Time flew by, and soon it was time for another Fist Strength Test.
Having gone through several tests, most people were no longer nervous and faced it with a calm heart.
However, a few looked ashen, distracted even during the test.
Clearly, these people still hadn't reached the Entry Level of the Nourishing Life Art. Without the food supplements, their paths as Escort Masters and Martial Artists were likely doomed.
"Sun Qi!"
Before long, it was Sun Qi's turn.
While a few were disheartened, most who had broken through and secured their food supplements were more focused on the top ranks of fist strength.
They were curious about what progress the first in fist strength had made.
"Two hundred seventy-three pounds!"
As the Head Escort announced, whispers spread among the crowd.
"Though not a breakthrough, gaining twenty pounds in three days is impressive. He'll likely hold the top spot firmly."
Many were familiar with Sun Qi's fist strength changes and immediately calculated the increase upon hearing his result.
Escort Master Huang nodded, saying, "The second layer is at its peak. I expect the third layer is not far off."
"It should be in the next few days." Sun Qi beamed. He was consuming three portions of food supplements each meal. If he hadn't made such progress, his money would have been wasted.
Not long after Sun Qi's test, another person of interest stepped forward: Fang Yong, also a focus of attention.
Sun Qi felt at ease. Fang Yong's talent in saber art surpassed his, but in terms of fist strength, he had never felt threatened.
However, his expression soon stiffened.
Bang!
The ordinary-looking young man delivered a crisp punch.
Everyone noticed that Chief Escort Liang didn't immediately announce the result. After a pause and a few glances at Fang Yong, he finally said:
"Two hundred eighty-four pounds!"
The Martial Training Ground erupted instantly, many gasping in shock, eyes wide open.
Fang Yong's last fist strength was over two hundred twenty pounds, meaning he had increased by sixty pounds this time.
And the increase from the second layer to the third layer of the Nourishing Life Art was precisely sixty pounds!
"Gasp! The third layer, someone has reached the Nourishing Life Art 3rd Layer!"
"How monstrous!"
Sun Qi, consuming three portions of food supplements, was still at the peak of the second layer, yet this unremarkable person had taken the step to break through to the third layer first!
"A genius! A true genius, breaking through three levels in nine days, something ordinary people can't achieve." Someone exclaimed in disbelief.
"Genius Fang Yong!" Many began to shout, the atmosphere suddenly soaring.
Sun Qi's expression darkened, his mood sinking to the lowest point.
Fang Yong not only broke through before him but also surpassed his fist strength.
The first in fist strength had changed hands!
"Good, good, very good!" Escort Master Huang said 'good' three times, clearly delighted.
"From now on, you can have three portions of food supplements each meal without spending any money."
At this moment, Chief Escort Liang's voice rang out again. Fang Yong respectfully cupped his fists, smiling and nodding, "Thank you, Chief Escort."
The crowd watched this 'heartwarming' scene, feeling a mix of sourness and envy.
This was the second time the usually reserved Chief Escort spoke out.
The first was to reprimand Qian Dele, and this time, it was to reward Fang Yong, giving him an extra portion of food supplements as a special exception.
This showed that Fang Yong's displayed talent even made the Chief Escort pay special attention.
"It seems Fang Yong indeed has outstanding talent." Qian Dele watched the scene of the Chief Escort and Fang Yong's closeness, his expression complex.
He even thought of the times he tried to curry favor with the Chief Escort just after reaching the Entry Level of the Nourishing Life Art, feeling embarrassed and ridiculous.
......
Fang Yong returned to the crowd.
However, he had clearly become the focus of this Fist Strength Test, seemingly wearing a 'halo.' Even Escort Master Huang, while recording others' fist strengths, repeatedly used Fang Yong as an example to aspire to.
The name of genius Fang Yong was likely to be firmly established in everyone's hearts!
Of course, the test continued, and soon it was Jiang Ping's turn.
"This one is not bad, with top-notch looks. If he can be as 'monstrous' as Fang Yong, I might even introduce my sister to him."
"Forget your sister, I wouldn't mind having him as a godfather."
"Shameless, even if he's not as good as Fang Yong, he wouldn't be interested in your sister or your mother."
Many exchanged words with a hint of expectation, wondering if Jiang Ping could be like Fang Yong.
