Chapter Forty-Five: The Trial Tower

The trainee guidelines were straightforward, covering camp rules, points to note, and the reward system. Rewards varied according to rank, which was determined by points. The first twenty-eight days of each month were for earning points, with results tallied on the twenty-ninth to establish rankings and next month’s rewards. Points would reset at the start of each new month, triggering a fresh competition. This ranking approach ensured fierce rivalry.

Points were earned in two ways: achievement points and combat amplitude. Achievement points came from slaying beasts—a basic beast general yielded one achievement point, each higher rank multiplied by ten, so a mid-level beast general gave ten, high-level a hundred, and a basic lord-level beast yielded a thousand achievement points. Hunting and submitting two lord-level beasts would grant enough points for a war god’s strength, allowing a trainee to graduate early, without waiting five years. Yet no one would be so foolish—after all, the elite training camp was the world’s finest cultivation sanctuary.

Combat amplitude was calculated as the product of punch force level and trial tower level. Punch force level reflected physical strength, while trial tower level required assessment in virtual space.

As for rewards, Qin Ming could hardly contain his excitement. Monthly first place for nine consecutive months would grant a portion of Dragon Blood worth eighty billion—a substance that enhanced the body to war god level, rare and priceless. One could also freely select three complete secret manuals, at no cost, and even choose to become a personal disciple of Hong. Such rewards were enough to drive anyone mad with desire. There were further rewards detailed below.

At that moment, the door opened and someone entered. Yang Hui’s brow furrowed as he glanced over and immediately greeted, “Inspector Liu, you’re here!” “Yes,” Inspector Liu nodded kindly. “I’ll take over here; you may go.” “Certainly!” Yang Hui departed respectfully, inwardly astonished. “The inspector has come in person—Qin Ming’s potential far exceeds my imagination!”

There were five inspectors at the headquarters of the Extreme Martial Hall; Inspector Liu was one of them, a being beyond war god, a planetary-level martial artist and a member of the planetary council.

Qin Ming quickly stood and saluted with great respect. Inspector Liu waved his hand with a smile. “Qin Ming, from Mingyue District, Yangzhou City, Jiangnan Base; eighteen years old. On May first, you passed the quasi-warrior assessment. Today is July second—in two months you’ve advanced to high-level war general; in half a month you mastered the fourth layer of the Ninefold Thunder Blade. Though you haven’t awakened psychic force, your perfect movement technique and exceptional martial talent have even startled Hong!”

“A genius like you shines wherever you are. Naturally, our Extreme Martial Hall values you highly. Regarding your contract, the five inspectors deliberated for a long time without conclusion—so Hong personally ordered that you be granted the highest contract.”

“Ultimately, combat amplitude is paramount in the training camp. Though you haven’t yet undergone the trial tower assessment, your amplitude shouldn’t be low—your punch force level reaches 3.5, which is a 3.5-fold strength increase. Still, you’ll need to be properly evaluated before your instructor is chosen. Let me guide you into virtual space for the trial tower assessment to determine your final combat amplitude.”

“My name is Liu He. You may address me as Inspector Liu, Councilor Liu, or Mr. Liu,” he explained thoroughly.

“Mr. Liu, may I review the contract first?” Qin Ming asked after a moment’s thought.

“Of course!” Liu He took a contract from his bag and handed it over. “Once you sign, you’re officially part of the Hall. Changing allegiances will not be easy. Naturally, you may choose not to sign—though you’ll miss special rewards, you can still be a trainee here.”

“With or without a special contract, I’ll join!” Qin Ming promised immediately.

“Excellent!” Liu He was pleased.

Qin Ming began to read. The contract was simple, outlining rights, benefits, and responsibilities.

“Activity funds: fifty million annually,” a fixed salary—quite substantial, considering he was now only a high-level war general with vast potential.

“If your combat amplitude reaches twelve before December first this year, you’ll receive Dragon Blood worth eighty billion, any secret manual, plus weapons and combat gear.”

“If it reaches sixteen before June next year, you’ll get another portion of Dragon Blood, three sets of manuals, an ancient civilization relic—the Black God battle suit, and a complete set of SS-grade combat gear and weapons.”

“Dragon Blood allows a high-level war general’s physique to reach war god standard. The Black God suit is the rarest armor—even planetary-level martial artists find it hard to damage. Owning it is tantamount to having an extra life.”

Qin Ming’s heart surged with excitement. One of his main reasons for coming to the Extreme Martial Hall headquarters was these very rewards. The others paled in comparison—especially Dragon Blood, free manuals, and the Black God suit. These resources were invaluable for early cultivation.

Without hesitation, Qin Ming picked up a pen and signed both copies of the contract.

“Decisive!” Liu He laughed. Though an inspector, he was gentler by nature.

“Um…” Qin Ming scratched his head, embarrassed. “Mr. Liu, if I reach a combat amplitude of twelve during the assessment, will these rewards be granted immediately?”

“Haha!” Liu He laughed heartily. “Certainly—but don’t get your hopes too high.”

“That remains to be seen,” Qin Ming replied with a mysterious smile.

Liu He closed the door and directed Qin Ming to put on a helmet. Once activated, they entered virtual space.

A silver earth, vast and boundless. The two appeared on the ground, with a sprawling starry sky beyond—countless stars, dreamlike and shimmering, casting their light.

Qin Ming touched the ground and grasped the air, finding it uncannily real, with no hint of illusion. “Remarkable!”

“The universe is vast and full of wonders,” Liu He sighed. “The more you encounter, the more insignificant you feel.”

“Do you notice any difference?” Liu He asked with a smile.

“Yes,” Qin Ming nodded. “My body feels much weaker—why is that?”

“Only consciousness enters here. Everyone is matched to a body of equal parameters—even Hong is no exception. This body’s normal punch force is 10,000 kilograms, speed 150 meters per second, neural reaction at elite basic war general level. Everyone is the same. What differs is combat experience and force application technique.”

“Look…” He pointed ahead to the only structure—a towering building seven stories high, its surface covered in beast carvings. Below the tower was a black tunnel.

“That’s the trial tower,” Liu He continued. “Seven floors, seven stages. Even Hong hasn’t reached the summit—he’s only cleared the first six stages!”

“That difficult?” Qin Ming exclaimed.

“More than difficult. There are dozens of trainees in the elite camp still stuck on the first floor.”

“This…” Qin Ming was speechless.

On either side of the tower’s entrance stood black stone pillars. The left one displayed information:

Name: Qin Ming
Gender: Male
Identity: Elite Training Camp Trainee
Trial Tower Level: 1

The right pillar showed Liu He’s information—his identity was planetary-level martial artist, trial tower level 4.3.

“Mr. Liu, your level is so high!” Qin Ming remarked in surprise.

“I’m a councilor—this is quite ordinary,” Liu He shook his head. “Qin Ming, go ahead. The trial tower level is crucial.”