Chapter 142: The Application
Chapter 142: The Application
Seeing Chen Chuan's determination, Cheng Zitong slowly nodded and asked, "Xiao Chuan, you've been following Master He's notes for your cultivation. How far have you gotten?"
Chen Chuan thought for a moment. He could feel that even with the aid of items like the Bone Orb, his progress had gradually slowed down.
Based on his estimation, within two to three months, he would reach the true bottleneck of the First Limit. Staying at this limit would yield diminishing returns, and it wouldn't be very meaningful to linger here.
According to his discussions with He Xiaoxing, he didn't need to be fixated on this limit. Those boundaries could be revisited and improved upon after reaching the Second Limit or even higher limits.
Chen Chuan said, "I think it might be time to put the study of the Second Limit on the agenda."
"The Second Limit..."
Cheng Zitong sighed, "Except for a few elite students, most students won't reach this level even after graduation, perhaps not even in their entire lives. If you can achieve it soon, you'll indeed be better than you were in your third year, as it will be harder for certain people to be wary of you."
Upon reaching the Second Limit, the altered tissues would grow deeper, further enhancing physical qualities beyond the original foundation. This would undoubtedly enable the mastery of more strength and combat techniques, making combat prowess incomparable to the past.
Cheng Zitong opened a drawer and took out a form he had prepared in advance, placing it on the desk. "This is the Application for the Infinite Defense Certificate. If you've made up your mind, fill it out."
After submitting the application, someone would review it, but this was just a formality. If the authorities didn't block him this time, he would have to take the exam within six months. However, with the recommendations from three departments, there was no reason for them to hold him back, as his cousin's analysis suggested.
Chen Chuan reached out and took the form, scanning it quickly. Then, he picked up a pen and started filling it out on the spot. After finishing, he checked it over and handed it to Cheng Zitong, saying, "Master, please submit this for me."
As the teacher and student conversed, a sedan pulled up to the square in front of the Wu Yi Academy. Zhuang Zhi, Feng Sheng, and Zhuang Zhongshan stepped out of the back seat, followed by Tai Dongwei, who emerged from the front passenger seat. As a senior student and a member of the Mutual Aid Society, Tai had specifically invited these three juniors for the commission.
This was the first commission for the trio, and they felt they had learned a lot and gained valuable experience. Some things couldn't be learned within the academy.
On this commission, Tai Dongwei acted like an older brother, offering guidance and assistance, creating a harmonious atmosphere among them.
Zhuang Zhi expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Senior Tai, for your care during this commission."
"You're welcome," Tai Dongwei replied. "Since we're all part of the Mutual Aid Society, we should look out for each other. You all have great potential. Don't be discouraged if some first-year students are stronger than you; it's just a matter of resources.
With sufficient resources invested in martial arts cultivation, the more potential one has, the greater the returns. In a year or two, with the support of the Society, you'll find yourselves surpassing your peers and becoming outstanding."
Zhuang Zhi felt fortunate to have joined the Mutual Aid Society, as it provided him with more resources and support. He looked down upon those who refused to join, like Chen Chuan, who, despite his exceptional talent, was arrogant and unwilling to join, wasting his abilities. Though Chen Chuan seemed stronger now, the resources and opportunities available to them were not the same.
Once Zhuang Zhi completed more commission tasks and gained combat experience, he would catch up in fighting prowess. By the second year, he would create a gap, and by the third year, he would far surpass Chen Chuan.
There was also Wei Dong, who was initially part of their dorm group but spent most of his time with others. Zhuang Zhi didn't blame him too much, considering Wei Dong's lack of common sense, but it did mean one less capable fighter.
He once again thanked Tai Dongwei, who politely bid farewell to the three juniors before heading back to his dorm. Since the Mutual Aid Society had arranged this commission, they would take seventy percent of the reward.
However, without the Society's connection, Tai Dongwei wouldn't have access to such a suitable commission for newcomers, so he didn't complain.
As he approached the dorm building, a bespectacled student approached and greeted him, "Senior Tai."
"Tai Dongwei recognized Qi Sai as the representative from the Mutual Aid Society, knowing that there must be a reason for contacting him. He inquired, "Is there something the Society needs?"
