9: The Art of Absorbing the Essence of All Things

Spiritual Energy Bureau Examination Hall, Main Control Center.

This was the backstage of the entire newcomer testing exam site.

On the massive screen, every corner inside and outside the exam site was being broadcast in real-time.

At this moment, everyone's eyes were fixed firmly on the largest screen in the center.

On the screen, two bright red, eye-catching numbers almost burned through everyone's retinas.

【Examinee: Chen Nian】

【Combat Test Score: 100】

【Survival Test Score: 100】

The entire control room was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

The air was so thick it made it difficult to breathe.

"Double... double perfect scores..."

"Has there ever been a record of a newcomer getting double perfect scores since our Spiritual Energy Bureau was established?"

"No, absolutely not!"

"Forget double perfect scores, even a single perfect score hasn't appeared in ten years. Although the cap for the combat test is 100 points, that requires killing 100 Reinforced Puppets. That's simply not something a newcomer can do!"

"What was the previous record?"

"Two hundred and seventeen! It was set eleven years ago by the current captain of the 'Dragon Fang' assault team!"

"Two hundred and seventeen..."

Everyone's gaze turned back to Chen Nian's data on the screen.

【Total Puppets Killed: 512】

This number was no longer as simple as breaking a record.

This was trampling the original record underfoot and grinding it into dust!

A majestic-looking middle-aged man stared intently at the screen, his fingers trembling slightly on the control console.

He was the person in charge of this test—Wang Jianguo.

"Old Li... pinch me."

Wang Jianguo's voice was dry, with a hint of an unbelievable tremor.

Beside him, a slightly chubby middle-aged man, Old Li, was also wearing a dazed expression.

He subconsciously reached out and gave Wang Jianguo's arm a hard twist.

"Hiss—"

Wang Jianguo gasped, the sharp pain instantly clearing his mind.

This wasn't a dream!

Everything before his eyes was real!

Wang Jianguo took a deep breath, still feeling somewhat dazed: "Is this kid really just a newly Awakened newcomer?"

Awakened for only one day!

No background whatsoever!

No record of any Cultivation!

A newcomer possessed the terrifying strength to crush all Geniuses and even break historical records?

This could no longer be described as a Genius.

This was a Prodigy!

A peerless Prodigy not seen in ten thousand years!

"Haha... Hahahaha!"

Wang Jianguo suddenly burst into loud laughter, his voice filled with uncontrollable ecstasy.

"A treasure! Our Spiritual Energy Bureau has truly picked up a heavenly treasure this time!"

His eyes shot out a burning light.

"To have such strength just after Awakening, what kind of heights could he reach if he's allowed to Cultivate? It's simply unimaginable. Our Dragon Country might be about to produce a true pillar of the world!"

Wang Jianguo slammed the table.

"Pass down my orders!"

His voice was sonorous, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Raise all of Chen Nian's benefits to the highest level! No! To a level beyond the standard maximum!"

"Whatever a newcomer can enjoy, give it to him! Whatever a newcomer cannot enjoy, find a way to give it to him!"

"Medicinal Pills, Cultivation Techniques, resources—give him the best of everything!"

"Absolutely! We absolutely cannot let such a Genius feel even the slightest bit neglected!"

Wang Jianguo's gaze swept over everyone present.

"Do you understand?"

"Understood!"

Everyone responded in unison, their voices carrying a hint of trembling excitement.

They knew they were witnessing the beginning of a legend.

"Xiao Zhang, you go personally to receive him. You must make Comrade Chen Nian feel the sincerity and warmth of our Spiritual Energy Bureau."

Wang Jianguo pointed to a young staff member.

"Yes! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

Xiao Zhang jolted and immediately took the order... Meanwhile, inside the testing exam site.

Cheers like a mountain tsunami almost lifted the roof of the entire venue.

"Double perfect scores! Holy crap! It's really double perfect scores!"

"Big shot is awesome! From today on, you are my only idol!"

"Big shot, look at me! Please let me join your team! My support is super strong, I can heal and control!"

"So cool! That composure, that power—he's simply a walking god!"

In a corner of the crowd, Jiang Tao was being examined by medical staff, his face as pale as paper.

He stared blankly at that figure, surrounded by countless people yet still standing aloof and alone.

His eyes were filled with confusion, shock, and a trace of... fear that he hadn't even noticed himself.

He had originally thought that the top spot in this newcomer test would be between him and Luo Feng.

There was no doubt about it.

However, Chen Nian had suddenly burst onto the scene halfway through.

Although he did feel a threat, he only thought of him as a powerful opponent; he had no intention of giving up on first place.

But now, he realized how ridiculously wrong he had been.

First place?

Was he worthy?

He didn't even have the qualification to compete on the same stage as him.

From beginning to end, he was like a clown, performing a clumsy struggle in front of Chen Nian.

That talent he was so proud of, that strength praised by countless people.

In front of Chen Nian, it was as fragile as paper.

Jiang Tao's pride was smashed to pieces at this moment.

He even noticed that his original small group was now squeezing into the crowd, shouting toward Chen Nian's direction with flattering faces.

All the respect they had for him before was gone.

A massive sense of loss and insignificance completely overwhelmed him.

However, regarding all of this,

Chen Nian didn't care at all.

He didn't even spare a second glance at those fanatical examinees.

The moment the electronic voice finished speaking, his goal had been accomplished.

The surrounding clamor had nothing to do with him.

He turned and walked toward the exit.

