It was just like putting on a performance. How spectacular one found a performance wasn't solely determined by the performers' quality but also the caliber of the audience. Had Gao Yu not been present, Wu Yuan would have only needed to lift the 8000-catty stone to wow the crowd. However, with an expert like Gao Yu watching, Wu Yuan felt the need to make his performance a little more special.
Within the strength assessment chamber, more than ten martial academy instructors and dozens of disciples focused their attention on the muscular yet slightly immature-looking teenager in the center.
A fourteen-year-old lifting an 18,000-catty test stone? Could it be done?
Can he lift it? Guan Yang and the other martial academy disciples collectively held their breaths, their instincts telling them it was impossible. As fellow martial academy disciples, could the gap between them really be this huge?
Wu Yuan, this? Huan Xinyan stared wide-eyed. After cultivating for many years, along with the help of her elders and a wealth of resources, her pure physical strength was just over 20,000 catties. But in her heart, she still held a glimmer of hope. What if he succeeded?
Wu Yuan placed his right hand on the handle of the test stone, his fingers gripping it tightly. His expression was serious, and he seemed somewhat nervous. His stance was firm, legs apart, and feet rooted. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and took a deep breath, as though trying to compose himself.
One second, two seconds, three seconds!
Exhaling, Wu Yuan opened his eyes. His legs trembled, his muscles strained, and strength converged through his limbs and bones. His arm muscles bulged like coiling steel wires as a terrifying force erupted forth, and he exerted all his strength upward!
The massive test stone quivered ever so slightly, but it remained still.
"He didn't manage to lift it?" The thought rose simultaneously in the minds of all the spectators. They subconsciously assumed Wu Yuan had failed.
But in the next moment!
"Get! Up!" The veins on Wu Yuan's face bulged with the strain. As he shifted his right foot subtly backward, his spine undulated like a great dragon and a mighty rush of power burst forth!
Twofold Power Surge! Double the force overlapped!
A torrent of force erupted. The test stone, weighing a staggering 18,000 catties, was suddenly hoisted up. Without any hesitation, Wu Yuan lifted it directly above his head! At this point, Wu Yuan's face turned red, his arms trembled, and even his legs shook subtly, as if he was at his limits.
After holding the position for a moment, Wu Yuan abruptly threw the test stone forward, hastily stepping back to evade the falling stone. A resounding thud filled the air as the massive test stone landed heavily on the floor, causing tiny cracks to mar the custom reinforced surface.
Breathing heavily, Wu Yuan gazed at Huan Xinyan, a hint of disappointment in his voice as he lamented, "Instructor Huan, I've failed."
For just a fleeting second, Wu Yuan had managed to maintain the test stone above his head. But according to martial strength assessment rules, one must lift the test stone above the head and hold it there for half a breath (one breath is approximately six seconds) to pass!
However, in the chamber's stillness, every eye was fixed on the breathless youth at the center, some struggling to believe what they had witnessed. Wu Yuan had failed, that much was clear. However, everyone was well aware that he had held the test stone above his head, even if only for a brief moment. This demonstration showcased an instantaneous force of 18,000 catties.
Just fourteen years old! How ridiculous was that?
"At fourteen, he's almost an Adept expert?" someone subconsciously blurted out.
Adept experts were qualified to become instructors at the martial academy.
"Inconceivable! In the thousand-year history of Li City, we've never witnessed a martial prodigy of this level," an instructor well-versed in history marveled. It felt as though they were not merely witnessing a moment but creating history itself.
He actually lifted it? Guan Yang watched, agog. A chill ran down his spine. Did I just challenge Senior Brother Wu? I would've been killed in a single punch!
Guan Yang no longer had a shred of desire to challenge Wu Yuan, not even the slightest hint of envy.
When the gap in strength is small, there is envy. When the gap in strength is insurmountable, all that remains is awe, fear, and worship!
