4: Chapter 4 test begins, I promise I won't kill you!

After leaving the Beast Fighting Arena, Huang Dongdong took a taxi home, while Lin Yuan ran all the way in the direction of his house.

Lin Yuan's family was not well-off; they lived in the old city district, and both his parents lacked stable jobs.

His father was a delivery driver, and his mother occasionally set up a stall to sell some needlework she made.

Life was manageable, but his younger sister, Lin Anran, suddenly suffered an accident resulting in fractured legs, which was like adding frost to snow for an already struggling family.

The high treatment costs for Lin Anran were not something a family like theirs could afford.

Lin Yuan returned home after eight o'clock, and the whole family was still awake.

"Xiao Yuan, have you eaten? There's still food left in the pot; heat it up and eat it yourself."

His father, Lin Tianming, glanced at Lin Yuan when he entered, his eyes full of distress.

Since Lin Anran's accident, he hadn't gone out to deliver food for the past few days.

"I ate. A classmate treated me outside the school gate," Lin Yuan replied.

"Don't always let classmates treat you; it creates obligations. Our family can't repay them. Come back and eat at home from now on. Even if the food isn't great, there's always a bite for you."

Lin Tianming said helplessly. Given the family's special circumstances, Lin Yuan couldn't have much pocket money like other classmates.

"Dad, I have something to tell you," Lin Yuan sat next to his father and began to speak:

"Dad, I broke through to the Body Tempering Realm. I've stepped across the threshold of a Martial Artist. Tomorrow, I'll start figuring out ways to earn money. I will definitely cure Anran's legs, and our family will definitely live a good life too."

"What!? You—You broke through to the Body Tempering Realm? Really?"

Lin Tianming jumped up instantly upon hearing this, his eyes filled with surprise.

He knew Lin Yuan's talent was only F-rank, and he had given up all hope of him becoming a Martial Artist.

But Lin Yuan had actually broken through; how could this not surprise him?

"It's true. I just broke through today," Lin Yuan smiled at his father.

"Good! That's wonderful! Xiao Yuan, since you've broken through, prepare well for the Martial Arts Examination. Don't worry about family matters; you have your Dad. I'll go out delivering food again tomorrow; don't let it distract you."

Lin Tianming excitedly gripped Lin Yuan's shoulders. No parent wouldn't hope for their child to succeed.

"Dad, in this world, it’s too easy for Martial Artists to earn money. Even though I just reached the threshold, it's still much simpler. Don't worry; it won't affect my Martial Arts Examination. I'll go in and check on Anran first."

After speaking, without waiting for Lin Tianming to object, Lin Yuan walked into his sister's room.

Inside the room, his mother, Yu Hui, was sitting by Lin Anran's bed, wiping her forehead with a towel.

"Mom, let me do it. You go rest for a while."

Lin Yuan took the towel from his mother's hand. She had been too tired these past few days.

His mother wiped the corner of her eye and turned to leave the room.

"Anran, your brother broke through to the Body Tempering Realm today. Don't worry. It won't take long before I save enough treatment fees for you so you can stand up again.

Also, the beast who hurt you, I will make him pay a painful price!"

Lin Yuan gently wiped his sister's forehead, speaking calmly.

"Brother—that's great! You can finally cultivate. But don't go provoking that beast. I heard his family is powerful. Let's just pretend nothing happened, and he won't bother us again."

Lin Anran was very happy to hear her brother had broken through, and a smile appeared on her pale face.

But she also knew the Liu Family was influential, and she didn't want her brother to provoke the Liu Family because of her.

"Anran, rest assured. Just focus on healing. Your brother isn't reckless; I know what I'm doing."

He affectionately ruffled Lin Anran's hair, but secretly thought to himself:

"Liu Ning, you dared to harm my family, only death can repay the debt you owe my Lin Family!"

...

The next morning, Lin Yuan arrived at school; today was the day for the Martial Arts Examination selection.

As soon as he reached the classroom door, he saw a long queue already formed.

"Yuan Zi, over here!" Huang Dongdong waved at Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan saw this, walked over, and lined up behind Huang Dongdong.

