Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

His ability to surpass Ye Qiluo and Zhu Mingyuan in a single year, jumping from fourth to second in the rankings, was a clear testament to his talent.

"These two are quite good."

Xu Linyuan finally spoke again. His voice wasn’t loud, but it instantly silenced the field.

"If you don’t find my Captain’s Mansion too humble, you may come over tomorrow morning to take up a concurrent post."

Upon hearing this, Chu Meng’s face filled with an expression of being overwhelmingly flattered. He scrambled forward, bowed deeply with his hands clasped, and offered his solemn thanks. His reserved posture betrayed a hint of trepidation.

Cao Zhao’s reaction was far more relaxed. He simply smiled, bowed his thanks, and carried himself with composure, showing no sign of awkwardness. It was clear he had some private connection with Xu Linyuan.

Xiao Yi, who had been regulating his breathing with closed eyes from a distance, heard Xu Linyuan speak and his eyes snapped open.

When he heard the rest of Xu Linyuan’s sentence, Xiao Yi’s breathing, which he had just managed to even out, instantly became ragged again. His eyes filled with envy and excitement, and his mind raced, frantically calculating...

’What on earth do I have to do during the combat assessment to earn an exceptional offer from Captain Xu? A conventional victory is definitely out of the question... What can I do!? What the hell should I do!?’

Meanwhile, the distinguished guests flocked to Chu Meng and Cao Zhao’s side, engaging them in eager conversation.

Ye Yang finally found a moment to himself. He sat back down in his Grandmaster’s Chair, picked up his teacup, long since gone cold, and sipped it slowly, taking a brief rest.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the field relaxed.

It was as if everyone had forgotten that there was still one Inner Hall Disciple who had yet to display his strength.

Only Chen Cheng walked over and asked quietly.

"Senior Sister Zhuang, you... aren’t you participating in the assessment?"

"...No."

Zhuang Zhen shook her head, forcing a faint smile to her lips as if to reassure Chen Cheng, but her tone was strange.

"Junior Brother Chen, regulate your breathing and rest well. In the combat assessment, you... you have to win!"

"...Senior Sister?"

Chen Cheng was taken aback, not understanding why Zhuang Zhen would say such a thing.

"Sorry... I misspoke."

Zhuang Zhen composed herself and reminded him apologetically.

"The combat assessment doesn’t stop at the first touch. I’ve noticed Junior Brother Xiao seems a bit off; I’m afraid he might lose control... Junior Brother, remember to act within your limits, and be extremely careful!"

"Thank you for the warning, Senior Sister."

Chen Cheng could sense that Zhuang Zhen was hiding something, but since she was unwilling to speak of it, he knew better than to press the issue.

...

On the other side, the Outer Hall Disciples’ assessment was drawing to a close.

Because the combat assessment carried the risk of injury, most Outer Hall Disciples chose to forfeit.

This was especially true for the Black-Plaque Disciples from wealthy families, who only practiced martial arts to build connections or add a layer of prestige to their name. Their skills were mediocre, and stepping into the ring would likely only lead to embarrassment. If they were to get injured on top of that, wouldn’t they just be asking for trouble?

Only a few disciples with genuine skill, or those from impoverished families desperate to climb the social ladder, would risk stepping into the ring. They did so to display their combat prowess—and their fierce, daring spirit—before the distinguished guests under the awnings.

"Miss, why did that Lin Fengxiao forfeit the combat assessment?"

Yue’Er complained childishly, her cheeks puffed out.

"He already got two A-pluses! If he just fought a little harder, he might have gotten three A-pluses!"

"...Forfeiting was his wisest choice."

Song Yingzhi’s tone was level, but her gaze toward Lin Fengxiao held an added measure of admiration.

"To get an A+ in combat, one needs to secure a swift victory against an opponent of the same realm without taking any damage. While his skills are outstanding, he doesn’t possess the absolute dominance required to do that. It would have been nearly impossible for him to earn that A+..."

"The key is, those first two A+ ratings are more than enough to put him on every major family’s radar. Plenty of people are willing to recruit and invest in him right now. So why would he risk entering the ring and introducing an unnecessary variable?"

"Oh, right..."

Yue’Er blinked, realization dawning on her.

"If he got injured, it would set back his future cultivation. That would be a huge loss."

Song Yingzhi fell silent, her bright eyes turning toward another platform—the one for the combat assessments of the One Pillar of Blood Qi disciples.

In the few moments the two were conversing, Shi Lei had just used a simple, brutal charge to knock his opponent off the platform, earning a final grade of A for his combat assessment.

He casually wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth, his face wearing its usual expression of roguish, untamed insolence.

"Miss, what are you looking at?"

Yue’Er looked over as well.

