Not far from the beach, nestled at the foot of a small hill, stood a man-made gate, above which were carved two powerful, ink-black characters.

Qin Fen noticed the expected admiration shining in his companions’ eyes. This place was indeed worthy of being the seat of the Holy Martial Hall. Even the two characters, "The Entrance," carved above this man-made gate, subtly exuded the essence of martial arts. One could surmise that the person who inscribed these words was likely a Martial Arts Grandmaster.

The group stepped into the cave entrance, only to hear the massive gate behind them rumble shut.

The cave, moments ago bathed in sunlight, was instantly plunged into an impenetrable darkness where one could not see one’s hand before one’s face. No light, no sound; everything was utterly still.

“The second trial of the Three Trials of the Holy Martial Hall: Martial Perception in Darkness. The passageway ahead of you contains hidden mechanisms in both the floor and the walls. Failure to pass through safely will result in disqualification.”

A chorus of voices echoed simultaneously from the cave walls. Every young martial artist heard it clearly. Qin Fen saw Xue Tian beside him wearing a faint smile. The tests of the Holy Martial Hall were truly comprehensive; they tested balance and footwork, and now, the martial artist’s eyesight.

An average person generally requires an illumination level of sixty lux to maintain normal vision. Martial artists, through constant training, when True Qi is concentrated in their eyes, do not require such high lux levels to perceive objects clearly.

The purity of the True Qi often determines the lux level required for clarity. 16 Novel αр.16.C Compilation

The massive gate behind them appeared to be sealed tight, yet it still allowed just enough light penetration—0.023 lux.

To an ordinary person, this figure was indistinguishable from absolute darkness, but for a martial artist, it was sufficient.

Into the dark passage, the white-clad youth shot forward like a lightning bolt. His loose white training uniform billowed as he darted through the windless cavern passage, the sleeves and coat edges snapping sharply as they cut the air, sounding like a series of whips cracking. In this near-darkness, the white-clad youth advanced without hesitation, maneuvering like a white ape. Only the sounds of his feet striking the ground echoed a few times before he had already vanished into the distance.

Morad Chek snorted from his nostrils, and a sound like an ox’s bellow resonated in the silent passage. As True Qi coursed through his body, the fierce light flashing from his eyes was like sudden spotlights illuminating the cavern; even an ordinary person at that moment could have clearly discerned the surrounding layout.

Less than ten meters ahead lay a plum-blossom obstacle course spanning nearly twenty meters. Each pillar was only as thick as a thumb. To miss a pillar meant plummeting into a fifteen-meter deep pit. While not fatal, the loss of face would be absolute—no one would dare proceed afterward.

Beyond the plum-blossom stakes was a pit thirteen to fourteen meters wide; failing to leap across would also result in disqualification. Further beyond the pit, the tunnel walls were lined with hundreds of iron rods as thick as a man’s arm, presumably ready to thrust out suddenly, making passage difficult and potentially injurious. Further back, a red cross symbol was affixed to the wall: HOSPITAL. Clearly, this section was reserved for those who failed the third trial and were battered by the iron rods.

Morad Chek’s eyes blazed, and he shot forward, his red long-spear held high, moving significantly faster than the white-clad youth.

Hiss…

The white-clad youth sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. While martial artists focusing True Qi between their eyes could indeed emit a startling glare in normal circumstances, that was usually just a manifestation of peak spirit and energy, creating an illusion, not actual light.

What was this person’s background? The white-clad youth stared blankly at Morad Chek beside him. A Westerner possessing such power? He had never heard of such an outstanding figure from the West. Of the so-called Three Heroes of the West, two were rumored dead, and the remaining one, by estimation, should barely possess the strength of an Eight-Star Martial Artist. That person’s power just now…

“This Morad, how did he become as sharp as the spear in his hand?” Yang Lie shook his head, his toe lightly touching the ground as he stepped onto the plum-blossom stakes. His Seven-Star strength hadn't increased further, and his clothes made no sound brushing against the air. To the white-clad youth, this man looked like an Eastern dragon, leisurely strolling through the clouds. His pace wasn't fast, yet it exuded supreme confidence and grace. Yang Lie landed, smiled, and looked back at Caesar, who was rushing forward 16 Novel αр.16.C Compilation.

