From a tuberculosis patient to a martial arts master

The midday sun hung high in the sky, its light bright but lacking warmth.

"clang--!"

A loud gong rang out, startling several timid birds on the eaves of the examination hall, causing them to flutter their wings and shed a few gray feathers.

Liu, the head constable, stood at attention with his hand on his sword, flanked by the six constables on either side. Wang Zhenshan, positioned to the east, swept his gaze across the crowd like a hawk, lingering briefly on Zhu Hong, his brow twitching almost imperceptibly.

"The second challenge: Martial Arts Demonstration!"

Liu Kui's opening remarks were deafening: "The rules are simple. Draw lots to go on stage and demonstrate your chosen martial art. The constables will then evaluate your performance, categorizing you into 'superior,' 'middle,' and 'inferior.' Those who get 'inferior' are eliminated, those who get 'middle' advance, and those who get 'superior'..." He paused, glancing around at the crowd:

"In the third round of the competition, you can choose your opponent first!"

Preferred choice?

Upon hearing this, a fierce flame ignited in everyone's eyes.

This means that one can directly avoid opponents they deem inferior and freely pick on the weak, which is almost equivalent to having one foot in the door of the government.

The government office is in sight!

"quiet--"

Liu Kui shouted sternly, and after the uproar in the arena was forcibly suppressed, he continued: "During the drill, everyone give it your all! Fight exactly as you learned it. Anyone who gets stuck or forgets a move is out of the question."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd like a knife:

"No one will give you a second chance, and don't try to argue with Chief Ben on stage."

"Did you understand?!"

The martial arts performers below the stage felt a chill run down their spines and responded in unison:

"clear!"

"Hmph." Liu Kui snorted coldly and waved his hand:

"Start the lottery!"

The clerk beside him quickly presented a black lacquered container.

"First lot: Pei Sanlang!"

A lean, ape-like man stepped onto the stage and chose the "Hun Yuan Zhuang Ma Ding Shi" (a martial arts style).

He stood in the center of the platform, lowered his waist and sat in a horse-riding posture, his fists held lightly below his dantian, and his whole body became as stable as an old pine tree with its roots firmly planted, without moving an inch.

About half an incense stick's time.

After completing a set of the most basic stance training exercises, although there were no fancy or dazzling aspects, it was solid and well-organized, with no major mistakes.

"medium."

After a brief discussion, the six constables spoke, and Wang Zhenshan made the final decision.

Upon hearing this, Pei Sanlang breathed a sigh of relief, having held his breath for a long time. "Thank you, Your Excellency!" He bowed and stepped down from the stage.

Subsequently, more than ten people took to the stage to practice, most of whom received a "medium" rating. A few people received a "low" rating, all of whom were unfamiliar with the moves and had scattered strength, and were naturally eliminated without mercy.

"The eighteenth divination slip reads: 'Late is also handsome.'"

As soon as the clerk began calling out the names, before the words had even finished, countless eyes flocked to him like bees and butterflies.

Who wouldn't want to catch a glimpse of the young master of the Chi clan and see how much true talent he possesses?

Open your eyes.

Chi Yejun had been standing casually with one hand idly on his waist, but upon hearing this, he lazily put away his nonchalant expression.

He raised his hand and lightly brushed the snowflakes from the hem of his brocade robe, his tone indifferent:

"Did you call me?"

"Brother Jun, it's you we've been waiting for." The henchmen surrounding him quickly bowed and spoke:

"The name announced by the clerk."

"Hmm... It's finally my turn." Chi Yejun slowly straightened his body before taking a step towards the martial arts stage, his pace unhurried.

When we reached the bottom of the stone steps.

He suddenly stopped, looked up at the constables on the side of the platform, especially two of them, and casually bowed with his hands raised:

"Master Wei, Master Qing."

"Today, I will have to trouble you all to give your comments."

The man called Constable Wei softened his previously cold expression and nodded, saying, "It's my duty."

"Young Master Ye Jun, you must already have a plan in mind."

The head constable smiled knowingly, his eyes crinkling: "We'll just have a good look at this."

Although their response did not overstep the bounds of propriety, it was noticeably warmer than their treatment of the previous martial arts performers.

Chi Yejun smiled faintly, said nothing more, and climbed the steps onto the stage.

"Embrace the moon and seal the gate."

Before the audience could focus their attention, he had already begun his stance, but instead of following the initial posture, he casually began to move.

The fist techniques flowed like clouds and water, and the embroidered robe sleeves fluttered wildly with the wind from the punches.

Each move seemed casual, yet the transitions were seamless. The wind from each punch carried a clear, resonant whistling sound, demonstrating that the user's skill was already quite remarkable.

Not long after.

Chi Yejun stood still, his face flushed, his breathing even, and his expression calm and composed.

"good!"

Aoyama spoke first, clapping his hands in praise: "This skill is truly masterful, concealing its ingenuity within its apparent clumsiness, a profound skill appearing as simplicity—truly remarkable!" Having said this, he turned to the people around him, smiling as he asked:

"Gentlemen, how has it been in the past?"

