Chapter 26: Lin Qi's Marksmanship (Please keep reading)

The tester stood nearly six feet tall, with a medium yet robust build, his powerful muscles stretching his combat suit.

He was fast, his footsteps steady and forceful. In an instant, he closed the distance to Lin Qi and swung his long spear to launch the first attack.

The spear thrust forward violently, like a bolt of lightning piercing through the air, possessing immense penetrating power.

The tip of the spear flashed with a cold light, approaching in a heartbeat.

Lin Qi’s brow twitched; he recognized it instantly. The opponent was actually using the third form of the "Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique"—the Mountain-Crushing Thrust!

"Did he detect that I was using spear techniques just now when I performed the Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique?"

"So the testers that appear also use spear techniques?"

Lin Qi speculated inwardly, feeling that this was almost certainly the case.

"Perfect timing. I also want to test my Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique."

As the distance between the two closed, the long spear in Lin Qi's hand also thrust out violently in an instant.

His feet exerted sudden force, his body lunged forward, the muscles in his arms bulged, veins began to surface, and power surged.

Gripping the spear tightly with both hands, he exerted force in a single moment, the spear striking out like a dragon.

Mountain-Crushing Thrust!

The same move was released from his hands, its momentum fierce and uncompromising, intending to meet force with force.

*Whish! Whish!*

The wind howled as the spears of both sides collided in the air.

*Clang!*

With a metallic ring, the spears clashed, sending sparks flying. The force transferred between the spear and his arms—it was a visceral, real sensation.

Expressionless, Lin Qi shifted his footing, using the recoil to flip his wrists and continue his spearplay.

The variations of his spearwork changed rapidly, delivering continuous, swift thrusts that were as light as brushing away clouds.

Cloud-Picking!

His mind raced as the twelve forms of the spear technique surfaced, categorized into different response scenarios.

*Clang, clang, clang!*

The tester also executed Cloud-Picking; the spears of both sides collided in the air like lightning.

Every collision sent a spray of sparks into the air.

Spear shadows flickered incessantly, but Lin Qi's eyes grew increasingly excited, and his spearwork became even more rapid.

Faster, faster, faster!

Exhilarating!

He was enjoying the collision of the spears, the transfer of power, and the execution and contest of the spear techniques.

With no psychological burden, he only needed to execute the techniques he knew; the feeling was incredibly comfortable.

His body and mind relaxed, and power flowed through every corner of his being.

After a short while, Lin Qi suddenly noticed the tester's movements beginning to become stiff.

*Clang!*

Lin Qi swung his spear, and the two collided once more.

"It's time to end this!"

In that instant, Lin Qi's eyes lit up. He exerted sudden force, power erupting through his spine segment by segment, his body like a compressed spring.

The long spear in his hand was like a sharp bolt of lightning, piercing through the air.

Swift Advance!

The tester could not react in time and was forced into a passive thrust.

He could only watch helplessly as Lin Qi's spear stabbed into his chest like a ferocious beast.

*Pfft!*

The spear pierced through the chest, and blood sprayed, splashing onto Lin Qi's face.

【First time performing spear technique execution. Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique proficiency increased. Spear Technique +1%】

【First time using movement techniques in actual combat. Movement Technique +2%】

【Spear Technique: Tier 1 77% → 78%】

【Movement Technique: Tier 1 68% → 70%】

...

Lin Qi retracted his spear, silently savoring the feeling of the battle just fought, his spirit highly focused and his muscles tense.

It was completely different from the feeling of normal training; this was near-authentic combat.

And this first real fight had also granted his spear technique a slight boost.

【Battle ended. Congratulations to "Yang Jian" for the victory!】

【Current test progress (1/3)】

An electronic voice rang out from the sky.

"Only 1/3 progress. That means I have to fight two more matches to pass the human-machine test."

Looking at the screen, Lin Qi instantly understood the rules.

"Continue the challenge!"

Without hesitation, he chose to continue!

*Beep!*

A moment later, the tester in the white combat suit reappeared. As soon as the battle began, he charged out like a whirlwind.

His speed had increased, and he wielded his long spear with swift, fierce movements.

"It's the 'Dripping Water Spear Technique'!"

Lin Qi recognized this technique. He immediately stepped forward and charged, his large black spear swinging with majestic momentum as the second battle began!

Compared to the first battle, his movements had become more proficient and fluid.