Seven Star? The white-clad youth looked curiously at Yang Lie. This man had indeed only used Seven-Star strength, yet his movement to the end was filled with casual ease, seeming even more effortless than an Eight-Star Martial Artist traversing this section.

“A bit interesting,” a middle-aged martial artist in the monitoring room deep within the cave said with a touch of appreciation, holding a cup of delicate green tea. “The quality of this batch of newcomers is much better than those who arrived in succession before. It seems they have at least a rudimentary understanding of the Martial Way.”

“Zhenli Gao, what has you so pleased?” The monitoring room door opened, and Bai Sheng, wearing his white silk training uniform, walked over to Gao Yuan with light steps. “Oh? New arrivals?”

“Indeed,” Gao Yuan looked up at Bai Sheng. “Interested in a wager?”

“This is…” Bai Sheng’s surprised face quickly filled with happiness and delight. That was Qin Fen!

Yes! Qin Fen, the monster from the New Recruit Competition!

Qin Fen had finally arrived! Bai Sheng unconsciously clenched his fists. After returning to the Holy Martial Hall, he spent the first two months waiting every day for Qin Fen’s arrival. Yet, half a year had slipped by, and Qin Fen still hadn't appeared at the Hall.

Bai Sheng had even begun to doubt whether Qin Fen would ever come. That young martial artist always gave off an inexplicable, positive impression, as if he would have achieved success even without entering the Holy Martial Hall.

“Xiao Bai, wager or not?” Gao Yuan’s eyes quickly scanned Bai Sheng. “Why do you seem so excited?”

“Ah?” Bai Sheng momentarily shook off his excitement. “Wager on what? And what’s the stake?”

“The usual rules!” Gao Yuan tapped another screen where no one had yet appeared. “The third trial. Whether they pass it, and how long it takes them. The loser helps the winner monitor this display for one month.”

“Fine. How about adding another wager?” Bai Sheng gestured toward another empty screen. “Isn't there a self-selected assessment trial here? How about betting on that too? I bet someone can pass the Paper Bell Trial. If no one can complete it, I’ll watch the monitors for you for a year.”

“The Paper Bell Trial? Someone can complete it?” Gao Yuan, who had been reclining, suddenly sat upright, his eyes filled with an odd expression as he repeatedly scrutinized Bai Sheng. “Xiao Bai, have you gone mad? That trial is usually reserved for martial artists who have been here for over a year. Only those who pass it qualify to proceed deeper and witness the true Martial Way.”

“What?” Bai Sheng raised his hand to stroke his chin, a smile lurking in his eyes. “Afraid to bet?”

“Hahahaha…” Gao Yuan threw his head back, laughing uncontrollably, clapping his hands on the armrests. “Xiao Bai, have you forgotten my nickname? Zhenli Gao! Truth Gao! I have never been wrong!”

Bai Sheng casually pulled over a chair, crossed his legs, and sat down. “If you were never wrong, you wouldn't be here monitoring the room.”

Gao Yuan’s laughing face instantly froze. He waved his right arm repeatedly over his head: “I was tricked! That brat Shitou actually reached the Subtle Perfection realm! Competing against someone who has truly mastered the Subtle Perfection realm—of course I wouldn’t lose!”

Bai Sheng smiled, resting his crossed legs on the monitoring console. This Gao Yuan, due to his excessive self-regard, always believed he was right, which is how Wang Xiaolei, or Shitou, managed to fool him.

“Xiao Bai, since you sincerely want to help me watch the monitors here for a year, there’s no reason for me not to bet with you,” Gao Yuan stretched his chest twice. “Tell me, if I lose, what do you want? Though I highly doubt I will lose, state your demand.”

