Chapter 235: Evaluation Test
Chapter 235: Evaluation Test
Despite the doubts that lingered in his mind, Chen Chuan didn't dwell on them when faced with combat. He swiftly cleared his mind of extraneous thoughts and entered a state of battle readiness.
Chen Chuan practiced the Zhou Yuan Power Technique, which might not have had any particular strengths or advantages at first. However, as his foundation grew stronger, the benefits of the growing alien tissue throughout his body gradually became apparent.
He could utilize more alien tissue than others to channel power, enhance his physical abilities, and provide energy. These advantages, when combined, resulted in a qualitative improvement rather than a simple sum.
Even without using his second self, he was confident that he could defeat those of his generation who had passed by.
After blocking Hong Fu's first strike, her second attack swiftly followed, slightly faster than the previous one. She accompanied the attack, reaching the peak where Chen Chuan stood. As Chen Chuan blocked her second strike, a fierce third strike came immediately after, its speed even faster than before.
Chen Chuan could clearly sense that it wasn't just speed; the strength displayed in Hong Fu's blade also adjusted and increased according to his performance.
This forced him to focus solely on defense, leaving no opportunity to execute the counterattack he had planned.
After a mere ten or so strikes, he felt pushed to his limit. Sensing this change, Hong Fu stabilized at this level and began to intricately vary her blade techniques.
If the previous exchanges had tested his physical qualities, what followed was an examination of his blade skills.
Techniques had always been his weakness, and with their physical conditions nearly identical, there was no way he could outmaneuver this collective consciousness.
As expected, within a few moves, he would likely be defeated, and the test would end.
However, he didn't give up.
Perhaps his blade skills weren't exceptional, but whenever he fought or faced a formidable opponent, he always found a way to counter them.
And at this moment, he discovered a flaw in Hong Fu that wasn't truly a flaw.
Perhaps to better test him, Hong Fu refrained from using strength and speed beyond his own. But if he showed improvement, she would follow suit, though this improvement took a brief process.
This was an opportunity worth exploiting.
Suddenly, he leaped to the top of a nearby mountain peak, his feet pushing off the ground. Although he knew the floor of the training room was below, he was willing to follow the rules since Hong Fu had created a misty environment.
As his foot touched the peak, he didn't wait for his legs to steady him. Power surged from his toes, traveling up to his arms in an instant. Before his wrists could turn, his blade had already slashed out.
Hong Fu, as expected, swiftly followed, spinning in mid-air to avoid his strike with a graceful twist of her red sleeves. Her Wild Goose Feather Saber also deflected his Xuejun Blade.
With just a touch, she could borrow his strength, and the next move, whether leaping or continuing to advance, was entirely her choice.
Chen Chuan's eyes flashed, and the alien tissue within him compressed and twisted, increasing his power. This strike seemed to gather all his strength, abruptly changing direction midway, veering to one side. This slight variation caused Hong Fu's blade to miss, barely grazing the blade's shadow.
But in an instant, Hong Fu's level also rose, following his improvement with this swing of the blade. Simultaneously, she waved her long sleeves, wrapping them around his blade.
Chen Chuan had intentionally exploited the rules to gain this advantage, and he wasn't about to let her reverse it easily. He swung his longsword again, and this time, a fiery passion erupted within him, as if he had completely unleashed his true self. His alien tissue came alive, and his speed and strength surged. With a swift return stroke, he easily sliced through the red shadow, aiming a lethal blow at Hong Fu!
With a resounding clang, Hong Fu intercepted the strike at the last moment, but the force behind it was more than she had anticipated. Although she borrowed some strength, it wasn't enough to support her continued ascent to the mountain peak. Instead, she was pushed back, distancing herself from the peak.
Chen Chuan wasn't finished yet. He unleashed two rapid strikes, which Hong Fu blocked, further increasing her distance from the summit.
At this point, she had no footing to borrow strength, and Chen Chuan's final strike even held back a bit, preventing her from using it to retreat to her original peak. After blocking his last attack, Hong Fu's lively eyes fixed on him as her entire body fell into the sea of clouds below.
Chen Chuan stood firmly on the peak, surrounded by clouds, half of his body bathed in a dazzling golden light.
He knew that after executing these moves, Hong Fu would likely perceive his physical potential more clearly, making the data recorded about him more comprehensive.
But he didn't mind.
This was a pure display of his original self, not a victory achieved through the fusion of his second self. He felt incredibly liberated.
Although he couldn't measure it at the moment, he could sense that he was getting closer to achieving the 24-hour fusion.
Suddenly, the surrounding mist dissipated, and the golden light vanished. He remained in the training area, with Hong Fu reappearing before him. In his ear, a mechanical voice announced:
"Trainee Chen Chuan, Power Performance: Above Average; Speed Performance: Average; Technique Performance: Below Average; Battle Reflexes: Excellent; Battle Strategy: Outstanding;
Overall Evaluation Score: 72."
