June 30th. In the heart of Linjiang City, within a quiet villa district nestled away from the bustling streets.
Chu Shanhe sat cross-legged on the smooth floor of his training room, his breathing long and steady.
He had just finished a round of Pile Skills training and was adjusting his condition, striving to bring his Essence, Qi, and Spirit to their absolute peak before the exam began tomorrow.
Although the matchmaking rules meant he wouldn't face a strong opponent in the first round of the combat assessment, Chu Shanhe had cultivated a good habit since childhood: he took every single battle seriously.
The door was gently pushed open, and a middle-aged man in a well-tailored suit walked in. His features bore a slight resemblance to Chu Shanhe's. It was his father, Chu Zhengxiong.
"Shanhe, am I interrupting?" Chu Zhengxiong's voice was gentle.
Chu Shanhe opened his eyes and stood up. "No, Dad. I just finished."
