Chapter 32: Shocking Spirit's Limit Break
Chapter 32: Shocking Spirit's Limit Break
As the evening approached, the number of candidates in the various exam sites had significantly dwindled. Those who remained could only sit and wait, their emotions transforming from tension and anticipation to restlessness and anxiety, and eventually, to bewilderment and fatigue.
Although the day had been physically demanding for the candidates, it was not the physical test that was the true challenge. The real ordeal was the mental exhaustion, which was particularly grueling.
Chen Chuan only took a break to stretch his legs, and unlike the others, he had mastered the Breath Technique. As long as he guided himself briefly before the exam officially began, he could quickly enter the right state of mind.
As each student was called by their number and left the exam hall, the number of people visibly decreased. The female teacher, who had been stern at the beginning, now stood at the entrance, silently gazing outside, deep in thought.
The remaining candidates finally relaxed a little and started chatting with each other.
"Sigh, it's so late, and my sister is still waiting for me outside. I wonder how long she'll have to wait."
"Guys, whether we pass or not, I'll treat everyone to a meal at a restaurant outside after the exam. After all, we're all part of Wu Yi Academy now, so let's celebrate."
"Oh, that Han guy, isn't your family running a restaurant? You said there'd be a 50% discount, right?"
The chubby boy smiled and said, "Yes, but it's a bit far away. Let's skip it tonight, but everyone is welcome to come to our Han Family Restaurant during the day. Those who pass the re-examination eat for free, and those who don't get a 50% discount, hehe."
"I'll make sure you pass just for this meal!"
At that moment, the female teacher saw one of the assistant examiners signaling to her, indicating that the previous batch of candidates had finished their exams. She took out a list, turned around, and called out, "Numbers 401, 16, 18, go to Exam Station 1; Number 390..."
Immediately, fifteen candidates in the room stood up, including a few who were talking and hurriedly grabbed their belongings, rushing towards the exam station.
After seven or eight minutes, a chaotic sound of footsteps suddenly erupted from outside, accompanied by some exclamations. The candidates near the exit quickly stood up and crowded around the windows and doors, peering outside.
Fang Zhiming put down his documents, looking bewildered. "What's going on?"
The female teacher suddenly came to the door, took a look, and turned back, her voice stern. "Everyone, sit down. The exam is temporarily suspended." She instructed the assistant teacher to keep an eye on the room while she hurried out.
"What's happening?"
"It seems like something happened at Exam Station 5..."
"Someone died?"
The candidates' hearts sank, and fear gripped them. Injuries were understandable, but the sudden news of a candidate's death was shocking, even though such incidents had occurred in the past.
"The one at Exam Station 5, the examiner should be that guy named Zhong Wu, right? If someone died, the school should replace him, shouldn't they?"
"Yes, they'll definitely replace him."
"Good, that's great."
Chen Chuan's attention was drawn to the mention of Exam Station 5. He recalled the numbers that had been called earlier and realized that the examiner who had gone out was...
He looked up at a seat where several restaurant advertisements and a discarded beef packaging remained.
In Exam Station 3, Jiang Weiban sat in one of the exam stations, having just finished observing a round of candidates competing against senior students and awaiting the examiners' scores. At that moment, his assistant approached and whispered a few words in his ear.
Jiang Weiban's interest was piqued. "What's the examiners' opinion?"
"The examiners think... we should replace the examiner, and the student responsible should be punished and provide adequate compensation to the candidate's family..."
Jiang Weiban frowned. "This is not an appropriate decision. Anyone who comes to take the exam is automatically considered to have signed a liability waiver. The examiners also face significant pressure, and it's common for things to get out of hand. Why replace the examiner? If we handle it this way, how will it affect the other examiners? Will they still be able to perform their duties normally? Can we truly assess the candidates' abilities?"
The assistant hesitated. "But the examiners..."
