In the second round, the 500 contenders were split into various groups. Chen Leyao began to document the specifics of this stage by pulling out a book. She pointed out the Testing Pillar and explained, “Do you notice the five light beams at the top? Each beam is divided into ten sections. Your task is to deliver a punch with all your might. If you manage to illuminate the fourth section in any of the beams, you advance to the next round!”2

The Testing Pillar, an oval structure, featured five distinct light beams etched onto it. These beams, colored red, orange, yellow, green, and purple, symbolized five different attributes. There were additional beams on either side, but they were faded, indicating they hadn’t been activated in a while.0

Some participants began rubbing their hands together in anticipation. Many were already acquainted with this evaluation process; some were even repeat participants. Others had participated the previous year but had been eliminated. The rules were straightforward: to qualify for the third round, they needed to light up four sections on the Testing Pillar.0

“Wang Shiqi!” Chen Leyao began calling...0