Qin Hao's fist cut through the air with lightning speed. The strike was a precise execution of a basic fist technique, yet his deep understanding elevated it far beyond its ordinary limits. The power behind the punch surged, startling Mohim. Even before the punch landed, he understood it would generate over 75 Jin force.
A loud boom reverberated through the chamber.
Qin Hao felt as if he had struck the hardest metal in existence. A numbing shock ran through his entire arm, leaving it momentarily stunned.
Soon, the crystal pillar started changing colour.
"White indicates below average strength and weak talent," Trainer Mohim said calmly. "Yellow is average around sixty to seventy Jin. Red signifies an elite martial master, reaching up to eighty Jin. And purple…"
He paused slightly.
"…purple means a genius. Strength beyond eighty Jin. Extraordinary."
Qin Hao felt a trace of nervousness. He had no idea what result awaited him.
The pillar flickered, then turned white.
Qin Hao's heart sank.
But before he could react, the color shifted to Yellow.
Seeing the Yellow colour, he heaved a sigh.
"At least not white. If it was then it would be too embarrassing." He thought to himself.
The crystal pillar changed colour again. From Yellow to Blood Red.
A spark of excitement ignited within him. Red meant elite potential. He clenched his fists slightly, trying to suppress the rising joy.
Trainer Mohim nodded his head as if he had expected it. He, long considered Qin Hao to be a genius, so Red colour wasn't too surprising.
But just as he was about to look away,
The pillar changed again.
A deep purple light burst forth, illuminating the entire chamber.
Mohim's pupils shrank.
Ten years.
It had been ten years since someone had triggered a purple light. This meant Qin Hao had not only surpassed eighty Jin, his talent itself was monstrous.
Qin Hao stood frozen, equally stunned. He had never imagined reaching such a level.
A faint smile appeared on Mohim's lips as he took a slow breath.
"Come with me."
Qin Hao silently followed.
Right after the duo left, a change happened within the crystal pillar. From deep purple, it changed into pitch black colour. But it went unnoticed.
"Where are we going?" Qin Hao asked as they stepped out of the chamber.
"The appearance of a purple light is no small matter," Mohim replied. "It must be reported to the higher authorities."
"How serious is it?"
"A purple result marks you as a genius prodigy. I cannot make decisions on such matters lightly."
Qin Hao nodded and asked no further.
Soon, the duo appeared before a small palace, seemingly made of iron. Rows of guards stood in line before the gate.
"Trainer Mohim requests an audience with the lieutenant," he said.
One guard entered and returned shortly after.
"The lieutenant will see you."
Mohim stepped forward. Qin Hao followed closely behind.
After navigating several turns, they stopped before a massive iron door. Mohim knocked once and waited.
With a heavy rumble, the door opened.
Inside sat a man in a green robe, his posture relaxed as he leaned slightly over a wooden table. He was none other than the lieutenant who he had met previously during the conflict.
Mohim saluted, Qin Hao copied as well.
The lieutenant gazed over lazily, then asked in a low tone. "What's the matter?"
After hearing Mohim's explanation, his eyes narrowed slightly. His gaze shifted to Qin Hao, scanning him from head to toe.
Qin Hao felt an invisible pressure weighing down on him. His breathing became ragged as it became extremely difficult to keep standing. Even so he persisted without taking a single step back.
"Not bad." After a while the pressure vanished and lieutenants voice reached his ears.
Qin Hao took a deep breath and steadied his posture. Inwardly he was amazed.
"Even after becoming a Martial master he put so much pressure on me with just aura alone." Qin Hao thought.
"He is an Extended expansion realm Martial master after all. They can affect their surroundings with inner energy. Even though it's not as good as a Domain control realm master but far more powerful than any Foundation Stage martial master like yourself." Second consciousness chimed in.
"Conceal the purple result," the lieutenant said. "Report him as an elite martial master."
"Understood, sir," Mohim replied immediately.
The lieutenant's gaze returned to Qin Hao. "Are you dissatisfied?"
"I wouldn't dare. I will follow your arrangements."
"This is a time of chaos," the lieutenant said evenly. "Talent that cannot grow is worthless. If your abilities are exposed too early, enemies may eliminate you before you mature."
Qin Hao nodded. "Understood, sir."
"Drop the formalities when you're in my chamber," the lieutenant added. "They're unnecessary."
A flicker passed through Mohim's eyes. This was clearly a sign of favor.
Qin Hao returned to his barracks soon after.
Before parting, Mohim informed him that his official uniform, badge, and other necessities would be delivered the next day.
After a simple meal of rice and meat, Qin Hao headed to the training grounds. They were empty.
Most trainees had already completed their physical conditioning and moved on to practicing martial techniques in designated areas.
Mohim had asked him many times when he would begin learning one.
Qin Hao had always delayed with excuses. Compared to basic techniques, martial techniques were far more powerful but Qin Hao possessed something far greater. The sheer number of techniques within the worm's memories was staggering.
But, the second consciousness told him that He needed to learn at least one military technique for appearance's sake. Or else, others might get suspicious.
Qin Hao agreed with this notion. Thus, decided to get one tomorrow.
"For now, I should focus on the Divine Demon Sealing Heaven Art."
He adjusted his stance and began practicing according to the method etched into his memory. His movements were steady at first, controlled and precise. But after thirty breaths, his body started trembling, muscles quivering under an invisible strain.
Qin Hao gritted his teeth and endured.
Another ten breaths passed.
At the fortieth, his strength finally gave out. His legs buckled, and he collapsed onto the ground.
"Huff huff." He panted heavily while lying on the ground.
"When you first began, you could only last twenty breaths. Now you've reached forty." The second consciousness spoke calmly. "There is clear improvement. I can sense the changes within your body, the scattered energy is beginning to get dense, albeit slowly."
"Hum, i can feel it too. If i keep practicing everyday, i wonder how far i can go." Qin Hao mused.
Setting everything else aside," the second consciousness continued, its tone turning more serious, "this technique alone has already doubled your rate of energy accumulation. At this pace, it won't be long before you step into the Second Rank of Martial Master."