"He’s just a White Character Token holder. Is there something special about him?"

"That roughneck has truly seen blood and fought for his life."

Song Yingzhi said coolly.

"A man like that has already forged his courage and ruthlessness... It’s a pity his strength is so low. If he were at the Two Pillars of Blood Qi realm, I might consider investing some resources in him."

As she spoke, Song Yingzhi’s gaze shifted and she gave an order.

"Yue’Er, as soon as the Outer Hall assessment is over, go and ask my cousin to come here. I’d like to ask him just where this Chen Cheng he recommended so highly is."

"Yes, Miss."

Yue’Er nodded obediently, her large, dark eyes immediately scanning the grounds. She quickly locked onto a portly, tall figure who resembled a small mountain.

「Under another awning.」

Shen Chongnian watched Shen Mi and Shen Xingguo walk back. Their dejected expressions made the outcome obvious.

"No luck?" Shen Chongnian asked.

Shen Mi shook her head and silently returned to her seat.

Shen Xingguo, however, said with a deep frown,

"Fuchang Trading Company must have money to burn! They offered that Lin Fengxiao a monthly stipend of five taels, plus a monthly Blood-Nourishing Pill and five catties of Fierce Beast Essence Meat... And it’s a pure sponsorship, with no position or duties required!"

"...Fuchang Trading Company?"

Shen Chongnian narrowed his eyes, looking toward another awning in the distance.

"Xiaowu, have you figured it out over the past few days? Which powerful backer has Fuchang Trading Company latched onto?"

"...It’s Lord Wu of the Commerce Inspection Bureau."

Shen Mi said in a low voice.

"I used my internal connections to investigate. Lord Wu isn’t deeply tied to Fuchang Trading Company. He just accepted a huge bribe to move up the deadline for the Trade Document competition."

"In other words, as long as our Yongsheng Store can win the customary fist-fight, we can operate the northern trade route as usual, and we won’t face any targeting or retaliation from Lord Wu afterward."

Shen Mi paused, a worried expression on her face.

"The problem now is... will the Clan Leader be willing to temporarily lend me an Inner City Honored Elder to help me with this fight?"

"Well..."

Hearing this, Shen Chongnian sighed helplessly.

"I’ve already asked for you... but the Clan Leader refused. He’s still bothered by what happened all those years ago... and he’s afraid of stirring up more trouble and displeasing that important person..."

"...I understand."

A flash of helplessness appeared in Shen Mi’s eyes, but she feigned strength.

"I’ll figure something out myself for this matter... There’s still some time, so it’s not a hopeless situation."

"Mm, so be it."

Shen Chongnian rose slowly and said,

"There’s nothing more to see here, and I’m getting tired, so I’ll be on my way. Xiaowu, don’t forget to tell that boy surnamed Chen to find work elsewhere!"

"Great-Uncle, please wait..."

Shen Mi would never give up on Chen Cheng so easily. She quickly stood up and said,

"The assessment is about to end. I’ll go find a managing Tutor right now and ask where Tributor Chen is. I’m sure I’ll find out immediately!"

"You..."

Shen Chongnian’s face darkened, his tone clearly displeased.

"Fine, fine. I’ll wait a little longer. This way, you can finally give up for good!"

...

「Inner Hall.」

Chen Cheng and Xiao Yi were now standing on the fighting platform.

"I will reiterate: this is a combat assessment. We do not stop at first touch. The match only ends when one side verbally concedes or is completely incapacitated!"

Ye Yang said grimly, standing at the edge of the platform.

"You two must be absolutely clear on this. If you know you are outmatched, concede immediately! While I will be watching at all times, I cannot guarantee there is absolutely no risk! Your lives and futures are on the line, remember that!"

"Yes! We disciples will remember!"

Chen Cheng and Xiao Yi both responded with a cupped-fist salute.

"Ready... Begin!"

The instant Ye Yang’s voice fell, Xiao Yi ground his heel into the platform, sank his weight, and immediately adopted a stance as solid as a boulder, perfectly balanced for both offense and defense.

Although the killing intent in his chest burned like a furnace, he hadn’t lost his reason. He was as cautious as ever, showing no sign of underestimating Chen Cheng.

He held his breath and focused, his gaze locked onto Chen Cheng, determined not to miss the slightest movement.

Chen Cheng, in contrast, appeared somewhat reckless. He stomped his foot, leaned his body forward—a standard opening for a preemptive strike.

The moment he registered these details, Xiao Yi’s nerves stretched to their breaking point. His pupils contracted, Blood Qi surged through his body, and he readied himself completely for a defensive counterattack.

However!

But in that fleeting instant, Chen Cheng’s forward momentum abruptly froze, as if he’d been yanked to a stop by invisible threads.

---