly surged, showing signs of turning the tide.

Fist Intent?

Lin Dong's expression stiffened.

'Are there really this many geniuses?'

Powering up in a moment of crisis, a sudden great leap in strength... you hear about such things, but they're rarely true.

Now,

he was seeing it happen to two people in a row.

But Zhu Xiaoshuang was different from Wuh Ping, after all. Although she had an outburst and showed signs of comprehending Fist Intent, she was ultimately still a little lacking.

"PENG!"

Their fists collided.

Two blood-soaked figures were each forced back.

Zhu Xiaoshuang's whole body trembled. Sweat and blood dripped from her arms to the ground, and her heart was filled with despair.

If she had just a few more days, she was certain she could comprehend Fist Intent and turn defeat into victory. But alas...

"How about a draw?"

Wuh Ping suddenly spoke.

"If it's a draw, we both still have a chance."

Hm?

Zhu Xiaoshuang's head snapped up.

It was true.

If the duel on the arena ended in a draw, then although neither would advance, they wouldn't lose their chance to take the exam. They would just be a step behind the others and could still get into a High-Level Academy later on by accumulating more wins.

But...

...he had clearly already won.

"I understand how you feel," Wuh Ping said.

"You'd rather die than go back to where you came from. So... I'll see you at the High-Level Academy."

?

Zhu Xiaoshuang stared at him blankly, then suddenly broke into a grin.

"My name is Zhu Xiaoshuang. What was yours again?"

"Wuh Ping!"

"Wuh Ping?"

Zhu Xiaoshuang nodded firmly.

"I'll remember you!"