Constable Wei Qingyuan nodded slowly, commenting, "The moves are flawless and the control of force is excellent." After a moment's thought, he added:

"This is truly rare."

Seeing this, the remaining four constables exchanged knowing glances and then announced in unison:

"Superior quality!"

Chi Yejun's lips curled slightly, a predictable arc flashing across his face. He then cast a disdainful glance at the crowd below the stage, who were filled with either envy or jealousy, before leisurely turning and leaving the stage.

Most of the martial arts performers in the audience did not fully understand the intricacies of the performance; they only thought it looked good and could perform it fluently.

but:

What exactly makes it so powerful?

do not know.

Seeing the examiners' high praise, how could I dare to offer any unsolicited opinion? I simply said:

Amazing!

"The 23rd fortune stick: Jiang Chengzhi!"

The clerk paused briefly, and after the room quieted down a bit, he called out the names again in a loud voice.

Before the words were finished, a figure in black leaped into the air, lightly touching the tabletop with his toes, and landed gracefully in the center of the stone.

"Please demonstrate your martial arts skills."

Upon seeing this, the clerk took a small step back and stood with his hands clasped.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chengzhi's eyes suddenly sharpened.

With a swift movement, he had already lowered his waist and mounted a horse, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white, and the veins on his arms bulged like small snakes. Power exploded from his feet, climbed up his spine, and finally condensed on his two iron fists.

"ha--"

As soon as he began his stance, his left fist lashed out like a giant hammer, the wind howling fiercely.

The Five Steps Mountain-Crushing Force emphasizes the word "crash," stressing continuous bursts of power, relentless pressure, and extreme strength and ferocity.

Jiang Chengzhi walked with firm steps, causing the stone platform to tremble slightly.

His punches were powerful and unrestrained, with crisp and decisive movements, devoid of any fancy tricks; each punch seemed to shatter a blue stone.

"See that? Look at the young master's punching power!"

Zhao Biao, standing on the side of the viewing platform, was beaming with excitement. He couldn't help but pat his deputy's shoulder and boast loudly, "They're all almost as good as me!"

"Instructor Zhao, you are too modest."

The assistant's shoulder ached from being patted, but he still smiled and flattered, "Young Master's martial arts skills are so solid thanks to Instructor Zhao's tireless and meticulous teaching day and night!"

"Hahaha……"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Biao clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "Not at all, not at all, it's mainly because Young Master Chengzhi has exceptional talent."

Although he spoke modestly, he was secretly overjoyed.

If Young Master Chengzhi passes the selection process smoothly and enters the public service with his head held high, with such a great achievement, it won't be long before I, the "deputy instructor" who serves him at his beck and call, will be promoted to the official position.

It only takes the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Jiang Chengzhi then took the most powerful fifth step, abruptly withdrawing his stance to his ribs, his body as steady as a rock, rooted to the spot.

The constables exchanged glances.

This set of boxing techniques is powerful but lacks agility. However, in terms of the mastery and power of the "Mountain-Crushing Force," it is already top-notch among this group, and it is no exaggeration to call it "superior."

After exchanging glances with the other constables, Wang Zhenshan solemnly pronounced the verdict.

"Superior quality!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chengzhi's arrogance intensified. He nodded slightly, then turned and stepped off the stage. As he passed Zhu Hong in the crowd, he paused, tilted his head, lowered his gaze, and slowly said with a half-smile on his lips:

"I hope to see you on that stage later. But please don't..."

"They can't even get on stage."

Zhu Hong twitched the corner of his mouth, thinking to himself, "Has this idiot's brain been dulled by practicing martial arts?"

Why does it keep chasing and biting?

"The thirty-seventh divination slip: A stone pier!"

The chanting on stage resumed, clear and melodious.

As soon as the sound faded, heavy footsteps were heard, and Shi Dunzi strode onto the stone platform. This man was burly and broad-shouldered, and when he stood on the platform, he looked just like a black bear that had come to life.

He didn't bother with formalities; once he stood still, he roared in a deep, booming voice:

"I will now perform the Five-Step Mountain-Crushing Force!"

This style of boxing was exactly the same as the one Jiang Chengzhi had chosen earlier, but it lacked any variation whatsoever, relying solely on brute force and brutality. By the time he finished demonstrating the entire routine, Shi Dunzi was drenched in sweat, inwardly groaning:

"I'm exhausted..."

But he didn't bother wiping his sweat; he just rubbed his thick palms together and stared longingly at the head constable of the Sixth Division with his large, bell-like eyes.

"Strength is excessive, but finesse is lacking..." The constables exchanged glances for a moment, and Wang Zhenshan pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, "Slightly below average." After saying that, he added, his tone carrying a hint of fairness:

"You passed the test."

"Thank you, sir!" Upon hearing this, Shi Dunzi was overjoyed.

"Thank you, esteemed sirs!"

A big smile spread across his dark face. He bowed deeply to the constables and then happily jumped off the stage.

……