Chapter 4 PUNCHES BEATS BOOKS.
“Line up, you little brats, and get ready for a grueling nine months!”
The instructor’s gruff voice cut through the morning air like a blade. His stern gaze swept across the courtyard as the students clumsily scrambled into formation, some bumping into each other, others nervously adjusting their clothes.
“I am Head Instructor Fang Duan. You may call me Senior Fang,” he said, hands clasped behind his back.
“This year, only 30 out of the 200 students standing here will qualify for the Cloud Seeking Sect’s admission exam next spring. This school exists to teach you the basics of cultivation and provide the knowledge needed to survive in a harsh world where the strong prey on the weak.”
This school has a few rules that you must follow, or you can expect disciplinary action.
“First rule."
"No killing of your fellow students and killing taking place on school grounds will be met with harsh punishment..
Fighting is permitted as long as no one is crippled…
"If you can’t stand each other, issue an official death match to be held in the sparring arena"…
"The school won’t interfere."
"Second rule!"
"You must register with the information hall whenever you’re taking a leave of absence longer than 3 days"….
"Third Rule."
"All books, scrolls, techniques, and items belonging to the school must be kept on school grounds unless given permission from a senior staff member"…
"Fourth rule."
"Your backgrounds mean nothing here, in these walls, you are all dirt! Only after being watered are you qualified to be considered an ant before me….”
Fang Duan's Aura Spiked. Releasing subtle pressure on the students and spectators.
“Did I make myself clear?”
A hush fell over the courtyard. The weight of his words settled like iron on the students’ shoulders.
They all slowly nodded.
Fang Duan nodded his head in approval.
“Good…”
“Graduation is at age 18; you must obtain a minimum of 8th stage body tempering. Anyone who hasn’t by this age is to be expelled and will not receive the graduation resources.“
“Those of you who manage to be accepted into the cloud-seeking sect need not worry about anything regarding the academy.”
“The minimum requirement to qualify for the Cloud Seeking Sect is to be under 16 years old and to have reached at least the 7th level of the Body Tempering Realm.”
Murmurs rippled through the ranks.
“I will divide you into four groups of fifty, based on your test results. Now follow me to the exam hall, we’ll begin with the knowledge exam. Don’t worry, this isn’t a test you can fail. It’s simply to assess your current level.”
Kong Ming’s face brightened instantly. This was one of the rare moments when he could shine. Ever since he could read, Uncle Lao had brought him piles of books on cultivation theory, martial philosophy, and demon beast zoology. That constant reading had not only sharpened his mind but also preserved his sanity during years of bedridden solitude.
Kong Tian, on the other hand, looked like he’d swallowed a bitter pill. He was known as a gifted martial talent, a natural in the Dao of the Body, but he had one glaring weakness: his complete disdain for book learning.
“Stupid exam, but I won’t let something like this stop me,” he muttered, clenching his fists. “Maybe Minger can give me some pointers.”
He looked at his little brother with newfound resolve.
Once seated in the large stone hall, the disciples were handed exam books with three sections: Demon Beasts, Cultivation Theory, and Martial Dao.
“Complete each section at your own pace,” said one of the instructors. “After everyone finishes, we’ll announce the top ten for each category. Begin!”
The atmosphere became tense as dozens of students began scribbling furiously. Instructors paced the aisles with hawk-like focus to prevent cheating.
“Any promising recruits this year, Senior Fang?” asked a seductive-looking female instructor, her voice smooth like honey as she glanced over the candidates.
“There are a few,” Fang Duan replied with a sly grin. “But why would I reveal the diamonds I’ve found to the Chen Clan so easily?”
“You’re so cold, Brother Fang,” she teased, placing a playful hand on his shoulder.
Before Fang Duan could reply, a voice tugged at his attention.
“Senior, I’m done with the exam.”
He turned, blinking in surprise. Only 30 minutes had passed.
A twelve-year-old youth stood before him, his long brown hair cascading neatly down his back in a ponytail style. He had refined features, calm eyes, and the scholarly bearing of a noble, but there was a subtle ferociousness hidden just beneath the surface.
Fang Duan nodded his head in approval.
“Not bad. What’s your name?”
“Chen Kai,” the youth said, cupping his fist respectfully.
“Chen…Ah. The Chen family’s new genius, huh?” Fang Duan raised an eyebrow. “Seems the rumors were true.”
He glanced at the Seductive female instructor, Chen Jinxi, you dare look for other talents with such a rough gem already in this cohort.
Chen Jinxi chuckled. Her large bust appeared to be on the brink of breaking through its mortal shackles.
Instructor Fang Duan Grinned.
You show similar promise as my son Fang LongWei when he was your age.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
In the span of a few breaths….
Two more disciples stepped forward.
One was a frail boy using a stick to support himself, Kong Ming, and the other a tall girl with sharp, dignified features and daggers on her back.
“Looks like the cripple you all mocked has more than just willpower,” Fang Duan said loudly.
The students who mocked Kong Ming earlier face flushed from embarrassment.
Head Instructor Fang Duan's gaze landed on the youth's wobbling legs.
“You’re Kong Ming, correct? How old are you?”
The boy bowed slightly.
“Eleven,” the boy replied.
Chen Kai glanced at Kong Ming.
His face showed a rare sense of surprise.
“This one isn’t without merit despite his appearance…”Chen Kai thought inwardly.
Fang Duan gently put his hand on Kong Ming’s shoulder..