"Senior Jiang wants to meet with you all. Come with me."
Tai Dongwei hesitated for a moment, "I just returned from a commission and am covered in dust. Perhaps I should change my clothes first."
"There's no need. Senior Jiang won't mind, and we can't keep the seniors waiting."
"How many seniors?"
The student smiled, "You'll see when we arrive."
Tai Dongwei didn't ask further and followed him to a parked car. After a ten-minute drive, they reached the North Peak Estate and stopped in front of a flower villa.
As Tai Dongwei exited the car, a butler-like figure emerged from within, gesturing for them to enter, "Please come this way."
Tai Dongwei noticed several vehicles parked outside, indicating that he wasn't the only visitor today. He straightened his clothes and followed the butler into a grand living room.
Just as he suspected, he wasn't the only one; two others had arrived before him.
One of them, a slightly darker-skinned young man named Geng Zhen, was a second-year student. When he entered the school, he was the most talented among his peers, even surpassing some of the third-year students. However, he was known for his arrogance and had never joined the Mutual Aid Society until recently, presumably due to some undisclosed reason.
The other man, Deng Fu, was in the same grade as Tai Dongwei and a student from the Military Academy.
Across from them, on the mansion's large sofa, sat five individuals who were undoubtedly the upper echelon of the Mutual Aid Society and representatives of the elite disciples.
The two people on the sides were unfamiliar to Tai Dongwei, likely lower-grade students. However, he didn't underestimate them due to their grade; their presence here indicated a powerful family background. Perhaps they were recent graduates or had connections with someone in Central City.
Among the three in the middle, the one on the left was Jiang Wei, who the lower-grade students addressed as 'Senior Jiang'. He was the Society's primary liaison with them. The one on the right was Shao Xiaobie, whom Tai Dongwei remembered well. The elite disciples often teased him, calling him 'Little Bie'. Shao Xiaobie seemed carefree and unassuming.
As for the young man in the middle, Tai Dongwei had never seen him before, but he must have come from an incredibly influential family to sit in the center.
Jiang Wei waited for Tai Dongwei's arrival but didn't offer him a seat. Instead, he said, "We've invited you three here because you've all obtained the Weapon Permit."
With a gesture, his attendants handed them three forms, indicating, "Please fill out these forms."
Tai Dongwei took one and examined it, surprised, "The Infinite Defense Certificate?"
Geng Zhen, sitting on the sofa, appeared incredulous, "Are you asking us to take the Infinite Defense Certificate exam?"
Senior Jiang smiled, "Indeed."
"Really?"
Geng Zhen seemed excited, "This is something I've always wanted, but why..."
He couldn't believe the Society was asking him to take this exam. He had never considered it before, as it was exclusively for recommended students. He never imagined they would get such an opportunity, and joining the Mutual Aid Society might indeed be a wise choice.
Tai Dongwei remained cautious and silent.
Deng Fu, however, spoke up, "What do you need us to do?"
Senior Jiang smiled, "It's simple. After the exam begins, regardless of the method, ensure that you don't pass."
"Not pass?"
"Yes."
Jiang Wei gestured to the center, "Senior Wei will also take the exam, so we're arranging for you to accompany him."
Tai Dongwei asked cautiously, "But... I don't understand. If it's certain that we won't pass, why can't we just give up in advance?"
Jiang Wei shook his head with a smile, "That wouldn't be appropriate. After all, the authorities give civilian students so many opportunities. It wouldn't look good if not a single one of us took the exam." He smiled again, "But if we participate and fail, that's a different matter."
Deng Fu pondered for a moment and boldly asked, "Is there any benefit for us?"
Senior Jiang laughed, "We'll offer you a sum of money and waive part of your debt. We can also be more lenient in certain agreements."
"I agree!"
Deng Fu immediately accepted.
Jiang Wei turned to the last person in the room, "Geng, what about you?"
Geng Zhenzhong lifted his head, his gaze falling upon the group on the sofa, "Can I refuse?"
As he posed the question, the other recommended students on the sofa burst into laughter. Jiang Wei, with a smile, inquired, "And why is that?"
