Million Times Talent

Chapter 2: Soaring Strength

Chu Feng gently removed the testing device and carefully reviewed the results to ensure that the numbers were accurate and unchanged. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief. Suddenly, he clenched both fists tightly, raised them upward, and let out a low, triumphant roar, "Good, good!"

"A blood energy value of 3.72, which exceeds expectations by quite a bit. This blood energy value should make me the number one at Qingzhou Experimental High School." Chu Feng's lips curled, revealing a faint trace of pride.

"Now that I have the blood energy value, I need to increase my combat power."

Looking at the combat power testing device on the right, Chu Feng's eyes burst with intense determination, and the battle spirit within his chest accumulated and boiled.

"Combat power, explode for me!"

The elemental energy surging within his body erupted according to the path of the Ten Extremes Fist. Chu Feng took a step forward, and his body shot out like a bullet, thunderously charging ahead.

In the midst of his swift movement, his upper body suddenly tilted backward, gathering a slender but powerful force like a drawn bow.

His clenched right fist, like a dragon's claw, struck out forcefully.

"Bang!"

With a dull impact, the screen of the testing device began to flash rapidly.

"7438"

The numbers finally settled.

With a blood energy value of 3.72, Chu Feng's basic combat power was 3720 jin. 7438 jin was almost exactly twice his basic combat power.

"Just as I thought, one punch equals double the combat power, too powerful!" Chu Feng's body involuntarily trembled slightly, and there was a hint of moisture at the corners of his eyes.

"Let's go again!"

His eyes were filled with unparalleled anticipation.

With a second punch that could shatter stone and crack stone, even more terrifying power burst forth, striking the testing device once more.

The numbers began to jump wildly and finally settled at 11163.

"Combat power surpassing ten thousand, worthy of being called a Martialist!"

Chu Feng's blood boiled instantly.

Martialist, the dream of many martial artists.

Combat power ranged from one thousand to ten thousand, which was the range for martial artists. Among them, one thousand to three thousand was the realm of Elementary Martialists; three thousand to six thousand was the realm of Intermediate Martialists; six thousand to nine thousand was the realm of High Martialists; and nine thousand to ten thousand was the realm of Top Martialists, also known as Great Martialists.

Combat power ranging from ten thousand to one hundred thousand was the range for Martialists; while the range for Grandmasters was from one hundred thousand to one million, with subdivisions similar to the previous range.

A combat power of ten thousand to thirty thousand was considered Elementary Martialist.

Chu Feng's current combat power of 11163 had already reached the standard of an Elementary Martialist.

"Becoming a Martialist just like that? This, this, this..."

Previously, he had been striving to become a martial artist, and now he had suddenly become a Martialist?

Martialists were in a league of their own, and even Elementary Martialists could become instructors at martial arts academies.

Chu Feng's mentor, Jiang Chao, was only an Intermediate Martialist.

As long as one was registered with the Martial Artists Association, they could receive a monthly allowance of fifty thousand yuan.

Martialists were like local lords wherever they went and could live quite comfortably.

It was like ascending to the heavens!

Although he had expected this outcome, Chu Feng still found it difficult to suppress his excitement. His face even flushed slightly.

"Young Martialist! If I can become a young Grandmaster... sigh..."

Chu Feng took a deep breath, realizing that his thoughts were somewhat astonishing. However, he had a faint feeling that he would be able to achieve it soon.

"11163."

"Not enough. Burst, burst, burst..."

Chu Feng frantically unleashed the Ten Extremes Fist, wanting to find out where his limits lay.

"Boom, boom, boom..."

The numbers on the testing device's screen jumped wildly.

"14883."

"18604."

"22325."

"26047."

"29766."

"33495."

His combat power had already surpassed thirty thousand, entering the realm of Intermediate Martialists.

But Chu Feng continued to strike the testing device madly, showing no sign of stopping.

"37208."

"Ten Extremes to control Yin and Yang!"

Chu Feng roared as he delivered the final punch, and the number finally settled at 40921.

This was a crazy level of combat power, and he was already considered a powerful Intermediate Martialist.

If this were known outside, it would undoubtedly cause a huge sensation.

Keep in mind that this was achieved by a seventeen-year-old youth.

