After leaving the dormitory, Shu Han and Shen Shao returned to the Fenxin Society, where many members were waiting for them.
Upon meeting everyone, Shu Han recounted what had transpired with Chen Chuan. Hearing that Chen Chuan hadn't faced any threats and that relinquishing Xuanxiang Jin had been entirely his own decision, the members were astonished, but they also felt a surge of exasperation at his failure to live up to expectations.
A senior member said in a low voice, "This matter cannot just end like this. As upperclassmen, we cannot watch him squander his talent like this. We have a responsibility and a duty to guide him back onto the right path."
Someone else said in great surprise, "That junior has only been enrolled for about half a month, right? And he could already take down Shu Han? His natural talent really is remarkable."
"It proves his physical foundation is phenomenal and his aptitude is extraordinary, which is why he could pull off something like this without cultivating any jin at all. Sigh, a gift like that isn't far behind what Senior had back then! How could he just give it up? What a waste! If he were willing to embrace the Xuanxiang Jin method, I can't even imagine the heights he could reach."
The members chimed in with agreement. Someone that gifted was a natural-born vessel for cultivating the Xuanxiang Jin method, just like that senior had been back then. How could he waste such talent? They had to find a way to talk sense into him and correct his course.
Yet someone raised a key issue: "Still, in the end, he's the one who refused. What else can we do?"
"That's only because he doesn't yet realize what he carries on his shoulders. Why don't we invite him out for a talk? Reason with him, and he should understand," an older student proposed.
"But will he come? From what Shu Han said, he spends all day holed up in his dorm training and rarely steps outside. Under these circumstances, I doubt we'd even get to see him if we went to his dormitory."
Although bringing food into the dormitories was forbidden, that rule applied only to students, not advising instructors. In theory, if Chen Chuan didn't want to come out, he could stay holed up indefinitely. And with just a quick word to the dorm supervisor, they would be barred at the entrance.
"He can't stay in his room forever. There will be an opportunity."
"I think we could do this..." one member suggested. "This month's monthly exam is coming up. He'll definitely have to come out then. Maybe we can find a chance to talk to him around that time?"
A core member pondered carefully and said, "That is actually workable. How about this: I'll go talk to the instructors above and get this arranged to set up a talk with him. We can't let him keep acting so headstrong."
"What if he still refuses to listen after we talk to him?"
"Then we'll speak to him in the language of fighters," a voice rang out.
The members turned their heads and saw a tall student standing by the doorway. They hurriedly greeted him with calls of "Senior" and "Vice President."
The tall student walked over and said slowly, "He's only just entered the school and hasn't seen much of the world yet. As long as we make him realize that there are vast differences between one kind of martial strength and another, I'm sure he will correct his thinking."
Inside the dormitory, Chen Chuan was completely immersed in his training. During the day, he practiced stances with Orthodox Sanshou while using medicinal formulas alongside the vocalized exhalation techniques; at night, he practiced his breathing technique, using the Second Self along the way to remove the strain and harm caused by the medicines, stances, and breathing.
With such ceaseless training, he was completely oblivious to the passage of time. It was only when Cheng Zitong told him he could ease up that he realized the end of the month had already arrived.
Seeing his reluctant, lingering eagerness, Cheng Zitong smiled and said, "You work far too hard. There's no need to rush like this. You've only been enrolled for a month, with the whole semester ahead of you. Take it in stride. It's already the end of the month, so every student has to take the monthly exam, and advising instructors have to show up too. Tomorrow, I'll take you to the exam."
Chen Chuan asked, "Teacher, what will this monthly exam consist of?"
Cheng Zitong replied, "Monthly exams are usually arranged so that advising instructors design tests for each other's students. I haven't really served as an advising instructor before, so I'm not familiar with the detailed procedures. But it doesn't matter. The teachers in this school all give me some face, and your strength speaks for itself. It shouldn't be difficult to pass."
Chen Chuan nodded in understanding. Shu Han had mentioned this during their initial briefing: the monthly exams were really only established to keep students from becoming too slack.
There was indeed little reason to worry about a monthly exam. Even if someone tried to make things difficult, it wouldn't matter much; failing wouldn't result in a rank demotion. Only the midterm and final exams were truly critical.
Furthermore, since instructors set tasks for one another's students, anyone deliberately making things hard for someone else's pupil would have to beware of their own students receiving the same treatment next time. It wasn't worth the trouble and carried little point, so advising instructors generally shared an unspoken understanding.
