24: Chapter 24 Practical Assessment Begins

The morning sunlight was somewhat piercing.

As a crisp bell rang, the school gates, which had been tightly shut for two hours, slowly opened.

The examinees surged out like a tide, their clamor instantly shattering the morning's solemnity.

For most martial arts students, the theoretical exam was like an appetizer before a meal; though important, it didn't determine life or death.

In this world where the strong are revered, even if you memorized the "Foundations of Martial Theory" by heart, it would be useless if you were bitten to death by a Vicious Beast in the wilderness.

"Sigh, I think I got that question about the 'Mutated Wind Wolf's weakness' wrong. I chose the abdomen..."

"It's fine, the theory score only accounts for 10%. This afternoon's practical combat is the main event! As long as you can kill one E-rank Vicious Beast, it'll be worth more than ten correct multiple-choice questions!"

The examinees gathered in small groups; some were beaming with joy, while others were dejected.

Meanwhile, that group of noble examinees from Mars still maintained their superior attitude, not even deigning to communicate with the surrounding Earth examinees, each looking arrogant.

From the crowd, Su Yu walked out with steady steps.

His expression was calm, showing no ripples of emotion, as if what he had just experienced wasn't the college entrance exam, but a common classroom quiz.

"Dad."

Su Yu immediately spotted Su Wu, who looked somewhat lazy as he leaned against the shade of a tree.

"How was it?" Su Wu smiled and handed over Little White, who was sleeping soundly on his shoulder.

"Don't worry." Su Yu took Little White and habitually stroked the soft white fur. "Those questions were too easy, mostly just common sense."

"That's good then." Su Wu nodded. "Come on, I'll take you for a good meal. This afternoon's practical combat assessment is the real battle. It lasts for a day and a half, which is 36 hours. During this time, everything from eating to sleeping will be in the wilderness; you won't make it without some physical strength."

The father and son found a quiet restaurant and ordered several portions of high-energy exotic beast steaks.

At the dining table, Su Wu cut his steak while saying seemingly nonchalantly, "Outside the exam hall just now, I saw those examinees from Mars. Although most of their Qi and blood were superficial, quite a few had reached the Grandmaster Realm Early Stage. One of them seemed to be a Young Master from a great Family, and he had even reached the Grandmaster Realm Late Stage."

"Grandmaster Realm Late Stage?" Su Yu's movements paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. An eighteen-year-old at the Late Stage was indeed a Genius.

"But don't be afraid." Su Wu smiled, his gaze becoming deep. "He's a Grandmaster, and so are you. Besides... you have the Chaos Body, plus the killing techniques I taught you. If it really comes to a fight, it's not certain who will emerge victorious."

"Remember, once you enter the exam grounds, don't trust anyone but yourself. Especially those Martians."

"I know, Dad." Su Yu swallowed the last bite of meat, his eyes gleaming with the light of a hunter. "I won't attack unless I'm attacked. But if someone provokes me... I don't care if they're from Mars or Mercury, I'll beat them up regardless."

...

2:00 PM.

Ten kilometers outside Canglan Base, at the edge of the Black Iron Forest.

This was the boundary between human civilization and the wild Vicious Beasts.

Towering trees reached into the clouds, blotting out the sun, while heart-pounding beast roars echoed from the distance from time to time.

Thousands of examinees were gathered in the buffer zone, each wearing a black metal bracelet on their wrist.

"This is the 'Heavenly Eye' terminal."

The head instructor stood on the high platform, his voice as resonant as a bell. "It doesn't just record your vital signs and kill points; it also has a built-in miniature camera probe and a distress signal transmitter. If you encounter irresistible danger, press the red button, and an instructor will arrive immediately. But remember—calling for help is considered a forfeiture!"

At the same time.

Thousands of fist-sized silver spheres—Heavenly Eye drones—took to the sky like a swarm of bees, hovering over every examinee's head.

These Heavenly Eyes were the crystallization of Federation technology, featuring functions like all-terrain tracking, thermal imaging analysis, and combat power assessment. They would transmit every movement, every breath, and even the frequency of Qi and blood fluctuations of the examinees back to the command center in real-time.

