The flow of Qi circulates like a small insect roaming within the body. This sensation is quite marvelous. But this is the sign of breaking through to the Martial Student Realm as described in the cultivation guide.
On the Martial Arts Path, Qi sense is a very important indicator. Because everything that follows in Martial Arts is critically linked to Qi sense.
For a flesh-and-blood body, the strength of bones, muscles, tendons, skin, and other aspects is limited. For example, even if a person has thousands of tons of strength, if the strength of his body is inadequate, when his fist hits a steel plate, the steel plate may be fine, but his fist will be bloody and mangled. Such strength is useless.
Martial Arts is actually a kind of evolution, a self-evolution through special methods. Tempering is the way to evolve oneself. But how to temper? In the past, external training involved horizontal exercises. Enhancing the body's resistance to impact and intensity through iron sand, river sand, stick beatings, and other methods. Like Iron Sand Palm, Iron Cloth Shirt, Horizontal Training Thirteen Protectors, and other such skills.
Nowadays, tempering primarily focuses on Qi sense. Qi circulates through the body, enhancing it with vital energy. Vital energy is not limitless. It needs to be replenished. Therefore, martial artists compete for cultivation resources—and fight for their lives.
Looking at the System data, there has been a noticeable change.
Host: Wang Zhan
Strength: 101
Agility: 101
Physique: 101
Charm: 24
Wisdom: 10
The five attributes have each increased by one point. This is great. It means that Wang Zhan's strength is about to see a significant boost. More importantly, he has finally found a way to increase his wisdom.
Although wisdom has only increased by one point, Wang Zhan feels that his thoughts have become clearer, as if he's become smarter, perhaps due to a psychological effect.
...
No. 33 Middle School
As soon as Wang Zhan entered the school gate, he felt a special atmosphere. Amongst the gravity, there was a solemn state.
In the class, as soon as Wang Zhan entered, a burst of cheers greeted him.
"Brother Zhan!" Yao Yao was already approaching with a breakfast of love.
"Can you speak properly?" Wang Zhan glanced over, feeling it was a bit too pretentious. When Yao Yao is normal, she's still a very well-behaved girl. But this coquettish tone is a bit hard to bear.
"Boss Wang! Today's the school's aptitude test. Do you have confidence?" A classmate had already hustled over.
"Go away! What does it have to do with you? The aptitude test has nothing to do with you. Don't disturb Brother Zhan... from eating." Yao Yao paused noticeably.
Wang Zhan didn't mind, saying with a smile, "I still have confidence. What about you guys?"
That hurt! His words instantly elicited a round of wails.
"Boss Wang, we can't compare with you. With my ability, I'm just estimating to get into a technical school and then get down to earth with a job."
In the Federation Era, martial artists are held in high esteem. Everyone knows that martial artists have high status and enjoy privileges. They are considered as superior beings. However, this doesn't apply to No. 33 Middle School. Few children from the slum area can truly rise. Over the years, hasn't Wang Qi been the only one? Zhao Xu seems pretty good, but he's just a bottom-tier presence.
In short, people without money are not qualified to discuss these matters. Wang Zhan scans the room and sees that no one feels any loss or resentment for not being able to take the martial path. Everyone knows their level. At this level, it's best not to think too much.
"You still have it good, An An. With your scores, it's no problem for you to attend a humanities college. By then, you might even get into one of the four major research institutes. You might become a martial artist someday."
Wang Zhan listens but doesn't think much about the classmates encouraging and praising each other.
"Wang Zhan." Yao Yao says softly while looking at Wang Zhan.
"What's up?"
Biting her lower lip, Yao Yao looked determined and serious, "Do you think I can get into the Martial Arts Academy?"
Martial Arts Academy!
Wang Zhan finds himself unsure of how to respond. In terms of political reviews, Yao Yao shouldn't have any issues. But in terms of strength! If Yao Yao's strength were great, she wouldn't be in this ordinary class. If he remembers correctly, during the last test, Yao Yao's strength was just about 100 kilograms. Converted to attributes, that's only 10. It's decent in the current class, but to get into the Martial Arts Academy—difficult!
No. 33 Middle School is just one of thousands of middle schools within the Federation. It ranks at the bottom even in Chu State City.
Martial Artists are not so easily found. Across the entire Federation's fifty Giant Cities, the total population is over two billion. Martial Artists are the backbone, but they are still a minority. The majority are ordinary people.
"What? Do you also think my ideas are unrealistic?" Yao Yao said, looking at Wang Zhan, but her expression showed a lot of difference, loss, inferiority, and perhaps some frustration.
Wang Zhan's personality has always been flamboyant. Yet for the first time, he couldn't act like that. He smiled, looked at Yao Yao, and said, "No, I think people must have faith! The power of faith is truly invincible. Isn't it?"
"Yes!" Yao Yao smiled, still waving her fist. At that moment, the sunshine was bright.
...
The class bell rang, and Chen Jun walked in punctually.