Jiang Weiban stood up. "I'll go speak with them right now." The assistant quickly stepped aside. "Please, the examiners are currently in the conference room..."
Ten minutes later, Jiang Weiban entered the conference room of Exam Station 4. As soon as he entered, he addressed the group of chief examiners, including Gao Shi. "I heard you want to revoke the examiner's qualification?"
Yue Hong spoke up. "Yes, we're discussing this matter. This examiner, Zhong Wu, caused a candidate's death due to excessive force, and we cannot allow him to continue in this role."
Jiang Weiban immediately objected. "I disagree. This is unfair to the examiner, and it's a blow to the other examiners as well."
After a brief pause, he continued, "I'm familiar with this Zhong Wu. He's currently an advisor at the Office of Communications and will become a private consultant to a member of parliament after graduation. He's an exceptional talent. If we handle this situation this way, it will tarnish his record. We should nurture outstanding individuals, and this incident has already drawn too much attention. How will the government view our students from Wu Yi Academy?"
Some of the teachers in the room were displeased with Jiang Weiban's argument, but they understood that this was not solely about one student. Jiang Weiban wasn't genuinely advocating for this particular examiner; the underlying issue was the conflict between Jiang Weiban, as the commissioner, and the management, over who would take the lead in the re-examination process.
Yue Hong spoke up in disagreement, "Shouldn't we also consider the feelings of the exam candidates? Shouldn't we take care of them as well?"
Jiang Weiban looked at him in surprise, as if it were odd for him to make such a statement.
Yue Hong was about to say more, but Master Gao stopped him. "The exams are still ongoing. Since Jiang Weiban insists, we can discuss the handling of student Zhong Wu after the exams. We won't revoke his exam instructor qualification for now, but all the examinations he is responsible for from now on must be conducted under the joint supervision of both parties."
Jiang Weiban realized that at this point, the main examiners would no longer compromise. He glanced at Master Gao and softened his tone, "Master Gao's proposal is reasonable. I accept it."
Master Gao looked solemnly at everyone and said, "Those who should work, go and do your work. The rest of you, follow me to the fifth exam station."
Inside the fourth exam room, Chen Chuan walked to the window and silently observed the front. In the fifth exam room, three medical personnel pushed out a stretcher, and a figure was covered from head to toe, with only their hair visible.
The atmosphere seemed momentarily oppressive. The candidates around him sighed, but most of them were more concerned about the upcoming exams, hoping that the student from that exam station could be replaced.
After a while, the female teacher walked into the exam room. Her voice was slightly lower than before, "Candidates, return to your original positions, and the exam will continue."
"What? No replacement?"
"No replacement, is that possible?"
"Look at the notice board over there."
The candidates glanced at the notice board on the exam station side. There were no changes, indicating that the exam station had not replaced the exam instructor. Everyone seemed anxious, fearing that they might also be assigned to that exam station.
Chen Chuan walked back and sat down in his original position, his gaze became incredibly calm.
The exam continued, but as it proceeded, the first candidate chose to give up the re-examination because the place he was assigned to was the fifth exam station.
After all, they had already passed the preliminary exam, and even if they didn't pass the re-examination, they would still be students of Wu Yi Academy. They didn't want to risk their lives.
After the first, there was a second, and after several rounds, the female teacher's voice sounded again, "Number 96, Number 398, Number 421, go to the fifth exam station..."
Fang Zhiming shuddered. This time, it was his turn. "I..." Just then, he saw Chen Chuan stand up and walk towards the exam station. Not far from him, another candidate's voice could be heard, "I'm not taking the exam. I give up." A male student packed up and headed out without looking back.
Chen Chuan didn't turn his head.
Fang Zhiming hesitated, but when he saw Chen Chuan walking over, he clenched his teeth and followed. If Chen Chuan dared to go, why shouldn't he? He had to give it a try; he couldn't bear to give up!
The remaining candidates in the exam room stared at them in astonishment. Were they really going to do this? Were they willing to risk their lives?
