Half-human, half-ghost, the number one divine fist

The two walked through the grove of trees in the manor and found a table set up on the lawn not far away.

A young boy had a lot of good things to replenish his blood and energy and a sumptuous meat feast laid out in front of him.

Qin Shidao paused slightly when he saw the boy's face clearly.

This kid is younger than he imagined.

He hadn't actually inquired about Lin Fusheng's exact age, but he looked to be only sixteen or seventeen or eighteen. He had a handsome appearance and a calm demeanor that belied his age.

In the distance, Lin Fusheng was dressed in ordinary gray cloth clothes, the collar slightly open, revealing a worn, plain white undergarment underneath. A coarse cloth towel for wiping sweat was draped over his shoulder, indicating that he had been practicing martial arts not long ago.

Qin Shidao quickly concealed his momentary surprise, and a gentle and considerate smile appeared on his face.

He stepped forward and offered his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Excuse me, are you young man Lin Fusheng?"

Lin Fusheng stood up and nodded slightly:

"it's me."

"May I ask who you two are?"

Qin Shidao did not rush to introduce himself, but first said sincerely, "I apologize for the intrusion and for disturbing your meal."

Then, Qin Shidao finally spoke:

"I'm Qin Shidao, the inspector from the Tongxin Society's Martial Arts Hall. This is my assistant, Lu Xiaoyu."

Lu Xiaoyu immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile, "Hello, Brother Lin!"

Qin Shidao continued:

"We have heard about your recent acts of loyalty and righteousness. Many senior members of the organization have been talking about these things. The Military Academy has always valued character and courage. Therefore, after discussing with Brother Lu, we have decided to recommend you to the organization and invite you to participate in the Military Academy's assessment."

Qin Shidao spoke sincerely and calmly: "However, according to the rules of the association, any recommended disciple must pass a strength test to confirm that they have the foundation and potential to study in the Martial Arts Hall before they are qualified to participate in the Martial Arts Hall assessment."

"Based on the final results of the strength test, we will give different ratings and allocate different resources accordingly, which is why we are visiting you today."

Upon hearing this, Lin Fusheng pondered for a moment.

What are the benefits of joining the Military Academy?

Qin Shidao was taken aback.

This kid is very pragmatic.

Qin Shidao chuckled, "Benefits? There are too many to count."

He raised his hand and counted them one by one:

"First, disciples of the Martial Arts Hall can receive cultivation resources distributed by the organization every month. Those below the Iron Tendon Realm receive a fixed amount of tonics and medicinal herbs; those above the Iron Tendon Realm can exchange their contribution points for cultivation techniques, secret manuals, and even rare pill formulas. These resources are something that even if a rogue cultivator or an ordinary member of a gang has money, they may not be able to buy."

"Secondly, disciples from the Martial Arts Academy have a dedicated promotion path within the organization. They are given priority for promotion based on equal merits and for filling vacancies based on equal qualifications. Below the level of Hall Master, background is not a factor, but the name 'Martial Arts Academy' itself serves as a resume."

Lin Fusheng listened quietly without interrupting.

"third--"

Qin Shidao emphasized, "And that's the most important point."

He looked directly into Lin Fusheng's eyes:

"During the martial arts academy's assessment, one can listen to lectures from masters of internal strength and practice martial arts. This is an opportunity that many people outside would rather die than have."

Lin Fusheng's eyes flickered slightly.

Qin Shidao didn't notice anything amiss. He smiled and said in his usual tone, "These seniors are all renowned masters from various schools and sects. Xingyi Quan, Twelve-Road Spring Leg, Luohan Fist, and Thunderbolt Hand—each of them is a master of internal strength. Even if they just give a few casual pointers during their lectures, it would be enough for an ordinary disciple to ponder for three to five years."

Upon hearing this, Lin Fusheng was already somewhat tempted.

Can I watch a master of internal strength demonstrate martial arts?

