Night had fallen inside the dormitory.
Andrew Han's gaze was steady and deep, like the surface of a tranquil mirror lake.
He moved his hardened right palm before his eyes and then activated his ascending Internal Power, feeling a surge of heat rush through his limbs and pour into his right hand along his bones and muscles.
Swish, swish.
A faint glow shimmered from his right palm.
This was the distinctive micro-glow of Internal Power unique to the Martial Artist Realm!
If he reached the Presented Liquid level of Internal Power at the Martial General Realm, the glow would be clear and unmistakable. Internal Power is a mysterious energy, and when it reaches a certain level, glowing is merely one of its visible manifestations.
Condensed Mist Internal Power was like fireflies.
Whereas Internal Power at the Presented Liquid stage was like lamplight.
Just in terms of the intensity of the glow, the two were already worlds apart, let alone the strength and density of Internal Power itself... Andrew Han frowned, pondering silently.
There was a period of adjustment after first advancing to the Martial Artist Realm.
The length of this period varied from person to person. The higher a martial artist's talent, the longer the adjustment, and the stronger the Condensed Mist Internal Power produced.
"However."
Back at the First Rank, his strength had already taken on a mist-like form. Once the adjustment period was over, it was highly likely he would directly form Presented Liquid Internal Power.
Andrew Han pondered for a moment.
Now, he was walking a path beyond all limits, unprecedented and unmatched. There were no references, no experience to draw from—he could only rely on himself and keep deducing as he went.
He did not know whether he could reach the Presented Liquid stage after the adjustment period.
But whatever the outcome, Andrew Han was already satisfied. In terms of sheer power, he had likely surpassed the other peerless talents.
A moment later.
Following the method of the Martial Artist Realm, Andrew Han adjusted the blood flow within his body: "I never imagined that human blood could be tempered on its own. Martial arts truly are mysterious beyond measure."
"But still."
"There's no rush to temper the blood. After the adjustment period, as long as I practice the Mountain-Sketch Pillar Stance, I can fully refine it."
Blood and blood-energy are two fundamentally different things.
Blood-energy is an elusive concept; as long as it can be discovered, it can gradually be mastered.
Blood, however, is a tangible structure within the human body. Its real existence makes it difficult to alter, and any change is incredibly challenging.
Whoosh, whoosh.
A gentle breeze drifted in through the window into the dorm room.
Andrew Han glanced at the girls' dormitory across the way. Although it was already past eleven, he could still make out two or three girls in light attire chatting in the hallway.
"Forget it."
"Better get some sleep."
Andrew Han shook his head and lay down gently on the bed.
He didn't message Monica Zhang.
The freshmen participating in military training had probably already gone to sleep early, as the training was truly exhausting.
Especially since the last two days had been particularly intense.
After more than half a month of training, the final performance was about to take place. The students would present themselves before President Victor Zhang and the other university leaders.
…………
The next morning, at Southland University.
A boys' dormitory stood by the lakeside.
Ethan Tang, a fourth-year Martial Arts Program student, stood at the dorm entrance with a few books in his right hand and a look of resignation on his face.
"Sean Sun, is this really necessary?"
"It's a good thing Southland University has produced a Peerless Prodigy. But look at your face—who exactly are you trying to impress with that sour expression?"
Ethan Tang folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe.
This was Sean Sun's private dorm room... and Sean Sun was one of his team members—an Upper Martial Artist!
Martial Arts Program Students varied widely in level.
For example, at top-tier universities, martial arts students aren't highly valued, since most hover at First or Second Rank, and Martial Artists are extremely rare.
Only in elite academies are there true Martial Arts Program Students!
Take Southland University, for instance—Martial Artists among the martial arts students are not uncommon. Yet even so, those who reach the Upper Martial Artist level... are only Ethan Tang and Sean Sun.
"Hmph."
Sean Sun snorted and pursed his lips.
His face was chiseled, with sharp features—a pair of sword-like brows, narrow eyes, and a nose that hooked slightly like an eagle's.
"Ethan Tang."
Sean Sun casually toyed with two rounded stones, their edges worn smooth: "My thoughts are none of your concern. Those martial arts students call you the number one at Southland University—do you really think you're unbeatable?"
