On the high-speed train to Greenfield City.
Andrew Han gazed out the window. Suddenly, his phone vibrated. He took it out and saw that Aunt Lin had sent him a WeChat message.
"Andrew, you’ve already set off, haven’t you?"
Andrew replied, "Aunt Lin, I’m already on the train. I’ll arrive in fifty minutes."
Rumble, rumble, rumble.
As the train sped on, the distance to Greenfield City grew shorter. In the carriage, whispers drifted through the air, and from the far end, the cries of a child could be heard.
"Sigh, that child really is making a racket."
A middle-aged man, seated across the aisle from Andrew, lifted his head and shook it twice. With effort, he took out his phone and sent two messages, clearly giving up on trying to rest.
After a moment of contemplation.
He looked at Andrew and struck up a conversation, "Young man, you look quite strong—do you practice martial arts?"
Andrew withdrew his gaze from the window. "Yes, I practice a bit."
The middle-aged man wore a simple shirt, the fabric plain, a dark brown belt around his waist, and formal trousers—likely a businessman traveling for work.
Andrew thought to himself.
The middle-aged man smiled lightly, "You’re so young—I suppose you’re still in school?"
Andrew replied politely, "Yes, I’m a senior in high school."
Senior year?
The middle-aged man was momentarily stunned. He looked Andrew up and down and hesitated, "Oh, are you coming to Greenfield City for the Martial Arts Entrance Exam? So young, traveling alone—that’s impressive. Have you decided which university you want to attend?"
Andrew responded politely, "Thank you for your praise. I’m planning to try for Southland University."
They spoke in low voices, their words nearly drowned out by the sounds of the train, so the other passengers could barely hear them.
The middle-aged man blinked, his interest piqued.
Southland University?
For a martial arts student to be admitted to the university, they must have a third-grade martial arts rank. Even in Greenfield City, third-grade martial arts students are rare.
"Do you have a third-grade martial arts rank?" The middle-aged man looked at Andrew. "As far as I know, the higher the martial arts rank, the more robust the physique, since training requires a lot of nutrition, among other things."
Andrew smiled and nodded, but did not respond.
Martial artists also vary by age. For example, young people who practice martial arts have ranks unrelated to their physique. But high school students are still developing physically, so those who practice martial arts tend to be more robust.
But I have the Graywhite Aura.
Naturally, I don’t need to train strength, control flexibility, or hone resilience. Without these key steps, my physique remains normal.
"Heh."
The middle-aged man smiled apologetically.
He realized he was being too forward. Still, this high school senior was remarkably composed—martial arts students are usually rough and bold, especially those with a third-grade rank, who tend to be proud.