The Physical Activity Center at Southland University.
Yan Cangtu's words immediately drew the attention of all the Martial Arts Program Students, and even the surrounding students watching the commotion had their eyes light up.
In an instant.
All eyes focused on Andrew Han.
Some were curious, others frowned in hesitation... Was this slender, delicate-looking young man truly a one-in-ten-thousand martial arts prodigy?
Lily Lin was also stunned.
"I don't know if being a martial arts prodigy is impressive, but being described as 'one-in-ten-thousand' sounds pretty extraordinary."
She thought to herself, glancing lightly at Andrew Han beside her.
She didn't understand the concept of this term, so naturally she wasn't shocked. But the strong Martial Arts Program Student standing behind Andrew Han looked visibly shaken: "A one-in-ten-thousand martial arts prodigy? With such talent, why bother coming to the university for further training? Why not join a Martial Arts Sect?"
His family background was far from ordinary, considered one of the elite families in Greenfield City.
Because of this, he understood the concepts of the martial arts world and what it meant to be a Martial Arts Program Student.
So-called Martial Arts Program Students are basically those from ordinary backgrounds. In other words, their elders are not advanced martial artists. If their elders were, and the younger generation showed outstanding talent, it would be natural for them to join a Martial Arts Sect.
Therefore.
The path of a Martial Arts Program Student is the only channel for ordinary people to become part of the martial arts world.
Aside from this, some martial arts prodigies are discovered by advanced martial artists, but such cases are extremely rare.
The emergence of Martial Arts Program Students is also a result of the restrictions within the martial arts world.
According to the regulations... it is forbidden to reveal the martial arts world to ordinary people, forbidden to display extraordinary powers in public, and forbidden to casually teach advanced martial arts techniques. Violators face certain death.
In summary.
Perhaps the martial arts world does not need so many martial artists, or perhaps there are other considerations, but becoming a Martial Arts Program Student is the main way for ordinary people to become martial artists.
The strong Martial Arts Program Student let go of his girlfriend's hand and stared at Andrew Han's back: "Is this Andrew Han truly a one-in-ten-thousand martial arts prodigy? Then why hasn't the local Guardian recruited him, and instead let him come to the university to practice martial arts?"
His girlfriend asked curiously, "What's wrong?"
"Shh!"
The strong Martial Arts Program Student looked cautious, quietly listening to the conversation ahead.
Andrew Han shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Mr. Yan, you're exaggerating. I just have a bit of talent. Right now, I'm only Third Rank; I bet there are Second Rank Martial Arts Program Students here."
Carter Yan replied calmly, "No, you truly are a one-in-ten-thousand prodigy."
Andrew Han protested, "I'm really not."
Carter Yan sneered, "The fact that you can stand before me unharmed is proof enough. You may refuse to admit it, but once you enroll, I'll be responsible for your daily martial arts training. You'll see for yourself then."
"Alright."
"Go wait over there. I'll give you your acceptance certificate in a moment."
With that.
Carter Yan waved his hand and sat back in his chair, looking uninterested.
Andrew Han was dumbfounded: "Mr. Yan, I've passed the Martial Arts Entrance Exam? I can get my acceptance certificate soon?"
Carter Yan nodded, "I've made myself very clear."
Andrew Han glanced at the shabby admissions desk in front of him, wondering if he had gone to the wrong place... He had waited so long for the Martial Arts Entrance Exam, only for it to be this simple, almost irresponsibly casual.
However.
He vaguely realized that Carter Yan's two taps just now were probably the martial arts rank test.
On the other side.
Andrew Han hadn't spoken and was about to leave, but Lily Lin frowned and asked, "Don't we need to be tested with martial arts equipment?"
Carter Yan lifted his eyelids and said indifferently, "It used to be required, but now that I'm here as the instructor, it's not necessary. Leave quickly and don't waste my time."
His words carried a hint of coldness.
Andrew Han felt a chill and quickly pulled Lily Lin to the side.
He more or less understood Mr. Yan's personality... His attitude toward ordinary people and martial artists was worlds apart.
Lily Lin glared angrily at Carter Yan, exchanged a few words with Andrew Han, then left straight away.
Andrew Han stood to the side, deep in thought.
......
After a while.
The strong Martial Arts Program Student who had stood behind Andrew Han earlier rubbed his buzz cut, walked over, and greeted him with a smile: "Hello, Andrew Han. I'm Kevin Lin, from Greenfield City."
Kevin Lin was tall and athletic, with bright eyes and a round face.
He had no intention of provoking Andrew Han directly. Although he didn't fully accept the title of martial arts prodigy, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future, such as the entrance test in three months.
Dragon or worm, one test will tell.
If Andrew Han truly was a one-in-ten-thousand martial arts prodigy, he should be able to reach Second Rank in three months... Though it's difficult, Carter Yan had already labeled him as such.
A one-in-ten-thousand martial arts prodigy!
Those nine words were truly eye-catching. How could they accept it so easily? After all, they were all young high school students, each with a competitive spirit.
