Chapter 9: Assessment (part 2)
"Alright, stop arguing!" Chief Instructor Wutong's voice cut through the excited chatter of the instructors. "Next, we'll proceed with the speed test. One by one, starting with... Luo Feng first."
The various instructors had been debating enthusiastically about Luo Sheng's impressive strength, but Wutong's command brought immediate silence.
Wutong walked to the side of the training hall and activated the speed testing device—a sophisticated track equipped with multiple sensors that could measure velocity with extreme precision.
"Luo Feng, you're up first," Wutong called out.
Luo Feng stepped forward onto the track, his expression focused and determined. He took several deep breaths, centering himself, then settled into a sprinter's starting position.
"Begin!" Wutong commanded.
Luo Feng exploded forward with tremendous force. His enhanced body moved like a released arrow, each stride powerful and perfectly coordinated. The recent awakening of his Spirit Master abilities had improved his neural coordination significantly, making every movement more efficient.
He flashed across the measurement zone in seconds, his form blurring with speed.
BEEP!
The timing system registered his result.
"28.2 meters per second!" Wutong announced.
As Luo Feng ran, Luo Sheng's system detected the attribute orbs released from his brother's intense physical exertion.
[Speed +2.4 m/s]
The orb flew toward Luo Sheng and merged invisibly with his body. *Even brother's speed training generates excellent attributes,* Luo Sheng thought with satisfaction.
"Excellent result!" Jiang Nian called out proudly. "Well above the 25 m/s requirement!"
The other instructors nodded approvingly. The Quasi-Warrior standard for speed was 25 meters per second—Luo Feng had exceeded it by more than three meters per second.
"Next candidate," Wutong continued, working through the remaining test-takers.
One by one, the other candidates completed their speed tests. Some passed comfortably, others just barely met the requirement, and one unfortunate candidate who had passed the strength test failed the speed portion and was eliminated.
Finally, only Luo Sheng remained.
"Last one—Luo Sheng!" Wutong called out, genuine curiosity in his voice. If his speed matches his strength, this young man is truly exceptional.
Luo Sheng walked onto the track calmly. He positioned himself at the starting line, his body relaxed but ready.
I should hold back again, he thought. My actual speed is around 37 or 38 m/s now, but showing that would be too shocking. I'll aim for about 34 or 35 m/s—fast enough to be impressive, but not impossibly so.
He focused his mind, then launched forward with explosive power.
His speed was incredible—like a gust of wind, he seemed to disappear from the starting line and reappear at the finish in an instant. The instructors' eyes widened as they watched him blur past.
BEEP!
Wutong glanced at the numbers displayed on the screen, and even his usually calm expression showed surprise.
The chubby instructor from Beiyou District stepped forward eagerly. "How fast did he run?"
"34.5 meters per second," Wutong announced clearly.
Stunned silence filled the training hall for a moment, then the instructors erupted again with astonished exclamations.
"34.5 m/s?!"
"That's nearly 40% above the requirement!"
"This is Advanced Warrior level speed!"
"Jiang Nian, your district has produced two absolute monsters!"
Even Wutong couldn't completely hide his amazement. "Both brothers have exceeded all standards significantly. Very impressive."
Only the Chief Instructor managed to maintain relatively calm composure, though his eyes showed deep satisfaction. These two young men could become pillars of humanity's defense within just a few years.
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After all candidates completed both the strength and speed tests, four had passed both requirements: Luo Sheng, Luo Feng, Yang Wu, and a candidate named Bai Yang.
The five who had failed either the strength or speed tests were politely escorted out by staff members, disappointed but not surprised. The Quasi-Warrior assessment had a pass rate of less than 40%—failure was common.
"Congratulations to the four of you," Wutong addressed the successful candidates. "You've passed the physical requirements. However, there's one more test—the neural reaction assessment. Follow me."
The group proceeded to another section of the sixth floor. They entered a specialized testing room equipped with advanced equipment designed to measure combat reflexes and mental resilience.
"The neural reaction test evaluates your ability to respond under pressure," explained one of the instructors. "You'll face simulated combat scenarios that test both physical reflexes and mental composure."
The four candidates underwent the neural reaction testing one by one. The test involved dodging projectiles, responding to sudden threats, and maintaining focus under stressful conditions.
All four passed successfully, though Luo Sheng and Luo Feng showed noticeably superior reaction times compared to Yang Wu and Bai Yang—likely due to their Spirit Master abilities enhancing their neural processing.
°Even if luo Sheng not used perfection level still not hit.
---
After completing all three tests, the group returned to the main training hall.
