C20 Obtaining the Qualification

Both were in the Middle Period of Mortal Rank, each with the cultivation foundation of a Main Bloodline. Yet, when Han Feng clashed with Han Hua, Han Hua couldn't withstand even a single move from Han Feng!

The young onlookers' eyes bulged, mouths agape in stunned silence.

A sharp focus took over Han Lin and the others as they watched.

It wasn't until Instructor Lin spoke that they gasped in realization.

The Claw Condensation Technique at the Great Completion Stage!

Han Feng had mastered the Claw Condensation Technique to such a level of perfection. It was no surprise he dispatched Han Hua so swiftly, considering Han Hua's technique barely approached the Initial Completion Stage.

Instructor Lin, overwhelmed by Han Feng's display, felt almost numb. "This kid's aptitude is astounding. A Late Period Mortal Rank practitioner would need months to refine a Basic Upper-grade Martial Skill to the Great Completion Stage. Yet this youngster, merely at the Middle Period and with just one Main Bloodline unlocked..."

Han Lin felt a jolt in his heart. "I only achieved Initial Completion with the Claw Condensation Technique a few days back. And this guy..."

"Thank goodness I've broken through four Main Bloodlines. My internal strength far surpasses Han Feng's, or else..."

Han Rong and Han Zheng wore grave expressions. The Claw Condensation Technique's power had surged immensely. With his cultivation foundation, Han Feng was not far from challenging them. A moment's negligence could lead to their defeat.

They cast a meaningful glance at Han Feng.

Instructor Lin let out a breath and announced, "Han Hua's challenge against Han Feng has failed. Han Hua forfeits his spot, and Han Feng earns the right to train with the Ten Trainees!"

"Let's proceed. Please choose your next opponents to challenge."

After witnessing Han Feng's swift victory over Han Hua, who would dare step up to challenge him?

In the minds of the crowd, Han Feng had ascended to the ranks of Han Rong and other experts who had unlocked two Main Bloodlines.

With a rueful smile, Han Hua stepped back, his single opportunity to challenge now spent, and his journey in the competition over. He regretted his choice; had he challenged someone else, his strength might have allowed him to take Han Feng's place. But envy had clouded his judgment, and now he paid the price for his jealousy.

In the subsequent challenges, three of the previous nine victors fell from grace.

Han Lieh was fortunate to remain among the nine, a testament to his substantial cultivation foundation.

Together with Han Lin, they stood as a group of twelve.

Instructor Lin's piercing gaze swept over the twelve, and after a tense moment, he singled out two individuals.

"The two of you are the least skilled among the twelve. I'm asking you to step down. Do you accept this decision?"

The pair exchanged bitter smiles and nodded in agreement. They weren't fools; the earlier trials had given them a clear sense of their abilities, and they were well aware that they were the weakest of the group. They had braced themselves for this outcome from the start.

Instructor Lin burst into laughter. "There's no need for disappointment. Making it this far already sets you apart as exceptional. It wouldn't be an overstatement to call you elite. Who knows, with time, you might even surpass me. Then, it'll be your turn to school me."

Their eyes sparkled anew at his words.

Off to the side, Han Feng smirked. Sure, these two might one day outdo the current Instructor Lin and rise above the Four-star Human Rank, but Instructor Lin wasn't one to rest on his laurels. The future was uncertain, and Instructor Lin sure knew how to sweet-talk.

Clapping his hands, Instructor Lin announced, "It's nearing noon; time to break. Han Lin, Han Rong, Han Zheng, Han Feng, Han Lieh..."

"Tomorrow morning, you ten will assemble here. Along with other members of the hunting team, I'll take you to the Jade Peak Mountain Range for training."

"Be ready. And don't let the Devil Beasts scare you into wetting yourselves, haha!"

The ten trainees rolled their eyes. Wet their pants? He was seriously underestimating them.

As Instructor Lin walked away, a mischievous grin played at the corner of his mouth. He mused, "I'm underestimating you? It's you kids who are underestimating the Devil Beasts!"

"The wild Devil Beasts of the Jade Peak Mountain Range are nothing like the domesticated ones raised by our families."

"I'm looking forward to seeing how you all fare tomorrow, haha!"

In the Han family's council hall, Instructor Lin and another female instructor delivered a report on the training to the Elders.

The hall fell into a hushed silence.

After a pause, Han Yu burst into excited laughter. "Hahaha, Fourth Elder, Great Elder, Feng has now become one of the Ten Trainees. Lin Yue tells me that Feng is on the verge of unlocking his second Main Bloodline. Isn't his cultivation speed incomparable even to Gu Wan?"

The Fourth Elder and Great Elder exchanged a look, their faces frozen in disbelief. They had not anticipated such a turn of events. Han Feng's current level of Internal Strength had sent shockwaves through their minds.

If he could keep up this pace of advancement, it wouldn't be long before he reached the Mystic Rank, a thought that prompted a decisive nod from both Elders.

The Great Elder, stroking his white beard, chuckled, "Family Head, to have such a grandson is to invite envy. We must invest all we can into his development."

At a time when the Han family was focused on growth, they were intent on bolstering their ranks with strong outsiders. The emergence of a homegrown prodigy was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.

The Fourth Elder managed a tight smile. "Rest assured, Family Head. I'll take care of Gu Wan."

Upon learning of his summons by the Fourth Elder, Gu Wan was elated. "Has the time come to discipline that little rascal? That insolent boy, to think he beat me so badly!"

But his excitement turned to dread upon seeing the Fourth Elder's grim expression. An ominous thought took hold in his mind.

As expected, the Fourth Elder rebuked him sharply. "Gu Wan, I've always held you in high regard, yet you've made such a grave error, even secretly hoarding Spirit Stones!"

"Now, you have the audacity to twist the truth and pin your faults on Han Feng. He is a scion of our family. Do you hold our family's lineage in such low regard?"

"Or do you see me as nothing more than a fool?"

Gu Wan went ashen, dropping to his knees instantly. "Elder, I assure you, I've never harbored such thoughts. I will forever be grateful for your life-saving grace."

"I truly have let the Elder down, succumbing to the allure of power and making such a grievous error. I swear, it won't happen again."

As the Fourth Elder's stern voice echoed, Gu Wan was acutely aware of his defeat at the hands of Han Feng.

He had only dared to challenge Han Feng's ace because he believed he had the Fourth Elder's backing. Now, without the Fourth Elder's support, how could he possibly stand up to Han Feng?

It was clear to him that the Fourth Elder was well aware of his past actions.

The Fourth Elder dismissed him with a gesture. "You know what needs to be done. Leave now."

"The family, out of respect for me, won't impose a harsh punishment on you. But you can no longer serve as the steward."

"Yes!" With a face drained of color, Gu Wan mopped the cold sweat from his brow and withdrew.