Chapter Seven: The Manager

After the assessment for prospective martial artists, the next stage is the combat evaluation. Only by passing the combat test can one truly become a martial artist; without it, acquiring the martial artist’s status is nearly impossible.

The combat evaluation is held twice a year—the first session has already passed, and the next is scheduled for August 1st, leaving a full three months in between. Once one becomes a martial artist, invitations will pour in from the Thunder Martial Hall, the Underground Alliance, and various family factions. Qin Ming was fully aware of this and had already promised that he would join none but the Extreme Martial Hall.

After all, it would not be an exaggeration to call the Extreme Martial Hall the world’s largest force. It boasts the strongest fighter, Hong, and its resources for nurturing talent surpass imagination. With his father also there, Qin Ming naturally would not choose another place.

Moreover, the rewards granted by the Extreme Martial Hall to newly accepted martial artists are generous. Ordinary martial artists receive a villa and one million Huaxia credits as their starting capital.

“For gifted martial artists like you, the rewards are even more substantial!” Zhou Jing explained to Qin Ming, “You’ll receive a villa as a matter of course, but your starting funds will be increased to twenty million, to be used for purchasing all sorts of materials. Furthermore, the hall will gift you, free of charge, one set of guidance techniques, one attack method, and one movement technique manual. These three, as long as their total price does not exceed fifty million, can be obtained at no cost. If it does, you’ll need to pay the excess yourself.”

Qin Ming nodded, indicating his understanding.

Next came the signing of the combat evaluation agreement. Though the risk was not great, every assessment brought injuries, and deaths were not uncommon, so the agreement was essential.

Qin Ming, without hesitation, signed on the spot.

“Come, let’s head to the Headquarters Administration!” Wu Tong said excitedly after ending a phone call. “Our hall has produced a genius; I can finally hold my head up high!”

Qin Ming looked puzzled. “Headquarters Administration?”

“Our Jiangnan Base City has eight satellite cities, each with its own hall overseeing the martial halls beneath it. Naturally, there is a Headquarters Administration in Jiangnan City,” Wu Tong explained. “Whenever a talent like you appears, the Headquarters must verify and report it for special observation. Of course, the prerequisite is that you join the Extreme Martial Hall!”

“I will certainly join the Extreme Martial Hall!”

“Haha, excellent! Let’s go!”

Wu Tong laughed heartily and led Qin Ming outside.

Yang Cheng, who had also passed the assessment, watched Qin Ming being recruited with envy, though he knew there was nothing he could do. As for Wang Lang, his neural response was lacking and he failed to pass.

To reach Jiangnan City, one must take the train. Ordinary residents need to book tickets three days in advance, but martial artists enjoy special privileges.

Besides Wu Tong, Zhou Jing and Qin Yicheng accompanied them.

They traveled in silence, and upon arriving in Jiangnan City, took a taxi to the Headquarters Administration.

This place was even grander than the hall in Yangzhou City. Outside, rows of armed soldiers stood guard, their security strict; any violation of protocol was met with summary execution.

After their identities were verified, they entered the main hall, which was bustling with people.

Qin Ming marveled, “Are all these martial artists? There truly are so many!”

Wu Tong chuckled, “Of course! Jiangnan Base City has a population of two hundred million; naturally, martial artists are numerous. Otherwise, how could we defend the city?”

They did not linger in the hall but passed through, arriving outside a three-story villa. On the second-floor balcony stood an elderly man, waving, “Wu Tong, Zhou Jing, over here!”

“Yes, Uncle Bai!” Wu Tong replied, leading Qin Ming and the others inside and upstairs.

The space was remarkably open, giving an impression of vastness.

“Director!” Upon arrival, Wu Tong respectfully greeted a middle-aged man dressed in a black Tang suit. Though his figure was slender and scholarly, no one dared underestimate him.

“Greetings, Director!” Zhou Jing and Qin Yicheng greeted him with equal respect.

“Greetings, Director!” Qin Ming quickly followed suit.

He guessed that this must be Zhuge Tao, one of the four giants of the Extreme Martial Hall Headquarters in Jiangnan Base City. The four giants consisted of the President and three Directors. The Directors handled most affairs, wielding great power and formidable strength. The President possessed the strength of a God of War, while the Directors were at least Senior Commanders, standing at the very pinnacle of the city’s elite, their authority nearly boundless.

Zhuge Tao nodded. “Old Bai, let’s not waste time—let’s see what our young prodigy can do.”

Besides them, two men and two women stood nearby, all with respectful demeanors.

“Very well!” Uncle Bai responded. A woman beside him had already activated a machine, checked it thoroughly, and then requested permission.

“Qin Ming, let’s test your punching power first.”

Uncle Bai gestured to the apparatus.

“Alright.”

Qin Ming stepped forward, his figure moving abruptly as he lunged and struck, his fist blasting through the air and leaving a shadow as it slammed into the target.

Bang…!

Thunderous sounds erupted, and the display showed: 3820 kg!

Qin Yicheng, Zhou Jing, and Wu Tong all breathed sighs of relief, smiling.

“Well done, young man. Let’s move to the next item.”

Zhuge Tao’s expression softened.

The tests were simple, and the results appeared quickly.

Speed: 59.6 meters per second.

Neural response: Perfect for a junior warrior, excellent for a mid-level warrior.

“In just a few days, you’ll reach the standard for a senior warrior—truly impressive, especially at only eighteen years old. Wu Tong, you’ve produced a genius!”

Zhuge Tao praised generously.

“It’s thanks to Zhou Jing’s teaching!” Wu Tong said promptly.

“It’s thanks to Qin Yicheng’s guidance!” Zhou Jing waved his hand, “I dare not take credit!”

“The child’s diligence is what matters!” Qin Yicheng was the most excited, for it was his own child, and to earn recognition before the Director brought him pride.

“All of you are excellent!” Zhuge Tao waved his hand, then looked at Qin Ming solemnly. “As the son of a martial hall member, you know the requirements well. Are you willing to join the hall?”

Qin Ming answered without hesitation, “I am willing!”

“Excellent!” Zhuge Tao smiled.

He then outlined the benefits: Qin Ming could choose to live in a villa in Yangzhou City or the main city headquarters, though only residency rights were granted. He would also receive twenty million in starting funds, as well as three manuals—movement techniques, guidance methods, and attack techniques—each priced no more than fifty million.

Zhuge Tao elevated the offer, raising the value to one hundred million. He would cover the extra fifty million himself, as a gesture of personal support to Qin Ming.

“Thank you, Director!” Qin Ming said gratefully.

“Fifty million means little to me!” Zhuge Tao laughed. “Once you reach my level, you’ll understand that fifty million is truly insignificant. If you become a God of War, it’ll matter even less. Qin Ming, talent is one thing, but you must continue to work hard to go further.”

“Yes! Rest assured, Director—I will certainly reach the God of War level!”

“Hahaha, such ambition!”

Zhuge Tao laughed, and the others smiled discreetly. Only they understood how arduous it was to reach the God of War rank.

Martial artists are divided into warriors, commanders, and gods of war. Warriors are common, commanders are the backbone, but gods of war are exceedingly rare and form the true bulwark against the monstrous beasts. Even Zhuge Tao, for all his status, was only a senior commander by strength.

After signing the contract, Qin Ming hesitated and asked, “Director, today is only May 1st. There are still three months until the combat evaluation. May I purchase martial arts techniques in advance and begin training?”