"Of course. I never say anything I don't mean." Andrew Han nodded solemnly.
By now, just the combination of Inspiration and Transcendent Techniques is enough for him to rival typical Upper Martial Artists.
More importantly, his fused force in the Condensed Mist state flows ceaselessly, greatly boosting Andrew's martial power. He estimates that ordinary Upper Martial Artists are no longer his opponents.
Therefore—
Andrew believes there's no need to join a team; going solo might be even better for him.
And after Ethan Tang's brief introduction, it's clear those three Martial Arts students lack Transcendent-level techniques—they're just ordinary Martial Artists.
Whoosh, whoosh.
A warm breeze swept through. Ethan Tang forced a dry laugh, "Alright then, let's go." As he spoke, he prepared to leave the grove.
"Wait."
Andrew called out to Ethan, his expression apologetic and sincere. "I think I might not be suited to join your team."
"It's fine, you're always welcome with us," Ethan replied quickly.
"But... I need to aim for the top three. Sorry, we're just not a match." Andrew spoke honestly, his tone earnest.
Huh?
Ethan Tang froze, completely stunned.
Andrew continued, his voice gentle but firm, "Honestly, this is just me being straightforward. I know it may sound blunt, but please believe me—I'm not talking about you personally. It's just that your teammates are too weak for my goals."
Gulp.
Ethan Tang swallowed hard, already bewildered.
At that moment, the atmosphere was unusually awkward; Ethan's cheeks even flushed a little. He realized he'd been overthinking—Andrew never wanted to join, and there was no need for a test bout.
A couple birds spun overhead, their cheerful chirping breaking the silence.
Ethan Tang quickly composed himself, smiling as usual. "Actually, having two Upper Martial Artists and two Middle Martial Artists is already quite strong. But you're right, for the Ranking Battle, we're still a bit weak."
"In reality, two Upper Martial Artists and two Middle Martial Artists is already pretty good. But as you said, for the Ranking Battle, it's not enough."
"Indeed."
The two of them left the grove by a side path, making sure not to disturb a couple nearby, who were locked in a passionate embrace.
"Let's take a different path out," Andrew suggested quietly. "No need to interrupt those lovebirds... In this heat, they're both sweating buckets, yet still lost in a kiss. That's true dedication."
"Oh, alright then."
Ethan Tang nodded blankly, feeling as if he were drifting in a sea of confusion, unable to recover for a long while.
—
Night fell over the men's dormitory building.
Unlike the scorching daytime, the night air felt cooler and heavier. The bright moon hung high, casting its light over the dormitory walkways.
Andrew Han walked lightly toward the fifth floor.
"The effect of the Mountain-Sketch Pillar Stance is truly extraordinary," he thought.
"Practicing it three times a day is far more effective than the Complete Solar Pillar Stance. Unfortunately, the increase in fusion is a matter of gradual grinding—it must be honed patiently."
If the fusion had surged like it did before the Condensed Mist state appeared, and if he kept it up for a day or two, he’d probably already be a Martial Artist by now.
But Andrew didn’t feel regret. After all, that process of internal transformation is special—sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes it’s just normal.
True, pure strength still has to be slowly forged, bit by bit.
Strength gained from sudden breakthroughs is like a castle in the air—unstable, unreliable. That collapsed iron bunk bed was the best proof of that.
Just then—
Suddenly, two male students raced and roughhoused down the walkway, moving fast. The one in front wore deep red pants, laughing and shouting as he ran, nearly crashing into Andrew Han as he stepped onto the walkway.
Bang!
"Why did you stop talking?" Andrew Han glanced at a passing couple and pressed, "Is there a problem?"
Pat.
Pat.
The couple walked off hand in hand. Only then did Ethan Tang give a bitter smile: "I’d be glad to have you join us, but there might be a small test."
He had a feeling.
If Andrew Han faced his teammates, he might defeat the Middle Martial Artist, but against the Upper Martial Artist he’d at best draw or fall behind. Most likely, he’d lose outright.
He could only hope—
Andrew Han’s strength would exceed his expectations.
A hot afternoon breeze rustled through the woods as Ethan Tang watched Andrew Han, lost in worried thought.
After a moment of silence—
Andrew Han gave Ethan Tang a strange look and coughed. "A test? Sparring with your teammates? That’s just a minor issue."
"Oh, that’s good then." Ethan Tang breathed a sigh of relief.
"But there’s one important question." Andrew Han hesitated, unable to hold back, and asked seriously, "Even with you, your team only has four Martial Artists. That’s a bit weak. Can you actually make the top three in the Ranking Battle?"
Whoosh, whoosh.
A breeze stirred among the trees. Ethan Tang was stunned.
For a moment, with his sharp mind turning, he wondered if he’d misheard.
He swallowed awkwardly and said, "Top three? That’s impossible—absolutely impossible. No one in our whole Southland Academy could ever make the top three."
"Is it that difficult?" Andrew Han asked curiously.
"Of course. Just based on what I know, there are two Martial Generals competing this year. There are also more than a hundred Upper Martial Artists." Ethan Tang looked bitter.
Heavens above!
This Andrew Han’s ambition is far too high.