"Can you do it?" Tessa asked as she glanced at Rocky.
"It should not be a problem." Rocky nodded.
"Thank you for your help," Tessa said to Eugene, appreciation evident in her tone.
Eugene surveyed the training ground thoughtfully. Then he pointed at a stone not far from Tessa. It appeared to weigh at least two hundred and fifty kilograms. He faced Rocky and said, "Let's test your strength, okay? Before we decide whether you are a suitable disciple for the Sword Spirit Sect, we need to assess some of your skills. For starters, I need to see if you can push that stone for a short distance, at least."
"Okay." Rocky nodded before approaching the stone. Since he needed to keep a low profile, he couldn't show his real strength. Hence, he gritted his teeth and grunted with exertion as he pretended to push the stone. To everyone's astonishment, the stone did not move at all.
"Well, he seems to be a weakling."
"He doesn't look like he can push a stone weighing twenty-five kilograms, let alone the one that is two hundred and fifty kilograms."
"If I were you, I wouldn't have attempted a challenge that is beyond my abilities. You've made a fool of yourself here."
The newly recruited disciples sneered at Rocky when they saw how much he struggled.
Even before they could finish scoffing at Rocky, the stone, which had been motionless all the while, suddenly slid about ten meters. The disciples watched with mouths agape.
Tessa and Eugene exchanged puzzled glances as well.
"It's so heavy. I feel so tired now," Rocky uttered, panting as though he couldn't catch his breath.
"This is strange. I've only ever seen a disciple who is at least at the third grade of the Spirit Realm move that stone such a distance," Eugene remarked, a hint of confusion evident in his voice.
"Could it be that he has great potential?" Tessa added.
"Well, that's a reasonable explanation." Eugene gave a contemplative nod.
At the time, Rocky returned to Eugene's side.
"That is good. It seems that you have some talent in strength. Let's assay your speed!" Without a second of hesitation, Eugene faced the disciples and asked, "Who was the fastest in the recruitment test?"
"Me!" A young and handsome man stepped forward.
"What is your name?" Eugene questioned.
"Barlow Liu," the handsome man replied.
"Oh, you were from the Shadow Pavilion. Then you were recommended to join our Sword Spirit Sect. The Shadow Pavilion disciples are known for their incredible movement skills..." A smile lit up Eugene's face when he recognized the disciple.
"Do you want me to compete with him?" Barlow Liu pointed at Rocky as he asked, disdain apparent in his demeanor.
"Yes," Eugene answered.
"In that case, I shall only use half my speed to save him from crippling embarrassment," Barlow Liu declared proudly.
"That's very generous of you. Shall we begin?" Rocky pretended to be pleasantly surprised, which made the others despise him even more.
"You can compete with him at half speed if you so choose. However, if he can't surpass you, I'm afraid he will not be good enough for our Sword Spirit Sect," cautioned Eugene.
"Basil, try your best. I have faith in you!" Tessa encouraged Rocky.
Rocky smiled at her gratefully. He then cupped his hands before Barlow Liu and said, "You first."
"Do you think that you can keep up with me?" Barlow Liu snorted.
"I will spare no effort," Rocky responded with a smile.
All of a sudden, a stream of spiritual energy sprang up under Barlow's feet, propelling him forward like an arrow traveling at an astonishing speed.
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