Hands In Her Pockets, Completed

Fortunately, he had already simplified the Azure Wave Sword Technique, allowing him to focus solely on honing his sword intent through sword drawing.

As the old man resumed his cultivation with closed eyes, he couldn't help but ponder, "Why does this kid exude traces of sword intent, albeit faint? It's implausible. How could an F-rank martial artist possess sword intent?"

The elderly man put his musings to rest by attributing them to his meditation's haze of focus.

…

"Xu Zhong, do you intend to take the college entrance exam this year?" Unfazed by Xu Zhong's peculiar behavior of getting up from the sofa and moving to the window to enjoy the sunlight, Xiang Zhen asked.

Regardless of my actions, they won't hinder my sunbathing.

"That's correct. My ID card states that I'm seventeen years old, and I won't turn eighteen until November."

"Excellent." Xiang Zhen nodded and continued, "Would it be convenient to test your vitality? Don't misunderstand. We aren't proposing a contract at this point. We're inviting you to join us as an instructor. We can offer you a monthly salary and access to cultivation techniques and martial arts skills corresponding to your level of ability."

Xiang Zhen's demeanor was decidedly humble, lacking the airs of a Deputy Dojo Master of the Elephant Dojo.

"What are the benefits?" Xu Zhong expressed keen interest.

"Five thousand per month, with flexible work hours," Xiang Zhen disclosed.

He could come whenever he wanted. Was this not equivalent to being paid?

No, it was more akin to an investment.

With 5,000 yuan per month, Xiang Zhen aimed to gain Xu Zhong's favor.

Xu Zhong stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I'll need some time to consider."

"No problem. But could we first test your vitality level and strength?"

Xiang Zhen probed.

"Sure." Xu Zhong nodded.

He had no intention of hiding his strength.

In this realm, whether it was in the martial arts school or the Red British Alliance, the distribution of resources had to be based on one's vitality.

They required a very high threshold to come into contact with, be it high-level martial arts techniques or subsequent supplements to replenish vitality.

If he confined himself to the circle of low-level martial artists, even with the Invincible Simplification System, he'd still struggle to acquire formidable cultivation techniques.

For instance, without disclosing his true prowess today, he would never have crossed paths with Zang Qintian, never seen the sword manual, and thus never obtained the simplified cultivation technique.

The importance of one's circle was undeniable.

"All right, follow me."

Xu Zhong's calm demeanor, unflappable and unwavering, was a true leader's bearing, which pleased Xiang Zhen.

…

"What was your last school test score? 107?" Xiang Zhen inquired.

Xu Zhong nodded.

It had not been difficult for Xiang Zhen to retrieve this information.

"Not bad, but I have a hunch you're at least at 130 vitality, am I right?" Xiang Zhen's scrutiny was sharp as he asked, "When did you last take the test?"

The last time I tested, it was the last time.

Xu Zhong silently lamented but promptly replied, "Yesterday."

"Yesterday?" Xiang Zhen seemed somewhat incredulous and escorted Xu Zhong to the testing apparatus.

Moments later, the test results were out.

F*ck…

Xiang Zhen's face contorted in astonishment, leaving him utterly speechless.

His brain felt like it had short-circuited.

He stared at Xu Zhong with a bewildered gaze.

It was a moment characterized by joy tainted with astonishment, surprise veiled within joy, and doubt shrouding the surprise…

"You… You increased by over 30 points in a day?"

At present, Xu Zhong's Vitality has reached 138.9. After basking in the sun for half a day, the Pure Divine Art replenished substantial vitality. Combined with his diligent practice the previous night, Xu Zhong found his outcome unsurprising.

This achievement resulted from his dedication, bearing no connection to the system!!!

However, Xiang Zhen was beginning to feel a bit breathless.

…

In truth, Xu Zhong knew that his true competition lay not among the martial arts school students, but rather those who had ventured elsewhere.

In Luo City High School, aside from him, the only other student boasting an 80 Vitality score was Chen Yingying, who had recently joined the martial arts class.

As for the rest, they trained diligently in other locations.

Some students hailed from affluent backgrounds and hired formidable personal trainers who might even surpass Xiang Zhen in skill.

These privileged students received special treatment at home daily and didn't need to partake in a communal martial arts regime.

"My true rivals are those pampered students. Nevertheless, how could I possibly lose to them with my Simplified system, the Invincible Simplification system?" Xu Zhong mused to himself. "When will I be able to utter those pretentious lines: 'Back in the day, I had my hands in my pockets and didn't even recognize the meaning of the word opponent.' The first part is relatively easy. I can already put my hands in my pockets. The challenging part lies in the second half. On the brighter side, I've already accomplished half of it."

"Phew…" Xiang Zhen took a few deep breaths to regain his composure. He truly wished to retain this prodigious talent within the Elephant Dojo. Nevertheless, he understood that coerced fruit seldom tasted sweet. His only recourse was to forge a genuine friendship with Xu Zhong.

Beyond his vitality prowess, the most remarkable aspect of this young man was his martial cultivation aptitude.

The Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms was an exceptionally intricate martial technique. Yet, this kid had merely observed it for a few hours, not even attempting to practice it. Just how astounding was his natural talent?

Once Xu Zhong left, many instructors approached, their murmurs hushed.

"Is it true that he deduced the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms to the elementary level within a few hours?"

"Yes, he should at least secure a position in the top ten for this year's martial arts examination."

"Martial arts examination? Wait, you mean this lad hasn't even participated in the martial arts examination yet?" An instructor who had recently arrived revealed an odd expression.

"So, he's… still a high school student?"

The countenances of all the present instructors were distorted in an array of perplexed expressions.

An 18-year-old F-rank martial artist?

With a staggering 140 vitality value?

In less than half a day, he had mastered the martial technique that they had spent months attempting to decipher to an elementary level.

Where had this monster emerged from?

"I still recall that when I took the martial arts examination, my vitality was just hovering around 60. Sigh, comparing oneself to others is truly irritating."

Emotions welled up inside him!

They were envious!

However, a majority viewed the situation as absurd. It was simply too incredible.

Most were shocked, struggling to come to terms with the truth!

A bewildered expression covered everyone's faces.

It was simply ludicrous!

It was too ridiculous!

"Furthermore, this kid comes from an ordinary background. Despite having a D-rank martial artist sister, he's still somewhat inferior compared to those from affluent families. His current achievements can't be attributed to supplements, especially for a prodigious talent like him in martial arts. It'll prove even more beneficial when he confronts ferocious beasts in the future."

Xiang Zhen concluded.