However, after the initial excitement, Chu Feng fell into contemplation. He realized that the intent behind his Ten Extremes Fist had not reached perfection in the tenth punch. There was likely an eleventh or even twelfth punch.

Moreover, there were also flaws in the previous ten punches that could be improved for even greater gains. He carefully recalled every detail of the Ten Extremes Fist, pondering various possibilities. Various formulas and symbols kept flashing in his mind.

If someone were to open the door at this moment, they would see Chu Feng closing his eyes, involuntarily following the fist technique's movements, performing different fist seals, and making occasional corrections. It was as if he were suffering from some sort of neurological disorder.

...

"I see! Let's try the revised Ten Extremes Fist."

Chu Feng opened his eyes, and they were filled with sharpness and self-confidence, like he held a priceless gem.

As Chu Feng's body moved like a dragon, his iron fists struck the testing device madly.

The numbers on the device's screen began to jump frantically.

"7612."

"11904."

"16107."

"20188."

"24366."

"28644."

"32922."

"37125."

"42664."

"48156."

The final punch, after modification, had a combat power nearly thirteen times higher than his basic combat power.

"If I can complete the entire Ten Extremes Fist, maybe the final amplification can reach twenty times."

Chu Feng fell into contemplation again, attempting to perfect the follow-up techniques of the Ten Extremes Fist.

After a while...

"Snap."

A crisp sound interrupted his contemplation.

The screen on the testing device went dark, and it automatically shut down.

The door to the testing room slowly opened.

"It seems that the half-hour time limit has already passed."

Chu Feng expressed regret and stopped his contemplation.

Recalling the extraordinary experiences of the evening, Chu Feng shrugged and playfully teased himself, "Still regretting? What are you thinking? You're already a young Martialist! Once this gets out, you'll surely make a name for yourself at Qingzhou Experimental High School."

He rubbed his stomach, feeling a strong hunger spreading throughout his body.

It seemed that he had expended too much energy tonight, so he needed to go home and replenish it.

"The machine has shut down, probably because the data has been automatically reset."

The young man glanced at the testing device and pondered for a moment.

"Who cares? Even if it didn't reset, no one knows who I am, and sooner or later, I'll dominate the world. There's no need to deliberately hide. Just go with the flow!"

Chu Feng laughs nonchalantly. He continues to tidy up his clothes, standing tall and straight, his eyes radiating a bright light. An innate confidence emanates from within him, accentuating his youthful vigor and extraordinary demeanor.

He takes out the purple card from the door and intends to exchange it at the counter. Afterward, he plans to go home and have a hearty meal with his little sister to celebrate.

Just as Chu Feng takes a few steps outside, he hears a familiar voice approaching.

"Sister Qingzhu, after listening to Senior Gao's guidance, I've gained a lot and feel like my combat power will increase significantly. I'm planning to test my combat power again."

It's the voice of the young man in the jacket.

He and Tian Qingzhu happen to be walking towards each other.

Chu Feng nods slightly in their direction before walking past them directly.

"Sure, he... just came out, and Room 3 is available. Let's go to Room 3!" A gentle voice suggests.

However, Tian Qingzhu turns her head with a puzzled look, her voice sounding absent-minded, as she watches the young man slowly disappearing.

"Something's not right. Why does this young man give off an indescribable feeling...?"

"Is it confidence? No, it's... determination!"

It's as if this young man carries a hidden determination, like a dormant dragon in the abyss, remaining silent until the moment it roars and shakes the world.

"This young man is extraordinary!"

"It seems I should get to know him next time. He might be a hidden genius!"

The young man in the jacket also notices Tian Qingzhu's unusual reaction and curiously asks, "Is that young man very powerful?"

"I'm not sure. Today should be his first visit to the Asura Martial Hall, but I believe he should be quite capable. However, I think you, Tianya, shouldn't be inferior to him in terms of strength."

Tian Qingzhu's eyes flash as she answers honestly.

Not inferior?

Although the two young men haven't compared their strengths, Tian Qingzhu has a hunch that the young man before her, Zhuo Tianya, might not be a match for that young man.

"Well, as long as I work hard, I won't be weaker than anyone." Zhuo Tianya smiles in a simple and honest manner.

