Chapter Nineteen: The Levels of Cultivation Techniques (Part One)

Everyone waited anxiously, all eager to know the results of their cultivation evaluation this time. Zhao Li was no exception, standing quietly outside the evaluation room.

Though called an evaluation room, it was in fact just an ordinary empty space with a single piece of equipment inside. That device, they said, could measure and classify the quality of one’s true energy. All it took was to enter and channel one’s energy into the machine to obtain the result.

“Level isn’t the most important thing. There’s no need to be nervous about this test. What matters is your proficiency in wielding true energy at your current level.” The words of Instructor Xiao Qiang lingered in everyone’s minds, easing some of the tension.

But, if it were only those words of comfort, none would have taken them to heart. Who were they kidding—there’s a significant difference between levels four, five, and six. How could anyone claim that level isn’t crucial? After a fleeting consideration, everyone’s attention quickly returned to the test before them.

The anxiety on the faces of several people made it clear just how tense everyone was. Zhao Li was nervous as well, but after hearing Instructor Xiao Qiang’s words, he couldn’t help but study the instructor’s expression closely. The instructor’s face was grave, showing no sign that he was merely offering comfort.

Unconsciously, Zhao Li grew more serious. What did the instructor mean by this? If he was right, then there was really no need to be so anxious about the evaluation—it was just an assessment, not a battlefield. With this in mind, Zhao Li felt much calmer and relaxed as he faced the evaluation room.

The instructor, naturally, observed everyone. Their tension was understandable; after all, this test would serve as the foundation for their standing in the military. Yet, those who truly understood would not—and should not—regard it as the end-all and be-all.

He offered his reminder, but only Zhao Li maintained a calm demeanor. It seemed either the reminder had helped, or Zhao Li was simply confident in his own strength. Either way, both reflected commendable composure.

“Next!” After an almost unbearable silence of three or five minutes, those waiting outside heard a voice from within: “Level four!” Instantly, a comrade’s expression relaxed. No matter what else, as long as the bottleneck of level three was broken, this round of cultivation could be considered a success.

“Next!” Hearing this impersonal summons, Zhao Li carefully checked his attire one last time, opened the door, and stepped inside.

“Reporting, sir! New recruit Zhao Li reporting for evaluation—please instruct!” The officer in charge of the test was not from the base’s command, but Zhao Li maintained his formal bearing as if addressing a superior.

It was undeniable—such decorum was effective. When an unfamiliar soldier stood before you, rendered a crisp salute, and spoke clearly, it easily kindled a sense of satisfaction in any officer. Especially so when the soldier’s gaze radiated genuine respect.

“Circulate your energy, strike the target with ten consecutive punches!” The lieutenant in charge of the test spoke to Zhao Li with a gentle tone, quite unlike the cold voice Zhao Li had heard outside.

Standing before the target, Zhao Li needed less than a second to channel his true energy to his fists. Clenching them, he unleashed a rapid series of ten blows upon the target.

The speed of his response surprised the lieutenant, though he said nothing. Having tested nearly a thousand people, he had seen all sorts of anomalies. Still, he found it odd; other recruits would take their time, sometimes sitting and breathing for several minutes before striking, making sure their energy was fully gathered. Yet Zhao Li acted with such ease.

Surprise aside, the lieutenant’s work continued. The target was specially designed—not only could it measure the force of each blow, but its unique material also recorded the degree of destruction caused by true energy, providing a measure of the user’s level.

Zhao Li never intended to waste time. In truth, the unrefined true energy in his dantian could be distributed throughout his body at a mere thought. Whether he took more or less time made no difference to him.

Here, too, the benefits of foundational body refinement were clear: all true energy that could be refined had been, while that which could not be refined was the most smoothly wielded in combat techniques. Although the total amount of true energy available for combat was not vast, owing to most of it having been refined, it was wielded with perfect control. This was something impossible to achieve in just half a year of practicing only combat techniques.

In the instant of each punch, Zhao Li’s essence, energy, and spirit seemed to merge into the blows—every strike exact, every movement identical in position, force, and form. When he finished, Zhao Li himself was surprised—how could he achieve such precision in a moment that should have been nerve-racking?

The device analyzed Zhao Li’s data. Glancing at the initial results, the lieutenant couldn’t help but look up at Zhao Li again. How could anyone, in a ten-punch test, deliver ten blows with less than a kilogram of variance between them?

As Zhao Li entered the analysis chamber, several people outside were equally tense.

Instructor Xiao Qiang had always held Zhao Li in high regard, praising him on numerous occasions. When practicing grappling techniques and the T-shaped baton, he personally sparred with Zhao Li, a clear sign of his concern. Though he claimed aloud that rank meant little, he could hardly ignore Zhao Li’s test.

Two others, however, were not among the crowd. Behind a window in a nearby office building stood two figures, straight as javelins—clearly the product of rigorous training. One was slender and graceful, the other broad-shouldered and robust.

“This is who you wanted me to watch?” The man frowned as he looked at Zhao Li’s initial data. From the monitor, he could see straight into the analysis chamber. “If this is all there is, I don’t see why he deserves such attention.”

“You may be right, but I simply want to see how he fares.” The woman’s voice, soft and coquettish, was utterly irresistible. “Is that all right?”

“Of course, anything you wish!” The man agreed without hesitation.

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At last, the story is about to enter its combat phase—not an easy journey!

Currently striving for the charts, and I need your recommendations and support. Many thanks! And if you have a moment, please vote for me in the Sanjiang poll as well—I would be deeply grateful!