Chapter 76: Inner Focus Test

Neither Jiang Zhentao nor Qiao Mulan doubted Jiang Mosheng’s excuse. They were simply happy and proud that Yu Jinli had inner focus. “The entrance exam of the First Military Academy has ended. I’ll ask the principal whether I can get you enrolled. But the test of Card Forger School is very strict. You need to get ready, little chestnut,” said Jiang Zhentao seriously. “Yes, dad, I’ll try my best,” replied Yu Jinli, who turned serious as well. Since he decided to apply to Card Forger School of the First Military Academy, Yu Jinli had been working harder on cultivation. If his master shifu was here, he would have been surprised that the little koi fish who used to enjoy hiding under a lotus leaf and goofing off would be so diligent one day. Card Forger School had requirement for the grade of inner focus while Yu Jinli hadn’t had a test of inner focus since he was confirmed without it when he was five. The entrance exam of the First Military Academy must include a test of inner focus. Jiang Zhentao and Qiao Mulan didn’t know Yu Jinli’s inner focus was different from average Card Forgers, yet Jiang Mosheng did, so he was worried Yu Jinli’s difference would be detected by then. If so, he’d rather little chestnut didn’t get admitted to Card Forger School than letting him in danger. Therefore, Jiang Mosheng decided to test Yu Jinli’s inner focus in advance, just in case. His parents agreed since Jiang Zhentao could make arrangement for Yu Jinli after a solid proof of his inner focus. As a family of military, Jiang Family had all testing equipment in the manor. Even though it didn’t have anyone with inner focus in the family, it had equipment which could test inner focus. Following dad, mom and Mosheng to the room where the equipment for inner focus was, Yu Jinli looked around with curiosity. He had been in the manor for over a month, yet he seldom left the main building. This was his first time at another building in Jiang’s Manor. “Little chestnut, go and lie down on the equipment.” Jiang Mosheng told him gently. Then he put the equipment in order and shut it. Lying in the equipment, Yu Jinli stared at the ceiling curiously. The next moment, things changed around him as if he was thrown in the endless universe, swallowed by total darkness. Slowly, dots of light appeared among the darkness, floating around him. Carefully, he touched a dot, which dispersed and finally disappeared in the air. Intrigued, he kept reaching out for dots around him as if playing a game. As dots disappeared under his fingertip, more came up. Not knowing how long he had been playing with the dots, he felt a bit tired with his body heavy. It became more difficult for him to touch the dots. When he was so tired that he couldn’t move at all, the sight in front of him changed again and he was back in the equipment. The equipment was opened, Jiang Mosheng, Jiang Zhentao, and Qiao Mulan hovered over him, staring at him in surprise. “How do you feel? Are you in pain?” asked Jiang Mosheng, concerned. Yu Jinli shook his head. The tiredness a moment ago disappeared as if it was never there. “Little chestnut, you do have inner focus. Great. Congratulations.” Qiao Mulan hugged Yu Jinli, happy that he finally had inner focus. Though Yu Jinli’s inner focus was at Grade D and could only be a junior Card Forger, it didn’t matter since Jiang Family simply needed him to be happy and enjoy what he did rather than being an advanced Card Forger. “Thank you, mom,” said Yu Jinli with a shy smile. In fact, he didn’t know exactly what inner focus was. However, now that mom said he had it, did that mean he could join Card Forger School? It was an exciting news. “I’ll take care of your enrollment tomorrow. There will be a test like what you did just now.” Stroking Yu Jinli on the head, Jiang Zhentao said amiably. “I see.” Yu Jinli nodded. Jiang Mosheng was also relieved at the test result. Little chestnut did have inner focus. At least the equipment said so. “Zhentao, why not arrange for little chestnut to go to school after the election? Now is the most critical point. I’m afraid our enemies will use it as a leverage, and little chestnut won’t be safe at school,” said Qiao Mulan, a bit worried. The election was in half a month’s time. At this point, carefulness was called for. Those who wanted to rise had their eyes on the position of marshal. Once their enemies had leverage, even a tiny one, it would be fatal. Since Jiang Family had been on a roller coaster recently, it wasn’t wise to take any risks. Besides, little chestnut and Jiang Mosheng’s engagement was still kept in the dark. Though the world didn’t know little