He takes out a golden card that shines brilliantly and opens Room 3. Zhuo Tianya is a VIP member of the Asura Martial Hall, so he doesn't need to pay any testing fees.

The testing device inside immediately activates, but the numbers on the screen haven't been reset. They remain fixed at the last number Chu Feng achieved: 48,156.

Automatic data recovery is designed to prevent abnormal shutdowns caused by sudden power outages. This is something Chu Feng didn't anticipate.

"48,156."

Zhuo Tianya immediately exclaims in disbelief, looking at this number. This is already the combat power of an intermediate warrior.

"But he clearly was an ordinary young man in casual clothes when he went out, right?"

"Gulch."

Zhuo Tianya swallows hard, a ridiculous idea forming in his mind.

"Could it be that the young man just now achieved this?"

Tian Qingzhu is also stunned, her hand covering her red lips, clearly shaken.

After a while, the beautiful manager mutters in disbelief, "How is that possible?"

Zhuo Tianya's face turns pale, and he asks in a daze, "Could he have cheated? It's impossible! Is the machine malfunctioning?"

48,156!

Even Lin Zhennan and Li Chenyi, the most outstanding talents at Qingzhou First High, can't compare. They are the top talents from the three major Grandmaster Families, nurtured and provided with countless spirit medicines and supplements since childhood.

But compared to this young man, they are probably nothing!

This is not scientific! It's too exaggerated, isn't it?

"Right, it must be a malfunction in the machine."

Zhuo Tianya mutters in a daze, as if grasping the last straw.

"Is the machine broken?"

That shouldn't be the case!

Tian Qingzhu's mind is crystal clear. These machines were purchased at great expense from Jiangning, and they couldn't possibly be malfunctioning within half a year.

There's only one possibility: that young man is an otherworldly genius, and 48,156 is his true combat power.

Zhuo Tianya slowly calms his emotions and walks towards the testing device, unwilling to believe it.

He wants to verify if the testing device is malfunctioning.

After clearing the numbers, he suddenly strikes with a punch, creating strong winds and displaying considerable power.

With a crisp sound, the numbers on the screen suddenly start fluctuating and eventually settle at 7,362.

"The machine isn't broken!"

The young man struggles to utter a few words.

Tian Qingzhu, as a staff member of the martial hall, is just an observer and has seen countless geniuses. She quickly regains her composure.

Moreover, upon discovering such a peerless genius, her eyes reveal excitement and anticipation.

Looking at Zhuo Tianya, who seems lost in thought, Tian Qingzhu pities him and comforts him, saying, "Junior Brother Tianya, in the path of martial arts, only through diligent practice can you reach the pinnacle. You are the most hardworking martial artist I've seen, and I believe that as long as you continue to work hard, you will eventually not be inferior to anyone."

After contemplating for a moment, Zhuo Tianya's eyes gradually become brighter.

"What's there to be disappointed about?"

He knows that he can't compare to someone like that, not even to Lin Zhennan and Li Chenyi.

What he needs to do is to surpass himself and keep moving forward.

"Yes, work hard, and I will definitely not be inferior to anyone!"

Zhuo Tianya's eyes hold a sense of urgency. "Sister Qingzhu, I'm going back to practice." With that, he walks out without looking back.

Tian Qingzhu didn't expect Zhuo Tianya to have such a strong determination in the path of martial arts.

With such martial will, he might really not be inferior to anyone in the future.

Her view of Zhuo Tianya has undergone a profound change.

"48,156."

"However, this mysterious young man with such extraordinary talent, isn't he the kind of genius the hall master instructed us to recruit?" A charming smile appears on her face.

After carefully reviewing all the combat power values Chu Feng achieved and confirming that 48,156 is correct, Tian Qingzhu picks up the vitality testing device.

"3.72?"

An expression of disbelief appears on her face.

"Gasp... He actually achieved combat power dozens of times higher..."

"This is definitely a terrifying combat-oriented genius. He has probably comprehended a complete Profound or even Earth-grade martial art... and the potential is enormous due to this significant increase in vitality."

Shocked by Chu Feng's talent, Tian Qingzhu quickly decides to report it.

Such a remarkable genius must be brought into the Asura Martial Hall.