Geng Zhenzhong spoke with gravity, "Because I believe I can pass. This way, I can contribute more to the Mutual Aid Society. I'll remember the benefits the Society has given me."
He had obtained the Weapon Permit in his second year, and among his peers, he was the most outstanding. Even many senior students couldn't compare. Thus, he was rather arrogant, believing he had numerous opportunities and that the Society should treat him differently. That's why he didn't want to refuse.
Jiang Wei smiled, "Geng, you are talented. We've given you many chances, but opportunities come with conditions..."
"I know!" Geng Zhenzhong emphasized, "After graduation, I'll do my best to repay you. When I joined, didn't you say I could keep my own opinions?"
Jiang Wei nodded, "We did say that, but the premise is not harming the Society's interests."
"But I haven't..."
Jiang Wei pushed up his glasses and smiled, "But Senior Wei's request is in the Society's interest. Our requests also represent the Society's interests."
Geng Zhenzhong was indignant, "But before..."
"What did you say?" Shao Xiaobie suddenly grew impatient, pointing at Geng Zhenzhong on the sofa, "If you're a dog, have the dog's awareness. Do what you're told, no questions asked. Why so much nonsense?"
"You..."
Geng Zhenzhong's face turned red.
Deng Fu remained calm, as if it didn't matter, while Tai Dongwei lowered his head.
Jiang Wei smiled at Geng Zhenzhong, "Geng, of course, you can choose not to agree. But if it harms the Society's interests, we'll consider it a breach of agreement. You'll have to pay a hefty breach of contract fee, and we'll retract all our investments in you. You won't receive any extra guidance or additional medicinal support."
Geng Zhenzhong couldn't help but clench his fists. He had joined the Mutual Aid Society out of desperation. His family had borrowed a substantial sum for medical treatment, a debt he couldn't repay. It was only after receiving the Society's support that things improved, but now, stopping the medication was out of the question.
Jiang Wei glanced at his watch, "Two minutes. That's your time to consider."
Tai Dongwei and Deng Fu remained silent, the room enveloped in a tense quiet.
The other high-ranking members of the Mutual Aid Society, including Senior Wei, who had been quiet all along, watched Geng Zhenzhong with anticipation, seemingly eager for his decision.
Time ticked by, and soon, Jiang Wei spoke, "Two minutes are up." He turned to Geng Zhenzhong, "Geng, what's your choice?"
"I..."
Geng Zhenzhong lowered his head, his knuckles turning white from the tension, "...I agree."
Senior Wei stood up from the sofa and said, "The rest is up to you." He then walked out, followed by the Society's elite disciples.
Shao Xiaobie walked alongside, complaining, "Such a trivial matter, and you make me handle it. Oh, and," he instructed his attendant, "don't forget his money. Even a dog deserves a few bones, right?"
Outside, Jiang Wei said to Shao Xiaobie, "Brother Shao, you're too harsh on him."
Shao Xiaobie was unconcerned. Dogs needed training; otherwise, how could they be obedient? Being kind to them only led to them taking advantage.
Back in the room, as the three men signed the documents, three checks were handed to them.
Geng Zhenzhong felt his dignity trampled upon, a deep sense of humiliation in his heart. His breathing grew heavy, and his eyes turned red. Tai Dongwei noticed his state and approached, patting his shoulder, "Geng, are you okay?"
"Get away! Don't touch me!" Geng Zhenzhong pushed him away.
Tai Dongwei quickly stepped back, "Bro, no need to take it out on me."
Deng Fu held the check, flicked it, and happily tucked it away. He looked at Geng Zhenzhong's expression and said, "That's it, bro. That's how the world works. Take the money and enjoy yourself. We sell our lives for them, isn't this what it's all about?"
Geng Zhenzhong looked at the two men, not understanding at all, and asked softly, "Don't you have aspirations?"
"Aspirations?"
Deng Fu was taken aback and then walked out, saying, "If you have aspirations, you shouldn't have joined the Mutual Aid Society. Listen to your brother's advice, get rid of these thoughts. In this Society, they're just extra baggage."
(End of Chapter)
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