Kapitel 41: I will grant your wish!

"Oh, it's already time? Why do I feel like it was just a moment?"

"Oh my god, crap. I've barely touched the surface."

…

The crowd of martial artists chatted with worried looks on their faces. Basically, 1 hour was not long enough to perceive anything. The majority of martial artists only scratched the surface, unable to delve deep into the essence of the martial skills they encountered. If they could touch even a bit of the essence, then it could be said that their perception was not bad.

They could only grudgingly leave the stone room at Elder Tren's insistence, despite the fact that some of them were unwilling.

Leo left the stone room with the crowd, his expression unreadable, concealing any hint of satisfaction or disappointment within him. Russell's brows furled at each other. It appears that he wasn't able to perceive too much because the time was too short.

With a proud grin on his face, Franklin surveyed Leo and Russell before taking brisk steps outside while holding his head high. 'I look forward to seeing what you choose to compare with me!' Franklin thought with a confident smirk.

The crowd quickly reassembled in front of the sword testing stand. "Right now, you will divide into groups based on the perceived martial skill and demonstrate it," Elder Tren stated. " These elders and I will categorize your perceptive level based on your performance, classifying it into extreme, amazing , good, average, and unqualified. We'll eliminate those with unqualified perceptions!"

Upon hearing the word 'eliminated,' the martial artists in the audience grew frightened and hesitated to go up first for the test. They obviously didn't think highly of themselves because they didn't realize what kind of accomplishment was required to be eligible.

With an arrogant mock, Franklin addressed the martial artists' looks and declared loudly, "Since nobody else is going up, I'll go up first. Elders, please enlighten me!"

"All right, this kind of guy who dares to take the lead is exactly what we want in a martial artist . Don't worry. Just demonstrate the martial ability you perceived." Elder Tren grinned and readily offered his praise, noticing that Franklin had risen first.

Leo's eyes flashed as he saw Franklin step forward first, appearing to be full of confidence. He merely observed in silence, keeping his thoughts to himself.

'Fuck, he stole the limelight again,' muttered Russell. 'I am interested in how much you can perceive.'

Franklin took pleasure in the sensation that all eyes were on him. He didn't hesitate for a second before starting to demonstrate. He was determined to wow everyone this time!

The martial art Franklin pondered was known as the Mysterious Ice Claw. When activated, it would expel stifling cold air. When fully trained, it could even condense ice to strike its adversary and obliterate the enemy's organs and tissues.

Although Franklin couldn't reach that level at the moment, when he executed the first technique, the crowd of martial artists noticed a slight drop in temperature.

Unable to remain still, the two elders in the judging area got to their feet.

"He actually caused a change in temperature!" said one of the elders. "He has already perceived this martial skill's essence!"

"That's true. He could achieve this kind of outcome in such a short amount of time. This perception is really incredible!"

After hearing the two elders' commendation, Elder Tren couldn't contain his laughter. "Mr. Odvon, it seems that you too are familiar with this mysterious ice claw. How is it? Franklin's perception isn't bad, right?"

After observing Franklin's demonstration, Ninth Uncle nodded approvingly and commented, "It's quite impressive. It's currently at 10% of my capacity. This level of perception in just one hour is remarkable."

Elder Tren didn't bring up the evident suspicion expressed by Ninth Uncle, instead simply grinning contentedly and saying, "It looks like Franklin will take first place this round."

"Why is there such a rush, Elder Tren? That's not obvious. Leo's turn hasn't arrived yet."

Upon hearing this, Elder Tren chuckled and remarked, "Does Niece Cassia still think Leo can surpass Franklin? In all my years of assessment, only Franklin has achieved such a high level of understanding in less than an hour."

While they were talking, Franklin completed demonstrating his set of the Mysterious Ice Claw .

After three days of intense study and comprehension, he had not only clearly memorized the Mysterious Ice Claw's techniques, but he had also grasped some of its essence. The most difficult aspect of mastering a martial talent was comprehending its essence; once understood, all that remained was to bitterly cultivate it. It could be argued that if he persevered and continued to practice, he would eventually master it.

