C24 Did This Child Take Drugs??

March 30th marked the start of the mock exams.

The cultural studies mock exam had wrapped up two days prior.

Unsurprisingly, Lu Chong clinched first place in the whole school, or more accurately, first in the city.

Yet, beyond the cultural institutions, domestic Martial Arts and comprehensive universities place greater emphasis on the Martial Arts assessment.

In such exams, cultural scores contribute a mere 20%, with the Martial Arts assessment being paramount.

The cultural exam spanned two days, while the Martial Arts assessment stretched over six.

On the first morning, a basic Martial Arts exam would gauge the candidates' foundational data, including cultivation level, basic strength, speed, and neural response. Candidates would earn a cumulative score from these four assessments.

Each section had a maximum of 100 points, culminating in a total of 400.

The benchmark for full marks corresponded to the foundational data of a novice Martial Artist.

Naturally, those surpassing this benchmark could earn bonus points.

The Martial Arts skills assessment, involving practical application, was the most weighted and flexible component.

Lu Chong arrived at school early to join his Class 5 peers before heading to the testing site to evaluate their basic data.

"Mr. Chong, do you think you've got a shot at the school's top ten, to bring some pride to Class 5?" inquired Chen Yufei, trailing behind Lu Chong. They were at the back of the line, waiting their turn for the test, but Yufei, a Stage 3 Martial Disciple and one of the last in his class, wasn't too bothered by it.

Only the Class Teacher and Lou Qingqing were privy to the fact that Lu Chong's cultivation had soared to Martial Disciple Stage 8, leaving his classmates in the dust.

Lu Chong just smiled, keeping his counsel.

He harbored a singular ambition, one that would surely astonish others if revealed.

The basic tests proceeded swiftly, with few standouts in Class 5.

Lou Qingqing was an exception, having attained Martial Disciple Stage 6. Her strength, speed, and reflexes were commendable, and she scored 268 points, just making the cut for prestigious Martial Arts universities.

Lu Chong was up next. He stepped into the testing room alone.

Outside the room, not only was Class Teacher Wang Tong present, but Dean Zhou Ang and the Class Teacher of Class 1 had also made an appearance.

"Old Lee, what brings you to Class 5 instead of your own?" Zhou Ang inquired. He was a portly, bald man whose smile resembled that of a Maitreya Buddha.

Yet, within the halls of No.1 High School, there wasn't a soul who wasn't intimidated by the Dean, who, despite his unassuming appearance, commanded respect.

Zhou Ang was a genuine Martial Master. Rumor had it that his physique was the result of practicing some unique martial arts technique.

He was the figure the students feared the most.

Lee Chengjun, however, was not daunted by the Dean, responding with a grin, "Director, you're here as well, aren't you? There's a student in Class 5 whom my old squad leader cherishes like a gem. I'm just here to check on his progress. Let's hope he doesn't get stuck in Class 5 and hinder his training."

Wang Tong huffed, "You should focus on your own class. Our class is on the verge of outperforming yours."

The Dean, aware that the two were old war buddies and not actual foes, chuckled, "Elder Wai asked me to check on the kid."

"After all, he's received the highest award and all the martial skills our school has to offer. I'm curious to see just how talented this youngster is."

Wang Tong turned away, dismissing Lee Chengjun, his gaze fixed on the screen outside the testing room.

From there, he could monitor all of Lu Chong's test data and the swiftly published scores.

Undeterred, Lee Chengjun kept on, "Such a shame for a kid with so much potential. If he were in our class, he'd probably be at Martial Disciple Stage 6 by now."

Wang Tong let out a chuckle, paying no mind to his myopic colleague.

As Lee Chengjun was gearing up to further needle his old comrade, Zhou Ang suddenly exclaimed in astonishment, "This can't be!"

Lee Chengjun's eyes darted to the screen, mirroring Zhou Ang's shock. His mouth agape, he blurted out nearly the same words, "This can't be! Could the equipment be malfunctioning?"

Displayed on the screen outside was Lu Chong's cultivation test data.

"Cultivation: Martial Disciple, Stage 8, 80 points."

Wang Tong's eyes bulged as he exclaimed, "Lee Chengjun, you're not seeing the big picture! Lu Chong has already surpassed Stage 8—I witnessed it myself." He relished the chance to reprimand Lee Chengjun, feeling a rush of satisfaction wash over him.

As Lu Chong's daily mentor, Wang Tong was well aware of his student's cultivation progress.

Yet, without having seen it firsthand, Wang Tong would never have believed Lu Chong's cultivation could advance so rapidly.

After a string of defeats, he was finally able to reclaim some confidence through someone else's achievements.

Moreover, as Lu Chong's teacher, others' astonishment only left room for envy towards him.

Lee Chengjun and Zhou Ang exchanged bewildered glances, speechless in their shock.

They were both familiar with Lu Chong and knew that he had only recently advanced to Stage 5. How could he have reached Stage 8 already?

"Former leader, did you give him some kind of banned substance?" Lee Chengjun blurted out after a moment of shock, then added, "Doing that could ruin Lu Chong. Even if his foundation isn't solid, it could still compromise his future potential."

Zhou Ang cast a doubtful look at Wang Tong, though he remained silent.

Wang Tong, initially elated, felt his joy turn to anger as he faced the accusation, his face reddening. "Stop spouting nonsense. Do you really think I'm that type of person? I'm well aware of what banned substances are, probably more so than you."

Zhou Ang interjected with a stern voice, "Let's not rush into a debate. However, the rate of Lu Chong's progress does seem abnormal. It's not out of the question that he might have taken something on his own, risking his foundation in the process." Zhou Ang furrowed his brow in thought.

Such incidents were not unheard of, in fact, they were quite common.

With the College Entrance Examination looming, students often resorted to illicit drugs to boost their cultivation dramatically. Moreover, they could earn extra points in this area without breaking any rules.

However, this approach could deplete a student's potential, hindering their long-term growth.

Wang Tong was confident that Lu Chong wouldn't resort to such measures. About to counter the allegations, he suddenly pointed to the screen and declared, "Take a look at his other scores, and you'll understand. If he were using drugs to enhance his cultivation, there would be discrepancies in his other three scores."

"That makes sense. Let's take a look before we discuss further." Zhou Ang steadied himself and gestured to Lee Chengjun to keep quiet as they reviewed the data together.

Just then, Lu Chong's latest score flashed on the screen outside the room.

"Basic Strength: 945 kilograms, 95 points."

Zhou Ang and Lee Chengjun blinked simultaneously as the numbers appeared. They vigorously rubbed their eyes and looked again.

The figures on the screen remained unchanged.

Wang Tong felt the urge to rub his eyes too, but he resisted. Instead, he put on an air of someone who had expected this all along.