However, Hao Zhuang was somewhat surprised. The young man named Lin Li had incredibly fast reactions.
Of the dozen-plus punches he threw in return, most were blocked by the young man's hands. Only a few landed.
"Remember, you're a Cultivator, not some street punk who only knows how to brawl! When you're throwing punches at me, you should be using your Spiritual Energy!"
Only thirty seconds remained on the timer below the ring. With plenty of energy to spare, Hao Zhuang continued to attack the desperately defending Lin Li, lecturing him as he threw his punches.
BANG.
The moment Hao Zhuang finished speaking, Lin Li suddenly burst into action. He lifted his right leg and aimed a kick at his opponent's stomach.
Hao Zhuang leaped back, easily dodging Lin Li's sudden attack and landing five meters away.
"You think I don't want to use my Spiritual Energy? It's just not the right time," Lin Li retorted, wincing from the punches he'd taken to his chest and stomach.
"Oh? Then go ahead and use it! Time's almost up. But let me give you a heads-up: I haven't been serious this whole time. For the last ten seconds, I'm going to ramp up my attacks and beat you until you can't get back on your feet," Hao Zhuang said with a smile.
Unfortunately for him, the smile froze on his face the moment he finished speaking. The staff member below the ring had a similarly frozen expression.
WHOOSH.
A small Fireball, the size of a pigeon's egg, appeared at Lin Li's fingertip. In just a few seconds, it rapidly expanded.
In under five seconds, the small Fireball had grown into a massive one the size of a soccer ball.
With his Second Rank Initial Stage strength, Hao Zhuang's Perception instantly registered the Fireball's destructive power. If he took a direct hit from it, he wouldn't die, but he would be severely injured.
Just as Lin Li was about to hurl the Fireball at the examiner, he heard the man say, "I didn't expect you to have awakened a Flame Superpower. Impressive! You pass the exam."
"Huh?" Lin Li, poised to launch the Fireball, hadn't expected Hao Zhuang to declare that he had passed.
"Alright, go ahead and dispel your Superpower! Don't want you blowing up the ring," Hao Zhuang told him.
'After being beaten down for two minutes straight, I really want to just hit him with this Fireball and let off some steam.'
But alas, the exam was over, so I have no reason to throw it.
He dispelled his Superpower, and the Fireball floating above his fingertips instantly dissipated.
Hao Zhuang walked up to Lin Li, staring at him with a sharp, intense gaze.
'Why is this guy looking at me like that? He doesn't have... one of *those* preferences, does he?' Lin Li's skin crawled under Hao Zhuang's stare.
Just as he was about to turn and leave, he heard the man ask, "Do you want to join our Exotic Beast Hunter team?"
"Join your Exotic Beast Hunter team?" Lin Li repeated.
"Our Exotic Beast Hunter team is short-staffed. You don't have any formal combat training or experience fighting Mutant Beasts, but I see a lot of potential in you. What do you say? Want to join us?" Hao Zhuang extended the invitation.
Lin Li thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Thank you for the offer, but I don't plan on joining an Exotic Beast Hunter team right now."
Even though the rookie had rejected his offer, Hao Zhuang wasn't angry. On the contrary, he let out a hearty laugh, then pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Lin Li.
"This is my card. If you change your mind, feel free to contact me anytime."
Lin Li accepted the card with a smile and a nod, then followed the staff member out of the examination hall to collect his Exotic Beast Hunter certificate.
Left alone in Examination Hall Six, Hao Zhuang stood on the ring and muttered to himself, "This kid, Lin Li... his rate of growth is astonishing.
In that short exchange of just over two minutes, he quickly adapted to my attack rhythm and was even able to counter effectively. I'm afraid he's going to become someone truly incredible in the future."
...
PITTER-PATTER...
Rain began to fall from the ominous dark clouds. Blown by the wind, the drops splattered against the windowpane, tracing watery streaks as they ran down the glass.
Looking at the palm-sized Exotic Beast Hunter certificate in his hand, Lin Li broke into a happy smile. His plan had just taken another step forward.
"Hiss..."
A sharp pain in his right arm made Lin Li suck in a sharp breath. During the Exotic Beast Hunter exam, he had used that arm to block many of Hao Zhuang's punches.
The injury hadn't been apparent earlier, but now his arm was turning black and blue.
'I think I have half a bottle of Honghua Oil at home. When I get back, I'll need to rub it in thoroughly to break up the bruising.'
Muttering to himself, he opened his folding umbrella and walked out into the rain, heading for the street corner.
At the corner, he crossed with the light, turned right, and after a short walk, a weapon shop came into view.
Cultivators used specialized weapons, and this shop, "Jinhe," was one that catered specifically to them.
It sold Spiritual Weapons forged from all kinds of Spiritual Materials.
"Welcome," a beautiful saleswoman greeted Lin Li as he stepped inside.
'I can't believe the saleswoman's uniform at a weapon shop is a traditional cheongsam that accentuates her figure so well.'
Her pretty face and slender figure were a perfect match for the traditional dress; Lin Li couldn't help but stare for a few extra moments.
"Is there anything I can help you with, sir?" the beautiful saleswoman asked with a smile.
"Ahem." Lin Li averted his gaze, clearing his throat to hide the embarrassment of having been captivated by her beautiful dress.
"I'd like to buy a Spiritual Weapon. Could you give me a few recommendations?"
"Of course, sir. Please follow me," the beautiful saleswoman said with a smiling nod, leading Lin Li deeper into the store.
There were a fair number of customers browsing in the weapon shop. Most seemed to be over thirty, with a rugged air about them. A single glance was enough to tell they were likely Exotic Beast Hunters, men who regularly faced Mutant Beasts in the wild.
"Please take a look, sir. This is our new Spiritual Longsword, priced at one million. This Spiritual Long Saber is one and a half million, and this Spiritual Long Spear is two million... Oh, and this Spiritual Firearm here sells for ten million."
... Lin Li, with his budget of only five hundred thousand, remained silent. He quietly watched as the beautiful saleswoman eloquently introduced one priceless Spiritual Weapon after another.
Ten minutes later, the beautiful saleswoman had finished introducing all the various Spiritual Weapons in the display case that cost over a million.
Just then, she noticed the young customer's gaze was fixed on the cheapest Spiritual Weapon in the shop.
...
PS: Thank you to "08a" for the 100-point tip!