High Martial Arts: Enlightenment after Practices-Chapter 80: Exchange Before the Gaokao

In the days that followed, Xu Wuyi and Yu Peiling frequently sparred, maintaining a high intensity of combat practice.

However, the conditions for their matches changed to Xu Wuyi at Level 12 against Yu Peiling at Level 13.

This way, their physical prowess was barely on par, but Xu Wuyi still held an advantage in Recovery Power, not to mention his various explosive techniques.

BANG!

A seemingly simple Bow Step Punch from Xu Wuyi, yet it carried a heavy, fierce force tempered by his Furnace Flame, directly shattering the Power from Yu Peiling’s Flowing Cloud Palm.

Yu Peiling used the impact to retreat, her feet tapping rapidly as she tried to pull away.

But Xu Wuyi’s figure followed like a shadow. He activated Instant Shadow Step, a small burst of Qi and Blood erupting from under his feet, instantly closing the distance and cutting off her escape route.

Fist met palm, and Yu Peiling felt a tremor run through her entire right arm.

Her stamina was depleted. She had lost this round again. She simply jumped outside the protective shield, which was equivalent to admitting defeat.

Seeing this, Xu Wuyi didn’t pursue her, instead just having the system reset his status.

"Let’s rest for a bit." Yu Peiling waved her hand. Although their virtual bodies didn’t truly get tired, the intense mental focus was just as draining.

The two of them exited the combat space and sat down on a bench in the preparation area.

Over the past few days, whenever they took a break, they would exchange Martial Arts insights and information.

Communication between peers was sometimes more effective than guidance from elders or teachers, especially when it came to the finer details. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Many highly skilled experts find it difficult to fully impart their knowledge to novices, because there is some fundamental content they assume everyone should already know.

But in reality, everyone has gaps in their general knowledge, just as many guys don’t know how many Bennet sisters there are, and many girls don’t know who the Three Musketeers were.

"The practice of Body Refining Techniques... how should I put it? I think the foundation is key." Xu Wuyi said when they started talking about Body Refining Techniques.

"The Basic Body Refining Technique?"

"Yes."

Yu Peiling hesitated for a moment. "I reached the Entry Level with the Basic Body Refining Technique when I was fifteen, then I switched to cultivating the C-level ’Endless Sea’ Body Refining Technique. Do you think I should go back and practice the basics?"

Xu Wuyi thought for a moment and said, "I think it’s necessary. For one, you’ve already reached Minor Achievement in ’Endless Sea,’ so going back to practice won’t take too much time. For another... if you want to cultivate a B-Level Body Refining Technique in the future, the Basic Body Refining Technique will actually be more helpful."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Because the Basic Body Refining Technique is the most universal, so it covers a broader scope." Xu Wuyi said with a smile. "Many C-level Cultivation Techniques focus on different specializations, so they don’t have the same effect."

"Of course, if it’s a prerequisite technique from the same lineage, that’s another matter entirely."

Yu Peiling was silent for a moment before finally nodding. "That makes sense. After the College Entrance Examination, I’ll practice the Basic Body Refining Technique again."

With the Martial Arts College Entrance Examination less than ten days away, now wasn’t the time for strengthening her foundation; preparing for the exam was more important.

The two then started talking about the experts from the provincial capital.

"Tell me about Shen Wei," Xu Wuyi said, taking the initiative.

They had already discussed Chu Shanhe, the most famous one, many times before. Now, Xu Wuyi was actually more interested in Shen Wei.

Yu Peiling organized her thoughts. "Shen Wei... he’s a very pure person. Or rather, his saber is very pure. He practices the B-Level Saber Technique, ’Seven Kills Saber,’ which is perfect for a martial arts fanatic like him."

"The True Intention of Martial Arts he comprehended is just like his Saber Technique, focused on slaughter, pursuing the ultimate in offense and destruction."

"I’ve seen a virtual weapon battle between him and Chu Shanhe. His Starting Form is often very simple, but once he draws his saber, it’s a relentless barrage of killing moves. His momentum builds continuously, with each strike stronger than the last."

"What about his weaknesses?" Xu Wuyi pressed.

