OBS Chapter 79 Stone Lock Weightlifting
Chapter 79 Stone Lock Weightlifting
On the referee's bench.
One of the examiners had a booming voice.
Read the second rule to everyone:
"This match will utilize four separate arenas representing the east, west, south, and north, all operating simultaneously with simultaneous call-outs!"
"Each arena will be equipped with three stone weights, weighing 300 jin, 400 jin, and 500 jin respectively!"
"Regardless of the method, if the candidate can lift the stone weight and maintain it above their head for five breaths, their score will be classified as either C, B, or A!"
"Candidates may choose to try the stone weights. After one failure, they are allowed three minutes to try again. If they fail twice, or cannot maintain the weight for five breaths, they will be eliminated!"
After the rules were announced, the atmosphere in the arena immediately became tense.
Strength is one of the foundations of martial arts, and there is no room for falsehood. Many martial artists who have achieved good results in routine practice by relying on their skills are now much more restrained.
General Wang, as the chief examiner, also stepped forward.
Announcement of the first round of final selection rules:
"The results of the first item, 'Routine Practice,' and the second item, 'Stone Lock Weightlifting,' will be combined for evaluation. Those who achieve a grade of B or above in both items will remain here to participate in the second round, which will take place twenty days later."
Two B grades are enough to advance.
Liu Sheng realized that he had already received a B grade.
Next, you can lift a 400-pound weight normally.
I regularly train my qi and blood at the martial arts school, and I've tried lifting 400 jin (200 catties) before; it's not difficult.
Then he continued to listen to General Wang explain the rules.
"If one is B and the other is C, then wait for the alternate notification after the event, and the final decision will be made based on whether there are any vacancies in the final selection."
"The assessment begins!"
General Wang gave the order.
The four deputy examiners acted swiftly, dividing the remaining one hundred-plus candidates into four groups according to their number plates, and leading them to four separate arenas.
After explaining the basic safety precautions.
The shouts of commands rose and fell.
Liu Sheng was assigned to the east side of the arena, in a later number range, which gave him ample time to observe the performance of the other candidates.
On the east side of the arena, Hou Tong was still the first martial artist to step onto the stage. This thin boy, who was a nimble monkey in the morning, now seemed to be struggling a lot when facing the 300-pound stone lock.
He steadied his steps, took a deep breath, gripped the handle in the center of the stone lock with both arms, exerted force from his waist and back, and the veins on his neck bulged.
"Hey--!"
With a low growl, the stone lock shakily lifted off the ground and was forcefully hoisted above Hou Tong's head. His arms trembled slightly, and his teeth were clenched.
He barely managed to hold on for five breaths.
When the stone lock slammed back onto the sand with a thud, he was covered in sweat and panting heavily.
With a hint of reluctance in his eyes, he looked at the 400-pound stone lock beside him. His hands, somewhat exhausted, ultimately did not reach out.
The assistant examiner announced:
"Class C!"
A hint of sadness crossed the boy's face as he silently retreated off the stage.
Seeing this, Liu Sheng sighed inwardly:
"Life is still tough, with insufficient dietary supplements, let alone medicinal supplements, sigh... But at least I have a B and a C grade, so at least I have a chance to be considered."
More than a hundred people were eliminated in the morning due to poor practice of routines.
When these people went on stage to practice, there was laughter and mockery from the audience.
However, Liu Sheng is not included in this list.
He knew that not everyone was like him, whose family could afford to send him to a good martial arts school, and who was fortunate enough to become a disciple of a top master.
However, I am of inferior aptitude, so my martial arts training speed is not very fast. I need to ask my senior brother for advice and eat yam beef. A few days ago, I also took the precious medicine old mountain ginseng.
Liu Sheng thought so.
Even if it's a pig.
This is an expensive way to eat.
You can also enjoy the Nine Grades of Perfection.
Therefore, he certainly wouldn't laugh at others, but rather remind himself not to slack off and to cherish the opportunity.
Thinking of this, he continued to look at the other arenas, and the performances of some martial artists also caught his attention.
"Number 34, Huangqu County, Niudashan!"
A burly, dark-faced man with short, thick limbs and bulging muscles walked directly toward the 400-pound stone lock. He suddenly twisted his waist and abdomen, unleashing his full power!
"rise!"
The 400-pound stone lock rose with a thud and was steadily lifted above his head, remaining perfectly still without a sound.
When it was put down, the dust on the ring surface trembled slightly.
"Grade B!"
Liu Sheng could easily see that Niu Dashan clearly had extra strength and was deliberately only aiming for a second-class finish in this match.
"I've learned something. As long as you get two B grades, you can pass. If you get an A grade, you'll be more likely to be targeted by others."
He secretly resolved that he would lift 400 jin himself in a little while, and not be a pointless pioneer.
However, some test takers were not so discreet.
Also from Huangqu County is another martial artist, Xiong Li, who practices the Giant Bear Fist.
His physique was even more astonishing; he was nearly nine feet tall, with broad shoulders and a thick waist. Standing there, he was like a wall, and when he moved, the ring seemed to tremble slightly.
Amidst gasps of astonishment, Xiong Li effortlessly lifted the 500-pound stone lock above his head in one smooth motion, even pausing slightly above it to demonstrate absolute control, all the while looking at the crowd below with a provocative expression.
He even glared at Niu Dashan, who had been earlier, but Niu Dashan hadn't given him a friendly look in return.
"Grade A!"
The examiner standing to the side raised his voice a few decibels.
"idiot."
Kang Yizhi was the son of Kang County Magistrate.
Seeing Xiong Li's arrogant appearance, he snorted coldly, clearly displeased.
"Young Master, how about we just lift the 400-pound stone weight? Let's keep a low profile."
Other sons born out of wedlock gathered around, trying to curry favor with the future head of the family.
Upon hearing this, Kang Yizhi let out another cold snort:
"He's an idiot, but you're all even more idiotic. If we all take B, are we just letting the Yin family look down on us?"
After saying that, he glanced at it from afar.
Yin Wuji, the sickly young master of the Yin family.
The latter leaned against the railing and rolled his eyes at him.
The young men thought to themselves, "You've said both sides of the story, so what can we say?" But outwardly, they could only nod in agreement and dared not show any dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, the local martial arts school disciples from Yueya County were also making their appearances.
The martial arts of Eagle Claw Sect and Iron Finger Hall emphasize finger strength, grappling, and exquisite techniques, rather than the cultivation of absolute power.
Therefore, most of the disciples from these two martial arts schools chose the 400-jin stone weight, and they did not lift it easily. They often had to mobilize their whole body's qi and blood, and their faces would turn red. Some disciples even succeeded on their second attempt.
The final grades were naturally mostly grade B.
However, Wang Zheng and Li Ying had practiced diligently. Wang Zheng had already reached the Great Perfection of the Ninth Rank, while Li Ying was stuck at the Perfection of the Ninth Rank. Both of them had lifted the 400-jin stone lock and obtained the B grade.
Both of them achieved a double B rating, passing the test with flying colors.
"Very good!"
Li Ying was especially happy; his family's situation was a constant source of inspiration for him.
Especially seeing his enemy, Master He, suffer a setback today, Li Ying recalled that the last time he escaped a predicament, it was thanks to Liu Sheng's friend, Doctor Cao, and today, his enemy was dealt with thanks to Constable Yin, whom Liu Sheng knew well.
He came from a poor background, so naturally he wouldn't have many friends of high status.
All I can rely on are my own two claws!
Liu Sheng was extremely pleased to see Wang Zheng and Li Ying both pass the test.
But what truly reveals the difference in their underlying strengths is what follows.
They must be scions of three generations of prominent families.