I was told I'd be a late bloomer, but I was born with the potential to achieve great things!

[Tongbei Changquan (Dacheng 586/800): Ten practices daily, mastery achieved in six months]

"Based on the current progress, my boxing technique will be fully mastered in two or three days at most, thus entering the final perfect realm."

On the training ground, as the lunch bell rang, Zhou An glanced at his destiny and sighed inwardly.

What's hindering him now isn't the progress of his boxing skills, but the power of his internal energy and blood.

Fortunately, Zhou An has successfully broken into the top ten, and even without Liu Shuqing's support, he can still be guaranteed a daily supply of medicinal meals.

It shouldn't be long before the blood and qi in his body are able to circulate throughout his body, making him a true blood-training martial artist.

"However, I can't be careless. It wouldn't be good if I were squeezed out of the top ten."

In the morning test, Zhou An was undoubtedly the handsome guy in the eyes of the group of poor teenagers and was admired by everyone.

However, among this group of impoverished teenagers, there were also some outstanding individuals.

For example, Wang Yi from Courtyard No. 1 of Building B is a ruthless person.

This person's arm strength has reached 98 jin (44 catties), an increase of 17 jin (8.5 catties) compared to the last time.

This is without any assistance with medicinal cuisine.

If someone were willing to sponsor this person in the same way that Liu Shuqing sponsored Zhou An, perhaps this test could break through the 100-jin mark.

Perhaps it won't be long before this person breaks into the top ten during the fourth or fifth test.

In Zhou An's view, among all the poor youths, this person's talent was definitely second only to his own, making him a formidable rival.

In addition, three other people also had arm strength close to 90 jin (45 catties).

Judging solely from the increase in arm strength achieved in each test, several of the impoverished youths are already comparable to the group of Ningshan disciples.

A formidable rival is good.

"If I have a few more formidable rivals who can sense my Qi and blood power sooner, I can follow behind and fish in the water, and see if there are any new rewards."

Zhou An was feeling quite pleased with himself, and immediately headed towards the cafeteria as the bell rang.

"Congratulations, Brother Zhou, on successfully making it into the top ten."

Halfway there, Liu Shuqing from the First Academy came over, smiling and offering his congratulations with a cupped hand.

"This is all thanks to Brother Liu's assistance. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to break in so quickly. From now on, we'll have to look out for each other and help each other in the Seven Mysteries Sect."

Zhou An said with a grateful expression.

"This was my original intention."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shuqing replied in a cheerful mood.

"Speaking of which, I happen to have a question, and I wonder if Brother Liu could enlighten me?"

"Brother Zhou, please speak freely. As long as I, Liu Shuqing, know the answer, I will tell you everything without reservation."

"Brother Liu, how much do you know about the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Black Tiger Gang?"

Zhou An asked with a solemn expression.

He hadn't asked before because he was worried that asking too many questions would make Liu Shuqing think he was being unrealistic.

But now that he has broken into the top ten, asking this question again is not unrealistic, but rather a sign of deep thinking.

"Brother Zhou is indeed remarkable; he actually thought of this."

Liu Shuqing glanced at Zhou An with surprise, and inwardly sighed that he was indeed the young man she had chosen. Then she looked around before leaning closer and whispering.

"People outside think that the Seven Mysteries Sect is no match for the Black Tiger Gang, and that this recruitment of disciples is a desperate attempt to gather cannon fodder."

In reality, the Seven Mysteries Sect has been rooted in the vicinity of Ningshan City for over seventy years. In terms of its deep foundation, it is far superior to the Black Tiger Gang, which has only acted violently for a short time.

Even if there is some decline, it will certainly not fall into ruin in a short period of time, so we will definitely not have any problems practicing martial arts here in the short term.

Moreover, according to the information my father gathered, compared to the ruthless Black Tiger Gang, the leaders of the martial arts schools in the city, led by the Limitless Martial Arts School, actually did not want the Seven Mysteries Sect to fall too quickly.

Now is the time for us to truly shine.

"I see."

Upon hearing this, Zhou An felt relieved, and then, with a thought in mind, asked with great curiosity.

"But what exactly is this Limitless Martial Arts Academy, that it can command all the other martial arts academies in the city?"

"There are many martial arts schools in Ningshan City, but if we talk about the strongest, it must be the Limit Martial Arts School."

As she said this, a hint of longing appeared in Liu Shuqing's eyes.

"Speaking of which, the martial arts school in Ningshan City is just a branch of the city, but even this branch is already no weaker than the Seven Mysteries Sect."

If the Limitless Martial Arts Academy hadn't only recruited disciples and trained them to advance in martial arts, the Black Tiger Gang probably wouldn't have been able to run rampant.

The reason I came to the Seven Mysteries Sect is because the competition within the Limitless Martial Arts Hall is too fierce; I wanted to see if I could find more opportunities here.

This statement already implies a heartfelt connection.

"This Ultimate Martial Arts Academy is actually a chain. But what is this martial arts course? It sounds impressive but I don't understand it."

After muttering something to himself, Zhou An quickly inquired about the martial arts program.

"Scholars have literature, and we martial artists have martial arts."

However, what truly allowed martial arts to surpass humanities was the appearance of a celestial being 38 years ago.

Liu Shuqing said with burning eyes.

"Originally, the martial arts examination was only for the imperial court to select officials in order to suppress the major sects in the martial arts world. However, since the appearance of the immortal, the martial arts examination has become the top priority of our Great Li Dynasty."

Eighty thousand miles to the east lies the location of the Heavenly River Immortal Sect.

Flying on a sword and achieving immortality—these are dreams that countless people yearn for.

But for us ordinary mortals, this 8 li is an insurmountable chasm, with countless towns to pass through, making it extremely dangerous.

However, if one can successfully pass the martial arts examination, one will gain official status in the Great Li Dynasty.

Brother Zhou, don't underestimate this official's status. Reducing taxes for the villagers is a small matter, but if...

"If we cultivate to the Innate Realm, we can use the power of the Great Li Dynasty to traverse the territories of the Three Kingdoms and travel to the Heavenly River Immortal Sect for cultivation."

Finally, Liu Shuqing looked around again before leaning close to Zhou An's ear and whispering something.

"There are rumors that the Great Li Dynasty has a quota for direct access to the immortals."

"hiss!"

Ignoring the tickling sensation in his eardrums from Liu Shuqing's warm breath, Zhou An stared in shock at Liu Shuqing's earnest eyes and quickly lowered his voice.

Is this really true?

"I only heard it from someone else, and I don't know if it's true or not."

But one thing is certain: since the vigorous promotion of martial arts, the national strength of the Dali Dynasty has been steadily increasing.

Those arrogant and domineering sects and families have also quieted down considerably.

"If it weren't for matters concerning the immortal sects, there wouldn't be such a change."

Liu Shuqing said with longing, her eyes sparkling.

If it weren't for a dream of becoming an immortal, who would be willing to come here to seek an opportunity when the Seven Mysteries Sect and the Black Tiger Gang are locked in a fierce battle, like two tigers that cannot share one mountain?

"When will the martial arts exam be held, and what are the requirements for participating?"

......