Within the assessment chamber, onlookers were struck dumb. As they slowly regained their senses, they began to realize the terrifying extent of Wu Yuan's talent. Only fourteen years old, yet so powerful. How far would he go in ten years? Twenty years?
Gao Yu's calm voice filled the room, "Alas, he falls slightly short, unable to lift the 18,000-catty test stone. However, lifting the 10,000-catty stone meets the minimum criteria of a martial virtuoso. Not bad."
Many martial academy Instructors and disciples were taken aback, some even doubting their own ears. Such strength merely met the minimum standard of a martial virtuoso?
"Alright, the assessment is concluded", Gao Yu declared, his voice still calm. "All martial academy disciples are to leave the grand hall."
"Yes." Although Guan Yang and the other disciples were confused, they didn't dare to question his orders. Like a receding tide, they swiftly exited the strength assessment chamber.
Soon, the strength assessment chamber was emptied, with not a single martial academy disciple remaining apart from Wu Yuan.
“Wu Yuan, there’s no need for the combat test anymore, go rest for now.” Gao Yu turned towards Wu Yuan with a faint smile.
“Senior, I haven’t exhausted myself, I can still take the combat test.” Wu Yuan’s face was tinged with urgency, as if worried about failing to impress Gao Yu.
“Rest assured. I'm not denying your abilities, your performance has been exceptional. But whether or not you're exhausted, you should know better than me.” Gao Yu asserted.
Surprise flickered across Wu Yuan's face, as if his thoughts had been seen through.
“Listen to Senior Gao Yu.” Huan Xinyan instructed.
“Yes.” Wu Yuan 'obediently' headed towards a nearby resting area.
Seeing Wu Yuan comply with his instructions, Gao Yu took a step forward and turned around. His previously warm gaze hardened as it swept across Headmaster Zhang Da and the various martial academy instructors. His voice was no longer as kind as when he spoke to Wu Yuan. “I believe you are all core disciples of the sect. The headmaster, Zhang Da, is even a custodian of the sect, am I right?”
Within the Cloudstride Sect, apart from civil officials, one must be a third-rate Adept to acquire the title of core disciple and a second-rate Adept to qualify as a custodian, especially in fields where martial skill was necessary. These titles were ranks, related to specific positions, although one's job scope was not entirely equivalent to one's title.
“Correct.” Headmaster Zhang Da carefully replied. The other Instructors were somewhat confused, why was Protectorate Gao Yu suddenly so serious?
"As martial academy instructors who hail from the sect headquarters, have earned the trust of the sect, and undergone training at the Instruction Hall, you should understand the sect's laws," Gao Yu's voice turned frigid. "So, there are some things I shall make clear."
"Today's matter concerning Wu Yuan is classified as a class two secret within the sect. It is not to be divulged by anyone," Gao Yu declared gravely.
Class two sect secret? Upon hearing this, Headmaster Zhang Da, the dozen or so instructions, and also Huan Xinyan revealed expressions of shock. She had grown up within the sect and knew quite well what a class two sect secret implied.
"Do not question why," Gao Yu said coldly, "All you need to remember is this: the moment you step out of this door, what you witnessed today was Wu Yuan barely managing to lift the 10,000-catty test stone, signifying he has just acquired the bare minimum strength of a martial virtuoso!"
"As for the 18,000-catty test stone? Due to prolonged neglect, its weight is imbalanced, and in reality, it only weighs 13,000 catties. Wu Yuan failed utterly in his attempt to lift it."
“This is not only something you must remember, but also something you must relay to all the academy disciples. Make sure to inform them that Wu Yuan has only just reached the level of a martial virtuoso. Ensure they believe your words, especially those disciples who just departed," Gao Yu stated in a grave tone.
All instructors listened intently, sensing that the matter was far more serious than they had thought.
"If anyone dares to leak this matter, your own life will be forfeit at best. At worst—" Gao Yu's gaze swept over all the instructors, uttering two words: "Clan extinction!"
