Rowan proceeded with the remaining tests: speed and neural response.

His speed clocked in at a solid 49 meters per second, and his reaction time was ranked at an excellent Intermediate Warrior level.

"To have reached this level at just sixteen... your talent really is exceptional," said the scar-chinned director, arms crossed, voice full of praise.

He exchanged a meaningful glance with the more refined-looking director beside him.

"Old Bai, let's test Rowan's psychic force next," he said.

"Understood," Elder Bai nodded.

With a subtle gesture from Elder Bai, a man in a white suit stepped forward and handed Rowan a sleek silver case.

Rowan accepted it and opened the lid. Instantly, his attention was caught.

Inside lay a small throwing knife, no longer than the width of a hand. Its blade was matte black, shaped like an elongated "S," double-edged with crimson highlights. Razor-sharp and stylish, it had a menacing beauty.

"This is a Series-5 throwing knife. Use it for the test," Elder Bai said.

Rowan admired the blade for a moment, then nodded.

A mere thought, and the knife rose from the case, gliding around him like a sentient creature. As the blade floated through the air, the empty case itself slowly drifted back into the hands of the man in the white suit.

"Now, use that blade to strike the power tester with full force," Elder Bai instructed.

Rowan nodded again. He unleashed his psychic energy, which surged from the depths of his consciousness and wrapped tightly around the knife.

The blade began to orbit him faster and faster, until the air trembled with sharp, slicing whooshes.

Director Norris's eyes widened. The knife had clearly exceeded the speed of sound. Terrifying.

He felt a mix of joy and helplessness.

Joy, because Rowan's performance had clearly impressed the two directors.

Helplessness, because it was becoming obvious that Rowan could easily defeat him using just this one technique. At such high velocity, he wouldn't stand a chance.

And to think, Rowan had only started training the day before.

Comparisons really could drive a man crazy.

After a few moments adjusting to the sensation of full-power control, Rowan opened his eyes.

His gaze sharpened.

In the blink of an eye, the knife tore through the air like a sniper's bullet, streaking toward the punching target.

It moved so fast it was nearly invisible.

Thud!

A deafening impact echoed through the hall.

The numbers on the display screen shot upward.

Finally, the screen settled on a number:

8927 kilograms.

"As expected," the directors said in unison, rising to their feet.

They stared at the power measurement device, unable to contain their smiles.

"A psychic strike force of 8927 kilograms. That's already at the level of a Junior War General," one of them exclaimed.

Elder Bai beamed at them.

The refined-looking director turned to Rowan. "Rowan, Director Norris has already explained our offer. Are you willing to join our Extreme Martial Hall?"

Rowan nodded without hesitation. "I am."

"Excellent," both directors responded with visible delight.

With a prodigy like Rowan joining them so smoothly, their entire branch would be receiving praise from above.

"Rowan, my name is Zhuge Tao. This is my colleague, Sun Hong," the refined director said.

Rowan paused, suddenly recognizing the name.

In the original storyline, Zhuge Tao was the very person who had once invested fifty million to support Luo Feng.

After introducing himself, Zhuge Tao continued.

"According to our policy, you may choose a villa in either Yangzhou City or here at headquarters in the main district. You'll also receive a starting fund of 20 million credits, as well as three martial arts manuals one each for movement, internal cultivation, and offensive techniques with a combined value of up to 50 million."

"In addition, we'll submit a request to headquarters for you to receive one of the few remaining spots in the Elite Training Camp."

At the mention of the Elite Training Camp, Rowan's eyes lit up with interest.

Seeing his reaction, both Zhuge Tao and Sun Hong smiled.

"Rowan, entry to the Elite Training Camp is extremely competitive. There are only two remaining slots for this year from our entire region. We'll do our best to secure one for you, but once you're in, you'll need to train hard and make our Jiangnan Base City proud," Zhuge Tao said earnestly.

"I will, Director Zhuge. I'll give it everything I've got," Rowan replied with sincere determination.

Zhuge Tao nodded, pleased.

"Old Bai, go print a contract," he said, then added thoughtfully, "Make one change: allow Rowan to choose any combination of movement, internal, and offensive techniques so long as the total value doesn't exceed 150 million credits. Sun Hong and I will personally cover the cost."

Even Elder Bai raised his eyebrows in surprise at the generosity of that offer.

Still, he said nothing, simply gestured toward a woman in a white suit, who immediately dashed off to prepare the paperwork.

"Thank you, Directors," Rowan said respectfully.

To Zhuge Tao and Sun Hong, fifty million credits wasn't a major expense. Their willingness to invest in him was a gesture of good faith and he fully intended to return that goodwill in time.

Seeing Rowan's genuine gratitude only deepened their smiles.

Moments later, the woman returned with the printed contract.

Zhuge Tao and Sun Hong gave it a quick scan, then signed their names.

Rowan did the same without hesitation. He didn't bother reading it line by line; there was no way the Extreme Martial Hall would try to deceive him.

Once the ink dried, Zhuge Tao stood, smiling warmly as he extended a hand.

"Welcome to the Extreme Martial Hall family, Rowan."

Rowan reached out and shook it.

"If you ever need anything in the city, come to me," Sun Hong added, patting Rowan on the shoulder and offering his hand as well.

After exchanging contact information and offering a few more instructions, the two directors finally let Rowan leave.

Outside the villa, Director Norris looked elated and dazed at the same time.

"Rowan, I think it's safe to say the directors were very impressed with you. I've never seen them act this warmly toward anyone."

Rowan smiled, then asked casually, "Instructor, are you still living in the Moonlight Community?"

"Yes," Director Norris replied with a nod. Though he was the head of the Extreme Martial Hall in Yian District, he preferred to live in Moonlight because of its excellent environment, strong security, and proximity to influential figures like Wu Tong. Living there helped him stay connected with the martial arts circle of Yangzhou.

"Why do you ask?"

He turned to look at Rowan, suddenly realizing what he meant.

"You want to live in Moonlight too?"

"That's right," Rowan said with a smile. "I'd like to pick a villa in the Moonlight Community."

"You're not going to live at the main district headquarters?" Norris looked surprised. The main district was where the elite gathered, with access to greater resources and networking opportunities.

"I prefer the vibe in Yangzhou," Rowan replied with a light chuckle.

In truth, he wanted to live closer to Luo Feng.

Building a solid relationship with someone like the future city lord could offer incredible advantages even if his own talent didn't reach the same heights.

"Alright then, I'll talk to the chief instructor and get your paperwork started."

Director Norris was thrilled.

He'd assumed Rowan would choose the headquarters villa.

Now that he'd decided to live in Moonlight, the martial artists there would have the perfect chance to build rapport with him.

After all, Rowan wasn't just a rising warrior he was a psychic force user, a future War God in the making.

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