...

20 minutes later.

*Clang, clang!*

On the wide floor of the arena, two figures—one black and one white—were engaged in a fierce clash, wielding large spears.

Silver light and black spear shadows flickered, sending massive amounts of sparks flying.

Lin Qi swung his large black spear wildly, executing the Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique. One move followed another with no obstruction in the transitions; it was incredibly smooth.

The momentum was majestic, fierce, and domineering, fully manifesting the style of the Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique.

The opposing tester wielded his spear, condensing it into a defensive circle to block the attacks.

"Even the 'Rock-Solid Spear Technique' can't block my attacks. Die!"

Lin Qi erupted suddenly. The spear shaft hummed, and his blood surged like a river flowing through his body.

His muscles expanded, his core exerted force, and power was poured into his arms. With immense finger strength, he gripped the spear and thrust.

Mountain-Crushing Thrust!

The intense thrust struck out like lightning, breaking through the defensive circle and instantly piercing the tester's throat.

*Pfft!*

A one-hit kill!

The tester's figure dissolved into nothingness.

【Through intense combat with the opponent, Mountain-Crushing Spear Technique proficiency increased. Spear Technique +2%】

【Spear Technique: Tier 1 78% → 80%】

...

【Tester deceased. Congratulations to "Yang Jian" for the victory.】

【Current test progress (3/3)】

【Congratulations, you have passed the human-machine test!】

The electronic female voice echoed through the empty arena.

Lin Qi exhaled, looking radiant and showing no sign of fatigue.

"Exhilarating!"

Lin Qi felt a sense of pure satisfaction; he had fully unleashed all the spear techniques he had ever learned.

In battle, facing the unfamiliar "Dripping Water Spear Technique" and "Rock-Solid Spear Technique," he had seen different styles of spearwork.

It had deepened his proficiency, and the fact that one never feels tired during combat made it incredibly addictive.

【"Yang Jian," Matchmaking Mode is now enabled!】

【Start matchmaking? Yes / No】

Looking at the data appearing on the panel, Lin Qi fell into thought.

"I've experienced the human-machine mode. Although they can autonomously execute spear techniques and launch attacks, they are too rigid and cannot use the techniques flexibly."

"Those who can consecutively defeat three opponents with decent spear foundations can pass."

"But fighting normal humans is completely different."

"The people who can enter the Red Realm Arena now are not ordinary people."

"However, regardless of winning or losing, the improvement to me will be massive."

Lin Qi clicked "Yes!"

He confirmed the start of matchmaking.

【Matchmaking starting. Both sides' Blood Vitality is 6.0】

【Hide true identity? Yes / No】

Lin Qi's brow arched in surprise. He could actually mask his face?

The panel switched, displaying several masks of various shapes and colors—some handsome, some eerie, some beautiful...

Since that was the case, there was no reason to hesitate. Lin Qi chose a handsome black mask.

This way, he was clad in black, possessing a cold and solemn aura, looking as if one were facing an abyss through the mask.

Three minutes later, Lin Qi opened his eyes. A figure appeared out of thin air opposite him.

It was a tall young man in a red combat suit, carrying a long sword.

His features were ordinary, with a few acne spots and thick, curly hair.

Above the opponent's head, a nickname appeared—【My Greatsword】 (Elite).

"Yang Jian?"

"A rookie newbie?"

The curly-haired man spoke, glancing at Lin Qi and letting out a disdainful laugh.

"I love crushing rookies the most. Brother, let my Greatsword take good care of you."

Behind the mask, Lin Qi remained silent, raising his large black spear.

He glanced at his own panel and noticed a slight change in the information.

Nickname: 【Yang Jian】 (Newbie)

The word "Newbie" had been added after his nickname, followed by a small line of notes.

【Newbie】: Competitors who have passed the human-machine test and have played fewer than 10 matches.

【Elite】: Competitors who have won more than 10 matches in the matchmaking arena.

...

So that was it. Lin Qi understood instantly.

"It seems my luck is good; my first matchmaking opponent isn't weak."

"An Elite has won at least ten matches. Compared to a novice like me, his strength is definitely high. He might very well be the strongest challenge I've faced so far."

【Battle is about to begin!】

【3, 2, 1...】

【Match Start!】

As soon as the time arrived, a smart voice announced loudly in the air: the battle had officially begun!

...

(End of Chapter)