Potential Assessment: Excellent.
Student Chen Chuan, based on your performance, will be recommended relevant study courses and modules. You can search for corresponding courses and instructors according to the introductions provided. For instructor selection, you may also seek recommendations through the Academy's authorized system.
You can undergo a second evaluation in ten days. There are a total of three evaluation opportunities during the admission period, so make the most of them."
Chen Chuan looked at the crimson-clad Hong Fu before him and bowed respectfully with his sword.
Hong Fu's gaze was fixed on him, and she too raised her hand, returning his sword salute. Then, with a swift spin, her red garments billowed, and she vanished in an instant.
Chen Chuan watched her disappear, and he couldn't help but ponder for a moment. Was this truly just an illusion?
He raised his sword, feeling the real and tangible impact on the blade. How was this achieved?
He pondered for a moment, recalling the previous introduction. Hong Fu's ability to blur the lines between reality and illusion suggested that she might be utilizing the power of biofield interaction.
As a biological consciousness entity of the Central Academy, Hong Fu was responsible for testing each student, and perhaps even the instructors. Her ability to enhance one's skills might be higher than expected, making it nearly impossible to win against her under normal circumstances. This time, he had managed to find a clever solution.
More importantly, Hong Fu was willing to abide by the rules he had set, or perhaps she was bound by them herself. Utilizing the rules could sometimes be very advantageous.
Changing his train of thought, he asked, "Hong Fu, does the Academy determine courses based on my evaluation scores?"
The voice replied, "Yes, the Academy assesses students' levels based on their performance and scores and recommends corresponding courses and training plans."
"So, is it different for each person?"
"Yes."
Chen Chuan nodded, understanding that this allowed for more specialized and professional guidance for each student, and indeed, the Central Academy's standards were higher.
"I'd like to see the Academy's recommendations," he said.
On the platform, he clicked on the evaluation results and scrolled through the recommended courses.
"Based on student Chen Chuan's combat performance, the Academy recommends the following courses and training:
1. Martial Arts Technique Course: This course aims to enhance students' fighting skills. Students can choose their instructors for specific courses or rely on platform recommendations for allocation.
Note: Given the student's low score in this category, this course is mandatory and has been included in the assessment curriculum.
2. Strength Enhancement Training Course: It is suggested that students select the Kiln Breath Technique and corresponding power skills to improve their strength release and application efficiency. This course is not mandatory, and students are advised to make their own judgments.
3. Based on comprehensive assessments, student Chen Chuan has a success rate of reaching the third limit at 35%. Therefore, the Academy offers the following suggestions:
Light Assistance Training: This training can significantly enhance skeletal muscles and other transformed tissues. Simultaneously, the consumption of medicaments can help maintain a robust physique.
Note 1: If the student opts for implant procedures such as skeletal reinforcement surgery, body implants, nervous system implants, or endocrine system transplants, this suggestion may not be necessary.
Note 2: If the student has a targeted training plan, aside from mandatory assessment courses, the rest can be chosen for self-directed training.
Chen Chuan went through the recommendations, feeling that they were genuinely valuable. Although these conclusions were drawn without the use of the second self, strengthening the primary body would also enhance the second self.
He paid particular attention to the first recommended course, as techniques were indeed his weak point. This was unavoidable, given his short time learning martial arts compared to other students who had trained since childhood.
His previous opponents primarily relied on overwhelming strength and speed, avoiding the use of techniques. But now, it seemed he had to make up for this deficiency, especially since it was a mandatory assessment item. He would need to focus on this aspect.
He tried querying the platform for teachers specializing in this area, and over a dozen instructors were listed, each with their teaching scores. However...
These courses required payment, and the more renowned the instructor, the higher the fee.
There were two types of courses: general courses, where one instructor taught multiple students, and private tutoring courses, where students could hire mentors for detailed one-on-one guidance. Just like at the Yangzhi Martial Academy, instructors at the Central Academy also had teaching evaluations, ensuring quality instruction.
Chen Chuan noticed that some highly-rated instructors already had full schedules, indicating their popularity.
As these instructors were currently on vacation, he decided not to make an immediate decision and planned to review his options later.
Regarding the Academy's second suggestion, selecting the Kiln Breath Technique and corresponding power skills to improve strength release and application efficiency, he already possessed this skill—the Kiln Breath Technique. He just hadn't utilized it earlier.
He recalled He Xiaoxing telling him that this was one of the Pure Sect's secrets, used to counter other sects.
If this was the case, the Kiln Breath Technique might be even more valuable than he had thought.
Since this was a non-mandatory suggestion, he could temporarily set it aside.
As for whether the Kiln Breath Technique had corresponding power skills, he could try sending a query to find out.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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