In the bustling streets of Dongcheng District, high-rise buildings loomed over the pedestrians. Xue Jing stood out among the crowd, a young man with a cat perched on his shoulder, drawing curious glances from passersby.
"What a handsome and tall guy…"
"Wow, there's a cat on his shoulder, it's so cute."
"That cat is adorable! Let's take a sneaky photo; it'll definitely go viral online."
He could faintly hear a group of women in elegant office attire and delicate makeup whispering nearby. Meanwhile, the charm experience on his panel kept increasing.
[Someone has developed a crush on you, Charm experience +1]
[Someone has developed a crush on you, Charm experience +1]
[Someone has developed a crush on you, Charm experience +1]
[Someone has developed...]
[Charm has upgraded to Lv3 (0/500)]
After closing the panel, Xue Jing asked Maomao, "Are you sure I won't get killed if I go up and challenge him like this?"
Maomao looked at Xue Jing quizzically, sniffing the air around him.
'Why does he suddenly look and smell better...?'
Shaking her head, Maomao dismissed the thought and hummed, "Since this master has asked you to come here directly, isn't it obvious I would be sure."
"In fact, this is the right way to approach the Canglong Dojo."
Xue Jing raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What do you mean?"
Maomao's tail brushed against Xue Jing's cheek and wrapped around his neck. "The dojo's disciples are divided into levels. Those who join just by paying money, even if taught seriously, won't achieve much without enough talent. The dojo's reputation relies on real disciples; those with true talent."
"As for how they select their disciples... every dojo has its method, and one of Canglong Dojo's methods is 'self-recommendation.'"
"In martial arts, character is crucial. Only with an invincible spirit can you throw an invincible punch. If you're confident in your talent and dare to show it to the dojo, you'll have the opportunity to become a disciple of Canglong Dojo."
Maomao continued, "What better way to demonstrate your character and talent than by 'challenging the dojo'?"
With a playful mocking tone, Maomao added, "You haven't practiced martial arts much, but you dare to challenge a dojo. Old man Li will definitely appreciate your invincible talent and amazing wisdom."
Xue Jing sighed, "What if I get beaten up?"
"Naah," Maomao reassured, shaking its head. "The dojo has to maintain its reputation, so they usually only send people your age to accept the challenge. Even though you've just learned to use strength, your physical fitness is incredibly strong, which is rare for your age. The young people at Canglong Dojo won't be your match."
"Besides, we're not aiming to win the challenge. Even if you get beaten up, as long as they see your talent and potential, our goal will be achieved."
Maomao urged him, "Don't overthink it. Just go in, say you want to challenge the dojo and leave the rest to me!"
Xue Jing nodded, "Okay." After all, it was a free opportunity to enter the dojo, and he was feeling quite confident.
Xue Jing opened his panel and examined his stats:
[Fitness Lv4 (139/1200)]
[Health Lv2 (109/500)]
[Cooking Lv3 (12/800)]
[Running Lv4 (873/1200)]
[Charm Lv3 (12/800)]
[Aiming Lv2 (169/500)]
[Fighting Lv1 (196/300)]
...
Over the past few days, Xue Jing had focused on learning how to channel his strength through breathing. Despite this, he gained substantial experience in other areas, particularly in fitness, reaching Lv4. His physical capabilities had increased significantly; his bench press now maxed out at 200 kilograms.
Though he hadn't measured his punching power, he estimated it to be around 240 kilograms. The thought of accidentally causing serious harm to someone due to his newfound strength worried him slightly.
As he and Maomao entered the office building, they took the elevator to the seventeenth floor. Upon stepping out, they were greeted by a long corridor ending in an automatic glass sliding door. The plaque on the door bore the name "Hidden Dragon Dojo," written in a flamboyant calligraphic style.
As they entered, Maomao instructed, "Just go and challenge the dojo, and leave the rest to me," before leaping off Xue Jing's shoulder and disappearing into the dojo.
Xue Jing muttered to himself, "Challenging the dojo, huh? I've never done that before..." Feeling a bit unsure, he approached the front desk. A young woman in a cheongsam uniform sat there, secretly playing with her phone.
Xue Jing smiled warmly. "Excuse me," he began, addressing the receptionist.
She looked up in surprise at the sound of his voice.
Startled, the girl quickly answered, "Yes, what can I..." She paused, taken aback by his appearance.
The panel chimed again at this moment
[Someone has developed a lot of affection for you, Charm Experience +54]
Seeing this, Xue Jing subtly toned down his smile. The receptionist, now blushing and flustered, stood up. "Hello... How can I help you?" she stammered, stealing glances at him.
Awkwardly, Xue Jing replied, "Uh... Could you inform the dojo that I want to challenge it?"
The girl looked confused. "Huh?"
...
Meanwhile, Maomao navigated through the dojo with a purpose, eventually arriving at a door marked "Yangxin Room." An older voice came from within before Maomao could even knock, belying her silent catsteps but she wasn't too surprised, knowing who this person was "Come in."
Maomao entered, finding an elderly man in a wheelchair. He wore a classic outfit of a white vest and shorts, with a notable bald patch on his head.
"Long time no see, old man Li," Maomao said softly, with a hint of complex emotions in her eyes and voice.
"Huh? This voice... Ning girl?" Li Qi responded with surprise. "Where have you been, little girl? You're still alive and didn't even report your safety. I've been driving my wheelchair out every day looking for you; it's exhausting you know."
Maomao rolled her eyes. "Cut the crap, old man. The only reason you go out in your wheelchair is to blow up the skirts of high school girls, you perverted old man."
Li Qi retorted, "Hey, who are you calling perverted?"
"Don't deny that you're a perverted old man..." Maomao retorted.
Li Qi grinned mischievously but then became serious. "Alright, what's brought you here today?"
Maomao's expression turned grave. "I've come to you for one purpose only..."
...
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