Chapter 26: The Martial Artist Assessment Begins!

As long as it isn't about money, we are friends. A smile immediately appeared on Yang Feng's face.

"It is perfectly normal for martial artists to spar, but I have a certification exam to take today. Let’s fight after I’m done."

Lin Xiaorong immediately became indignant. "Hey, if you want to refuse, just say so! Why make up such an insulting excuse?"

"If you hadn't become a martial artist a long time ago, how could it be that none of the top ten genius martial artists in our Zhengfu City were a match for you?"

Yang Feng felt quite innocent. He couldn't exactly tell them that the so-called geniuses of Zhengfu City were truly amateurs!

"There are some special reasons for this that I cannot explain, but you will see for yourselves in a moment," Yang Feng could only offer this explanation.

Lin Xiaorong wanted to retort, but Zheng Jinning interrupted, "Very well, I will wait for you."

It was clear that she was very eager to spar with him again. Yang Feng nodded, deciding to treat it as compensation for the beating he had given her last time. With a calm expression, he walked toward the lobby of the Martial Arts Association.

The two beauties followed closely behind him, one on each side, like personal bodyguards. Yang Feng didn't comment; after all, they were free to walk where they pleased. However, this scene drew looks of envy and jealousy from countless passersby.

The certification exam was held on the second floor, and he was assigned to the third group. Although the exam began at eight o'clock and Yang Feng arrived at seven-forty, he was still the last to enter the hall.

Once inside, he found that the two proctors and the other candidates had already gathered. By arriving last with two such beautiful companions in tow, he successfully drew the ire of every man in the room. Even the two proctors frowned, their initial impression of this newcomer dropping significantly. However, because Zheng Jinning was a recognized martial artist, the proctors chose not to say anything.

Seeing the grim expressions on the proctors' faces, Lin Xiaorong was secretly delighted. She had done it on purpose; since she couldn't beat Yang Feng herself, causing him a little trouble was a satisfying alternative.

"Since everyone is here, let’s begin. I will start with an introduction. I am Liang Shi, a Second-Rank martial artist and your examiner for today. The person beside me is Fan Tian, also a Second-Rank martial artist and the co-examiner."

"We are responsible for this exam. If you have any dissatisfaction with the process, you may provide feedback."

"Now, let us announce the rules. First, the requirements for a First-Rank martial artist certification are simple: two points. First, your blood-energy value must reach 2. Second, you must have mastered a First-Rank martial technique to a level of 'proficient accomplishment.' Meeting both criteria means you pass; failing either means you fail the exam."

"Measuring blood-energy is simple; just lie in the blood-energy chamber. As for whether your martial technique has reached the required level, you will attack us with your full strength, and we, as examiners, will make our judgment. Does everyone understand?"

"Understood!" the group replied in unison.

"Good. Now, everyone line up and come forward when your name is called."

Once they were in line, Yang Feng finally had time to observe the other candidates. Among the seven others, two caught his eye: a woman in her late twenties with an attractive appearance, and a young man with a slicked-back hairstyle and an arrogant expression. The woman kept glancing at him with curiosity, while the arrogant man, for some reason, showed obvious hostility.

Yang Feng found this baffling, but it didn't matter. Although he hadn't particularly liked his high school teacher, one thing the man said was true: in a forest this big, you encounter all sorts of birds; it was best not to let them affect you.

"First candidate, Zhao Ji, First-Rank martial arts examination."

A chubby man in his thirties stepped forward, looking quite nervous.

"Our blood-energy chamber is the Federation’s 25th-generation model. Just enter it normally for the reading," Liang Shi instructed.

"Understood, examiner!" The chubby man complied. The 25th-generation chamber was extremely stable; as long as one's blood-energy met the standard, it was virtually error-free. Soon, as the light scanned him, the results appeared.

"Blood-energy value: 2.06. You meet the standard. Now, begin the practical combat test," Liang Shi announced.

Unfortunately, during the practical test, the chubby man was so nervous that he performed poorly and was ultimately failed. The man looked dejected; his martial technique had clearly reached the required level, but he couldn't understand why he had performed so poorly in the actual fight.

Liang Shi watched the man's disappointment and offered some consolation: "Your proficiency isn't high enough, and you were too nervous. Go back, train more, and come back next month."

The chubby man could only leave the stage helplessly.

"Next, Zhao Rang." The arrogant man with the slicked-back hair stood up. As he passed the chubby man, he jeered, "If you're trash, train more. Don't stand there with that pathetic look, and don't be like some young people who have no real strength but still come to the Martial Arts Association to chase girls and make a fool of themselves."

Everyone knew exactly who he was targeting. Lin Xiaorong grew excited. "Jinning, look, here comes trouble!"

Zheng Jinning looked at her friend, speechless. As for Yang Feng, he remained expressionless throughout, as if the insults were directed at someone else entirely.

"Candidate Zhao Rang, do not engage in activities unrelated to the exam!" Liang Shi warned with a frown.

Zhao Rang restrained himself and confidently stepped into the blood-energy chamber. As the lights flashed, his results appeared.

"3.56!"

The number stunned everyone. Most candidates barely scraped a 2.0; seeing someone with a 3.0 was rare indeed.

"Blood-energy of 3.5, not bad!" even the lead examiner, Liang Shi, couldn't help but remark.

Zhao Rang curled his lip. That was nothing; he would soon show them something even more impressive.

The two stepped onto the sparring ring. "You may attack me with your full strength. I will provide a rating based on your performance," Liang Shi continued.

"No problem!"

The match began, and Zhao Rang immediately unleashed his martial technique against Liang Shi. One could tell a master by their first move; although Zhao Rang was arrogant, he certainly had the talent to back it up. His power, speed, and timing were leagues ahead of the chubby man.

Liang Shi was surprised. He intentionally left several openings, which the young man was quick to exploit. However, the gap in their strength was simply too vast; even with the openings left for him, Zhao Rang couldn't force the examiner back a single step.