After all, in many people's minds, Jiang Ping's talent was definitely above Sun Qi's!
"Two hundred forty-five pounds!"
The Chief Escort's voice rang out, and the crowd felt it was reasonable and acceptable.
After all, not everyone could be as terrifying as Fang Yong. Jiang Ping's model had already surpassed ninety-nine percent of people in the world. If his Martial Dao talent was also exceptionally dazzling, how would they survive?
"Yes, also at the peak of the Nourishing Life Art 2nd Layer." Escort Master Huang nodded. Jiang Ping had made progress, though his saber art seemed lacking.
"Keep it up," Escort Master Huang added.
"Good, having such awareness, not being arrogant or impatient, you can achieve great things in the future." Escort Master Huang appreciated Jiang Ping, noting how Sun Qi's face changed instantly after Fang Yong's result, unlike the young man before him, who remained composed throughout.
However, what Escort Master Huang didn't know was that if the Chief Escort had rewarded with Stance Art instead of food supplements, the escort agency would have seen the emergence of the strongest 'twin stars' today.
Unfortunately, just an extra portion of beef wasn't worth Jiang Ping showing too much talent.
As for the so-called name of genius and glory, it was even less significant in his heart.
After all:
[Nourishing Life Art 7th Layer (2/200)]
[Flying Snow Saber Minor Accomplishment (198/600)]
He was only days away from becoming a Blood Qi Martial Artist.
The progress of the Flying Snow Saber had covered a third in just over a day, and it could also reach the Minor Accomplishment realm in a few days.
However, Jiang Ping hadn't truly entered the inner workings of the escort agency and was unaware of its internal and external dynamics. He didn't want to enter the sights of big figures like the Chief Escort too early.
Better to keep a low profile, as long as he could maintain a spot in the top five of fist strength.
......
After Jiang Ping's test, his roommates took their turns, with varying results. Some reached the Entry Level, while others, like Luo Daniu and another hometown friend, left disappointed.
"Don't worry, once you reach the Entry Level of the Nourishing Life Art, the escort agency should resume providing food supplements," Luo Tiegen comforted.
Not far away, Sun Zheng sneered, feeling much more at ease now that he no longer had to hold his breath around Jiang Ping in the dormitory.
Qian Dele paid little attention to the fate of these people. At the moment, he was somewhat resistant, his mind still replaying the scene of being scolded by the Chief Escort earlier.
So when it was his turn, he appeared timid, and the test result was as expected, still at the Entry Level, with his Martial Dao progress showing signs of stagnation, and even his fist strength ranking dropping to fifth for the first time.
The new entrant to the top five was a young man whose initial fist strength was as high as one hundred eighty pounds. Now, with a similar progress in the Nourishing Life Art and an initial fist strength five pounds higher, he surpassed Qian Dele by two pounds, reclaiming a spot in the top five.
"Trash, dreaming of climbing high."
For some reason, the Chief Escort found him increasingly displeasing, muttering a curse under his breath.
The crowd didn't hear it, but Qian Dele heard it clearly, his face turning red with embarrassment as he slunk off.
Not long after, the Fist Strength Test concluded.
"Didn't expect it, did you? I've caught up to you, now ranked ahead of you."
Liu Wensheng was one of the last to test, also reaching the peak of the Nourishing Life Art 2nd Layer. With a relatively high initial fist strength, he surpassed Jiang Ping, ranking third, with the latter in fourth.
"Congratulations to Brother Liu," Jiang Ping said, though he didn't care much about rankings unless there was a particularly enticing reward.
"Forget it, what congratulations? That one is the real standout."
Liu Wensheng waved his hand, saying he surpassed Jiang Ping, but he wasn't truly pleased. He pointed to the entrance of the dining hall, indicating the real formidable person.
Jiang Ping followed his direction and saw Fang Yong surrounded by a crowd, like stars around the moon, with people flattering him, saying all sorts of good things. Meanwhile, Sun Qi, who used to be the center of attention, passed by unnoticed.
"The escort agency has its talents, each having their moment of glory." Jiang Ping shrugged, then stopped paying attention, entering the dining hall with Liu Wensheng.
Time flew by, and four days passed in a flash.