"Why is there already a line?" Lin Yuan asked, puzzled.

"Teacher Wu is inside testing everyone's Martial Arts Level. They go in one by one," Huang Dongdong pointed toward the classroom.

Indeed, Lin Yuan saw everyone entering the classroom sequentially. Some came out looking excited, but most looked dejected.

Soon it was Huang Dongdong's turn. He went in and came out in less than a minute, making a face at Lin Yuan.

"I have no chance, Yuan Zi. It's up to you now. I hope you pass."

Lin Yuan smiled faintly and nodded at him, then walked into the classroom.

Inside the classroom, the homeroom teacher, Wu Ze, was sitting at his desk. On the desk was a Martial Arts Level Testing Device.

"Lin Yuan, don't be nervous. Place your hand on the testing device."

Wu Ze pointed to the device. He didn't hold out much hope, but the procedure still needed to be followed.

Lin Yuan nodded and placed his hand directly on the testing device.

Buzz!

The testing device vibrated slightly, and a line of small text immediately appeared on the screen.

"Body Tempering Mid-stage"

"What? Body Tempering Mid—Mid-stage? How is that possible?"

Wu Ze stood up directly in shock, even knocking his chair over onto the floor, but he didn't notice. He stared with wide eyes, looking at Lin Yuan in utter astonishment.

"Did the testing device malfunction?"

Wu Ze repeatedly checked the testing device. No problem, everything was normal. Could this really be true?

"Teacher Wu, did I pass?"

Lin Yuan asked calmly, seemingly unsurprised by the result.

"Pa—Passed. Teacher remembers you have an F-rank Ability, right? How did you break through to the Body Tempering Mid-stage?"

Wu Ze asked in shock. One must know that breaking through to the Body Tempering Mid-stage by the age of eighteen was only possible for Ability possessors of A-rank or higher.

But Lin Yuan, not to mention A-rank, only had the lowest F-rank. Logically, it was impossible for him to reach the Body Tempering Mid-stage.

To put it bluntly, the Body Tempering Initial Stage was a height he could never reach in his lifetime.

When Lin Yuan heard Wu Ze's question, he didn't speak, just offered him a slight smile.

"Uh—Heh heh—Sorry, Teacher asked a bit too much. Very good! Since you have broken through to the Body Tempering Mid-stage, you have secured one of the three spots for our class's intensive training. Go wait at the door; our class will have a practical combat test shortly."

Wu Ze laughed awkwardly. Every Martial Artist had their secrets, and asking about someone's secret was very impolite, even for a teacher.

After all, the heights Lin Yuan would reach in the future were beyond his imagination; he was only a First-Order Martial Artist.

"Alright, thank you, Teacher Wu!"

Lin Yuan nodded to Wu Ze and left the classroom with a smile.

Wu Ze stared at Lin Yuan's retreating figure, unable to calm down for a long time.

"What is this kid up to? Strength at the Body Tempering Mid-stage, yet he was bullied by Wang Qing yesterday? Was he pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger?

When I awakened his ability back then, did the instrument malfunction? Is he actually a genius with an A-rank Ability?"

Lin Yuan walked out of the classroom, his expression returning to calm, without any excessive emotion.

"Yuan Zi, it's okay, it's no big deal. There's nothing wrong with participating in the Liberal Arts College Entrance Examination."

Seeing Lin Yuan's expressionless face, Huang Dongdong assumed he hadn't passed the test either and quickly came over to comfort him.

Before Lin Yuan could respond, a discordant voice immediately rang out.

"Lin Yuan, you didn't pass the test, did you? Haha—A good-for-nothing is just a good-for-nothing. Yesterday, you were lucky because the old teacher protected you. In the practical combat test later, do you dare step onto the ring to spar with me?"

Lin Yuan looked towards Wang Qing, who was walking toward him.

At this moment, Wang Qing's face was filled with disdain. He also believed Lin Yuan hadn't passed the test, and he had deliberately come to provoke him.

"Fine! As you wish. Don't worry, I guarantee I won't beat you to death!"

Lin Yuan's lips curled up, revealing a cruel smile toward him...