Meanwhile, atop the towering alloy city walls of Canglan Base, inside a spacious, bright, and sci-fi-themed command center.

A massive holographic screen occupied the entire wall, divided into thousands of small windows, broadcasting the situation on the exam grounds in real-time.

Five people were already seated around the round table in the center of the room.

Besides the Canglan City Lord, Pan Hong, there were three middle-aged men in Federation uniforms and the elder from the Mars Li Family—Uncle Li.

"City Lord Pan, the quality of the examinees this time seems quite good."

Speaking was a kind-faced, slightly chubby middle-aged man. He was one of the inspectors sent by the Federation, Zhang Ye, a Martial Emperor Realm Early Stage.

"Inspector Zhang, you flatter us," Pan Hong replied with a forced smile, though his heart was pounding.

In previous years, as a Great Grandmaster, he would have been the highest-ranking officer on such occasions. But this year, many Martian examinees had appeared... with a room full of Martial Emperors, the pressure on him was immense.

Just then, the command center's automatic door slid open.

A staff member respectfully led in a middle-aged man wearing gray casual clothes.

"Senior... Senior Su!" Pan Hong's eyes lit up, and he quickly stood up to greet him.

This action caused the three Federation inspectors present to be slightly taken aback.

"This must be Brother Su!" Zhang Ye was naturally sociable and a clever man.

He had already received internal news that a hidden Martial Emperor had supposedly appeared in Canglan Base. Seeing Su Wu's extraordinary bearing now, he immediately stepped forward politely.

"I am Zhang Ye, the inspector for the Federation's Eastern Theater Command."

Su Wu nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the people in the room.

His gaze lingered for a second on the other two inspectors—one had a cold face and was humorless, while the other had sharp eyes and seemed to be scrutinizing him.

Finally, his gaze landed on Uncle Li, who was sitting next to the head seat with his eyes closed, resting.

Sensing Su Wu's gaze, Uncle Li slowly opened his eyes. A flash of sharp light passed through his cloudy old eyes as he nodded slightly toward Su Wu, acknowledging him.

The tacit understanding between two Martial Saints was beyond words.

"Su greets everyone." Su Wu's expression was indifferent as he found an empty seat and sat down, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Haha, come, Brother Su, let me introduce you." Zhang Ye enthusiastically acted as the middleman. "This is Inspector Du, and this is Inspector Li. And this..."

Zhang Ye pointed at Uncle Li, his tone becoming exceptionally respectful. "This is a Senior from the Mars Li Family, Senior Li. He has come to Canglan Base specifically to inspect this year's talents."

"Mars Li Family?" Su Wu's eyebrows rose slightly as he asked, feigning ignorance. "I've heard much about you. I didn't expect the Li Family to be so concerned about Earth's assessment."

Uncle Li smiled, his voice raspy yet carrying an unquestionable authority. "Not at all. I am merely here at the Family Head's request to observe the performance of these youngsters. As for Mr. Su, I heard your son is also an examinee this year? A tiger father does not have a dog for a son; I am quite looking forward to it."

These words seemed polite but were actually a needle hidden in silk.

Su Wu smiled faintly and took a sip from the teacup on the table. "It's just children playing house; he can't compare to the Li Family's Qilin. I only hope your Young Master shows some mercy and doesn't make my worthless son cry."

"Hehe, Mr. Su is joking." A strange look flashed in Uncle Li's eyes.

This Su Wu was so composed in the face of a "Martial Saint" like himself, even faintly maintaining a posture of being on equal footing.

"Alright, time's up."

The cold-faced Inspector Du, who hadn't spoken until now, checked the time and said in a heavy voice, "The assessment begins. Everyone, please look at the big screen."

Hearing this, everyone turned their gaze toward the massive holographic screen in front of them.

...

Edge of the Black Iron Forest.

At the head instructor's command, tens of thousands of examinees rushed into the dense jungle like beasts released from their cages.

"Everyone knows the rules!"

"One: Kill Vicious Beasts to earn points! F-rank is 1 point, E-rank is 5 points, D-rank is 20 points, and C-rank is 100 points!"

"Two: Seizing others' bracelets earns you half of their points! However, malicious crippling or killing is prohibited; violators will be disqualified and held legally accountable!"