She swiftly reaches the top floor and stops in front of an antique office door.

She lightly rings the doorbell.

"Come in!"

A commanding voice emanates from within.

Tian Qingzhu pushes the door open slightly nervously and walks to the desk, standing respectfully to the side.

Behind the office desk sits a middle-aged man dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. His face is resolute, and his posture is as straight as a spear. He is currently meditating with his eyes closed.

He remains unmoving, exuding an aura of absolute tranquility and strength.

"What is it?" The man asks indifferently.

"Master of the Hall, I just happened to come across a young genius downstairs and have come to report it."

"Genius? Is it someone like Lin Zhennan or Li Chenyi? No need to report it if that's the case."

The middle-aged man's tone carries an arrogant air.

"He should be even more exceptional than them. This young man has a vitality value of 3.72 and a combat power of 48,156. His talent should far surpass Lin Zhennan and Li Chenyi."

Tian Qingzhu feels that the Hall Master is clearly uninterested and quickly reports the data.

Finally, the middle-aged man opens his eyes, and his gaze is like a sharp sword, making it impossible for anyone to meet his eyes.

"Oh, there's such a genius in Qingzhou? How old is he? Bring me his information."

In the calm voice of the ancient well without waves, there is finally a hint of surprise.

Tian Qingzhu stuttered as she said, "He is here for the first time, and we don't have any information about him yet."

"Go and inform Vice Hall Master Yu to immediately investigate this person's background secretly. Start by checking the key schools such as Qingzhou No. 1 High School, Tianming Middle School, No. 2 High School, and Experimental Middle School. The investigation must be carried out discreetly."

"After obtaining the information, observe him for a while. If he can reach the rank of Grand Martial Master before the age of eighteen, then it's worth recommending him to the headquarters. If he reaches the rank of High Martial Master, he will also be eligible to enter the Jiangning branch."

"Geniuses are usually unruly; remember not to startle him and avoid giving him a bad impression!"

The middle-aged man made clear and organized arrangements.

"Understood!"

Tian Qingzhu replied and then quietly retreated, leaving the office in silence once again.

Meanwhile, Chu Feng returned home, enjoying a hearty meal with his sister and laughing together. Little did he know that after he left, his visit to the Asura Martial Hall had caused quite a stir.

...

The next morning.

At Qingzhou Experimental Middle School, in the vast training field.

Many students from the senior third grade, Class 5, were already preparing for their practical combat class.

As Chu Feng approached, his friend Luo Hua rushed over, shaking his head and speaking in a mysterious tone, "Today, the school invited elite members from the Martial Association for training. I heard that Senior Brother Shi Tao from the Martial Association is close to breaking through to a High Martial Master. He's said to have killed monsters and seen blood."

Chu Feng just nodded indifferently.

What was a High Martial Master to him?

He was already a Martial Master, the teacher among martial artists.

To someone like Shi Tao, he probably wouldn't even be able to withstand a single punch.

Different strengths meant different perspectives and attitudes.

Chu Feng's nonchalant expression left Luo Hua somewhat surprised. Usually, his friend loved hearing about martial arts masters. Why the sudden change of interest today?

"Luo Hua, do you know any money-making opportunities?"

Money!

He needed it urgently now.

His sister needed funds for Foundation Establishment elixirs, and he needed money to increase his vitality, buy martial arts techniques, and so on.

Chu Feng felt like a devouring beast for money at the moment.

While Luo Hua was not the most disciplined person, his father was a Mid Martial Master, and Luo Hua himself had recently broken through to the High Martial Warrior level. He had a wide network, and his information was quite reliable.

"Hehe! Do you need money, Bro? I can lend you some. But I do know of a lucrative opportunity, and it involves making big money. However, you don't have the qualifications to participate yet..."

Luo Hua shook his head, seemingly hesitant.

However, his words suddenly stopped, and he squinted as he scrutinized Chu Feng from head to toe. He looked astonished and said, "You... You've actually broken through to a Martial Master?"

Chu Feng's lips twitched slightly.

If his friend knew that he had reached the Mid Martial Master level, his eyes might pop out of his head.

"Kid, not bad, not bad at all!" Luo Hua playfully nudged Chu Feng with his elbow and said with a smile.

