Luo Feng nodded, thrilled.
"Alright, next—Bai Yang," Chief Instructor Wu Tong said, standing by the reflex test machine.
Luo Feng stepped beside Yang Wu, who whispered eagerly, "Congrats, Lunatic! You're a provisional warrior now. Pass that combat test, and you're a full warrior!"
"You'll nail the reflex test, Brother Yang. We'll take the combat test together," Luo Feng replied.
Yang Wu nodded, eyes shining with anticipation.
They watched as the remaining candidates took their turns—one passed, one failed.
"Last one: Yang Wu!" Wu Tong called.
Yang Wu took a steadying breath. He'd waited years for this, repeatedly stuck at the speed test. Now, he finally reached the reflex challenge.
"Go get it," Luo Feng urged.
Yang Wu strode into the red circle. As Wu Tong hit start, the machine's barrels spun into a blur, firing rubber projectiles.
Luo Feng watched, surprised. Yang Wu's movements are stiff compared to mine, but efficient. He's not using the full 3.6m circle—just moving within a step's range.
Small movements, but high efficiency. Risky, though. One miscalculation against a monster, and those claws could gut him. Luo Feng thought. It was like dancing on a blade's edge.
Whirrr. The machine stopped.
"52 hits in 60 seconds. No red light violations. Pass," Wu Tong announced.
Yang Wu clenched his fists, veins bulging, eyes misty with tears. Years of struggle had led to this moment—one step away from the warrior title.
"Yang Wu," Wu Tong said sternly, "your evasion is 'micro-level' technique—shifting just enough to let attacks graze past. Efficient, but extremely dangerous. One tiny error, and a monster's claw goes from missing by 2cm to splitting you open. In real combat, give yourself more room. Master basic footwork first—it's safer."
Yang Wu paled, then nodded sharply. "Understood, Chief Instructor."
"Remember: don't rush advanced techniques before you're ready," Jiang Nian added. "Micro-level moves are powerful, but forced execution is suicide."
Wu Tong smiled. "Three passes today: Luo Feng, Bai Yang, Yang Wu."
The trio fought to contain their grins, acutely aware of the warriors around them.
"Gentlemen, handle the combat test contracts," Wu Tong said, turning to a silver-haired man in a black robe at the edge of the room. "Captain, sorry for the wait. Let's go."
Captain? Luo Feng froze. The Chief Instructor—Yangzhou's top gym leader—called this man "Captain"?
The silver-haired man glanced at the trio. Luo Feng felt his gaze like a black hole, sucking him in, but shook it off. Beside him, Yang Wu and Bai Yang stood dazed.
"Scary—one look and we were out," Luo Feng thought, heart pounding.
The man smiled, impressed. "Talented kid. Train hard."
"Strong willpower," Wu Tong noted approvingly.
With that, the two left.
"What... just happened?" Yang Wu mumbled, shaking himself awake. The trio exchanged nervous glances, cold sweat trickling down. The silver-haired man had been silent, invisible—until his gaze struck.
"I didn't even notice him until now," Luo Feng thought, shuddering. And now I can't even recall his face, just those eyes...
"You three—come here," Jiang Nian called, leading them to the training hall.
He handed over three contracts. "These are for the combat assessment. Sign here. If you die or get mauled by a monster, the gym isn't liable. Odds are good, though—most survive."
"Ace the combat test, or you don't deserve the title," a bald warrior rumbled.
The contracts were simple: no liability for injuries or death. The trio didn't hesitate, signing quickly.
"July 1st today—you have a month to prepare," Jiang Nian said, typing on a keyboard. A giant screen lit up, displaying an article: Genetic Prime Energy Cultivation.
Luo Feng leaned in, breath caught. Warriors' power came from this—genetic prime energy.
"During the Great Nirvana, humans infected with the RR virus developed antibodies, optimizing our genes," Jiang Nian explained. "Once optimized enough, we absorb cosmic energy into every cell. Your bones become stronger than diamond, your lungs let you hold breath for half an hour. All thanks to this energy—genetic prime energy."
He pointed to the screen. "This is the Five Hearts to Heaven Cultivation Method—the only way to train it on Earth."
Luo Feng read eagerly. Ordinary people couldn't train it; only those with 900kg punch strength, 25m/s speed, and qualified reflexes had optimized genes. 90% of provisionals could start.
"You can begin practicing this month," Jiang Nian said. "But the real treasure—guidance arts—come after you become warriors and join a faction. Those arts can speed up cultivation by 10x or more. That's what every clan hoards."