Just then, a young woman in a Spiritual Energy Bureau uniform ran up to him, her face carrying a hint of nervousness and admiration.

"Mr... Mr. Chen Nian, hello." Her voice trembled slightly. "I am your receptionist, my name is Zhang Lin. I will now take you to collect the rewards for this test."

Chen Nian nodded faintly: "Let's go."

His voice was very calm, devoid of any emotion.

Zhang Lin did not dare to be slow and hurried to lead the way ahead.

The two of them passed through a long metal corridor, completely cutting off the noise behind them.

The lights in the corridor were bright, and it was silent, with only the sound of their footsteps echoing.

Soon, the two of them arrived outside a heavily guarded room.

After multiple identity verifications, the heavy alloy door slowly opened.

In the center of the room, under a transparent energy shield, floated an exquisite jade box.

Zhang Lin stepped forward, carefully took out the jade box, and handed it to Chen Nian with both hands.

"Mr. Chen Nian, this is one of your rewards, a top-grade 'Qi Condensation Pill'."

"It can help you quickly stabilize your Realm and significantly increase your total spiritual energy."

Chen Nian took the jade box and opened it.

A pill the size of a longan, shimmering with light, lay quietly inside, emitting a refreshing fragrance.

Just by smelling this medicinal fragrance, he felt the spiritual energy in his body become a bit more active.

Good stuff!

Chen Nian wasn't polite and directly put the pill away.

"Additionally, according to the regulations, you can also choose a Cultivation Technique."

Zhang Lin said as she led Chen Nian toward another, even more magnificent hall.

This was a huge domed building, and the internal space was startlingly vast.

Countless light spheres emitting various colors of light were suspended in mid-air like stars, slowly circulating.

"This is the Spiritual Energy Bureau's technique library. Because of your outstanding performance, the person in charge has specially authorized the S-rank technique area for you. Every technique here is extremely precious."

Zhang Lin's tone was full of envy.

Chen Nian stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over those floating light spheres.

【Blazing Sun Punch: S-rank fire-attribute offensive technique. The punch is like a blazing sun, capable of burning mountains and boiling seas.】

【Lightning Phantom Steps: S-rank lightning-attribute movement technique. Fast as thunder, moving like a phantom.】

【Immovable Wisdom King Body: S-rank earth-attribute defensive technique. The body is like a mountain, impervious to all methods.】

All kinds of powerful techniques were a feast for the eyes; if any one of them were to spread outside, it would be enough to cause a bloodbath.

But Chen Nian's gaze did not linger on any of them.

Although these techniques were strong, they were all too singular.

They either focused on offense, defense, or movement.

His Prison Suppressing Divine Body alone almost covered all of these aspects.

What he wanted wasn't these.

His gaze continued to search, finally stopping in front of a certain technique.

It was inconspicuous there, even somewhat dim.

【Myriad Things Yuan Absorption Art】

【Introduction: Can attract all things in the world. When cultivating, it is like the Great Kun of the Northern Underworld, devouring the Spiritual Qi of the four seas. When fighting, it can attract objects from a distance with great power. It can be used for both cultivation and combat. The difficulty of cultivation is extremely high, choose carefully.】

Seeing the introduction, Chen Nian's eyes instantly lit up.

Can attract all things in the world.

Can be used for cultivation and also for combat.

Very versatile!

This is the one!

Although it didn't have the simple and crude power of other techniques, with this technique, his cultivation speed would surely reach an inconceivable level.

Moreover, being able to attract objects from a distance during combat meant it would be harder for prey to escape his grasp.

"I want this one."

Chen Nian pointed at that technique, his tone calm and firm.

Zhang Lin looked in the direction he was pointing and was stunned for a moment.

"Mr. Chen Nian, are you sure? This 'Myriad Things Yuan Absorption Art', while theoretically very strong, is one of the most difficult S-rank techniques to Cultivate, and... no one has ever successfully reached a profound level."

She kindly reminded him.

"I'm sure." Chen Nian didn't hesitate in the slightest.

Seeing his persistence, Zhang Lin didn't try to persuade him further. Following the procedure, she took down the "Myriad Things Yuan Absorption Art" and handed it to him... Main Control Center.

"Report! Chen Nian has finished collecting his rewards. He... he chose the 'Myriad Things Yuan Absorption Art'." Zhang Lin reported.

Hearing this, Old Li's expression became a bit strange.

"Oh?" Wang Jianguo raised an eyebrow, a smile of approval appearing on his face, "Haha! Good! A good choice!"

Old Li, however, was somewhat puzzled: "But, this technique isn't very suitable for a newcomer, is it..."

Wang Jianguo countered: "In your opinion, is it better to have a technique that can kill someone with one punch, or a technique that allows one to continuously grow stronger and possess infinite possibilities?"

Old Li was suddenly speechless.

Wang Jianguo picked up his teacup and blew on the hot steam:

"Ordinary geniuses, seeing so many powerful offensive techniques, would mostly pick the most overbearing and powerful one so they can immediately show off their prowess."

"But he didn't. He chose the most difficult and also the one with the greatest potential. What does this show? It shows that this young man not only has terrifying strength, but his vision is also sharp. He isn't looking at the present, but at the much further future!"

Wang Jianguo put down his teacup, his eyes shining with sharp light.

"With strength, Heart-Nature, and even more vision, this Chen Nian's future is limitless. Our Spiritual Energy Bureau has truly dug up a treasure this time!"