"Now that you've reached Martial Master, it's impressive! Well, I can lend you some money if you need it. However, since you've already achieved Martial Master, you're eligible to participate. In three days, there will be a trial hunt around the outskirts of Wuxing Mountain involving all the middle schools in Qingzhou. I heard the first prize is 500,000 yuan, and there are rewards like a Ninth Revolution Blood Condensation Pill and the heartblood of a Second-Rank demonic beast. The top ten will receive substantial rewards."

"What?" Chu Feng's mouth twitched. A 500,000 yuan reward! That was an enormous prize! The Ninth Revolution Blood Condensation Pill and the heartblood of a Second-Rank demonic beast were incredibly valuable, especially the heartblood, which was rumored to be worth a million!

Chu Feng tightened his fists, his heart burning with determination. He was determined to win this competition.

The Wuxing Mountains, a massive mountain range located outside Qingzhou City, were firmly occupied by demonic beasts. Rumors had it that at the deepest part of the mountain range, there were top-tier demonic beasts of extreme terror. Even Grandmasters dared not venture into it.

Seeing the eager expression on Chu Feng's face, Luo Hua inexplicably relaxed. This was the Chu Feng he knew.

The calm and aloof demeanor from a moment ago, giving off an air of a master, made him uncomfortable.

"So, are you interested? Action speaks louder than words. I've already joined an amazing team. If you want, you can call me 'bro,' and I'll consider taking you with us."

Seeing Luo Hua's expectant gaze, Chu Feng couldn't help but smile and tease, "You always just want to call me 'bro,' haven't grown up at all. But if you're willing to call me 'bro' nicely, I might consider taking you along."

Luo Hua instantly had a wry expression.

He was about to retort when a stern voice interrupted them.

"Quiet! Today, we're having a practical combat class."

"Before the class starts, I have two announcements!" The instructor, Jiang Chao, spoke with authority and a booming voice.

"Firstly, in preparation for the college entrance examination and to cultivate your martial aspirations, we will organize a trial for all high schools in Qingzhou around the Wuxing Mountains. To participate, students must meet the requirement of having a minimum combat power value of at least a thousand jin, which is the standard for martial artists. Every student will be required to sign a death commitment form."

"The risk is not small, but the rewards are immense. The top performers will receive generous rewards: First place gets 500,000 yuan, a Ninth Revolution Blood Condensation Pill, and two Second-Rank demonic beast heartblood. Second place gets 300,000 yuan, a Ninth Revolution Blood Condensation Pill, and one Second-Rank demonic beast heartblood. Third place gets 100,000 yuan and one Second-Rank demonic beast heartblood."

"Rewards will be given to the top ten. Fourth to tenth place will receive 50,000 yuan each, along with one First-Rank demonic beast heartblood. Eleventh to fiftieth place will receive one First-Rank demonic beast heartblood."

Jiang Chao's announcement caused an uproar among the students.

"A Ninth Revolution Blood Condensation Pill, I know that's worth 500,000 yuan a pill. The Second-Rank demonic beast heartblood is worth a million, and even the First-Rank is worth 200,000 yuan!"

"Wow! The first-place reward is worth three million. It's a chance for fame and fortune!"

"Heh! Buddy, what are you thinking? There are only a few high schools in the city, and Qingzhou No. 1 High School, Tianming, and No. 2 High School have plenty of strong students. It's unlikely you'll get first place."

"Getting into the top fifty would be good enough. First-Rank demonic beast heartblood is already a substantial boost for me."

"That's a good idea. I plan to borrow my dad's refined steel knife for this."

The students who had reached the level of martial artists were all excited, their fighting spirits soaring.

"Alright! Now, I'll announce the second matter. Today, we'll have a practical combat class. We're honored to have invited an elite student from the Martial Association for this class, Shi Tao."

"Come on, everyone, welcome him!"

The students erupted into enthusiastic applause.

A tall and sturdy young man, standing over six feet tall, walked up. He had a strong, muscular build, and his body seemed as solid as a rock, exuding a formidable aura.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Shi Tao, and I'm honored to return to my alma mater for this practical combat class."

