For a Yun Mo Planet-level apprentice, even those not as monstrously gifted as Hong or Thunder God, a normal talent multiplier was around 10 times. But for outliers like them, they maxed out at around a 7-times multiplier even at the Planetary level…
Comparing their progress made something clear: an incomplete force exertion technique bottlenecked their growth.
A fully developed force exertion technique, however, would dramatically speed up cultivation.
The problem was, even though Wei Wen knew his force exertion method was incomplete, he had no real solution. For now, he could only hope the binding system would pull through this time.
"Luo Feng should officially gain warrior status tonight. I'll hold off until then," Wei Wen thought.
Last time, when Luo Feng acquired the Five Hearts Facing the Sky Technique, Wei Wen—thanks to the feedback mechanism from their spiritual binding—received a more advanced version: the Five Hearts Returning to Origin Method. A superior, optimized variant.
Now, if Luo Feng chose to purchase the Ninefold Thunderblade Technique, Wei Wen might just receive a complete, optimized version—possibly a true, full-force exertion method.
He needed Luo Feng to unknowingly help him again. Still, Wei Wen wasn't shameless; as the one pulling the strings, he would give back when needed. Helping Luo Feng was helping himself.
As for weapons, Wei Wen still didn't qualify for the 50% discount the Dojo of Limits offered elite warriors. So he wasn't buying anything directly—he'd either borrow Luo Feng's access or ask others to buy on his behalf.
Jiangnan Base City — Dojo of Limits Headquarters
President's Office
President Zhou Zhengyong, dressed in a plain white training uniform, sat behind a broad desk. Across from him stood the three chief supervisors of the main dojo branch.
Four of the highest-ranking figures in the Jiangnan Base City's Dojo of Limits, all gathered in one room. This was no minor issue.
"These are all the records we've compiled on Wei Wen and Luo Feng," Zhou said, handing out thick dossiers.
The three supervisors flipped through the documents quickly. Luo Feng's profile had been compiled earlier by Zhuge Tao.
Had Wei Wen and Luo Feng seen these files, they would've been shocked. Their lives—every move from childhood to the present that could be tracked—had been documented. A testament to the terrifying reach of the Dojo of Limits.
With today's tech, profiling someone without combat or military clearance was a trivial task.
In less than three days, they'd thoroughly dissected both of them.
As the three men read, their image of Wei Wen and Luo Feng rapidly became more nuanced.
"This Wei Wen... feels off somehow," Zhuge Tao frowned.
Luo Feng's rise could be chalked up to his obsessive dedication, natural talent, and sharp comprehension. But Wei Wen?
Wei Wen had been average—in aptitude, performance, everything. A chronic underachiever, even. Someone who gave up easily.
And yet... he'd managed to comprehend Micro-Level Movement Technique?
It didn't add up. Either he was a freakish genius in hiding—or something else was at play. But regardless, neither Micro-Level movement technique nor peak genetic potential could be faked.
That alone marked him as an extraordinary talent.
"What do you think about recommending both of them to the Headquarters Training Camp?" Zhou Zhengyong leaned back, gauging their reactions.
The three exchanged glances. They already had answers.
"Both are young, with excellent comprehension and clear talent. They're rare finds for Jiangnan Base City."
"I support the President's proposal."
"Agreed. We should recommend them both."
Zhou nodded, pleased.
"What about nominating Wei Wen for the Elite Training Camp?" Zhou asked suddenly.
That one caught them off guard.
Everyone here knew—the Elite Training Camp had ten global spots this year, and they were already filled.
Even China had used up its quota, though they'd negotiated hard for a bonus slot.
Logically, they couldn't possibly get another.
And if somehow a spot opened, the applicant would have to pass the B-rank assessment—a brutal test far above the standard A-rank required under normal circumstances.
Case in point: Luo Feng himself had almost failed it.
He only made it through because he had a breakthrough during the exam, discovering a new application for his Ninefold Thunderblade Technique and unleashing his internal potential in time.
Everyone here knew the challenge well. None of them truly believed Wei Wen—talented as he might be—could pass that B-rank exam in just two months.
So they hesitated.
But out of courtesy, they responded:
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
No one elaborated. This was a favor, not faith.
Submitting Wei Wen's application wouldn't guarantee acceptance anyway.
Zhou knew that too. But it cost nothing to try.
"I'll consult with a friend before I make the final call," Zhou said. Then he stood and started a secure holographic call.
The image of a square-jawed middle-aged man in a gray robe flickered into view—Yang Hui, one of the instructors at the Headquarters Training Camp.
"Old Zhou, rare of you to call," Yang Hui chuckled.
"This one's serious," Zhou replied. "Two talents popped up in Jiangnan Base. I want to recommend them to HQ. I'm sending their data and surveillance footage. Take a look. Give me your take."
Seeing Zhou's serious tone, Yang Hui grew serious too. He opened the files.
After a while, he spoke.
"Iron Hand… no problem getting them into the Basic Training Camp. But Wei Wen for the Elite Camp? You're dreaming."
"Under normal circumstances, Elite Camp requires an A-level pass. But for an extra spot? He'd need to pass the B-rank test."
"And that test has nothing to do with innate talent. It looks at force exertion technique, movement technique, actual combat experience—things Wei Wen lacks."
"Let's be honest. Wei Wen probably hasn't even touched force exertion yet."
"His movement technique is barely beginner Micro-Level. He needs at least great mastery. Ideally, perfect-level."
"And combat experience? He's never even fought a monster."
"All three are mandatory. Without them, he fails."
Zhou looked disappointed. "So no chance?"
Yang Hui paused. "I didn't say no chance."
"I just re-read his file. He's been slacking for years… yet suddenly unlocked Micro-Level movement technique? That hints at terrifying comprehension potential."
"If that's true—and if he's serious about cultivating now—then it's possible he could improve enough in two months."
"You've already arranged for his warrior registration, right? That means he can start buying secret manuals."
"Here's my suggestion: retest his force exertion and movement techniques one month from now."
"If he shows significant improvement, that's your shot at pushing the application forward."
"Right now? Not a chance. But in a month? Who knows."
Zhou Zhengyong nodded slowly. "Understood. I'll test him again in August. Thanks, Old Yang."
"Let's see how fast Wei Wen really grows."