Freya observed Franklin's overly polite behavior towards Cassia and warned, "Cassia, don't be deceived by his appearance. He's not as he seems."
Cassia was surprised. "And why is that?"
Freya scoffed gently, saying, "Don't stare at his polite looks. In reality, he's merely a dictator at Azure Peak Village. Alden informed me that in Azure Peak Village, Franklin frequently snatches people's daughters, infringing on several young females. This time, he even intends to forcefully marry Leo's older sister. Leo was pressed into a corner, which led to his participation in the Zephyr Blade Sect examination. He hopes to use the Zephyr Blade Sect's momentum to stop Franklin and defend his sister."
Cassia was taken aback: "There was actually such a matter? I had no idea, and Leo never informed me; otherwise, if I had my father arrive, he would naturally be able to protect his elder sister."
"Given his attitude, Leo undoubtedly dislikes relying on others. In addition, as you mentioned, he may enter the Zephyr Blade Sect's inner sect with his present power. I don't believe there will be an issue."
Cassia nodded, but when she glanced at Franklin Whitaker again, her eyes were filled with hate. As a woman, she would naturally be repulsed by individuals like Franklin, who treated women like objects.
Cassia's gaze surprised Franklin. Cassia's upbringing, looks, and strength were undoubtedly the best in all of Stellaria City. He had planned to use this chance to be friendly, give compliments, and attract attention. He wasn't sure where he had upset Cassia. Her opinion of him appeared to be negative.
As he frowned and thought, Russell's voice said, "Franklin, quit talking nonsense. Everyone will see the truth soon."
His gaze returned to Russell. Franklin snorted harshly at himself. 'If you want to compete, I will participate. As if I were terrified of you. Others felt you, Russell, were the greatest intellect. Today, I, Franklin, shall reclaim my honor in front of all of Stellaria City's martial artists!' Looking at Cassia once more, he whispered to himself, 'I will let you know that in the entire Stellaria City, only I, Franklin, am worthy of you!'
Soon, the two stood before their designated strength testing monuments. Countless martial artists observed Russell and Franklin closely, attempting to determine the superior fighter.
Russell loosened the long sword from his back and handed it to the guy opposite him. Russell turned to Franklin Whitaker and asked, "Who will go first?"
"Since you want to compete, then you can go first." Franklin seems relaxed. He was keen to wow the crowd. How could he display his strength if Russell wasn't present to provide a foil for his score?
"Then I will go." Russell snorted coldly and fearlessly.
Russell shook his body slightly after finishing his conversation and raised his qi, concentrating his full body's strength into his palm. When the qi reached its peak, he yelled loudly and slammed his fist onto the strength testing monument.
THUD!
After receiving the blow, the crystal column on the strength measuring monument rose swiftly. 1000, 1500, 2000… It continued till it reached the 2600 position before halting.
When Russell's results were revealed, the gathering of martial artists gasped in surprise. He was, after Cassia, Stellaria City's most brilliant individual. This was the best result among all of the martial artists that took part. Prior to his, the best achievement was just 1800 jin, not even breaking through 2000.
Despite breaking the record and hitting with 2600 jin of strength, Russell appeared dissatisfied. He struck the strength testing monument twice more, scoring 2400 and 2550 jin, respectively. It was unfortunate that he did not make a new record.
"Russell, highest result: 2600 jin!" The Zephyr Blade Sect deacon relayed Russell's findings genuinely, and he was privately surprised. He had not expected Stellaria City to have some nice seedlings.
"Hmph, this time's power isn't too strong. I let you off lightly this time." Russell spoke a little proudly. He is currently rather happy with his 2600 jin result. Note that martial artists who had recently reached the fifth level of body refinement could all achieve a minimum of 2000 jin. He had surpassed that by a huge margin.
"Older brother Leo, this guy is quite strong, ah! 2600 jin. Oh my, if he punches me, it will scatter me into pieces." Alden was dumbfounded. He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Russell's strength.
Leo couldn't disagree: "And this was just a regular punch without any martial talent. The strength evaluation does not permit the use of martial abilities. If he could employ a martial talent, his ability would be much more impressive. Since Russell challenged Franklin, it appears that Franklin's strength should be roughly equal."
Leo viewed Franklin as a formidable enemy who needed to be eliminated swiftly, yet he remained unsure about Franklin's actual power. It was only now that he realized Franklin was indeed this powerful.
However, Leo showed no symptoms of weakening. No matter how powerful Franklin was, he would outperform him. Leo's resolve would heighten in response to the power of his challengers.
2600 jin. Franklin couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when he saw Russell's results. He had not expected the person to be so strong, yet he was not terrified. He carefully stood in front of the strength testing monument and began to demonstrate his cultivation technique.
After taking a deep breath, Franklin released a deep yell and then unleashed a fist!
THUD!
There was a thud as the fist punched against the strength testing monument.
Countless martial artists stared at the crystal pillar on the strength testing monument. It quickly surpassed 2000, 2500, and then 2600.
Russell's face dropped instantly. His result was 2600. This punch by Franklin had already smashed his record.
The crystal pillar eventually came to a rest at 2800. Although it was just 200 jin higher than Russell's, it was a decisive triumph.
Franklin let out his breath and gently relaxed his muscles. He then taunted Russell, saying, "I don't believe I need to strike it again, right? Following young Miss Cassia, it appears that I am the number one intellect in Stellaria City."
"Hmph, how arrogant! This is only the first trial assessment. True brilliance is not determined by just comparing strengths. When the time comes, I want to see who comes out on top in this exam." Russell stated it in an angry tone. He believed he had an almost definite victory. Who would have expected him to lose against Franklin in the end?
"Then you may simply wait and see. I want you to both feel and admit failure. This assessment's top spot will go to none other than myself." Franklin stated it unequivocally.
Russell did not reply any further. He snorted coldly before leaving. He had already lost a great deal of face.
Franklin stopped hitting after one try. He knows his own business. He had already used a lot of his strength to shatter Russell's record. If he punched again right now, it would most likely be less than 2500 jin.
"Franklin, 2800 jin. Pass!" Observing that Franklin had no intention of making another attempt, the overseeing deacon proclaimed the results loudly.