Grinding to Become the Martial Saint of the Mortal World

Canglang Martial Arts Hall. 

Front Courtyard. 

The crowd erupted into chaos following Wang Jin's announcement. 

"The Inspection Bureau is real! I heard my father mention it before, but I never thought it was true!" 

"The power of the Inspection Bureau is immense! They oversee the people, patrol the realm, and have the authority to execute before reporting. Joining them would instantly elevate one to a superior status!" 

"Of course! Once you join, you'll be a guest of honor among all factions. Moreover, members of the Inspection Bureau gain access to secret techniques for achieving the realms of Blood Refinement Grandmaster and Spirit Nurturing Grandmaster! They might even receive guidance from the Martial Saint himself! The temptation is overwhelming!" 

"But what's the use of such temptation? By the end of this year, the Inspection Bureau must be established in every province, prefecture, and county. Our teacher also said that only those who master the Five Animal Forms within three months and attain a martial rank will qualify. Can you do it? Or can I?" 

"Exactly! The teacher told us about this opportunity to motivate us to train harder, to give us hope." 

After much discussion, the crowd grew visibly disheartened. 

Suddenly, someone spoke up, "I know someone who has a chance!" 

"Who?" 

"Senior Brother Cheng Ran!" 

At these words, everyone turned to look at Cheng Ran, who stood there with a faint smile, seemingly enjoying the attention. 

The speaker continued, "Senior Brother Cheng Ran has already achieved perfect Qi and Blood, and both his Crane and Tiger Forms have reached the minor mastery level! He can break through in his fist techniques within three months. As for attaining a martial rank, it's hardly a challenge for him!" 

Hearing this, the crowd's eyes widened in astonishment as they gazed at the smiling Cheng Ran. 

At that moment, a man dressed in loose white training attire, his black hair tied simply with a red ribbon, stepped forward with an air of confidence. 

"I am Xiao Peng, greeting the teacher!" The man bowed slightly to Wang Jin. 

"What is it?" Wang Jin asked. 

Xiao Peng clasped his hands and said, "Disciple comprehended the essence and form of the Tiger Fist a week ago, reaching the major mastery level. My Qi and Blood are also nearing perfection, and my Ape Fist has reached the minor mastery level." 

As he spoke, Xiao Peng's expression was radiant, a slight smirk playing on his lips. His body exuded a faint but palpable pressure, causing those around him to feel a sense of awe. 

"Heavens! Senior Brother Xiao Peng has reached this level without anyone noticing?" someone exclaimed. 

"Indeed! Senior Brother Xiao Peng has always been quiet, but when he speaks, it's earth-shattering! To have achieved major mastery in the Tiger Fist a week ago and kept it hidden until now!" 

"With the Tiger Fist at major mastery, the Ape Fist at minor mastery, and his Qi and Blood nearing perfection, doesn't that mean the remaining spot is already secured by Senior Brother Xiao Peng?" 

"It certainly seems so. Although Senior Brother Cheng Ran has a chance, he's a step behind. The gap between minor and major mastery is insurmountable!" 

"Exactly! Senior Brother Xiao Peng managed to achieve major mastery in the Tiger Fist within four months of joining the hall, and his Ape Fist is already at minor mastery. Given another three months, he'll surely reach major mastery in the Ape Fist as well. As for attaining a martial rank, with the wealth of his father, Xiao Wanguan, it'll be a breeze to push him to that level!" 

At this moment, all eyes turned to Xiao Peng, who basked in the attention, his face filled with pride. 

Wang Jin glanced at Cheng Ran before turning his gaze to Xiao Peng. 

"Major mastery in the Tiger Fist and minor mastery in the Ape Fist?" 

Under Wang Jin's scrutiny, Xiao Peng's forehead beaded with sweat. He lowered his head and replied, "Yes!" 

"Demonstrate it for me," Wang Jin commanded. 