As Chen Chuan stepped out of the main door, he brushed past the female teacher. She suddenly felt goosebumps on her skin, and her muscles tensed. Then she abruptly turned her head, staring at Chen Chuan's back.
Chen Chuan walked steadily, each step heavy, all the way to the end of the corridor. He glanced at the notice board beside him, then reached out and pushed open the two thick doors.
What was revealed was a spacious exam room. On both sides of the empty space were two rows of long tables. At this moment, Jiang Weiban was sitting in the middle of the right side of the venue, with his assistant and a communication teacher by his side.
Opposite Jiang Weiban was Master Gao, with Yue Hong and lecturer Bian Feng, who had admitted him before, on either side. There were several other teachers, some assistants standing by, and medical personnel not far from the door. Some people were looking at him with a mix of surprise, regret, and sympathy.
In the middle of the venue stood a senior student over two meters tall, with a bulky and broad physique, incredibly robust. His entire body seemed to have grown horizontally, giving the impression of a water-filled barrel. When he stood, the floor seemed to be compressed a little.
His shoulder and back muscles were so thick that his neck seemed non-existent, with only a slit for his eyes. His arms were thick, and his palms were exceptionally large, as if they could easily enclose an ordinary person's head with one grab.
Fang Zhiming, who was behind, followed and was startled. Before seeing this person, he couldn't imagine what kind of person he was, but when he saw him with his own eyes, he regretted following. But since he had come, it was impossible to back out, so he clenched his teeth and stood straight.
One of the examiners spoke, "Only two candidates? Number 398, you go first."
At this moment, Yue Hong reminded, "Candidate, to avoid accidents, we suggest you wear protective gear."
Fang Zhiming immediately listened to the advice. Even if he couldn't compete, he could at least exchange a few moves, right? He went to the side and put on all the protective gear, then came to stand before Zhong Wu.
At sixteen, he was only 1.7 meters tall, and the height and body type difference between the two was striking.
It was then that Fang Zhiming truly felt the intensity of the other's oppressive aura. Sensing the heat emanating from that massive body, he felt his mouth and throat dry up. At that moment, he heard the other person speak in a muffled voice, "Hello, classmate. I'm Zhong Wu."
Ning Shu, the assistant, was currently discussing the matter of ordering dinner with Jiang Weiban, the commissioner, when a loud bang was heard.
Fang Zhiming took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady as he said his name, "Fang Zhiming."
As the two stood together, it signaled the start of the exam. Fang Zhiming decided to take the initiative, fearing he might not get another chance. He grunted, throwing a punch at his opponent's stomach, followed by a rapid succession of over a dozen more punches. Each strike felt like hitting a solid rubber ball, yet his opponent didn't react at all.
Fang Zhiming looked up and saw Zhong Wu looking down at him. "Oh? You've started?" Zhong Wu reached out and grabbed Fang Zhiming, who quickly dodged. But Zhong Wu's hands were too big, and though they seemed slow, they were actually fast. He lifted Fang Zhiming like a little chick.
"I, I concede..." Fang Zhiming realized something was wrong and shouted, but Zhong Wu didn't seem to hear him. With one hand, he lifted Fang Zhiming like a little chick. Fang Zhiming cried out in terror.
"Stop!"
Yue Hong stood up and sternly ordered, "Stop." He glared at Zhong Wu, "He's already conceded."
Zhong Wu narrowed his eyes and released Fang Zhiming, who fell to the ground, clutching his injured arm. Zhong Wu rubbed his head and said in a dull, seemingly simple-minded voice, "Sorry, I didn't hear you. Sorry, classmate. Sorry." As he spoke, his massive body bowed deeply towards the front.
Fang Zhiming felt a huge shadow descend upon him, blocking out the light. He shrank back, enduring the piercing pain, and said tremulously, "No, it's okay..." Then he felt the massive body slowly straighten up, and the light above his head returned.
