C5 The Martial Artist Association's Vice President Has Started the Assessment!!

Su Yu had departed, leaving behind a throng of students at the school gates that erupted into excitement.

"A Martial Cultivator! Our school has actually produced a Martial Cultivator!"

Someone exclaimed, astonished.

"Hmph, he might not even be a Martial Cultivator. If he were, the school would have made an announcement by now."

"But didn't Lee Hu just claim that guy is a Martial Cultivator?"

"Lee Hu? His Blood Essence Value is likely around 0.7. To defeat Lee Hu, you'd need a value over 0.8. Still, that's not enough to confirm he's a Martial Cultivator!"

"Besides, if he really were a Martial Cultivator, the Martial Artist Association would have taken Lee Hu into custody by now. Would they have waited this long?"

Someone scoffed dismissively.

In this world, Martial Cultivators command respect. If discovered, the Martial Artist Association would intervene and apprehend anyone who dared insult them.

This was precisely why some were skeptical about Su Yu's status.

Only Lee Hu, clutching his wounded arm and rooted to the spot, truly understood.

The punch Su Yu had thrown earlier was far from his full strength.

Yet, it was powerful enough to cause his fist to burst open.

Such a feat was impossible for anyone but a Martial Cultivator.

"I've done it now. I've offended a Martial Cultivator!"

Lee Hu panicked, his eyes following the direction Su Yu had taken.

"Wait, he's headed towards the Martial Artist Association. He hasn't officially passed the Martial Cultivator Assessment yet. There's still a chance!"

"I have no choice but to get my father involved!"

Overcome with fear, Lee Hu dashed home, ignoring the stares of those around him.

...

Meanwhile, Su Yu strolled down the street at a leisurely pace.

"Lee Hu's Blood Essence Value is around 0.7, and his strength nears 700 kilograms. He's no longer a challenge for me. I'm confident about passing the Martial Cultivator exam this time!"

Despite having lived two lifetimes, Su Yu couldn't contain his excitement at the thought of passing the exam.

Suddenly, he furrowed his brow and picked up his pace.

Turning into a narrow alley, he came to a halt.

"Show yourself!"

With a calm turn and a piercing gaze, Su Yu faced the hidden presence.

Just moments ago, Su Yu had felt a presence targeting him—an ability he'd gained after today's breakthrough as a Martial Cultivator.

Snap, snap, snap!

The sound of crisp clapping filled the air.

An elderly man with gold-rimmed glasses emerged from the shadows, a smile playing on his lips as he fixed his bright gaze on Su Yu.

"Not bad, kid. You've just advanced to Martial Cultivator and already you've detected my presence."

Su Yu was taken aback at the sight of the old man.

"Principal, it's you?"

The man before him was none other than Wu Ming, the principal of Hengcheng No.1 Middle School, and a Martial Cultivator of immeasurable depth!

Wu Ming watched Su Yu with a smile. "I saw your fight with Lee Hu. You've made it to Martial Cultivator, but you're still green, fresh into the ranks, aren't you?"

Su Yu nodded without a word. The seasoned Martial Cultivator before him had an incredibly keen eye.

"I just came to check out the prodigies from our Hengcheng No.1 Middle School," Wu Ming continued cheerfully. "You're headed to the Martial Artist Association for the assessment, right?"

"Yes," Su Yu confirmed.

For some reason, standing before Wu Ming, Su Yu felt completely transparent.

Wu Ming gestured casually. "Well then, let's be on our way. I'm curious to see just how far the first genius from our school can go!"

Su Yu scratched his head, a touch embarrassed, but with Wu Ming's invitation, he couldn't refuse.

Before long, they arrived at the Martial Artist Association, located at the very heart of Hengcheng and also its tallest structure.

Standing at the grand entrance, Su Yu was awestruck. Martial Cultivators, typically a rare sight, were a common presence here. Those who weren't yet Martial Cultivators were Quasi Martial Cultivators on the cusp of their own breakthroughs.

Wu Ming offered a knowing smile and remarked, "Now you've had a glimpse. Don't be fooled by Hengcheng's size; we have a significant number of Martial Cultivators. It's just that many prefer to stay under the radar."

With that, he guided Su Yu through the grand entrance of the Martial Artist Association.

Just inside the gate, they were greeted by a middle-aged man with a welcoming smile.

"President Wu, it's been too long. I felt your presence the moment you arrived," he said.

Wu Ming returned the smile. "Su Yu, meet Lau Kuang, the vice president of the Martial Artist Association."

Su Yu was taken aback, hardly expecting to encounter such a high-ranking official.

"Greetings, President Lau!"

Lau Kuang dismissed the formality with a wave of his hand and turned to Wu Ming. "President Wu, what brings you to the Martial Artist Association today?"

A spark of intensity flickered in Wu Ming's eyes as he replied, "Nothing major. A promising young student from our school is here to take the Martial Artist Assessment."

"Martial Artist Assessment!"

At that moment, Su Yu felt the piercing intensity of Lau Kuang's gaze fixed upon him.

Lau Kuang scrutinized Su Yu, then broke the silence. "So young and already a Martial Cultivator. I take it you're considering sending him to that place?"

Wu Ming simply smiled, offering no reply.

Su Yu stood by, feeling somewhat bewildered by their exchange.

Lau Kuang let out a sigh. "Well, it's been ages since anyone from Hengcheng ventured there. If this young man succeeds, he could well be the hope of our city."

"Come with me, young man," Lau Kuang beckoned.

Leading Su Yu further into the depths of the Martial Artist Association, they traversed a lengthy pathway before arriving at an expansive training field, where three imposing machines stood in silence.

The dark, hulking devices seemed almost capable of swallowing one's soul, leaving Su Yu momentarily transfixed.

He quickly regained his composure as Lau Kuang's voice filled the air.

"The Martial Cultivator's assessment is a three-stage process: first, the Blood Essence Value; second, strength qualification; and third, a speed test."

"One must pass all three tests to be recognized as a true Martial Cultivator and earn the right to practice the Martial Cultivator's techniques. But you already know this, don't you?" Lau Kuang said with an air of finality.

Su Yu inhaled deeply, banishing any trace of nervousness from his mind.

"Understood!"

"Excellent. No need for further talk, then. Let's get started," Lau Kuang declared, and with that, he activated the first machine.

Instantly, a container about two meters in size embedded itself within the machine.

"Step into the container to test your Blood Essence Value," Lau Kuang instructed.

Su Yu nodded in acknowledgment and entered the container.

As the door sealed behind him, an array of mechanical tendrils, like the arms of an octopus, latched onto Su Yu's skin.

On the outside, Wu Ming's gaze was fixed on Su Yu, his anxiety palpable as his fists tightened.

"The test... has begun!"