Half an hour later, Chu Sheng stood in front of the gate of Longcheng First Martial Arts High School. The tall walls loomed like a giant beast lying in wait, and the golden characters spelling out "Longcheng First Martial Arts High School" shone brightly, standing out prominently. The stone lions on either side were carved with such lifelike detail that they seemed ready to roar at any moment. A solemn and dignified atmosphere enveloped him, evoking a sense of reverence.
Taking a deep breath, Chu Sheng stepped through the school gate. Inside the campus, lush trees provided shade, and the air was filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, radiating youthful vitality. Following the signs, he found his classroom.
As soon as he entered the classroom, Chu Sheng's Ability activated automatically. It was as if he had gained a god's-eye view; above each student's head floated an information label, resembling a status bar from a game. Most of the students bore unremarkable labels like "Martial Arts Beginner" and "Ability Not Awakened," akin to mass-produced tags with no standout features.
While Chu Sheng observed with interest, several tall figures suddenly blocked his path. The leader was a burly boy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, his muscular frame resembling an iron tower. The information above him made Chu Sheng squint slightly: [Zhang Qiang, Martial Arts Second Rank, Ability: Great Strength].
"Hey, new guy! Look at that little frame of yours; you look so weak you might not even have awakened your Ability," Zhang Qiang sneered down at Chu Sheng, his tone dripping with disdain as if sizing up a lamb ready for slaughter.
Before Chu Sheng could respond, a crisp voice rang out across the classroom: "Everyone sit down! What kind of behavior is this?"
A tall female teacher strode into the classroom with confidence. Her long black hair was neatly tied up, exuding both professionalism and elegance. The information above her head made Chu Sheng's heart skip a beat: [Zhao Xue, Martial Arts Rank Four, Ability: Mind Perception]. It seemed this Teacher Zhao was not someone to be trifled with.
"I am your homeroom teacher, Zhao Xue." Teacher Zhao's gaze swept across the room before lingering on Chu Sheng for a moment, as if she found him intriguing. "As per tradition, new students need to undergo a strength test. Zhang Qiang, you go first."
Zhang Qiang grinned widely, revealing a set of white teeth as he strode confidently to the testing device at the front of the classroom. It was a two-meter-tall metal pillar covered in intricate patterns, topped with a prominent digital display.
"Ha!" Zhang Qiang shouted as he tightened his muscles like a drawn bowstring and delivered a powerful punch to the testing device.
"Strength Index: 2100!" The digital display flashed bright red numbers, eliciting gasps of admiration from the surrounding students.
"Impressive for an upperclassman; your strength is indeed commendable," Teacher Zhao nodded slightly in acknowledgment. "Next up, Chu Sheng."
The classroom fell silent, all eyes focused on the seemingly frail boy, filled with curiosity and anticipation, mixed with a hint of disdain.
Chu Sheng calmly walked to the testing device, feeling the mocking gazes from Zhang Qiang and others, as if he were a rabbit that had wandered into a wolf pack. Just then, a system prompt echoed in his mind: "Challenge situation detected. Do you wish to consume 1 point of merit to enhance your strength?"
"Enhance," Chu Sheng silently thought. A warm current surged through his body, and he felt his strength elevate to another level, as if a fierce beast lay dormant within him, ready to break free at any moment.
Taking a deep breath, Chu Sheng assumed a simple starting stance. This was the most commonly used method he employed in his past life as an assassin—concise, efficient, and aimed at delivering a fatal blow.
"Bang!"
A loud crash resonated as the testing device shook violently, emitting groans under the strain. The numbers on the display flickered wildly before finally settling on an astonishing figure.
"Strength Index: 3500! Testing device damaged; please repair promptly!" The cold electronic voice echoed throughout the classroom like a thunderclap, causing an uproar.
The classroom was deathly silent; one could hear a pin drop. Zhang Qiang's smile froze, his face turning ashen as he stared intently at Chu Sheng's back, disbelief and jealousy swirling in his eyes.
"Interesting," Teacher Zhao remarked meaningfully as he glanced at Chu Sheng. "Test concluded; everyone return to your seats."
In the subsequent lessons, Chu Sheng could clearly feel the change in his classmates' gazes. There was surprise, curiosity, and even hostility. Especially from Zhang Qiang's group, their eyes were like hungry wolves fixated on prey, exuding an air of danger.
As the school bell rang, just as Chu Sheng finished packing his bag, a tall and slender boy approached him.
"Chu Sheng! Hello! I'm Li Ming. That display earlier was incredible! You really are hiding your talents!" Li Ming said enthusiastically while extending his hand with a broad smile. However, through Chu Sheng's Ability perspective, the information above Li Ming's head read: [Filled with jealousy; closely connected to Zhang Qiang]. It seemed this guy didn't have good intentions.
"Thank you," Chu Sheng replied, not shaking hands with him, and turned to leave the classroom.
As he walked down the narrow path at the back of the school, five figures blocked his way. Leading them was Zhang Qiang, his face dark and stormy, like an enraged bull. Li Ming stood behind him, wearing a smug grin, resembling a venomous snake lurking in the shadows.
"Kid, being so arrogant on my turf, don't you think you should pay a price?" Zhang Qiang cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing ominously as if he were ready to strike at any moment.
Chu Sheng's ability quickly analyzed the situation around him: [There is a blind spot for surveillance at the left corner] [The pile of debris on the right can be used] [There are five opponents; aside from Zhang Qiang, all are at the first rank of martial arts].
Just as tension filled the air, a clear voice suddenly rang out, "Stop!"
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