“If your body doesn’t allow you to cultivate, you should consider joining my Fang family. They aren’t the nicest bunch, but they value talent and will be able to provide you a stable living.
You could become a medicinal or formation expert. Given your talent for comprehension.”
Kong Ming’s silver eyes widened.
He cupped his hands and bowed awkwardly with a cane in hand.
“Thank you for Senior’s kind intentions.”
Kong Ming replied with a bright smile, his first genuine one in a long time. For once, someone saw his value outside of pity.
“...But for now, I want to pursue the martial dao before I turn my back on it.”
He currently has no ambition, outside of being able to walk and possessing a sturdy body that won’t be a burden to his brother and uncle…
Besides,
Becoming an expert in the Dao of medicine or formations never stimulated his mind.
His uncle seemed wary of teaching him medicine; he rarely chose medicinal books when giving books for him to read.
?
Two hours later…
“Time for the results!” an instructor announced.
“The top 10 scorers are as follows:
10th – Wu Long
9th – Bai zutian.
8th – Fang Hong.
7th – Chen Yuan.
6th – Fang Zhu.
5th – Bai Yuyin.
4th – Chen Yue.
3rd – Kong Ming.
2nd – Na Ran.
1st is Chen Kai.
Chen Kai smirked. Arrogance was clear in his eyes.
Gasps and sighs filled the room.
The Spectaor's whispers filled the room.
“Three out of the top ten are from the Chen Clan…”
“Looks like the Chen Clan may finally surpass the Fang Clan in the younger generation.”
“The physical exam is next,” Instructor Fang barked. “Follow me to the southern courtyard.”
The students walked through a broad stone Hallway with paintings on each side.
As the students passed beneath the ancient paintings of stern old figures, whispers broke out.
“That’s Elder Bai!”
“Look, it’s Bai Yuyin’s Uncle!”
“She’s the current prodigy of the Bai family, isn’t she?”
At the rear of the group, Kong Tian walked slowly, supporting Kong Ming with a wooden cane and his shoulder.
“I may have scored average on the knowledge test… but the physical exam is where I show them who I really am,” he muttered, tightening his jaw.
The southern courtyard was majestic. Two towering bronze dragon statues stood guard at the entrance. To the right were training puppets, to the left a sparring stage, and in the center, a towering jade totem with six glowing tiers.
“This is the Six-Path Divine Jade Totem,” Instructor Fang announced. “It measures your raw physical strength and martial foundation. Most of you will barely light up the first Section, but I hope some of you dragons prove me wrong.”
There are 6 sections representing each realm, and each section has nine levels. Since all of you are body tempering cultivators, I don’t expect anyone to light up the higher sections.
To take the test, launch your strongest attack at the totem pole using your strength and physical qi.
“After everyone has taken a turn, we will announce the top 10 strongest in strength among this year's crop.”
“Just remember, if you’re older than the others, don’t get arrogant about your strength being higher.”
“In this world… talent is not easily measured by arbitrary tests of strength. While cultivation is important, how wisely you use your power can play a massive role. “
He glanced over to Kong Ming.
His gaze cut like a sharp sword across the students. “Who’s first?”
Silence.
Absolute Silence.
“How about the proud Lady Bai?” he called with a grin.
Bai Yuyin cupped her hand slightly at the instructor's suggestion.
Bai Yuyin stepped forward. She was a cold beauty.
Her white and blue martial dress fluttered as she tied back her long hair, her long legs enhanced her noble aura.
With a low battle cry, she leaped into the air and twisted, her heel slamming into the jade totem with the force of a falling meteor as her leg made contact.
Ketach!
The first level of the totem lit up.
“One quarter…Half…No, slightly more!”
“6th level of Body Tempering!” an instructor called.
A yellow glow stopped at just over half of the first section, signifying her ranking.
Fang Duan laughed. “Bai Yuyin, your arrogance isn’t without reason.”
“The past few years have given rise to top talents."
Greater than any of the previous generations, so be sure to work hard and don’t be too arrogant after minor success.”
Bai representatives in the audience all had a smile of confidence.
The crowd began to discuss it fervently.
“6th stage at age 12, as expected of the Bai Clan, one of the 3 great Clans of Iron Root town."
“But the Fang Clan is probably still in the lead position among the younger generation.”
“Fools, geniuses have to live to maturity to make a difference. As of right now, the Chen clan is the wealthiest, a scholarly townsman barked.”Tone dripping with superiority.
“Any more volunteers?” The Announcer called out.
“Let me go next,” said a deep voice.
All eyes turned. A tall boy with black eyes, black hair with silver streaks, stepped forward.
Kong Tian.
His shoulders were broad. His arms, roped with muscle. His hands bore the scars of endless training. He approached the totem.
“Kong Tian.”
The crowd gasped at the appearance of Kong Tian.
“Aren't those the street brats that live on the outskirts?”
“How were they able to get a recommendation to the academy?”
“Oh great, we have a cripple and his mount, attempting to become cultivators.”
Kong Tian ignored the comments and jeers. And steadied his breathing.
Fang Duan’s eyes gleamed. “Let’s see if this one’s a dragon in hiding.”
Kong Tian entered a wide horse stance. His aura shifted. He twisted his waist, his whole body generating momentum.
“Profound Fist Technique!”
"CRACK!"
His fist struck the totem with a thunderous crash. The ground trembled. The air was still.
“One quarter… Half… Three quarters, wait, no… it can’t be, ”
[To be continued…]