Kevin Lin thought to himself as he chatted and joked with Andrew Han.
He was a skilled communicator—not only did he add Andrew Han on WeChat, but he also gained a basic understanding of him.
"Andrew Han, look." Kevin Lin pointed to a tall girl nearby and said in a low voice, "She's also a Second Rank Martial Arts Program Student. Her name is Lily Zhao, and she goes to the same high school as me. She's pretty rough around the edges."
"In Greenfield City, there are only two Second Rank Martial Arts Program Students this year—me and Lily Zhao."
"Third Rank means mastering internal power and smooth blood flow. Second Rank is about consolidating and harmonizing strength and blood. For you, Andrew Han, I bet it's no big deal."
Andrew Han smiled slightly.
Second Rank is nothing special. Once I get home tomorrow and continue absorbing Graywhite Aura, I should reach Second Rank before the college entrance exam.
Kevin Lin continued, "Actually, First Rank is the most important. I heard that some Martial Arts Program Students at Southland University reach their senior year without achieving First Rank, and then lose the chance to advance further."
There was a hint of regret in his words.
Just a little bit more, and they'd be qualified to join the martial arts world and experience an incredible life.
You have to understand, the martial arts world is just a concept. Advanced martial artists still live in Huaguo, but those who don't reach First Rank have no right to access it.
This part of the chapter is not yet finished~ Please click the next page to continue reading!
As for ordinary people, they simply have no chance to know.
Even in today's internet age, it doesn't matter. Those who know about the martial arts world don't dare to spread the truth, and those who don't—even if they stumble upon it—can't cause any widespread social impact.
Because the latter are just ordinary citizens, not powerful officials or wealthy elites, and have no influence.
Anyone who is a powerful official or wealthy elite at least vaguely understands that martial arts hold the power of life and death, and that any form of resistance—even verbal protest—may be life-threatening.
However.
Kevin Lin also had his doubts: "Why does martial arts hold such a high status? If it's just brute force, as society develops, contradictions are bound to arise. It's hard to fit into today's world."
He didn't know, but Andrew Han understood.
Andrew Han glanced at Carter Yan sitting at the admissions desk and thought to himself, "The special status of martial arts probably comes from demons and monsters."
......
A moment later
Nine Martial Arts Program Students had already passed the Martial Arts Entrance Exam at the admissions desk. Four of them were local high school students from Greenfield City, including the two Second Rank students—Kevin Lin and Lily Zhao.
Swish, swish.
At the admissions desk, Carter Yan filled out acceptance certificates one by one, stamped them with the university seal, and beckoned, "Come over and collect your acceptance certificates."
Andrew Han and the other nine Martial Arts Program Students exchanged glances, then walked over and picked up their acceptance certificates with their names written on them.
"Huh?"
"This handwriting is just..."
Kevin Lin's eyelids twitched hard. His name looked like a jumble of squiggles—so ugly it was almost comical. Even an elementary schooler could write better than Mr. Yan.
He was about to sigh.
But Carter Yan's eyes glinted coldly as he stared at him.
"Ha, ha..." Kevin Lin forced a laugh and praised, "Teacher, your handwriting is as elegant as mountains and rivers. I was just too mesmerized."
Carter Yan's face broke into a smile as he replied warmly, "Kevin Lin, you have good taste."
Andrew Han watched from the side, his mouth twitching.
Luckily, he'd learned from Master Miles Ning's example. Otherwise, he might have asked Carter Yan to rewrite a nicer acceptance certificate—after all, he still had to show it to his parents.
But.
Judging by Carter Yan's demeanor, he was anything but gentle. Andrew Han could only keep his thoughts to himself.
Meanwhile, the students sitting around the stands frowned and left, feeling speechless and disappointed.
Who would have thought the Martial Arts Entrance Exam would be so simple? In previous years, Martial Arts Program Students had to take a test with martial arts equipment on the spot.
It was truly dull.
Two girls linked arms and walked out of the Fitness Building, quietly complaining.
"It's only open twice a year—we really came for nothing. I just hope the Martial Arts Program Student sparring at the start of next semester doesn't get canceled. If it's as boring as today, a lot of students will be unhappy."
......
Fitness Building.
Andrew Han stood outside the building and checked the time on his phone. It was just ten in the morning.
The muggy summer breeze blew in, leaving him feeling a bit lost and disoriented. If he'd known, he would have left Riverdale earlier this morning.
Arrive and leave all in one day.
"Well then."
"So I've already been admitted to the university? Unexpected, but it makes sense."
Andrew Han shook his head and unfolded the acceptance notice in his hand.
Strictly speaking, it was just a proof of admission... The bright red certificate had not only hideous handwriting, but also the university seal and standard printed format.
The blazing sun shone on the admission certificate, making it gleam.
There was only one line: "Andrew Han, you are hereby admitted to our school. Please consult with your martial arts instructor regarding your major. The official acceptance letter will be mailed after the college entrance exam."