Yue Hong shook his head and sat down.
The examiners remained silent, for injuries during the exam were common, and since the student had indicated it was acceptable, they couldn't fault Zhong Wu.
Bian Feng stared at Zhong Wu, who had just accidentally killed a student. Now, this was happening. He must be either truly stupid or fearless. If it was the former, he wouldn't have been accepted into the Mutual Aid Society.
In the 1619 book bar, there was no mistake in the version!
The medical staff immediately came forward and examined Fang Zhiming. Thankfully, it was just a dislocated arm, and nothing else serious. After a few words of comfort, they took him away.
The examiner looked at Chen Chuan, "Student number 421, it's your turn."
Chen Chuan walked towards the crowd, and Zhong Wu greeted him with a customary hello, "Hello, classmate. I'm Zhong Wu."
Chen Chuan didn't respond and slowly approached Zhong Wu, who couldn't see his expression. However, the exam had begun.
Chen Chuan directly grabbed Zhong Wu.
Although Zhong Wu seemed simple, he had a unique sensitivity, judging his opponent's strength through his senses. Chen Chuan gave him a subtle sense of danger, so he didn't underestimate him. As he grabbed Zhong Wu, he used a technique he hadn't employed since the start of the exam.
Once Zhong Wu was grabbed, he would lose all resistance, allowing Chen Chuan to manipulate him. And as he applied this force, most of his body would be covered in it, leaving almost no weaknesses.
Chen Chuan stood there, seemingly unaffected by Zhong Wu's actions. The examiners observing the exam tensed up, ready to intervene and stop the exam at any moment.
At this moment, Chen Chuan was oblivious to his surroundings. As Zhong Wu's hands reached for him, a bright light shone in Chen Chuan's eyes, and his second self merged with Zhong Wu's. Then, Chen Chuan's knee rose, and he kicked towards the sky!
This kick unleashed all his strength, and he used the limit-breaking strike, straining almost all his muscles. But his second self took on all the damage.
Zhong Wu's massive body meant he had more strength, but his nerve transmission was slower than Chen Chuan's. Even with equal reactions, Chen Chuan's second self doubled his speed, leaving Zhong Wu unable to react. Thus, the kick landed on Zhong Wu's chin.
However, due to the shocking fist's power, Zhong Wu's mind seemed to explode, and he lost consciousness. Despite this, Zhong Wu's originally fluid movements paused, and though his hands reached Chen Chuan, the force couldn't be smoothly released. Instinctively, Zhong Wu began adjusting his breathing, preparing to unleash the force again, a skill honed through countless training, a brief moment.
But just as Zhong Wu was about to unleash the force, Chen Chuan's second self kicked! In their merged state, Chen Chuan fully displayed his incredible speed, and even as Zhong Wu's body reacted, his mind hadn't caught up, Chen Chuan's knee had already struck his chin!
Under the impact of the shocking fist, a powerful force seemed to explode in Zhong Wu's mind, and he lost consciousness instantly.
"What was that sound?"
Jiang Weiban turned around and saw Zhong Wu and Chen Chuan still standing in their original positions, just as they had been at the beginning, without moving an inch. From his angle, he could see that Zhong Wu's hands were now on Chen Chuan's shoulders, and a faintly mocking smile played on his lips.
At this moment, Chen Chuan had already won, but he didn't stop. Instead, he kicked again! Then a fourth, fifth, and sixth kick followed...
Zhong Wu's body, weighing over 200 kilograms, should have collapsed after losing its willpower. But Chen Chuan's powerful kicks kept him standing rigidly in place!
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Chen Chuan's speed was so fast that only the main examiner in the room, those not from a fighting background like Jiang Weiban, some of the medical staff, and even some assistant teachers with poor eyesight couldn't see his leg movements clearly. They only heard the resounding thuds of his whip-like kicks reverberating through the hall!
