“Not bad!” said the Black Armor. “You have done better than I expected and put a new twist on the ultimate art of Tranquil Star. That passes muster!0

“Three excellent marks, one good mark, one acceptable, and one fail!”0

Sky Sword counted as a good mark since he’d defeated two puppets. Hou Xiaochen was acceptable since he’d only defeated one. Those who had passed grew expectant. What would the third test be? And what was the special reward for passing with good marks?0

“The third test… is easy.” The Black Armor seemed to be smiling. “You will be official students of Evenround Martial if you pass! If not, then all of you will be eliminated!”0

When it next spoke of the third test’s contents, Li Hao and the rest blinked, dazed.0

……0

The first test had been of civil subjects, the second of martial. What the Black Armor described of the third test, the group looking around blankly.0

“Enter!” The Black Armor waved a door into existence. “If you four and the plant spirit can emerge, you will be official students and may leave at any time. If not, all of you can stay forever!”0

Li...0