For most warriors at the General level, grasping Micro-level Movement Techniques is no easy feat.
That's why Wei Wen's mastery of such fine-tuned control—before even becoming a formal martial artist—left Chief Instructor Wu Tong truly stunned.
"He hasn't trained movement techniques for that long… how did he already reach the Micro level?" Luo Feng asked, wide-eyed. "What kind of comprehension ability is that?"
What Luo Feng didn't know was that Wei Wen didn't reach this level purely through insight. He'd achieved it through rigorous, relentless practice.
Whoosh~~
A minute later, the neural reaction test machine came to a halt. The display lit up with a simple line of data:
"No hits within 60 seconds. No contact with the red outer boundary. Full marks."
Wu Tong had suspected as much, but even he was caught off guard by the perfect result.
"Wei Wen, you've passed all three sections of the Provisional Martial Artist assessment. Congratulations."
"Once the formal documentation is processed and your provisional identity is updated in the citizen registry, you'll officially be listed as a Provisional Martial Artist."
"And if you pass the upcoming combat trial, you'll qualify as a full martial artist."
The combat assessment is held twice a year—on February 1st and August 1st. Today was July 1st, which meant Wei Wen had one month to prepare.
"I understand," Wei Wen nodded. He already knew the assessment details. Passing it wouldn't be a problem.
One by one, the other candidates completed their assessments.
When the results were tallied, four candidates had succeeded.
Wu Tong smiled. "Wei Wen, Luo Feng, Yang Wu, Bai Yang—congratulations. You're all officially Provisional Martial Artists."
"Next comes your instruction in the Genetic Force cultivation technique and the signing of combat contracts."
Wu Tong gestured subtly to the other instructors and then approached a silver-haired, black-robed man who had been observing quietly from the sidelines.
From what Wei Wen remembered of the original story, this man was a Psycher Master, someone who specialized in manipulating mental force—likely of the illusionist subtype.
The man's eyes lingered on Wei Wen, a glint of interest flickering in them.
And then… something strange happened.
Just for an instant, Wei Wen felt like the man's gaze pulled him into a vast, star-filled void. His consciousness felt as if it were being swallowed.
But it passed quickly. Wei Wen snapped back to clarity almost immediately.
It wasn't that his resistance to illusions was strong. The truth was more startling—Wei Wen's Mental Force, lying dormant in his mind, vastly exceeded that of the illusionist probing him.
The silver-haired man raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. I didn't expect a surprise like this. You either have exceptional willpower… or you're a Psycher Master."
He looked thoughtful. "Given your ability to comprehend advanced movement techniques at your age, it suggests a strong mind. That leans toward the Psycher Master explanation—but it's still unclear."
"We'll find out for sure when you first absorb Genetic Force. If you awaken, you are one."
With that, the man said no more and left the dojo with Wu Tong.
Wei Wen exhaled.
A Psycher Master?
The others around him looked shocked.
In the early stages of Swallowed Star cultivation, there are two main types of power:
Genetic Martial Artists gain strength by awakening the body's hidden potential and drawing in universal energy—Genetic Force—through physical cultivation.
Psycher Masters channel strength through the mind, drawing upon Mental Force to shape reality, manipulate matter, and even attack or defend at a distance.
It wasn't impossible for someone to be both. In fact, a few top-tier warriors were dual cultivators. But Psycher Masters were extremely rare—especially on Earth.
Rarity aside, their capabilities are what truly set them apart.
Unlike martial artists, who can't project energy externally until they reach the Planetary Level, Psycher Masters can manipulate multiple weapons from afar using only thought. They can attack from range, defend, and even fly, long before martial artists develop similar abilities.
The advantage was overwhelming.
"Alright," said Instructor Jiang Nian, snapping them back to the moment. "Whether he is or isn't a Psycher Master doesn't change anything for now. You four—come with me."
He led them back into the large training hall they had used earlier.
"This," Jiang Nian said, pulling up a digital form on the projector, "is the Combat Assessment Contract. Review it and sign. Only then can you proceed with the final evaluation."
Wei Wen glanced at the document. It was more or less a life-and-death agreement. Once signed, there were no second chances.
He didn't hesitate. He signed his name.
The others followed.
If you're not ready to fight even the weakest monsters, you might as well give up on being a martial artist.
"Now," Jiang Nian continued, walking to the wall-mounted projector and tapping a few buttons, "take a look at this—your cultivation technique."
The screen lit up with a document titled:
Genetic Force Cultivation Method
"Put simply," Jiang Nian said, "this technique allows you to absorb the energy of the universe and refine it into every cell of your body."
"Doing so will boost your physical power and accelerate your progress as a martial artist."
"The speed at which you cultivate using this method directly reflects your innate talent."
"Memorize the entire technique. You'll need it to begin cultivating tonight."
There was only one recognized method for cultivating Genetic Force on Earth: the Five Hearts Toward the Origin Method.
It was considered basic—suitable for entry-level martial artists—but in truth, it had obvious limitations. Its grade was low.
However, Wei Wen had already received a version as a system reward—an optimized form of the same method.
And that made all the difference.
He wasn't sure if his natural aptitude would let him reach Luo Feng's level—who mastered it in one night—but even if not, he had another option: just cultivate alongside Luo Feng and benefit from the same universal force environment.
As for the illusionist's suspicion?
It wasn't wrong.
Wei Wen was a Psycher Master.
Once he began cultivating Genetic Force, his Mental Force would awaken, and his power would grow explosively.
His hidden potential was vast—enough to reach the Planetary Level in time.
But he also understood something new today.
Even cultivation manuals could be optimized.
With that in mind, Wei Wen knew—his growth rate might soon outpace Luo Feng's altogether.
Jiang Nian wrapped up.
"That's everything for today. Over the next month, work on absorbing Genetic Force. That's your top priority."
"As for the Guidance Technique—the method used to enhance absorption efficiency—you'll need to earn it. Only full martial artists are allowed to purchase it."
While everyone can cultivate Genetic Force, the right guidance method can create an enormous gap in speed and results—even among people with the same talent level.
Wei Wen nodded silently.
The road ahead was set.
And he was already ahead of the curve.