After a while, even Jiang Weiban could tell something was wrong from Zhong Wu's pale face and body swaying like a pendulum.
The medical staff were also startled and quickly shouted, "Hey, stop! Stop!"
"Did you hear that? Stop right now!"
Chen Chuan seemed not to have heard a thing and continued kicking relentlessly. Zhong Wu was now like a deflated sandbag, blood seeping from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
But the Wu Yi teachers and instructors all sat silently, not a single one speaking up to stop him.
It wasn't until blood flowed onto the ground, and some blood spattered onto the tables on both sides, that Master Gao finally spoke up, "Stop it."
His voice wasn't loud, but everyone present felt their chests trembling along with his words.
Chen Chuan paused, allowing the massive body to fall forward and then slam heavily onto the floor. He slowly withdrew his leg, straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, and touched his collar, his gaze falling as he spoke calmly to Zhong Wu lying on the ground, "My name is Chen Chuan."
The room fell silent for a moment, and all that could be heard were rapid, heavy breaths.
After a while, Jiang Weiban reacted. He stood up abruptly and asked sternly, "Candidate, didn't you hear me telling you to stop just now?"
Chen Chuan turned around and looked at Jiang Weiban, replying calmly, "Sorry, I didn't hear you."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Weiban narrowed his eyes and stared at Chen Chuan's face, saying, "I think you're doing this on purpose!"
Chen Chuan spoke slowly, "The examiner didn't stop me, so the exam continues as normal. I remember this is one of the exam rules, and it's also written on the notice board." He looked at the examiners present, "Am I right?"
Master Gao picked up Chen Chuan's form and glanced through it. "Candidate Chen Chuan, defeating the senior student responsible for the advanced combat test is considered a normal exam procedure. No scoring is required, and he can be directly deemed as passing."
Yue Hong immediately agreed, "No objections, pass!"
Bian Feng spoke in a low voice, "Pass!"
"Pass!"
"Pass!"
"Pass!"
One by one, the examiners in the room pronounced their judgments without hesitation.
Jiang Weiban looked around at everyone, his expression darkening.
Yue Hong, seeing Jiang Weiban's reaction, urged, "Jiang Weiban, please sign. Of course, you can also choose not to sign." He smiled and added, "Since the candidate defeated the examiner responsible for the assessment, it is considered a direct pass. That's the rule of Wu Yi University."
Master Gao's voice was firm, "Yes, that's the rule of Wu Yi University."
Everyone in the room turned their attention to Jiang Weiban. Under the intense gaze of the powerful Wu Yi examiners, Jiang Weiban felt his heart pounding, and his back was drenched in cold sweat.
Jiang Weiban's face was grim as he snatched the form from his assistant's trembling hands and signed it with a pen, pressing so hard that the paper was almost pierced by the pen tip.
He was slightly annoyed, not because Zhong Wu had been defeated, but because he had been forced to make a decision in his struggle with the management.
After signing, he threw the pen onto the table and sat back down, his gaze fixed on Master Gao and the others. He smirked to himself; it was just one candidate passing, and one person couldn't change the world's rules.
Master Gao spoke up, "Take him away." The medical staff, finally snapping out of the tense atmosphere, hurried forward, placed Zhong Wu on a stretcher, and took him away for treatment. The rest of the staff quickly came to clean up the exam room and wipe away the blood.
Bian Feng said to Chen Chuan, "Chen Chuan, you're done here. Go and pack your things and wait for the start of school."
Chen Chuan turned to face everyone, bowed slightly, and said, "Thank you, teachers."
He straightened his body, picked up his belongings, and left through the side door, arriving at the outer corridor. With the dimming sky, the lights in the exam hall and the school's pathways had already been turned on.
He slowly walked out of the exam room and into the boundless night sky above. He looked up for a moment, then reached into his pocket, took out the beef jerky, unwrapped it, and placed it in his mouth, chewing slowly, his thoughts silent:
"It tastes great."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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