Who Let Him Cultivate？

Chapter 70: The Second Test

“In what universe is *this* how the Mantis Fist is practiced?!” The Deputy Sect Master’s eyes bulged. He was familiar with the Mantis Fist—it was a martial art designed to *emulate* the predatory strikes of a praying mantis.

It was a technique of imitation, not a method of literal, biological transmutation!

To ensure this trial met his rigorous standards, he had run countless simulations. He had even tasked several of the sect’s most strategically agile elders to attempt it, confirming that aside from his standardized solution, there was absolutely no alternative method to pass.

And now, two completely unauthorized solutions had manifested. He could not accept this!

The Sect Master, however, adopted a more philosophical perspective. “Consider it from another angle. He merely observed a mantis for a few moments and fully comprehended the essence of the Mantis Fist. The historical Jin Kingdom general possessed no martial talent, which only highlights that this Lu Yang’s innate martial aptitude is extraordinary. To reach a realm where martial arts enter the Dao, elevating physical combat into profound divine abilities… this is a once-in-a-generation genius!”

The Deputy Sect Master froze. He turned slowly to look at the Sect Master’s dead-serious expression. “Are you… being serious right now?”

*Of course I’m making this up,* the Sect Master thought to himself. *I have absolutely no idea how he turned from a human into a giant insect. But as the supreme leader of this organization, I cannot project ignorance in front of my subordinates.*

Outwardly, the Sect Master gave a solemn nod. “Naturally, I am serious.”

Framed this way, the Deputy Sect Master felt somewhat better. If the boy was truly a once-in-a-lifetime prodigy, stumbling upon an unconventional solution was within acceptable margins.

It was barely tolerable.

“All who can pass have passed. The first trial is concluded,” the Deputy Sect Master announced.

Across the scrying pool, hundreds of thousands of scenes played out. Only a small fraction of the candidates had gleaned the concept of perseverance from the spider. An even smaller number had extracted tactical brilliance from the mantis. The vast majority had collapsed in their caves, becoming deserters before being slaughtered by Liang Kingdom soldiers in the chaos of war. They died nameless and forgotten, their grand ambitions snuffed out by foot soldiers who had no idea they were butchering future elites of the cultivation world.

“The second trial begins.”

…

*The objective of the second trial: Make the examiner sincerely want to keep you.*

The directive echoed in the minds of the remaining candidates. Their previous memories were wiped, leaving behind only a singular drive to pass the upcoming evaluation.

Yan Wangsun felt dizzy. He had no recollection of the previous events. His only vague memory was of an overly familiar person asking where he was from, to which he had replied, *Huangyue City*.

“I am Yan Wangsun. I am currently applying for a position at the Falling Coin Chamber of Commerce. I must pass this interview. The interview rules strictly forbid sharing the questions with others.” Yan Wangsun quickly organized his current reality.

Even without the rule, Yan Wangsun wouldn’t have breathed a word to the competition. Helping others offered him no benefit.

He found himself seated in the first chair. Next to him sat a hulking man wearing a scholar’s robe.

“Name’s Man Gu. What’s yours?” the giant asked.

Yan Wangsun ignored him. The examiner had just called his name.

Stepping into the interview room, Yan Wangsun noticed a crumpled ball of paper on the floor. He picked it up and threw it into the waste bin before taking his seat.

The examiner was a rotund man whose robes strained against his bulk. He wore a constant, placid smile. “Yan Wangsun, is it? I need you to go to the market and see if anyone is selling potatoes.”

Yan Wangsun obediently left. He scoured the market, finding only one vendor selling potatoes. He returned and reported: “Yes.”

The chubby examiner smiled. “How many potatoes are there?”

Yan Wangsun suppressed a sigh and ran back out. He returned shortly. “There are eighty pounds of potatoes.”

“And the price?”

*Why didn’t you ask that earlier, you fatso?* Yan Wangsun cursed internally. He sprinted out for the third time, asked the vendor, and rushed back. “Three copper coins per pound.”

“How is the quality? Does it justify the price?”

Veins throbbed at Yan Wangsun’s temples. Feeling like a dog being taken for a walk, he ran out for the fourth time to inspect the goods. “The quality is average. Fair value is around three or four coppers. The price is set low.”

The chubby examiner beamed. “You are eliminated.”

“On what grounds?!” Yan Wangsun exploded. He had been run ragged, sprinting back and forth for half the day, only to be rejected?

This was a joke!

The examiner spread his hands. “For a simple matter like inquiring about potatoes, you needed four separate trips. How can I entrust you with important work?”

“Then why didn’t you ask all the questions at once?!”

The examiner shook his head. “Your lack of thoroughness is the issue. How can you blame me for not asking? Young man, in the workplace, you must learn to anticipate your superior’s intentions.”

“Spit on your intentions! Who do you think you are, the Emperor?”

The examiner remained unbothered. “Despite your failure, you may stay.”

Yan Wangsun narrowed his eyes, suspicious of another trick. “Really?”

“Do you recall that crumpled paper you threw away upon entering? I deliberately placed it there to see who would pick it up.”

A surge of triumph washed over Yan Wangsun. *Ah! A hidden test of responsibility and observation!*

“We happen to need a cleaner. You’re hired for sanitation duties.”

Yan Wangsun: “…”

He wanted to curse but held back. Regardless, securing a position meant he had passed the trial. That was good.

“Next,” the chubby examiner called.

Man Gu lumbered into the room. Watching the giant’s simple, honest face, Yan Wangsun scoffed inwardly. *This guy will get played even worse than I did.*

“Go to the market and see if anyone is selling potatoes,” the examiner instructed, using the same trap.

Man Gu gave a slow “Oh,” and left.

He returned over ten minutes later.

“There is an elderly vendor at the market with a handcart. He has eighty pounds of potatoes, priced at three copper coins per pound. The quality matches the price. He also said if we buy in bulk, he can offer a ten percent discount…”

Man Gu’s report was extremely detailed. He had preemptively addressed questions the examiner hadn’t even considered. Standing by the wall, Yan Wangsun was stunned.

Despite his hulking physique, Man Gu possessed a meticulous mind. He was skilled at learning humbly, especially from Lu Yang and Meng Jingzhou.

Judging by his current performance, he still had a long way to go before graduating from their influence.

“Congratulations. You’re hired.”

…

“See? This Man Gu has great Potential,” the Deputy Sect Master said proudly, pleased that the giant had passed the trial perfectly. It proved his test design was correct.

A few other candidates had answered the four questions in only two trips; they were considered barely acceptable.

Only Man Gu perfectly matched his expectations.

The Sect Master nodded. “It seems this second trial tests thoroughness and the ability to consider one’s superior’s needs.”

The Demonic Path must act carefully, leaving no traces to avoid giving the Righteous Path leverage. Moreover, only by considering one’s superior’s needs can one demonstrate the Potential for promotion, prompting the higher-ups to elevate you.

The Deputy Sect Master had designed this trial based on these considerations.

“There should be no other way to pass this time,” the Deputy Sect Master said with a smug laugh.

The Sect Master remained silent. His gaze drifted toward the two candidates who had excelled in the first trial.

His intuition told him that perhaps there was another method.

(End of Chapter)