Clan extinction! A shock resonated within the hearts of all the martial academy instructors, now fully understanding that Protectorate Gao Yu was not joking. This was no small matter. Regret began to nibble at some of the instructors who had come to watch the spectacle.
"Have you all understood?" Gao Yu's voice was icy cold.
"We understand," the crowd of instructors nodded in agreement.
"All instructors may leave, Headmaster Zhang and Instructor Huan are to stay behind," Gao Yu ordered.
The instructors of the martial academy quickly departed, leaving only Gao Yu, Zhang Da, and Huan Xinyan in the hall.
"Headmaster Zhang, what have you discerned from this matter?" Gao Yu turned to look at Zhang Da.
"I feel..." Just as Headmaster Zhang was about to speak his mind, he quickly remembered and stopped himself in time, "No! Wu Yuan merely managed to lift the 10,000 catty test stone. Nothing more, I didn't discern anything else."
"Very good." Only then did Gao Yu give a satisfied nod, "Furthermore, Headmaster Zhang, replace the 18,000-catty test stone with a 13,000-catty one tonight. And destroy the original test stone. Remember, the two stones must not look too different. Do you understand?"
"Your subordinate comprehends. The two test stones will be indistinguishable. I'll personally oversee it to ensure no one catches on," Headmaster Zhang replied, "The strength assessment chamber will be temporarily closed as well."
Gao Yu nodded in satisfaction. This Headmaster Zhang, he was certainly efficient.
"That will do. I have matters to discuss with Wu Yuan. You need not listen in." Gao Yu dismissed him.
After Headmaster Zhang took his leave, Huan Xinyan finally couldn't restrain her curiosity and asked, "Senior Brother, what's going on?” She had rarely seen her Senior Brother adopt such a stern demeanor.
"This mentee of yours is an extraordinary martial prodigy!" Gao Yu slightly shook his head. "I will talk to him directly. Listen in, you will soon understand."
Huan Xinyan was full of questions, but she could only suppress them.
The two approached Wu Yuan.
"Senior, Instructor Huan." Wu Yuan stood up, his face riddled with fear, bewilderment, and uncertainty.
"Don't be nervous, sit down, let's talk comfortably." Gao Yu revealed his smile again, patting Wu Yuan's shoulder.
Gao Yu took the initiative to sit down. Wu Yuan and Huan Xinyan also sat down. Wu Yuan's 'nervousness' seemed to have eased a lot.
"You probably saw what happened earlier." Gao Yu casually said.
"Mm." Wu Yuan nodded. He couldn't help but say, "Senior, about the 18,000-catty stone... I don't believe there was any mistake with its weight."
"I am aware of the test stone's weight," Gao Yu chuckled. "And I also know that if you remain calm and utilize your full strength, you can undoubtedly lift the 20,000-catty test stone."
Revealing a shocked expression of being ‘exposed’, Wu Yuan looked at Gao Yu.
"I know more than you think," Gao Yu found Wu Yuan’s expression very amusing, "With your physical constitution alone, you should have a raw strength of 10,000 catties. The reason you can lift a boulder of 20,000 catties is because you have mastered a special technique of force exertion, isn't it?"
"Senior, you could tell?" Wu Yuan asked in surprise.
"Mm, I've also mastered this technique, but to a greater degree of proficiency, which allowed me to easily detect it. There are telltale signs that suggest you've achieved a rudimentary grasp of it, such as needing to accumulate power for an extended duration." Gao Yu smiled, "This technique, called Power Surge, goes by different monikers like Hidden Force or Rigid Force..."
"You can exert twice your raw strength simultaneously, which shows that you have just reached the Twofold Power Surge stage." Gao Yu looked at Wu Yuan.
"Twofold Power Surge?" Huan Xinyan shot to her feet, looking at Wu Yuan in disbelief. She finally understood why her senior brother placed such importance on Wu Yuan's assessment results.
Mastering Twofold Power Surge at fourteen years old? That was undoubtedly worth his attention.
"Senior, is it difficult to control this force exertion technique?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.