Jiang Nian and several other instructors were waiting for them, along with someone new—a figure standing in the corner of the hall that Luo Sheng hadn't noticed before.
It was a man dressed in flowing black robes, with striking silver hair despite appearing middle-aged. His presence was subtle yet somehow overwhelming, like a deep ocean—calm on the surface but containing immense power beneath.
That's... Luo Sheng's enhanced Spirit sense immediately detected something unusual about this man. His spiritual power is incredibly powerful. This must be a high-level Spirit Master!
An instructor from the Beiyou District stepped forward with four contract documents. "This is the Martial Artist Combat Assessment Application Contract," he explained to Luo Sheng and the others.
"The combat assessment is the final stage," the instructor continued. "You'll face actual monsters in a controlled environment. This tests your ability to apply your physical capabilities in real combat situations."
Luo Sheng took the contract and began reading carefully. The document outlined the risks involved:
"Once you participate in the Martial Artist Combat Assessment, if you are killed by a monster during the process, it has nothing to do with the Extreme Martial Club or any associated organizations."
"The death rate of the Martial Artist Combat Assessment is approximately 2-3%."
"The death rate is low, but the injury rate is quite high," added a bald, muscular instructor, his voice grave. "You will be fighting real monsters—the lowest rank creatures, yes, but still dangerous. When you truly go to wilderness areas to hunt monsters by yourselves in the future, the danger will be far greater than this assessment."
He fixed all four candidates with a serious look. "If you can't even pass this stage, then you shouldn't become a Martial Artist. This is your final chance to reconsider."
Luo Sheng and Luo Feng exchanged glances. Both brothers' eyes showed the same determination—they had come too far to turn back now.
All four candidates signed their contracts without hesitation.
As they finished signing, the silver-haired, black-robed man suddenly turned his attention toward them. His gaze swept across the four candidates.
The moment his eyes met theirs, Luo Sheng felt an overwhelming pressure—as if the man's eyes had expanded to fill his entire vision, vast as the sky itself. The sensation was disorienting, like falling into an endless void.
This is a mental attack! Luo Sheng realized instantly. His own Spirit Master abilities activated instinctively, forming a defensive barrier around his consciousness.
[Spirit +235 kg]
An attribute orb released from the black-robed man merged with Luo Sheng, strengthening his mental defenses even further. Within a split second, Luo Sheng regained full awareness and control.
Beside him, Luo Feng also jolted back to consciousness, though a half-beat slower than his brother.
However, Yang Wu and Bai Yang weren't so fortunate. Both stood completely dazed, their eyes unfocused, as if trapped in some kind of dream or illusion.
"What's going on?" Luo Feng whispered urgently, noticing that while he and his brother had quickly recovered, their two companions remained in a trance-like state.
The silver-haired, black-robed man's eyes widened slightly with surprise. These two brothers both recovered almost instantly? Interesting... very interesting.
He had released a minor mental probe—nothing dangerous, just a simple test to evaluate the candidates' mental resilience. Most people at the Quasi-Warrior level would remain dazed for at least ten to fifteen seconds.
Yet these two young men had broken free in less than two seconds. That level of mental strength was exceptional, especially for ones so young.
Chief Instructor Wutong also nodded with obvious satisfaction. "Not only are your physical qualities excellent, but your mental willpower is also strong. Very good!"
After a few more seconds, Yang Wu and Bai Yang finally woke from their daze.
Yang Wu looked bewildered. "What happened? What was that just now? It was like I had a strange dream..."
Bai Yang appeared equally confused. "What happened to me? It felt like I was sleepwalking just now."
They exchanged glances, suddenly recalling what had occurred, and both broke out in cold sweat from fright. The experience had been unsettling and frightening.
"That black-robed man is terrifying," Luo Feng whispered to Luo Sheng. "I can't even recall his appearance clearly now—only those eyes..."
A sharp glint flashed in Luo Sheng's eyes as he replied quietly, "Brother, that man is definitely a Spirit Master. A very powerful one."
Luo Feng was startled. "A Spirit Master?"
He knew about Spirit Masters, of course. They were the most special and powerful type of Martial Artist, possessing incredible mental power. They could manipulate objects from a distance, launch mental attacks, and perceive things normal warriors couldn't.
Spirit Masters were extraordinarily rare—there might not be even one among ten thousand Martial Artists. And they were generally much more powerful than ordinary warriors of the same rank.
The silver-haired, black-robed man smiled and approached the four candidates. His previously overwhelming presence had softened, becoming almost gentle.
"You two young men," he said, looking directly at Luo Sheng and Luo Feng, "your talent is exceptional. Very impressive. Keep working hard."
