Chapter 125: Just Numb from Sitting

When he heard that voice, Su Mingcheng suddenly shuddered. "How is there still someone holding on up there?"

He had endured inside for nearly two hours and was well aware of just how terrifying the oppressive pressure within was.

It was precisely because of this knowledge that he was so astonished.

"I want to see exactly who can persist up there for so long."

But when he glanced toward the examination area and saw the figure standing there, he was stunned once more.

Because it was none other than Li Jiansan.

At that moment, Li Jiansan sat calmly before the statue on the stage, his expression utterly composed.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Li Jiansan, especially Su Mingcheng. He had originally thought that after fighting to endure for nearly two hours, even if he didn’t come in first, he would at least have surpassed Li Jiansan.

But that assumption was nothing more than a joke. Li Jiansan was still there before the statue, clearly in first place. Not only had he surpassed Su Mingcheng, but he had also claimed first place once again!

Even if Li Jiansan were eventually forced out, in this test of willpower, he would remain the champion.

The elders watching from below also fixed their gaze on the lone figure on stage.

"That kid is still in there?"

"He’s become the one who has endured the longest. I wonder how much longer he can hold out?"

After speaking, their eyes were filled with anticipation.

"He’s still holding on."

"That kind of torment, worse than death — even if he’s made it this far, he must be nearly half dead by now."

"Damn, that guy is a real freak."

Jealousy shone brightly in their eyes.

Nearby, an elder focused intently on Li Jiansan.

"More than two hours have passed. If he endures another half hour, he will break the record."

Upon hearing the examiner say Li Jiansan was about to break the record, everyone was stunned.

"This is no small matter."

"I heard the last person to break the record was our dean, twenty years ago."

"If he breaks our dean's record, doesn’t that mean his potential has already surpassed our dean?"

"Heavens, to possess such talent at barely a dozen years old—his future is boundless."

"Heh, you’re all thinking too naively. Physical strength is only one kind of talent; it doesn’t represent the whole."

After that comment, those around relaxed slightly.

Indeed, physical strength was just one form of talent and could not represent all of it; otherwise, it would be too unbelievable.

"If this kid really can hold out much longer, even the higher-ups will be alarmed," the pot-bellied elder said anxiously.

But after a while, the eager expression on his face slowly faded.

Li Jiansan had opened his eyes and stood up from beside the statue.

"It’s over. Enduring for more than two hours is excellent, but it’s a pity—just a little short of breaking the record."

The elder looked at Li Jiansan and sighed, a hint of regret on his face.

"Is this your limit? I thought you could have held out longer."

Li Jiansan smiled. "My butt just went numb."

He slowly approached, his face free of any pain.

As soon as Li Jiansan spoke, the previously noisy scene fell silent. Everyone’s eyes turned toward him, disbelief etched on their faces.

"Th-this…"

"Just numb butt? Didn’t he feel any of the oppressive pressure up there?"

"Then how terrifying must his physical body be?"

"Heavens, so as long as he wants, he could break our dean’s record?"

"This is unbelievable…"

"Senior, are the results out?" Li Jiansan had already reached the elder and cupped his hands in a polite gesture.

"The results…"

The elder hesitated, then realized and said, "Oh? Ahem… now, the results will be announced."

Hearing the examiner’s words, the crowd was somewhat speechless. What results? We already know them.

The test of oppressive pressure differed from the written exam, which required grading by the examiner. For this test, once the last person emerged, the rankings were essentially clear.

"Fang Tian, Xu… these people passed."

"Third place, Liu Xuda!"

"Second place, Su Mingcheng."

When Su Mingcheng’s name was called, he showed no joy, only a hateful glare at Li Jiansan.

"First place, Li Jiansan!"

As the announcement ended, a stir erupted among the crowd.

"A dark horse, an absolute dark horse."

"Sure, he was first in the written exam, but now he’s first in the pressure test too? How are we supposed to survive?"

"Hmph, I’ll believe it when he takes first in the martial combat too. I don’t think he can win all three."

"This guy is first again…"

"What!" Hearing their chatter, the elder’s eyes widened.

"This kid was also first in the written exam? Looks like the Qinglong Academy is about to change hands…"

Amid the astonished expressions, Li Jiansan was led to the final competition arena—

The Martial Arena.

After Li Jiansan left, the candidates’ hearts were still unsettled. Countless eyes lingered on his retreating figure.

Meanwhile, Su Mingcheng said darkly, "Very well. Let me see how I’ll deal with you in the martial combat."

…

The final event, martial combat, was the most crucial part of the Qinglong Academy’s entrance exam and the most closely watched competition. Not only the admissions elders but some of the academy’s higher-ups attended in person.

The importance of martial combat was obvious.

After all, combat ability carried the greatest weight.

After several rounds of elimination, fewer than twenty candidates remained to participate in the martial combat.

Survival of the fittest was an eternal truth: if your strength was weak, you would be eliminated.

"In front of you are three main arenas. You will be randomly assigned to them. Everyone will fight in a free-for-all. The last three standing will earn the qualification to become disciples of Qinglong Academy."

"There is no time limit for martial combat. The competition continues until only three remain on the arenas. You may begin at any time."

There were three arenas on the martial grounds, surrounded by tiered spectator stands. An elder stood beside the stands, announcing the rules.

Once the combat began, everyone scrambled to find opponents. Moments later, everyone had opponents—except Li Jiansan.

Alone, he stood isolated on the arena, looking solitary.

At that moment, Liu Ming had already defeated one opponent. He shot a dark glare at Li Jiansan.

"Kid, don’t get cocky. Once I defeat three people, you’re next."