Front Courtyard of the Martial Arts School
Shen Congyun's gaze swept casually over the crowd.
At his current level of martial arts, a single glance was enough to assess the abilities of these novice martial artists.
As his eyes moved, he couldn't help but shake his head inwardly.
All mediocre, not even as good as that young girl.
Then, when his gaze fell on Zhou Xing, his eyes flickered with a hint of interest.
"Skin refinement achieved, comparable to polished stone. Not bad for his age. A talent, indeed."
He sniffed slightly.
Even from several meters away, he could clearly distinguish the scents emanating from the crowd.
"The medicinal scent is extremely strong, deeply ingrained. It seems his family background is quite good."
"In that case, he's just average."
Having made his judgment, Shen Congyun shook his head slightly.
"Brother Shen, did you notice something?" Wang Jin, noticing the subtle change in Shen Congyun's expression, couldn't help but ask.
Shen Congyun chuckled and shook his head.
"Nothing of note." He then added, "Didn't you say there was a grand event at the martial arts school today? Why hasn't it started yet?"
Hearing Shen Congyun's words, Wang Jin felt a pang of disappointment.
Looking at the eager expressions of his disciples, some of whom seemed to realize this was a pivotal moment in their lives, their eyes filled with hope, Wang Jin sighed inwardly.
As their master, I've done my best to secure opportunities for them.
If Brother Shen doesn't see potential in them, there's nothing more I can do.
After a moment of reflection, Wang Jin composed himself and addressed the disciples.
"Come, a few of you, help carry this cage to the west courtyard."
"Master, I'll do it!" someone immediately volunteered.
"Master, I'll help too!"
"Me too!!!"
The disciples clamored to participate, especially those who knew Shen Congyun's identity, eager to showcase themselves.
In the next moment, several people stepped forward to the tiger's cage.
Bending down and exerting their strength, they lifted the iron cage containing the four-meter-long tiger off the ground.
The commotion instantly roused the sleeping tiger.
It opened its eyes and surveyed its surroundings.
Roar
A deafening roar silenced the entire courtyard.
"Is this the king of beasts?" someone asked, their face pale.
No one answered.
"Such overwhelming pressure!"
Jiang Ning stared at the tiger, its forehead marked with the character for "king," and couldn't help but feel awed.
"It's indeed powerful!" Cheng Ran nodded in agreement, then added, "That roar made my heart skip a beat. The pressure is immense!"
"But I'm even more eager to step forward now!"
"Only by facing the tiger head-on, feeling its pressure, and battling it myself can I hope to achieve major mastery in the Tiger Fist!"
"And," Cheng Ran's voice dropped as his gaze subtly shifted toward Shen Congyun, momentarily meeting the deputy head's eyes.
Cheng Ran's heart swelled with excitement, and a confident smile spread across his face.
"And by showcasing myself, I might catch Deputy Head Shen's attention!"
He nudged Jiang Ning's arm.
"Come on, Junior Brother Jiang, let's move closer! Let Deputy Head Shen get a better look at me!"
Cheng Ran was secretly thrilled.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ning's eyes wandered, deep in thought.
"As Senior Brother Cheng said, gaining the recognition of such a figure and securing Wanhua Tower's investment could change my fate!"
"This is an opportunity for me."
"Even with those few wild ginseng roots, I'm still lacking the resources needed for martial arts advancement."
"Moreover, if I can gain Shen Congyun's recognition and investment, I'll have the backing of Wanhua Tower, allowing me to train smoothly and prepare for joining the Inspection Bureau!"
The more he thought about it, the more Jiang Ning felt he had to seize this chance.
There's no harm in trying.
If I succeed, the benefits will be immense!
Comparable to joining the Inspection Bureau itself.
"I need to think carefully about how to showcase my potential and catch Deputy Head Shen's attention."
"But with my current strength and unremarkable fist techniques, it's hard to find a way to impress Shen Congyun."
The more he pondered, the more frustrated Jiang Ning felt.
Where do I even start?
Although he was confident that with his mysterious panel, he would one day carve out a place for himself in the world, he couldn't figure out how to catch the attention of someone like Shen Congyun right now.
As Cheng Ran nudged him again, Jiang Ning snapped out of his thoughts.
"Junior Brother Jiang, shall we move closer?" Cheng Ran asked again.
"Alright," Jiang Ning nodded, his gaze shifting forward.
At the same time, Shen Congyun's eyes fell on Jiang Ning and Cheng Ran.
He was first drawn to Cheng Ran's vigorous qi and blood.
Full circulation of qi and blood, on the verge of becoming a ranked martial artist!
But then he shook his head inwardly.
Mediocre.
Shen Congyun quickly dismissed Cheng Ran.
His standards were far higher than most.
Next, his gaze shifted to Jiang Ning, who stood beside Cheng Ran.
Average.
He labeled Jiang Ning as well.
But suddenly, his pupils contracted.
Wait!!!
Jiang Ning's breathing was steady and even.
Shen Congyun focused on his hearing.
Thud
Thud
Thud
In Shen Congyun's ears, he could hear the rhythm of Jiang Ning's heartbeat.
Slow and powerful!
This was a sign of initial organ refinement!
A thought suddenly struck him.
Am I going mad?
How could I even entertain such an idea?
Shen Congyun shook his head inwardly.
But the thought had taken root, and he couldn't shake it off. His steps slowed.
"Brother Shen, what's wrong?" Wang Jin noticed Shen Congyun's unusual behavior once more.
This time, Shen Congyun didn't respond.
His eyes were closed.
In his meditative state, every detail of his surroundings the rustling of leaves in the wind, the ants crawling on the ground was reflected in his mind.
Then, Shen Congyun's heart jolted.
The essence of the sun's energy!
This young man has traces of the sun's essence on him!!
Shen Congyun's mind was thrown into turmoil.
The presence of the sun's essence on Jiang Ning confirmed his earlier suspicion.
This young man has practiced the Inner Alchemy Nourishment Technique, the same internal strengthening method I and Wang Jin practice.
That's why he carries the essence of the sun's energy.
Based on Jiang Ning's breathing rhythm and heartbeat, Shen Congyun concluded that Jiang Ning had achieved some success in the Inner Alchemy Nourishment Technique, reaching a level comparable to Wang Jin, a seventh-rank martial artist.
Only such an achievement could refine his organs to this extent, far surpassing those of ordinary martial artists.
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Shen Congyun opened his eyes, his expression calm and unreadable.
"Brother Shen, what just happened?" Wang Jin asked, puzzled.
Shen Congyun shook his head slowly. "Nothing."
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