Max, the young scion of a distinguished family, contemplated deeply as his fingers gently traced the intricate design of a silver ring adorning his slender digit.
Leaning back against the plush cushioned seat of his extravagant carriage, he quizzically addressed his confidant and friend, Brother David.
"Brother David, you rule over the vast territory of Starlight Haven City, a place where connections are currency. Is there any social class with which you do not have any ties? Surely, your circle includes outstanding individuals who have reached the highest level of cultivation in the Fourth Stage."
With a shrewd glint in his eyes, Max couldn't help but entertain the notion that Sam possessed an unshakable foundation far more formidable than met the gaze.
Confronting him with a mere expert at the peak of the Third Stage would be nothing short of folly.
It was imperative to seek a challenger who had attained the Fourth Stage, someone who could decisively dispatch this seemingly unassuming youth.
Weighed down by his family's reputation and power, David sighed in response, his voice tinged with resignation.
"I do indeed count many Fourth Stage masters among my acquaintances, but regrettably, they are all in the service of either my father or brother. Since the recent incident, my father has issued a decree, and now, alas, no one heeds my commands."
Max furrowed his brow, his mind racing for a solution.
"Is it not true that the Seven Profound Martial House's inspection is under the jurisdiction of Evan Mitchell? I've heard rumors of his recent promotion courtesy of your father's influence."
David's eyes widened in surprise, confirming Max's assertion with a nod.
"Indeed, that is the case. Brother Evan has displayed unwavering kindness toward me."
The subtle intricacies of city politics had not escaped Max's discerning gaze.
He was well aware that Evan Mitchell held the esteemed position of captain within Starlight Haven City's martial Force, an integral part of the city's law enforcement machinery.
A malevolent grin played on Max's lips as he peered through the luxurious drapes of his carriage. His gaze fixed on Sam, who stood nearby, seemingly unfazed by the conversation within the carriage.
Max's countenance grew darker with each passing moment.
The Seven Profound Martial House's rigorous evaluation process unfolded in three stages: the Strength Trial, the Dream Trial, and the Exquisite Sagol.
The morning's commencement initiated the first and most straightforward test: the Strength Trial.
Strength Training, the foundational stage of Body Transformation, was the cornerstone of a martial artist's journey.
Without a solid foundation in Strength Training, the subsequent stages of Flesh Training, Viscera Training, and Muscle and Bone Forging would be ineffectual.
Consequently, the importance of strength could not be overstated in the martial world.
Measuring one's strength was a relatively straightforward affair.
A stone structure, roughly the height of a man, stood at the centre of the square. At its pinnacle, a beam of light, powered by the flow of true essence, awaited the impact of a punch.
The height of the beam served as an indicator of the participant's strength. An inch-high beam equated to approximately 100 jin, while a foot-high beam, a formidable 1,000 jin, would secure one's passage.
Anything less than this benchmark spelled instant disqualification.
For practitioners at the peak of the First Stage of Strength Training, breaking nine stones was typically their limit.
Although such strength was sufficient to sunder ironwood, martial artists at this stage usually possessed around 900 jin of Force, making passage through this initial trial a formidable challenge.
In contrast, Sam had transcended the norm, boasting an astonishing strength that had exceeded a thousand jin even during the early stages of Strength Training.
Presently, his might had surged beyond 2,600 jin. Thanks to the overwhelming prowess of the 'Infinite Chaos Battle Forms,' strength had become his forte, placing him in an enviable position to vie for first place.
As the bustling crowd gathered in the square, the trial had yet to start.
Sam found solace in meditation upon a stone platform off the main path, channelling his inner energy with precision and tranquillity.
Suddenly, a cacophonous uproar shattered the peaceful atmosphere. A resounding voice pierced the air as a rider, clad in glistening armour, thundered down the road on a spirited horse.
He brandished a terrifying lance in one hand, its length reaching two meters and its width surpassing a child's arm. He opened a path through the crowd with a quick wave of his sword and a lash of his whip.
The clamour of hooves resonated through the air, compelling the onlookers to scatter.