With that,
He clenched the stones, producing a cracking sound.
In terms of true martial might, he and Ethan Tang were evenly matched. Besides, Ethan Tang often handled school affairs, so Sean Sun might even surpass him.
Sigh.
Ethan Tang sighed, feeling even more helpless.
Ever since Andrew Han's Peerless Prodigy reputation spread among the martial arts students, Sean Sun had worn a sullen face—perhaps out of jealousy, perhaps resentment.
Is it really necessary?
Showing hostility to a Peerless Prodigy for no reason at all was reckless.
"Hm?"
"Why are you sighing?" Sean Sun licked his lips, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes as he stood up and fixed his gaze on Ethan Tang.
He'd long harbored resentment toward Ethan Tang.
Why should he?
Both were Upper Martial Artists, yet Ethan Tang was hailed as the top martial arts student? Chasing fame and fortune—no one is immune, not even Sean Sun.
The atmosphere grew tense.
The aura of two Upper Martial Artists clashed like sharpened blades.
After a moment of silence,
Ethan Tang leaned against the doorframe, looked at Sean Sun, and said seriously, "It's nothing. I just hope you won't cause any trouble with Andrew Han in front of Teacher Yan Cangtu later."
In an instant,
Crack, crack, crack!
Mist-like Internal Power surged, and with a sudden burst of strength from his right palm, Sean Sun crushed the two round stones he'd used for training his grip, the sound crisp and sharp.
Swish!
Sean Sun opened his right hand, letting the fragments fall to the ground, pointing straight at Ethan Tang: "Do you really think you can tell me how to act?"
Ethan Tang said nothing and turned to leave.
Today was the gathering day for all martial arts students. Yan Cangtu, the newly appointed martial arts teacher, would give a speech and then, based on the sign-up information, determine the participants for the Ranking Battle.
Not just anyone could join the Ranking Battle.
This was the ranking for the very best martial arts students in the country. Anyone who could participate represented their academy.
...
Inside the academy, at the Fitness Building.
Because of the destructive potential of martial artists, the Fitness Building was located in a remote area, backed by a hill and facing a small lake, with no study halls or dorms nearby.
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Even during occasional sparring, the vibrations weren't too intense.
Last time the building was crowded was for the entrance sparring matches, when it was temporarily opened. Otherwise, few students ever wandered here.
Buzz, buzz.
Car after car parked in front of the Fitness Building.
Many martial arts students came from wealthy families, and missions paid well, so the cars they drove were often expensive—some worth over a million.
Bang.
A car door slammed shut.
Second Rank martial arts student Zoe Li got out, sent Kevin Lin a message to hurry up, then walked into the Fitness Building.
"Martial Arts Student Ranking Battle?"
"It's a shame. I doubt any of us freshmen are qualified to participate." Zoe Li pursed her lips in disappointment, but Andrew Han's calm face flashed through her mind.
He was terrifyingly strong for a First Rank.
Probably only he was qualified to join.
Thinking this, she walked down the corridor to the wide cement-floored arena, where a crowd of martial arts students had already gathered—freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors alike.
Thump, thump.
The ground seemed to tremble.
Zoe Li's eye twitched, and she couldn't help but look over.
Two martial arts students stood on the arena stage, locked in a standoff. Their recent clash had released an intense, heart-pounding aura that seemed to freeze the air.
"They're the only two Upper Martial Artists in the academy!"
"Gentle Ethan Tang and aloof Sean Sun! What's going on between those two?" Zoe Li tensed up, joining the freshman martial arts students and watching the tense scene unfold.
At this moment,
Around forty martial arts students gathered around the stage—some frowning in worry, some deep in thought, some grinning as they watched the spectacle.
"Truly surprising—unexpected, even."
"Sean Sun fought Ethan Tang—and the latter lost."
"If I hadn't seen their fierce battle myself, I'd never believe it. Ethan Tang has always been the top martial arts student at Southland University, yet he lost so quickly."
The crowd buzzed with discussion.
Zoe Li, eyes wide with shock, stared at the proud-faced Sean Sun in disbelief... Ethan Tang lost?
She'd arrived late and missed the fierce clash.