"Three: Survive for 36 hours until the evacuation signal sounds!"

Su Yu was mixed in the crowd, not in a hurry to sprint frantically like the others.

He looked down at the black bracelet on his wrist, then looked up at the Heavenly Eye drone hovering overhead.

A playful smile curled at the corner of Su Yu's mouth.

With a movement, he executed the Leaf-Treading Footwork, darting into the jungle like an arrow from a bow, his speed so fast that even the Heavenly Eye had to activate high-speed tracking mode to keep up.

Five hundred meters passed in an instant.

This was an open forest clearing, where a massive giant bear covered in black iron-like fur was crouched on the ground, devouring a wild deer.

Qi and Blood Realm Middle Stage: Iron-Backed Bear!

This type of Vicious Beast was famous for its defense; ordinary alloy combat knives could only leave a white mark on its body.

For average examinees, encountering an Iron-Backed Bear was an absolute nightmare, usually requiring a team of three to five people to kill it.

"Roar—!!"

The Iron-Backed Bear sensed a human presence and suddenly stood up, letting out a deafening roar.

Its bloodshot bear eyes stared intently at the thin two-legged beast before it, as if looking at an extra meal.

However.

Su Yu didn't even draw his blade.

He just stood there quietly, even letting out a yawn.

"Too weak."

Su Yu shook his head.

Having undergone Su Wu's devilish special training, this clumsy Iron-Backed Bear was full of openings in his eyes.

Rumble!

The Iron-Backed Bear was enraged by the human's contempt. It dropped to all fours and charged like a heavy tank, each step making the ground tremble.

Just as the bear's paw was about to crush Su Yu's skull.

Su Yu moved.

There was no fancy dodging, only a simple and direct punch.

Wild Bull Fist: Inch Power!

Bang!

A dull, heavy thud.

Time seemed to freeze.

That Iron-Backed Bear, weighing over a ton, was actually sent flying seven or eight meters backward, its feet leaving the ground, by Su Yu's seemingly light punch!

A fist print was deeply recessed into its chest, its breastbone completely shattered. Before it could even scream, it slammed heavily onto the ground, twitched twice, and stopped moving.

A one-punch kill!

[Beep! Killed a Qi and Blood Realm Middle Stage Vicious Beast, Points +5. Current Ranking: 1,022nd!]

Su Yu didn't even look at the corpse on the ground as he turned to leave, his movements incredibly dashing.

This scene happened to be captured by the big screen in the command center, which gave it a close-up.

"Hiss—"

In the command center, the inspectors who had been chatting and laughing earlier all inhaled a breath of cold air in unison.

"What domineering punching power! This kid's Physical Body strength has probably already surpassed that of an ordinary Innate Realm Great Perfection!" Zhang Ye couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

"It's not just strength." A sharp light flashed in the cold-faced Inspector Du's eyes. "His power-exertion technique is perfect. Is that... Fist Intent? To think he's grasped Fist Intent at such a young age?"

Pan Hong was overjoyed hearing the praise from the big shots, but he had to maintain a modest face. "Ahem, this is Su Yu from our Canglan No. 1 High School. He's usually quite low-key."

Only Su Wu and Uncle Li's expressions remained unchanged.

Su Wu had known his son's strength for a long time, while Uncle Li's eyes narrowed slightly.

"This kid... really isn't simple," Uncle Li thought to himself.

...

Meanwhile, at the other end of the exam grounds.

In a forest of jagged rocks.

"Ah—!!"

A scream rang out.

An Earth examinee was kicked flying, slamming heavily into a rock, and the points bracelet on his wrist was forcibly torn off.

"Tch, only 15 points? What a pauper."

Li Xinghe disdainfully threw the stolen bracelet onto the ground and crushed it with his foot.

Behind him followed four Martian examinees in silver combat suits, each exuding an aura of the Innate Realm or even the Grandmaster Realm.

"Young Master, we've already cleared out dozens of Earth examinees in this area. Our points are temporarily ranked first," a sycophantic-looking youth flattered.

"First? That's a given."

Li Xinghe waved his folding fan and looked deeper into the forest. "Let's continue!"