Judging from what Master Qin said, these masters are all experts in a particular external cultivation technique.

Then, after visualizing it yourself, it will definitely be a perfect level of external training method.

"These four experts with internal strength can all demonstrate martial arts and give lectures?" Lin Fusheng asked curiously.

"It's not what you think."

Qin Shidao shook his head slightly and began to speak earnestly.

"In short, once you pass our test, you will have a spot to participate in the Military Academy's assessment, but at this point you will not yet have joined the Military Academy."

"The martial arts academy's assessment actually tests the disciples' ability to learn external training methods."

"Each member can only choose one master of internal strength to learn from, and will attend classes with other members who have chosen that master for three months. The final result will be based on their progress in understanding the material."

"If one has exceptional comprehension and progresses quickly in understanding and learning external training methods, then one can naturally join the Martial Arts Academy and gain access to various resources and preferential treatment in status."

Lin Fusheng understood immediately. Without any hesitation, he nodded and said, "Okay, I'm willing to join the Military Academy."

Now that he has Gu Yunzhou protecting him, he won't hold back. He has the Forging Method Visualization Diagram, so his cultivation speed is incredibly fast. Whether he can pass the Martial Arts Hall's assessment depends on his progress in comprehension.

If you master a boxing style in three months, you should be considered to have passed the assessment, right?

"I am willing to join the Military Academy."

Qin Shidao was stunned when he heard Lin Fusheng's words.

He opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"This..." Qin Shidao choked for a couple of breaths before letting out a dry laugh:

"Young Master Lin, don't rush."

"You still need to pass the test of your strength before you can officially join the Military Academy."

He couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Your confidence is truly... extraordinary.

To be honest, if it were a matter of official business, Lu Xiaoyu should have undergone a normal examination.

With your current condition—you, Lin Fusheng, have only just entered the Stone Skin stage and have been recovering from your injuries for half a month—you're probably not going to make it through.

After all, the standards of the Military Academy are what they are.

But unfortunately...

They weren't there on official business.

They're here to give you preferential treatment.

Qin Shidao glanced sideways at Lu Xiaoyu, who was trying hard to keep a straight face and get into "acting mode" ahead of time.

"I see." Lin Fusheng paused for a moment, realizing he had indeed been a bit too hasty.

"I was too impatient."

"Then let's begin the testing."

Lin Fusheng then stood up, placed the coarse cloth draped over his shoulder on the stone bench, took two steps forward, and stood in the center of the manor lawn.

Sunlight filtered through the branches of the magnolia tree, casting dappled shadows on his shoulders.

He looked up at Lu Xiaoyu.

"please."

Lu Xiaoyu took a deep breath.

He glanced at Qin Shidao, received a look from the other man that said, "Remember what I just taught you," and nodded vigorously.

Then, he stepped forward and stood opposite Lin Fusheng.

The bamboo grove rustled softly.

In the distance, a thrush, owned by someone, was chirping intermittently.

The inspection is about to begin.

Qin Shidao said, "Just go all out in a moment. The better you perform, the higher your score will be."

Lin Fusheng nodded.

Go all out

These days, recuperating at the Mo family manor, Dr. Dong's medicine, Old Master Mo's tonics, and medicinal cuisine have gradually helped him recover from his depletion.

He could feel that his blood and qi were more abundant than before he was injured, and the power flowing in his meridians was becoming more solid.

More importantly, he did not neglect his cultivation.

He is now at the mid-stage of the Stone Skin realm.

Lu Xiaoyu is a perfect stone skin.

If I go all out, I shouldn't hurt him...

This is also a good opportunity to test the power of the "Swallowing the Sea Force". He doesn't yet know just how strong the ultimate Six Harmonies Fist - Swallowing the Sea Force really is.

"Brother Lin, shall we begin?"

At that moment, Lu Xiaoyu's voice came.

Lin Fusheng nodded.

The two walked to the center of the lawn, about three zhang apart.