“I only want one thing from you,” Bai Sheng raised his index finger: “Your training notes.”

“You…”

Gao Yuan’s (originally written as Bai Sheng’s) pupils flickered with suspicion. Today was the third time he had looked at Bai Sheng with that strange gaze. “Your martial path is different from mine; taking them probably won’t help you much. Why…”

“That’s not for you to know,” Bai Sheng wiggled his finger, his peripheral vision drifting toward Qin Fen. “I’m just asking if you dare to bet.”

“Fine! What is there for me to fear! I refuse to believe that besides that freak, anyone else could pass that assessment without having cultivated at the Holy Martial Hall!” Gao Yuan thumped his chest and shouted, “I bet!”

“I bet on this man,” Bai Sheng pointed at Qin Fen on the screen. “This man will spend the longest time in the next room, and he is the one who can complete the special trial.”

“This person?” Gao Yuan touched his nose twice. “Is there anything special? I can’t tell just by looking at the display.”

After passing two turns, an iron door slowly opened, and Qin Fen and the others entered a room about thirty square meters in size. At the far end of the room, there was another small door.

“The third trial of the Three Trials of the Holy Martial Hall: Only one person can enter at a time. Who goes first?”

The white-clad youth shrugged, his body shifting like a white ape as he appeared before the door and stepped inside.

This was… As the white-clad youth entered the room, he saw a massive character, 【Wu】 (Martial), written on the wall, clearly inscribed by a handprint.

The moment he saw the character 【Wu】, the white-clad youth froze, staring blankly at it. His mind churned through all the martial techniques he had ever learned, each move and stance flowing through his brain like a movie. Things he had previously overlooked suddenly became crystal clear.

Concepts his Master had taught him but which he hadn't fully grasped began to make sense at this moment.

One second, two seconds… sixty seconds… seventy-two seconds…

The white-clad youth shivered and snapped out of that strange state. His white silk training uniform was already soaked with sweat. He curiously looked up at the character 【Wu】 again but found none of that previous strange sensation.

He took a drag from a cigarette and rested for a moment!

“Third qualifier passed… passed…”

The door opened, and the white-clad youth returned to the thirty-meter hall.

Gao Yuan pursed his lips. “Impressive! Thirty-five seconds is the passing mark, yet this boy stayed inside for seventy-two seconds! Good potential, truly good!”

Bai Sheng nodded gently. That character 【Wu】 was left on the wall by Song Wendong with a single hand in his day. Any martial artist who saw that character 【Wu】, if they possessed decent potential, could fall into a trance, allowing the character to guide their martial progress forward for a while.

Guidance! Ordinary martial artists can only teach disciples through oral tradition or direct instruction. But when one reaches the level of a Martial Arts Master, or even a Martial Arts Grandmaster, or a Martial Arts Great Grandmaster like Qilin Song Wendong, writing a single character could either kill someone by destroying their martial foundation or benefit them immensely!

To kill or to teach, all in a single thought! That was the power of a Martial Arts Great Grandmaster!

“Huh?” Gao Yuan looked with surprise at Morad Chek, who was entering the room second. “What’s this kid’s background? He’s been in there for a full two minutes!”

…

Bai Sheng raised an eyebrow. Morad Chek? One of the Three Heroes of the West from the New Recruit Competition. When did this young man's martial foundation become so deep? He was still self-illuminating after two minutes! Based on his rate of strength increase, eighty-five seconds should have been a miracle for him!

“Three minutes…” Gao Yuan swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing. This time record already ranked among the top three thousand since the Holy Martial Hall was established!

A martial artist at the peak of the Nine-Star realm, possessing a deep foundation, might possibly reach the three-minute mark! Gao Yuan stared blankly at Morad Chek. Could this kid already be at the peak of the Nine-Star realm? The electronic scan of his admittance notice showed he wasn't yet nineteen years old!

A Nine-Star peak martial artist under nineteen? Gao Yuan vigorously shook his head. Even in the Holy Martial Hall, a gathering place for the Federation’s martial prodigies, such a performance ranked among the absolute best seedlings!