"Thank you, senior!" both brothers responded respectfully.
The black-robed man nodded approvingly, then turned and left the training hall alongside Chief Instructor Wutong, their conversation fading as they departed.
---
After the instructors finished preparing the necessary paperwork, they dismissed the four successful candidates.
"Your combat assessment will be scheduled within the next two weeks," Jiang Nian informed them. "You'll receive notification of the exact date and location. Use this time to rest, train, and prepare yourselves mentally."
"Yes, Instructor!" all four responded.
Luo Sheng, Luo Feng, Yang Wu, and Bai Yang bid farewell to the instructors and left the training hall together. Armed soldiers stationed outside the Limit Hall monitored their departure as they exited the Mingyue Community.
"That was intense," Yang Wu said once they were outside the gates. "I thought I was prepared, but that mental attack caught me completely off guard."
"Same here," Bai Yang agreed. "How did you two recover so quickly?"
Luo Sheng smiled mysteriously. "Just luck, I suppose. Our willpower happened to be strong enough."
"Well, we all passed the main requirements," Yang Wu said cheerfully. "That's what matters! How about we celebrate with a meal together? My treat!"
The four of them made their way to a restaurant in the commercial district near Mingyue Community. They shared a meal together, exchanging contact information and discussing their future plans as aspiring Martial Artists. It was a good way to build connections—friendships formed during assessments often lasted throughout one's career.
After eating and chatting for about an hour, they parted ways and headed home.
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Luo Sheng and Luo Feng took the subway back to their district. The afternoon sun was beginning to descend toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the city.
"I didn't expect this day would arrive in our lives," Luo Sheng said as they sat together on the subway car.
Having finally completed the Quasi-Warrior assessment successfully, both brothers were in excellent spirits and looked forward to their futures as Martial Artists.
Luo Feng smiled. "Yes. Out of all candidates today, only four passed. And out of all the students who trained at our district dojo over the years, only a small fraction have become Martial Artists."
He sighed, his expression becoming more serious. "Too few people can become Martial Artists, yet Martial Artists are the most crucial force in defending humanity against monsters. This is why Martial Artists are so respected in our era—we're literally the line between civilization and extinction."
Now that they were about to join the ranks of warriors, it felt more real than ever.
As they talked, the subway arrived at their station and they quickly made their way home.
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Father Luo Hongguo and Mother Gong Xinlan were both at home, having waited anxiously all day for their sons to return. Luo Hua was also present, home for summer vacation from his studies.
"Dad, Mom, Second Brother, we're back!" Luo Feng shouted loudly with a bright smile as they pushed open the door.
Upon hearing his voice, all three family members immediately turned to look. Luo Hua couldn't help but stand up and directly ask: "Big Brother, Second Brother, how was your Quasi-Warrior assessment?"
Luo Sheng and Luo Feng exchanged glances, then smiled at their family.
Luo Feng announced proudly: "Dad, Mom, Second Brother—both Big Brother and I passed the Quasi-Warrior assessment!"
"Really?" Mother Gong Xinlan's eyes immediately welled up with tears of joy and excitement. She still couldn't quite believe it. "Truly?"
Luo Sheng stepped forward and put his arm around his mother's shoulder, smiling warmly. "Really, Mom. In a few more days, both our Quasi-Warrior certificates will be delivered to our home!"
"That's wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" Father Luo Hongguo stood nearby, smiling so widely his face seemed to glow. He waved his hand and instructed his wife: "Xinlan, hurry and go buy groceries! Tonight our family will celebrate properly!"
"I will, I will!"
Mother Gong Xinlan nodded repeatedly. Thanks to Luo Sheng's and Luo Hua's earnings, the family wasn't short on money anymore—they could buy whatever they wanted to eat.
She suddenly seemed to remember something and looked at her two sons with concern. "Oh, right—Luo Sheng, Xiao Feng, have you eaten? If not, I'll make you some noodles first. Then when I get back with groceries, I'll cook a proper dinner!"
Luo Sheng smiled and shook his head. "Before coming home, those of us who passed the assessment had a meal together, so we're not hungry right now."
"Okay, then I'll go shopping now!" Mother Gong Xinlan said cheerfully. She walked toward the kitchen and emerged carrying a special basket for groceries.
Father Luo Hongguo quickly said, "Xinlan, I'll go with you!" He took the basket from her hand, and the two elders walked out of the house together, laughing and chatting happily.
After his parents left, Luo Sheng looked at his second brother. "Second Brother, Xiao Feng and I will be cultivating in our rooms for a while. We'll come down for dinner later."
"Okay, you two go ahead!" Luo Hua nodded understandingly.
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