He asked, "What time tomorrow?"
Cheng Zitong said, "I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning. It shouldn't take very long."
Meanwhile, in a villa at North Peak Garden, several painters were working on portraits of several members and core leaders of the Mutual Aid Society across a shaded lawn. Attendants carried trays, serving beverages, fruits, and snacks, while someone nearby played a melodious tune on a violin.
An attendant approached Senior Jiang, bowed low, and whispered a few words into his ear. Senior Jiang raised his eyebrows. "Oh? The Fenxin Society intends to persuade him?"
Though both had spoken in hushed tones, everyone present possessed superb physical fitness and virtually all heard it. One of them picked up a drink from a passing attendant's tray, took a sip, walked over, sat down, and said, "Brother Jiang, is the news about that kid not choosing Xuanxiang Jin confirmed? It couldn't be a show they staged themselves, could it?"
Someone chimed in, "It's confirmed. Xuanxiang Jin has its peculiarities; once chosen, it must be officially registered with the Executive Department and the Principal's Office. But neither Gao Ping nor Cheng Zitong went there, so it's definitely not Xuanxiang Jin. You have to remember that teaching a jin method without authorization violates the academy's rules; they wouldn't do that."
Another person remarked, "When he turned down Yu Ruizhi's recruitment that day, I thought he'd end up learning Xuanxiang Jin just like that fellow back then. Who would've thought? At least he knows what's good for him."
The recommended student who had spoken first said playfully, "Maybe it was precisely because he heard about what happened two years ago that he didn't dare make that choice? But..." He set down his glass and said, "Brother Jiang, if the Fenxin Society pushes him to choose it, do you think he'll accept?"
Senior Jiang smiled faintly and said, "Once the show starts tomorrow, we'll know the answer."
The next day, Chen Chuan left the dormitory building dressed in formal student attire. The sunlight was brilliant today, and a chorus of birdsong echoed over Spring and Autumn Lake.
After waiting a short while, Cheng Zitong's car arrived. Chen Chuan walked over, opened the door, and got inside, only to hear Cheng Zitong say, "There sure are a lot of birds chirping today. Doesn't seem this noisy usually. Didn't disturb you, did it?"
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "I focus completely during training, so sounds from outside generally don't affect me."
"That's good."
Cheng Zitong started the car, driving away from the dormitory building toward the south side of the school. He said, "It's already been settled. Teacher Ni Xiaolin will serve as your monthly exam proctor.
"I've known Teacher Ni for a long time. Even though the old lady is all smiles with everyone, she has an unpredictable way of handling things, so you'd better stay on your toes."
Chen Chuan said, "Understood, Teacher."
The car arrived before a training gymnasium bordering a patch of lush greenery. The surroundings were pleasant and covered a fairly large area; in addition to the gymnasium itself, there was a small library beside it.
After getting out of the car, Cheng Zitong led Chen Chuan inside. Just as they stepped in, a tall young female assistant with a high ponytail and firm, powerful legs walked over and greeted him, "Senior Martial Brother Cheng."
Cheng Zitong asked, "Xiao Qiu, where is your teacher?"
Assistant Qiu said, "Teacher just woke up and is still getting ready..." She glanced at Chen Chuan. "This must be your student, Senior Martial Brother. Why not let him take the exam first?"
Cheng Zitong hesitated, but Chen Chuan spoke up, "Teacher Cheng, if you have things to attend to, go ahead. I will take the exam first."
Cheng Zitong considered it. "Very well." He patted Chen Chuan's shoulder.
Chen Chuan said, "Don't worry, Teacher."
Assistant Qiu raised a hand toward the right corridor. "This way." She then took the lead. Chen Chuan followed her inward, making two turns to arrive at a corridor lined with potted greenery on both sides. Reaching the end, Assistant Qiu stepped forward and pushed open double doors, and Chen Chuan followed her inside.
Only then did he discover nearly twenty upperclassmen sitting or standing inside. Some were dressed in formal student attire, while others wore academy training uniforms, all silently watching him at that moment.
Assistant Qiu said, "This is your exam prompt. By whatever means necessary, make them yield, or find a way to walk out on your own, and you pass." Having said that, she walked straight over to the side, crossed her arms, and leaned against the wall.
Chapter 56