Beep! Beep! Beep!The punch force testing machine let out three short, sharp beeps.
The instructor frowned. That sound wasn't part of a normal test. It only triggered when something rare happened—when the punch force exceeded 1,000 kilograms.
The target still trembled from the blow. On the machine's screen, the number lit up: 1180 kg.
"…That high?" The instructor was stunned.
To put it in perspective, 700 kilograms already marked someone as a top-tier student. That's the level most came in hoping to hit if they were aiming for advanced status at the dojo. But Wei Wen? He was here just for the evaluation—and casually threw out that kind of number.
Outside the Advanced Student Training Hall, a middle-aged man in black, bald, and stocky—Jiang Nian—had just returned.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
He paused, his expression changing.
"Huh? These machines are the basic model. They only make that sound when the force goes over a thousand kilos…" Jiang Nian's brow furrowed. "There isn't a single advanced student in our Yi'an District branch who can break 1000. Who the hell just did that?"
Curiosity piqued, he stepped quickly inside.
He didn't recognize the young man standing near the machine. Not a regular, not someone he'd mentored. Clearly new.
"So young… and already this strong?" Jiang Nian murmured.
That kind of strength meant the kid could almost certainly pass both the Quasi-Warrior Physical Trial and the Combat Trial—the prerequisites to officially becoming a certified Warrior under the Global Martial Alliance. And for an instructor, recommending a talent like that meant serious contribution credit.
"You, student—come here." Jiang Nian smiled, friendly but focused. "What's your name? How old are you?"
"Wei Wen. I'm 18."
"Eighteen, and already built like this?" Jiang Nian nodded in approval. "My Dojo might just owe you its next wave of contribution points."
"You came to test for advanced student rank, yeah? Come with me. Let's get your certification sorted."
"Thanks, Instructor." Wei Wen responded with a relaxed grin.
"Tell you what," Jiang Nian continued, "once you pass the full Warrior assessment, why not officially join the Limit Dojo?"
"If you do, we'll arrange a private villa for you in one of the premium zones. And if you keep progressing, I'll recommend you to upper management—you'll get access to more advanced resources."
Wei Wen shrugged. "Sure."
He had already planned to join the Limit Dojo. Of the Big Three dojos—Limit, Thunder, and Spirit Blade—Limit offered the best training environment and benefits for cultivating real strength.
After signing the forms, Wei Wen walked out with his Advanced Student Certification in hand.
June 10th — Morning. Clear skies.
Luo Feng and Wei Wen walked side-by-side toward the Limit Dojo's Yi'an District branch.
Seeing Wei Wen headed to training like a real martial artist was weird for Luo Feng. The guy had spent the last few years slacking off. But today… today was different.
"What do you say—on July 1st, we go together to the Limit Dojo headquarters in Yangzhou and take the Quasi-Warrior Trials?" Wei Wen said with a smirk.
Luo Feng blinked. "…You serious?"
Wei Wen, take the Quasi-Warrior test?
Luo Feng hadn't seen him train properly in ages. Maybe at best he had intermediate-level strength. But then again, Wei Wen wasn't the type to bluff.
"If you think I'm kidding, we can arm wrestle right now," Wei Wen said, grinning.
Truth was, Wei Wen had his reasons: the assessment would unlock access to cultivation resources, and more importantly—it would push Luo Feng forward. He knew how Luo Feng thought.
"Alright then," Luo Feng said, already rolling up his sleeve. "Let's see what you've got."
They gripped hands.
Luo Feng didn't hold back. His body tensed, energy flowing from core to arm like a coiled spring unbound. His entire body worked as a single lever. He expected resistance—he didn't expect this kind of resistance.
"Holy crap," Luo Feng thought. "This strength…"
Even as one of the only three advanced students at Yi'an's Third High School, Luo Feng was stunned. He took pride in his calm mindset and his relentless training. But this? Wei Wen was on another level.
He hadn't just improved. He had transcended.
But instead of despair, Luo Feng's instincts kicked in.
I'll surpass him. I have to.
For others, going up against a prodigy like Wei Wen would crush their spirit. But Luo Feng wasn't like most people. He locked onto Wei Wen like a target.
If Wei Wen was the mountain, he'd climb.
And the moment that thought crystallized in his mind, his motivation reached another level.
If Wei Wen knew what was going through Luo Feng's mind, he'd probably die laughing. All he had to do was show up and suddenly Luo Feng had gone full "Main Character Mode."
Still, goal achieved.
Luo Feng was fired up.
Yi'an District — Advanced Student Wing, Limit Dojo
"Did I hear that right? Luo Feng and Wei Wen are taking the Quasi-Warrior Trial?"
"Luo Feng's only been advanced for a year. How's he ready so soon?"
"Forget that—Wei Wen? Wasn't he stuck as an intermediate-level for years?"
"No, no, I heard yesterday he got tested again—scored 1180 kg on the punch force test."
"…WHAT?!"
They didn't want to believe it. Their brains resisted the idea that these two, especially Wei Wen, had caught up to them. But the numbers didn't lie.
They were already a full level ahead. They just hadn't made it official yet.
South Shore Residential Zone — Luo Feng's Apartment
"Xiao Feng, take a break already." Luo Hongguo looked at his son, worried.
Even before, Luo Feng had been a hardworking kid. But this? He was pushing himself like a man possessed.
After one final set, Luo Feng collapsed to the ground, gasping for air.
"Compared to Wei Wen, I've got no talent. So I've gotta work harder. Ten times harder," Luo Feng panted.
His parents had heard the story from him—the ridiculous leap Wei Wen had made. Now they understood why Luo Feng was training like every second counted.
[Your friend Luo Feng is practicing movement techniques. Your comprehension of movement techniques has improved. Congratulations—you have reached the Micro Level.]
Wei Wen lay back in bed, casually scrolling the system prompt with one eye open.
He looked like a man who just heard his eulogy, sat up in bed, and asked for tea.