"Classmates! We only have fourteen days left until the College Entrance Examination. Excluding rest, we actually have only ten days. Today we start the last pre-exam assessment test. According to the school's plan, we have scheduled it for this afternoon."
"Let me reiterate, we should not be discouraged. The College Entrance Examination only represents one choice in life. Martial Artists are indeed the backbone of our Federation, the spine of humanity, that's correct. But the entire Federation continues because we've all worked hard together."
"In the future, we will take on various roles and contribute our strength to the survival of the Federation and the continuation of humanity. Now, let's start the class!"
Chen Jun's words were passionate and inspiring. Yet, he had to say them. Everyone knows Martial Artists are great. But so what? Not everyone can walk the Martial Arts Path.
By this time, all courses were already finished. Mostly, it was self-review. Some who hoped to get into the Martial Arts Academy were almost not here anymore. Those with some resources at home went to Martial Arts Schools. They hired professional coaches to train them. They wouldn't relax until the last moment.
Wang Zhan had no interest in studying. He had no issues with cultural subjects. Now his strength had skyrocketed, and Wang Zhan was even less worried.
The whole morning, Wang Zhan was reading Federation history, beast introduction, and botany. After closing the book, Wang Zhan closed his eyes and pondered for a while. He felt quite good. A smile appeared on his face. After all, the improvement in wisdom had a different effect. After reading these books, he could clearly feel different changes and insights. His understanding of the wilderness also deepened.
"Boss Wang really is different. Is this preparation for the wilderness?" A flattering voice sounded from behind.
Wang Zhan turned his head, and it was indeed Lin Qiang. Not far away, Deng Chaofan was waiting with a pitiful look. Wang Zhan chuckled, his face serious and proud, and said, "Of course, Martial Artists are born for battle. If they don't go to the wilderness, what kind of Martial Artist are they?"
Deng Chaofan froze at the door, looked at the person beside him, and admitted, "I can't match Wang Zhan! This kid is a complete mad man. I only regard others' lives lightly. He treats his own life lightly."
Time passed unknowingly, and it was afternoon in a blink. Finally, it was time for the class of poor students. Quite coincidentally, Deng Chaofan's and Lin Qiang's classes happened to be together with Wang Zhan's.
Entering the Martial Arts Hall. The original arena had been temporarily dismantled. On both sides, huge electronic screens were erected, displaying names, rankings, and comprehensive combat power.
At this moment, the first place was a boy named Xiong Li, with a comprehensive combat power of 100!
"Silence!" In the center, Principal Cao holding a microphone, his voice echoed inside: "Everyone has seen it. This is an all-new conversion method. Strength, speed, these are all things of the past. This is the Federation notice we received last night! Starting this year, a new assessment method will be adopted, which is comprehensive combat power!"
Comprehensive combat power!
This term immediately sparked a buzz of discussions. Lin Qiang, Yao Yao, had gathered around Wang Zhan, and even Deng Chaofan was involved.
"Boss, isn't this targeting you? It's too rushed." Lin Qiang began to speak.
Yao Yao's face also showed anger, "Exactly, I really don't know what's going on, with only a few days left, the policy of the College Entrance Examination that's been executed for years is suddenly changed. Isn't this a joke?"
"I..." Deng Chaofan suddenly spoke but quickly fell silent. Wang Zhan chuckled and said, "Speak, your Boss Wang isn't petty. If you want to say something, just say it!"
Deng Chaofan laughed, his expression somewhat grateful. He said, "Actually, I feel it's not necessarily because of Boss Wang. After all, it's related to the entire Federation."
Wang Zhan also said, "Indeed, I don't have that much ability. This should just be a coincidence. Don't be too conspiracy-minded, although Boss Wang is wise and mighty, it's not like I can affect the Federation right now. This is purely an accident."
Although saying this, Wang Zhan's heart grew heavier. Thinking of Wang Qi's words, with all the recent anomalies, and the temporary policy change, it's very abnormal. The higher-ups of the Federation must have undergone some unknown changes.
"Moreover, I think this is a good thing." Wang Zhan glanced at Deng Chaofan and said, "For instance, Little Fan, this guy's strength is good. But speed, not so much. Previously, he had an advantage with the old standard. But assessing comprehensive combat power now, it's not certain."
Just as he was speaking, Principal Cao spoke again: "Comprehensive combat power includes strength, speed, and physique. A combination of three aspects, calculated based on the above formula. Overall, it benefits us. Especially students inclined towards certain subjects gain tremendous benefits."
Previously, in assessments, strength, speed, and physique were indispensable. But with comprehensive combat power conversion, a student who might not pass by the old assessment method could reach the standard under the new rules. This premise requires a standout aspect. If someone like Deng Chaofan seems average but doesn't excel in anything, it won't work!
Just as he was speaking, Principal Cao's voice rang out: "Wang Zhan! Where is Wang Zhan? You are the first to undergo assessment!"