"Let's go to the field!"
Over a hundred people, including Chen Nian, were gathered at the soccer field.
Over a hundred people were assembled at the playground, preparing for the inaugural Martial Arts Test.
The purpose of the test was to assess the students' innate talents and combat prowess!
The exceptional ones could be recruited by the official enforcement squad, securing a stable career for life.
Average performers would receive professional guidance—including "growth advice, equipment selection, and combat training"—to cultivate exceptional talent.
Those deemed inferior would be left to develop naturally.
Until today, Chen Nian had planned to coast through, content to be labeled as low-potential and enjoy unrestricted development—a move consistent with his "Silent" persona.
But moments ago, he'd been photographed by journalists. News reports would likely surface soon.
No more low-key!
Thus, Chen Nian could only choose the opposite path—go all out!
In Calamity, Bu Yu was an extremely low-profile figure, shielding all personal information with ironclad secrecy. He never even activated voice chat, communicating solely through text.
By creating this stark contrast, Chen Nian could conceal his identity more effectively.
He was prepared to take the test "slightly" more seriously.
Meanwhile, others were scheming in the shadows.
Sun Jing, the rich kid, had connections with Instructor Jiang Lie!
Taking advantage of a bathroom break, Sun Jing made a call to Jiang Lie's phone.
"Instructor Jiang, I hope you'll be a bit more serious with Chen Nian. Don't hold back."
"Perfect. I've never liked that kid either."
"If possible, break one of his arms or legs. Heh." Sun Jing's smile darkened.
Stepping out of the restroom, he spotted Qin Yu and Chen Nian walking together. His face twisted with even greater loathing.
Earlier, Jiang Lie had been publicly humiliated and stripped of his authority by the principal—all because of Chen Nian.
Sun Jing hung up the phone, a smirk curling his lips.
The school placed extraordinary importance on this test!
Not only did the principal and administrators attend in person, but several executives who had invested in "Martial Arts Science" were also present. This talent cultivation project had attracted visionary investors with cutting-edge foresight.
The executives, dressed in suits with polished leather shoes, took their seats in the viewing gallery.
Among them, one man wearing sunglasses and a gray-white suit was an old acquaintance of Chen Nian.
Liu Xingchen!
Previously the CEO of Nianlun Real Estate, he had been severely reprimanded by Chen Nian's father, Chen Huirong, after losing a ten-billion-yuan project.
Chen Huirong had intended to remove him from his position, but his wife's relentless pleas for Liu Xingchen had forced him to give his "son" another chance.
This time, I will reclaim everything I lost!
Liu Xingchen's vision proved sharp. He shifted his next project focus to talent cultivation, proactively investing in Lingda University to nurture gifted individuals.
"Chen... Nian..."
Spotting that figure in the crowd, Liu Xingchen nearly leapt from his seat!
Beneath his sunglasses, his pupils blazed with fury!
He never imagined Chen Nian would also be participating in this martial arts training program!
"Well... what a coincidence... my dear little brother!"
His clenched jaw slowly relaxed, a faint smile curling his lips.
Last time, it was likely just a coincidence.
But now that you're in the hands of capital, I'll show you its power. I just hope Dad won't blame me for crippling you!
"Mr. Liu, are you feeling unwell?" the principal hurriedly inquired.
"Nothing."
Liu Xingchen sat back down, beckoned his secretary, and whispered, "One million. Buy off that instructor. Make sure he gives my dear little brother proper guidance."
....
"Test begins!"
"Form teams of three. Take turns sparring with me."
"Your performance will determine your rating."
"Highest is S-rank. Lowest is E-rank."
The higher your rating, the easier it is to receive government preferential treatment and priority cultivation!
After explaining the rules, Jiang Lie abruptly shed his jacket, revealing his muscular physique clad only in a white undershirt.
His dark, knotted muscles bore numerous scars that hadn't fully healed!
His fellow disciples were all startled.
"Are you kidding me? We have to fight the instructor right off the bat?"
"Even three against one is impossible! That instructor is supposedly level 35 with tons of combat experience—way stronger than us!"
"Relax, the goal isn't for us to win. It's to showcase our abilities. Just give it your best shot!"
"What are we waiting for? Let's form a team!"
Teammates mattered in a trio.
If your teammates were strong enough, you'd have more room to shine and might even catch his eye.
Not everyone dared to level up alone in the wilderness.
Humans are social creatures. More sought out groups, stable jobs, and professional training—it felt safer that way, less likely to get slaughtered by monsters at every turn!
"Bro Chen, can I join? I'm a Fist Master already at level fifteen!"
"Take me too, Brother Chen! We're such good buddies—I wanna tag along with you!"
"Bro Chen~~~ Please let me join?"
In an instant, Chen Nian became the center of attention.
Having just rescued someone from monsters, everyone knew he was skilled. He was instantly surrounded by the crowd.
Of course, plenty of guys were driven by pure lust, rushing over to Qin Yu in a hurry, eager to team up with her.
Who wouldn't want to show off in front of a beauty?
"Sorry, I have a boyfriend. I'm teaming up with him..."
Qin Yu rejected them outright.
It must be said, the "boyfriend" excuse was incredibly effective!
Sure enough, upon hearing this, the men instantly lost interest and drifted away. Only two perverts lingered, muttering things like, "Having a boyfriend makes it even better."
Xia Wen, once the campus beauty, now went completely unnoticed.
In terms of looks and figure, she had been utterly overshadowed by Qin Yu!
As for skill, she'd only recently snagged a Talent Class Card from Sun Jing through underhanded means. Without any real combat experience, who would want her?
Once the center of everyone's attention, she was now like a unwanted weed, left standing alone in the corner.
She looked at Chen Nian, seeing her former self reflected in his eyes.
A once-obscure, unremarkable nerd had transformed into the most sought-after man.
Yet she herself was now the one being shunned...
She couldn't accept it!
Why was this happening? Why?
He was nothing but my loyal lapdog!
Suddenly, a pang of regret welled up inside her.
If only she hadn't humiliated Chen Nian back then, if only she'd kept him dangling, teasing him with a taste of sweetness...
But Xia Wen immediately dismissed the thought, swaying her hips as she approached Sun Jing, instinctively adopting her pitifully innocent act.
"Brother Jing, are you short-handed here? Could you take me along~"
Sun Jing frowned. "You? You're worthy?"
For a rich second-generation like him, the most desirable women were the ones he couldn't have—like Qin Yu.
Those he'd already claimed lost most of their appeal—like Xia Wen.
"...You."
Xia Wen's eyes widened in disbelief as she grabbed Sun Jing's shirt. "You promised to protect me forever!"
"Hah. I say that to every woman in bed."
Snide laughter rippled through the crowd. "Two scumbags colliding, huh? Get out of here fast—don't catch their bad luck."