If it weren’t for that monster… Gao Yuan sighed. If it weren’t for that monstrous kid, this young man might have become the focus of intense cultivation! What a pity…

“Four minutes…” Bai Sheng reported the time expressionlessly, his eyes also beginning to glaze over. What kind of fortuitous encounter did Morad Chek have? Not only had his strength leaped forward, but his foundation had also become so profound?

Drip… drip…

Time passed second by second. Gao Yuan and Bai Sheng gradually shifted from initial slight surprise to unparalleled shock! This kid had stayed inside for a full fifteen minutes! The second-longest record in the Holy Martial Hall new recruit assessment!

“He…” Gao Yuan’s neck seemed to be reinforced with steel rods. He slowly, stiffly turned his neck to look at Bai Sheng. “This kid… has he achieved True Innate status through Blood Exchange Rebirth?”

Bai Sheng’s forehead also broke out in the same cold sweat as Gao Yuan’s. This state clearly indicated the completion of Blood Exchange Rebirth True Innate.

For martial artists in the Holy Martial Hall, Blood Exchange Rebirth True Innate wasn't an earth-shattering achievement. But for a young martial artist under nineteen to achieve it was an entirely different concept.

“Perhaps… he is still only a Ten-Star Martial Artist…”

Bai Sheng’s guess was immediately affirmed by Gao Yuan’s nod. Even a martial artist who had completed Blood Exchange Rebirth True Innate theoretically shouldn't be capable of reaching this level!

Nineteen minutes! Morad Chek raised a hand to wipe the sweat from his brow. He gently moved every muscle in his body.

In just over ten minutes, the muscles in his body had become as rigid as stone, and the sweat soaking his clothes looked as if he had just been pulled from a lake.

“Hoo…”

Gao Yuan and Bai Sheng slumped back heavily against their chairs. These nineteen minutes felt as long as a century.

Nineteen minutes! Nineteen minutes! Gao Yuan closed his eyes, striving to calm his heart. The second longest time record in the Holy Martial Hall new recruit assessment would likely stand for a very long time! Though he couldn't compare to that monster, this time was still astonishing!

The door opened again, and Morad Chek walked out. His eyes fixed strangely on Qin Fen. How long would this man stay in the room? That character 【Wu】 seemed to possess a special magic for consolidating a martial artist's foundation. What kind of performance would this man, who had undergone Nirvana-like transformation, display?

“Gentlemen,” Yang Lie saluted. “I shall enter now.”

Bai Sheng and Gao Yuan looked helplessly at Yang Lie. This young man seemed capable as well. Had he entered before that Western martial artist, they might have held some expectation for him.

Now? Gao Yuan shook his head with a weary smile. After witnessing a monster who could stay in the 【Wu】 room for nineteen minutes and twelve seconds, it was hard to muster enthusiasm for any other young martial artist.

How long would this young man last? Gao Yuan guessed weakly. One minute? Two minutes? Or around one hundred seconds?

Two minutes. Yang Lie hadn’t moved. Gao Yuan clicked his tongue in admiration. If not for that Western freak today, this young man would have been quite promising.

Three minutes. Yang Lie still hadn't moved. Gao Yuan’s expression grew slightly odd. Unexpectedly, this kid’s foundation was quite deep; he could remain motionless for three minutes.

Four minutes. Gao Yuan sat up slightly straighter. Bai Sheng also straightened a bit.

Five minutes… six minutes… ten minutes… fifteen minutes… twenty minutes…

The arms Gao Yuan used to support the monitoring console began to tremble, and the muscles in his cheeks twitched incessantly. This… how was this possible? Was he dreaming? Had he not woken up? Just now, a monster who recorded nineteen minutes and twenty seconds appeared, setting a record that should have been unbreakable for a long time to come.

And now, in the blink of an eye, a new young monster emerged, instantly shattering that jaw-dropping record?