chestnut, it was easy to find out who he was. She was worried that little chestnut would become their enemies’ target if he went to school. Therefore, after careful consideration, she thought it better that Yu Jinli attended school after the election. Besides, with the entrance exam already over, another half a month wouldn’t matter. Both Jiang Mosheng and Jiang Zhentao found her word reasonable so they turned to Yu Jinli for his opinion. “Whatever mom says,” said Yu Jinli smilingly. It was good news that he could go to school. But he didn’t want to cause dad and mom any trouble. Stroking Yu Jinli’s head affectionately, Qiao Mulan replied with a grin: “You are a good kid, little chestnut. For this period, learn more about Card Forger. I’ll have a master to help you, all right?” “Thank you, mom,” said Yu Jinli in surprise. He was happy to have a tutor. Qiao Mulan was always quick to honor her promise to Yu Jinli. The next day, she already found him a tutor. Right now, she was taking him to the home of that Card Forger Master. “Little chestnut, Master Kameng is one of the best Card Forgers of the Federation. When you are there, listen to and learn from him,” said Qiao Mulan. If Jiang Family hadn’t helped Master Kameng in the past, she wouldn’t have been able to get him to teach little chestnut. Numerous Card Forgers lined up in order to learn from Master Kameng while he didn’t bother at all. There was still a part of Qiao Mulan that didn’t believe Master Kameng actually agreed to teach little chestnut. At first, she didn’t intend to reach out to Master Kameng since Yu Jinli was at the beginner level who didn’t know much about Card Forger. It would be a waste of a master’s time. Since there were many brilliant Card Forgers who worked for Master Kameng, she originally wanted to get one of their help with little chestnut. Perhaps due to little chestnut’s good luck, Master Kameng, who wouldn’t show up in his studio for a long time, went there that exact day and heard the conversation between Qiao Mulan and his assistant. Then, he became little chestnut’s tutor. Qiao Mulan wasn’t sure how Master Kameng agreed. Anyhow, the result was satisfying. With Master Kameng’s instruction, even though little chestnut’s inner focus was at Grade D, he would be able to go further as a Card Forger. On their way to Master Kameng’s home, Qiao Mulan told Yu Jinli all about his habits and taboos so that Yu Jinli wouldn’t offend him. Yu Jinli put it down in his mind obediently. That made Qiao Mulan happy. Master Kameng didn’t like crowded places, so his residence was rather remote. Qiao Mulan directly drove Yu Jinli over in a flying car and stopped a thousand meters away from Master Kameng’s manor. Because further ahead, it was a no-flying zone set by Master Kameng. All visitors had to obey, even the head of Federation. Card Forgers of the Federation were very important, highly respected and loved, especially Grade A Card Forgers, who were rarer, each of them being the most important resource of the Federation. “Be polite when we meet Master Kameng.” Qiao Mulan told Yu Jinli again, just in case. Kameng was an eccentric. Anything against his will might get a visitor kicked out. “Yes, mom.” Obediently, Yu Jinli nodded. He was curious about Card Forgers in this world and wanted to learn what they could do. Were they like his master shifu? His master shifu was a great Seal Script Master, whose achievement was out of many cultivators’ league even during a time of rare spiritual energy. Following Qiao Mulan, Yu Jinli looked around curiously. There were a lot of trees here, everything he saw was green, which gave him a sense of comfort, better than the downtown area that was filled with tall buildings. He really liked it here. Further ahead, it was a manor covered with all kinds of plants. The buildings were not very tall, a complete difference from the style of downtown area, like a forgotten corner in a planet full of advanced technology. As Qiao Mulan and Yu Jinli approached, the gate to the manor opened automatically. Then, a servant came to guide them in. “Mrs. Jiang, Mr. Yu, please wait for a moment when I go and inform the master,” said the servant respectfully. “All right,” answered Qiao Mulan. Soon, that person was back and guided them to the living room. “Master is waiting for you. Please follow me.” “Thank you,” replied Qiao Mulan. In the living room sat an elder man with white hair and beard. When he heard them come, he lifted his eyes and had a glance then turned back to his tea as if he didn’t notice them at all. “Master Kameng,” said Qiao Mulan with respect. “Nice to meet you, Master Kameng,” followed Yu Jinli obediently.