"His weaknesses are also obvious," Yu Peiling said. "First, like I said before, you can’t use real weapons in the College Entrance Examination’s combat test. The power of his ’Seven Kills Saber’ is greatly diminished. Simulating the Saber’s Intention with bare hands... there’s still a layer of separation, after all."

"Second, his fighting style is extremely offense-oriented, making his defense relatively weak. Once his assault is contained, or if he’s crushed head-on by superior strength, his entire system is prone to collapse."

She looked at Xu Wuyi. "By the time of the College Entrance Examination, his Life Energy Level will be just over 15 at most. If you can reach 14.5 or higher, you would theoretically be the nemesis of his extreme offensive style."

"But that’s only if you can withstand his initial burst. His Mental Realm carries a strong sense of spiritual pressure. Someone with a weak will would be intimidated before the fight even starts, unable to use even seventy percent of their strength."

"Understood." Xu Wuyi nodded slightly. ’Based on the information, although Shen Wei is very strong, he happens to be someone I can counter.’

Time flew by in their exchange of ideas.

In the blink of an eye, it was the evening of June 24th. Xu Wuyi didn’t engage in any more high-intensity training. Instead, he lay down early to practice the Visualization for the Mountain Shifting Technique, allowing his Spirit and body to reach their peak condition.

...

「June 25th. Early morning.」

The sky was just beginning to lighten, and the air still held the settled coolness of the night. Xu Wuyi pushed open his front door and took a deep breath.

"Ah Yi, you can do it!" Mrs. Xu stood at the door, her face betraying her nervousness as she reached out to straighten his already neat collar.

"Mm, I’m off." Xu Wuyi nodded, his voice calm.

He could feel the slight tremor in his mother’s hand and see his father’s gaze from the living room.

He didn’t offer any words of comfort. He wasn’t the type to be good with words. He simply gave his mother a hug and then walked out the door with determination.

The results for the written exams had been announced yesterday. He had passed easily, which was expected.

Today, the real test was just beginning—the rating battles for the Martial Arts College Entrance Examination.

Walking down the familiar streets, the usually bustling city seemed particularly solemn today.

Along the way, he could see many Martial Arts Students in various school uniforms, their expressions either grave or excited, all heading toward their assigned examination sites.

Xu Wuyi’s luck was good; his examination site was right at Honghe First Middle School, saving him the trouble of finding his way.

Security at the school gate was much stricter than usual. Staff in formal uniforms were verifying the identification of every examinee.

"Xu Wuyi!"

Just as he passed through the security check, a familiar voice called out.

Xu Wuyi turned his head and saw Teacher Wang Wenhai standing by the main path not far away, clearly having waited for some time.

"Teacher Wang." Xu Wuyi walked over quickly.

Wang Wenhai looked him up and down, his gaze as sharp as a hawk’s, finally nodding in satisfaction. "Your Essence, Qi, and Spirit are excellent. You’ve maintained your condition very well."

He led Xu Wuyi onto the campus while saying in a low voice, "The examiners for the rating battles are assigned by the Provincial Martial Arts Education Department. You already know the procedures and rules, so I won’t repeat them."

"I’ll only emphasize one point." Wang Wenhai stopped and looked at Xu Wuyi, his tone serious. "Today, you don’t have to deliberately hide your strength. The detailed combat records of the rating battles are strictly forbidden from being leaked. In the end, only a final rating grade will be announced."

"Your goal is to get the highest score possible. The higher your score, the more advantageous your initial points and seed ranking will be in the subsequent combat exams."

He paused, a faint smile touching the corners of his mouth. "Even if you get an astonishingly high score here, the outside world won’t know about it until after the rating list is officially published."

"The live combat portion is only three days later. Even if those geniuses from the provincial capital want to investigate you, they won’t have enough time to prepare properly."

Xu Wuyi’s eyes flickered as he understood his teacher’s meaning. ’The rating battles are a stage where I can go all out and reveal some of my real strength. This will let me gain a tangible advantage without exposing all my trump cards too early.’

"I understand, Teacher Wang," Xu Wuyi replied in a low voice.

"Go on." Wang Wenhai clapped him on the shoulder, his tone encouraging. "Fight well. Show those examiners from the provincial capital what you’re made of."