A nearby freshman whispered, "They fought for about three minutes. Ethan Tang's left arm was dislocated—you really missed out."
"Really?" Zoe Li replied, a bit disappointed.
She felt a twinge of discomfort—once the center of attention in high school, now just a bystander in college. There was a sense of loneliness and frustration.
But.
Even someone as strong as Andrew Han probably had to stand aside.
"Supposedly—"
"Teacher Yan Cangtu didn't use Presented Liquid Internal Power, basically holding back against Andrew Han. That's why he was forced back three steps. In a real fight, Andrew Han probably wouldn't stand a chance against those two seniors."
A freshman martial arts student shook his head in awe.
Listening to the descriptions and comparing them to the battered stage, Zoe Li couldn't help but marvel... This was even more shocking than the day Andrew Han faced off against Teacher Yan Cangtu.
Who was strong and who was weak was obvious.
Zoe Li wasn't alone in thinking this—other freshmen felt the same, while the martial arts students who'd reached the Martial Artist Realm pondered quietly.
A Peerless First Rank could go head-to-head with an Upper Martial Artist.
They didn't know how far Andrew Han's fusion of First Rank power had progressed. If it was at eighty or ninety percent, he might be able to fight Sean Sun.
...
On the arena stage.
Sean Sun swept his gaze around, looking down on everyone. He said coldly, "Ethan Tang, I've wanted to test your strength for a long time. Too bad you're too weak. I'm the top martial arts student at Southland University now."
"Hm."
Ethan Tang's face darkened, but he had to admit it.
During the fierce clash, Sean Sun had shown overwhelming force—even two of his techniques reached the Transcendent level.
On the other side,
Sean Sun pressed his advantage, mocking, "You've praised Andrew Han as a Peerless Prodigy again and again. What's the point? You couldn't last a single round against me—how could Andrew Han stand a chance?"
"A Peerless Prodigy who hasn't grown up yet—what does that amount to?"
"Peerless only means invincible at the same level—it doesn't mean their growth rate surpasses everything. By the time Andrew Han reaches the Martial Artist Realm, I'll already be at the Martial General Realm!"
With that,
Sean Sun flexed his wrists, his expression arrogant... He was proud and confident—not only was he a junior, he was a year younger than Ethan Tang.
Martial artists tended to be hot-blooded and blunt.
As one of the best among them, Sean Sun was not only aloof but also possessed matching strength and talent.
He'd been held down for a year!
Sean Sun had been overshadowed by Ethan Tang for a whole year. Only now, with absolute confidence, did he defeat Ethan Tang and claim the title of the academy's number one.
Silence.
A silence as deep as oblivion.
All around, the martial arts students held their breath, eyes fixed on Sean Sun. His overwhelming arrogance was irresistible, fierce as a tiger, like a gale sweeping the field.
Today,
The honor of being Southland University's top martial arts student now belonged to Sean Sun!
Even those who had always supported Ethan Tang were silent, full of complicated emotions—Sean Sun's strength was undeniable.
"You're too arrogant."
"Even if Andrew Han is still First Rank, he's a Peerless Prodigy. Peerless deserves respect." Ethan Tang shook his head, as if sighing.
Hahaha!
Sean Sun threw his head back and laughed, his expression even colder: "Martial artists must have conviction. Mine is to dominate everything. That's my path!"
"You lost today, and you'll keep losing!"
"Even if Andrew Han shows up now, so what? Ask him—does he dare fight me?"
Fight me or not!
His domineering words echoed through the arena, making the martial arts students gasp. Even those who'd resisted now felt respect—everyone was shocked and impressed.
Just then—
Pat, pat.
Pat, pat.
From the dark corridor came the sound of clear footsteps.
Each step had a mysterious rhythm, as if matching the flow of blood, beating in time with everyone's hearts—instantly, the whole arena fell silent.
Not a sound!
Utter silence!
All eyes turned instinctively to the corridor entrance.
A young man walked out, his school uniform neat, his eyes shining like stars.
Andrew Han.
He strode calmly onto the arena stage, his presence like a mountain—unshakable, awe-inspiring.
A Peerless Prodigy, the pride of Southland University!
The crowd erupted in cheers!