"Elder, disciple, you have already finished demonstrating." Franklin saluted as he spoke.

"En, your perception is not bad. After a unanimous agreement, your perception has been deemed 'amazing'!" Elder Tren made a public announcement.

Following the announcement of Franklin's results, the martial artists below started to make noise.

"This Franklin still can't be overlooked!"

"That's correct. In just an hour, he was able to perceive a martial skill to this degree. He's truly amazing! That kind of talent is truly rare."

"I think he's going to take first place in this round."

The crowd buzzed with admiration and envy for Franklin's incredible talent, some in awe of his achievement while others were green with jealousy. Many were in agreement that he was a force to be reckoned with and a strong contender for the top spot in the competition. Franklin stood arrogantly, accepting the praise and encouragement from his peers.

Hearing Elder Tren's words, Franklin's face flashed a hint of glee. Amazing perception. This was an extraordinary result, second only to extreme perception. In fact, looking at the entire Zephyr Blade Sect, how many people there could be regarded as having extreme perceptions?

He would undoubtedly win first place in this round!

Under the envious eyes of the martial artists, Franklin complacently returned to the crowd. As Franklin turned around, his eyes met Russell's disapproving gaze. He chuckled before taunting, "Russell, didn't you want to compare who was the bigger genius with me? Why not also go up and have your perception assessed?" Franklin's smirk hinted at his competitive spirit.

Russell's hands were clenched tight in response to Franklin's taunt. Although he had little chance of defeating Franklin, he also did not want to be a coward. He replied angrily, "I'll go up. I'm not scared of you."

Russell moved from the crowd to stand in front of the judging area as he was speaking. Russell was asked what weapon he used, and a deacon came over with a long, lower-grade iron sword so he could show off his sword skills.

Russell pondered the Thunder Light Sword Skill as well, but when he started to demonstrate it, it was clearly very different from what had been shown on the stone carving. All eight sword strokes were executed, but sadly, none of them had much appeal. In contrast to Franklin, who had the ability to change the temperature of the surrounding area, it wasn't necessary to mention that. Russell barely succeeded in producing a little portion of the thunder sound on the final stroke.

Elder Tren replied, "This Russell is also not bad," glancing at Ninth Uncle and the other two elders as he heard the rumbling of thunder. " Even though he's a long way from Franklin, he may have captured some of its charm because he was able to produce the thunder sound. Should we consider his perception to be good?"

Ninth Uncle and the other two elders nodded in acknowledgment of Elder Tren's remarks.

Knowing that his perception had been judged as good, a full two tiers below Franklin's, Russell was naturally a little unwilling, but he already knew that his performance just now was indeed far off from Franklin's. Although he was angry, he didn't have anything to say.

"Russell, even if you want to fight me for the position of genius, it's just a huge joke. Your perception is a full two tiers below mine. Now you can admit defeat!" Franklin said it proudly. Previously, in the mental strength assessment, he had lost to Russell, but right now he has finally made a comeback.

"Hmph, beating me doesn't guarantee you first place. Leo has already won two rounds. Who's to say he won't win this one too?" Responding to Franklin's taunts, Russell elevated Leo to the same level, pushing him towards the stage.

"Leo?" With a mocking look in Leo's direction, Franklin remarked, "His winning the first two rounds was just luck. True strength can be tested in these final two rounds. Would you be brave enough to go forward and try your perception, Leo? I'll agree not to go looking to cause trouble for your Sinclair family if you can defeat me. What say you about that?"

Leo asked in a grave tone, his eyes flashing brilliantly with unwavering resolve. "Can I take these words as truth?"

"It is, of course! There are a lot of martial artists, and the Wind Swords Sects are present as witnesses. Are you still concerned that I could break my word?" Franklin gave a smirk. He didn't think Leo could be that extraordinary. Even if his perception really was better than his own, he had practiced for three days. Is there a chance that he wouldn't be able to match Leo's hour?

"Since things are this way, I will grant your wish." Leo spoke, and the crowd parted to allow him to approach the front slowly. All of the martial artists' eyes were focused on him in an instant.