Hearing this, Xiao Peng felt as if he had been granted a reprieve. 

The crowd's attention now focused entirely on him. 

In the next moment, Xiao Peng began to perform the fist technique in front of everyone. 

Each move was executed with power and precision, exuding a formidable aura. 

Finally, as he concluded the Tiger Fist, he threw a punch, and a deep roar erupted from within him. 

"Roar!" 

The sound of a tiger's roar echoed, causing everyone's eyes to widen in amazement. 

"Qi and Blood surging, the roar of a tiger! This is indeed the major mastery level of the Tiger Fist!" 

Xiao Peng retracted his stance, calm and composed, as if oblivious to the astonishment around him. 

He clasped his hands toward Wang Jin and said, "Teacher, I have finished my demonstration." 

"Now, demonstrate the Ape Fist," Wang Jin instructed. 

"Yes!" Xiao Peng complied. 

The crowd watched as Xiao Peng performed the Ape Fist with equal skill. 

Once he finished, Wang Jin nodded slightly. 

"Not bad. The Tiger Fist has indeed reached major mastery, and the Ape Fist shows considerable skill. It must have reached minor mastery some time ago." 

"Teacher, your insight is unparalleled!" Xiao Peng clasped his hands and continued, "A month ago, my Ape Fist had already reached minor mastery. I am confident that within the next three months, I will break through to major mastery!" 

Wang Jin nodded. "It's good to have such confidence." 

He then looked at Xiao Peng and said, "Since you've achieved major mastery in the Tiger Fist within four months of joining, you've passed my test. From today onward, you are my true disciple!" 

"Greetings, Master!" Xiao Peng knelt on one knee and performed a formal salute. 

"Good!" Wang Jin nodded again. "From today, you are exempt from all tuition fees and will receive three bowls of medicinal soup daily!" 

"Thank you, Master!" Xiao Peng saluted once more. 

Wang Jin gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before lingering on Jiang Ning for a brief moment. 

What a pity. This boy's luck is not on his side. Even with talent, it's too late for him now. 

He then addressed the crowd, "Continue training diligently. In three months, anyone still has a chance!" 

Turning back to Xiao Peng, he said, "Follow me." 

"Yes, Master!" Xiao Peng saluted and followed Wang Jin as they left. 

The crowd watched their departing figures with envy. 

Standing at the back of the crowd, Jiang Ning clenched his fists. 

Within three months, I must attain a martial rank to seize this tremendous opportunity and join the Inspection Bureau. 

[Skill]: Five Animal Forms (Beginner 90/100) 

Based on my previous experience, progressing from beginner to proficient requires 100 experience points. 

From proficient to minor mastery requires 200 experience points. 

From minor mastery to major mastery requires 500 experience points. 

In total, I need 710 experience points. 

Even if I only gain one experience point per practice session, I would need to practice 710 times. 

Thanks to the wild ginseng gifted by Senior Brother Zhou Xing, I can practice about 20 times a day morning, noon, and evening. 

Assuming 25 sessions a day, at this rate, I can achieve major mastery in the Five Animal Forms within 30 days. 

However, the wild ginseng won't last more than a few days. Even without it, my practice sessions would only be halved. 

Even then, it would take at most two months to achieve major mastery of this fist technique. 

That's not too difficult! 

But for me, the real challenge is attaining a martial rank. 

Jiang Ning furrowed his brows. 

To attain a martial rank, one's Qi and Blood must circulate throughout the body. 

He then focused his Qi and Blood into his right arm, his brows furrowing again. 

"Only about one-third of my body's Qi and Blood is circulating. I'm still far from perfection!" 

"However, according to the manual, practicing the Five Animal Forms at the beginner level can refine one strand of Qi and Blood per session." 

"At the proficient level, it refines two strands per session." 

"At minor mastery, three strands." 

"At major mastery, five strands." 

"There's still time three months." 

"So, grinding experience points is the key for now."