"As martial artists, combat is essential. Without killing demonic beasts and shedding blood, you can't be considered a true martial artist; it's all empty talk. During the practical combat later, I expect all of you to bring out your best abilities. I won't hold back!"

Shi Tao, looking down on the students from a high vantage point, proudly declared.

The training ground fell silent instantly.

The previously lively atmosphere became heavy and even oppressive.

Many lower-level students couldn't help but lower their heads, their faces showing fear unconsciously.

After a while, applause finally erupted.

"Senior Shi has such a fierce aura; it's terrifying! I hope someone will volunteer to challenge him, but please, not me."

"Yeah! I'm just a novice martial artist; I think I'd be knocked out by one punch from him."

"What's so great about him? He's just a product of the elite training camp. With such good conditions, even a pig could become an advanced martial artist. I bet I'm already a great martial artist."

"Senior Shi is really domineering! I wonder if he has a girlfriend?" Some girls had stars in their eyes.

The students whispered among themselves.

Even the instructor, Jiang Chao, cast a strange look at Shi Tao, his eyes carrying displeasure. They had invited him to boost the students' morale, not to show off his dominance and dampen their enthusiasm.

"Alright, let's move on to the practical combat section. Everyone should actively participate, especially those who plan to take part in the trial. The Wuxing Mountains are even more dangerous. Think about it; facing Senior Shi Tao is better than dealing with fierce and terrifying demonic beasts!"

The instructor cracked a joke, lightening the atmosphere, and the audience burst into laughter.

However, comparing himself to demonic beasts had caused Shi Tao's face to darken.

"Which junior is willing to challenge me?" Shi Tao scanned the crowd.

Seeing no volunteers, he continued with a sneer, "If no one steps up, I'll have to call out names."

"I'll give it a try!" a loud voice suddenly rang out.

In front of everyone's eyes, a young man with sharp eyebrows and starry eyes stood up and walked toward the fighting platform.

"It's Qin Xingyu!"

The students from Class Five immediately clapped their hands to cheer for their classmate.

"Go for it, Qin Xingyu!"

Daring to challenge voluntarily showed courage, and that alone was commendable. Furthermore, during the previous assessment, Qin Xingyu had displayed peak intermediate martial artist combat power. Who knew, he might have advanced to high-level martial artist status by now.

Qin Xingyu stepped onto the platform, his eyes fixed on Shi Tao, full of determination.

"Come on!" Shi Tao glanced at his opponent indifferently and, with a hint of provocation, said, "If no one else comes forward, I'll call out your name."

This statement instantly infuriated Qin Xingyu.

He took a step forward, and like a lightning bolt, he charged at Shi Tao.

He threw a powerful right punch that generated a whirlwind and seemed to have the roar of thunder. The punch was like a cannonball, blasting toward Shi Tao.

A single punch was enough to shatter a stone tablet.

"Feng Lei Fist, a Yellow-Grade martial technique. This should be around 7,000 combat power. There's hope!" Luo Hua said with excitement, his expectations for Qin Xingyu's victory growing.

Chu Feng maintained a calm expression and merely nodded.

He practiced Earth-Grade martial techniques, so a Yellow-Grade martial technique was not enough to impress him.

Shi Tao's expression finally showed a trace of seriousness. He took a step back, leaned backward, and then thrust his palm forward.

His arm instantly thickened, and his muscles resembled the roots of an ancient tree, densely coiled and brimming with immense strength.

This was his signature technique, Golden Stone Palm.

With a muffled thud, Qin Xingyu's face turned red, and he was forced to retreat three steps. On the other hand, Shi Tao only swayed slightly and remained firmly rooted, not taking a single step back.

The students from Class Five let out a collective sigh of relief. While relieved that the gap wasn't as vast as they had imagined, they were also aware that Qin Xingyu was on the losing side.

Qin Xingyu, who was among the top combatants in Class Five, was already at a disadvantage. The others who followed would likely have no chance.

The two fighters on the platform engaged in a fierce battle, exchanging blows that seemed to blur before the spectators' eyes.

"Junior, you're Qin Xingyu, right? With this level of combat power, you should just give up!" Shi Tao said with a hint of contempt as the battle raged on.

After Shi Tao finished speaking, he deftly avoided Qin Xingyu's attack.