Sam, intrigued by the spectacle, furrowed his brow. This day marked the Seven Profound Martial House's entrance examination, and it was customary for Starlight Haven City's City Martial Force to oversee the proceedings and maintain order.
How had they allowed such reckless and disruptive behaviour to occur?
However, a discerning eye would notice that the seemingly reckless rider navigated through the crowd with astonishing precision, avoiding any inadvertent collisions.
Sam's suspicions deepened as he observed this rider's martial skill and equestrian expertise.
Sam remained seated by the roadside, unperturbed.
Yet, to his astonishment, the rider's sinister grin betrayed an unsettling intent.
Without warning, the rider spurred his horse and charged straight at Sam with unbridled determination.
Sam's expression darkened as he realized that this unprovoked assailant had singled him out as the target of his aggression.
The charging horse and its rider were closing in rapidly, their momentum augmented by the rider's martial prowess and the weight of the long weapon—a formidable 100 jin.
At this speed, a collision with the lance would prove disastrous.
With determination, Sam drew upon the 'True Primal Chaos Formula,' his perception reaching its zenith.
In his heightened state of awareness, time seemed to slow, and the clamour of hooves faded into obscurity.
Sam acted quickly as the rider approached within 10 meters, moving toward his aggressor rather than attempting to flee. He unexpectedly extended both hands to seize the incoming lance.
A 100 jin lance, combined with the momentum of a charging steed, could rend through solid wood. Yet, this audacious youth dared to intercept it with his bare hands!
Sam embedded his extremities with pure essence while holding the lance firmly in his hands. His right foot found grip on the stone platform, acting as an anchor while he used his remarkable 2,600 jin of strength.
"Up!"
Sam exclaimed, and with a decisive heave, he raised the lance-bearing assailant from his saddle, flinging him through the air like a ragdoll.
The rider's world blurred into a dizzying whirlwind as he was catapulted through the atmosphere. His descent was punctuated by a painful impact against the ground, followed by an ignominious collision with a nearby tree.
A reddish splatter signalled the evacuation of a mouthful of blood as his inside organs protested the harsh assault they had received.
Sam nonchalantly discarded the 100 jin lance and returned to his seated position, his demeanour unfazed.
The onlookers, who had witnessed the astonishing display of strength, were rendered speechless by the audacity of this seemingly ordinary youth.
Meanwhile, Max, ensconced within his carriage, watched the spectacle unfold with a deepening scowl.
His disdain for David and his retinue of incompetence intensified.
Even the man they had deployed as a pawn had proved no more capable than a feeble potato. Despite the advantage conferred by horse and armour, Sam had effortlessly dispatched him.
Max had anticipated this outcome but had not foreseen the ferocity with which Sam would retaliate.
The approaching footsteps of a group of people proclaimed their presence amid the chaotic consequences of the meeting.
"What in the world is transpiring here? How dare someone initiate a public brawl!"
Raising his gaze, Sam spotted David leading a throng of supporters to the scene. A sardonic smile played upon Sam's lips as he discerned the intricate web of conspiracy woven by his adversaries.
David's heart raced as he assessed the situation. The extraordinary strength displayed by Sam had left an indelible impression.
However, buoyed by the presence of his loyal cadre, David steeled himself and fixed Sam with a fierce glare.
"Sam, you wretched scoundrel! Time and time again, you engage in altercations with my men! I had resolved not to quibble over these petty disputes, but your actions today have exceeded all bounds!"
"Go! Seize him! Confront him! Eliminate this menace, and I shall bear full responsibility for the consequences!"
David declared, raising his arm in a grand gesture. However, to his dismay, not one of his loyal followers stirred.
Seize him, and you shall bear responsibility?
The notion struck the crowd as nothing short of absurd. Would David accept responsibility if his loyal followers met their demise at Sam's hands?
Most spectators were at the First Stage of Body Transformation, with a few at the Second Stage.
Yet, collectively, they recognized the futility of challenging Sam after witnessing his astounding feat of strength.
To confront him was to invite inevitable defeat.
Sam chuckled, his voice carrying an air of mockery. " Haha !, It seems my dear lap dogs, that you've made no progress in the three months since our last encounter."