After Dong Huiqing's overwhelming performance, the next participants who took the test looked like trashed in comparison.
Even those who managed to ring the bell twice appeared lacking, their efforts dwarfed by the monumental display of talent they had just witnessed.
The gap was big, like comparing heaven and earth.
Until finally, one of the crowd favorites stepped onto the platform.
Ma Lifen approached the bell with a calm face.
The crowd hushed as she stepped forward, all eyes fixed on her petite figure.
Her beautiful face added a certain appeal to her opposite sex, but no one dared to underestimate her, fully aware of her potential.
She stood before the bell, which towered above her, its shiny bronze surface reflecting the sunlight.
Ma Lifen took a moment to adjust her stance, her feet positioning wide. She raised her right fist, her arm barely visible under her sleeve.
There was a silent intensity about her that was oppose to her delicate appearance.
With a deep breath, she drew back her fist, the motion smooth and controlled.
The air seemed to stop around her, as if holding its breath along with the audience. Then, in one swift motion, she launched her punch towards the bell.
CLAAAAANG!
The impact resonated through the air with a sharp sound.
But it didn't stop there
CLAAANG!
The second sound echoed, demonstrating the surprising power she wielded with her slender arms.
CLANG!
At the third chime, everyone cheered in excitement. They were thrilled to see her succeed, especially since she was admired by many for her beauty.
Unfortunately, it ended at three ring.
However, it was enough to secure her eligibility to enroll in a sect, ensuring that her future would be as promising as Dong Huiqing's.
With dedication to training and further opportunities in the future, she had the potential to surpass him in no time.
She looked down, the cheers of the crowd filling the air, but one person caught her eye.
'This is for the best, forget about me. We were born in totally different worlds,' she sighed inwardly as she looked at Fang Xuan who looked happy that she passed with flying colors despite her rude attitude before.
In truth, she didn't want to treat him badly, but circumstances forced her hand.
The reason was Dong Huiqing.
He had blackmailed her, threatening to harm Xuan if she continued to talk to him.
Feeling powerless against his strength and family influence, she reluctantly complied to protect her childhood friend.
'I won't blame you if you hate me for this,' she thought to herself, maintaining a cold demeanor outside.
Noticing the look in her eyes, Fang Xuan felt a surge of embarrassment.
He felt like digging a hole in the ground and bury his face there .
A strong desire to escape quickly filled him, but he knew that running away would only make his suffering last longer.
"Fang Xuan," one of the elders called out, causing him to freeze in his tracks.
Why did he have to go next after such an amazing performance?
Couldn't he have been placed after someone much weaker?
Or better yet, someone as ordinary as him?
"Fang Xuan! Take your position, don't make me repeat again!" the elder roared, noticing that he hadn't moved at all.
"I..." He found himself cornered, and whispers of mockery started to circulate.
So, without any other option, he forced himself to approach the bell, to get it over with.
'This is it... Time to make a fool of myself,' he sighed, resigned to facing the inevitable.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to steady his trembling hands.
His almost non existent muscles tensed as he prepared to strike, his mind racing with doubts and self-criticism.
Positioning himself awkwardly, he raised his fist, the movement lacking the grace and confidence of those who had come before him.
With a swing of his fists, he aimed for the bell, hoping that, against all odds, he could make it move even a little.
However, he had severely miscalculated .
When his fist made contact, a surprisingly cracking sound echoed through the air, shaking everyone's expectations.
"AHHHHHHH!" he collapsed to the ground, writhing and crying in pain as he had accidentally broken his fist.
"He broke his fist? What a joke!"
"Did you hear him cry? That was funny "
The mean laughs and hurtful comments rang in Fang Xuan's ears, making him feel even worse.
'I need to get out of here... I want to go home,' he cried inwardly, squeezing his injured hand tightly.
He fought back tears, not wanting to break down in front of the crowd.
With great effort, he managed to stand and wasted no time before starting to run away.
The ceremony concluded, and he had proven to everyone that he was a complete loser.