Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups Chapter 1220 - 592:

~3 minute read · 789 words
Previously on Starting to Gain Experience from Push-Ups...
During the exam, Fang Cheng and Ma Donghe discuss their confidence in the upcoming wilderness survival test, with Ma Donghe offering to lead. Ma Donghe also warns Fang Cheng about the 'Abyssal Echo' psychological test, recalling a disturbing hallucination from a previous exam where he slapped his ghostly grandfather.

"What were the deductions made by the examiners?"

Ma Donghe’s spirited expression immediately sagged, his gaze shifting evasively as he stammered,

"They... said I lack respect for elders and care for the young, possess insufficient empathy, and exhibit minor traits of an antisocial personality."

He hastily attempted to mitigate the situation:

"However, the examiner also mentioned that considering my performance was deemed a domestic dispute, it remained within a manageable scope, merely necessitating a few sessions of mandatory psychological counseling afterward."

Fang Cheng regarded him with a hint of guilt, understanding dawning in his heart.

So, it turned out this fellow was merely posturing.

With a perfect score of one hundred, a deduction of forty points meant he had barely scraped by with sixty.

Feeling slightly self-conscious under Fang Cheng’s scrutiny, Ma Donghe simply waved his hand and declared with solemnity,

"Regardless, Ah Cheng, the psychological evaluation for the Special Search Team is no easy feat."

"The illusions within are remarkably lifelike, specifically designed to prey upon your deepest fears or ignite your rage. We must approach it with utmost seriousness, lest we falter."

"When you encounter any bizarre scenarios, it would be best to feign ignorance and suppress your temper."

He then cast a glance at Fang Cheng, a trace of concern clouding his eyes:

"Ah Cheng, I’m aware of your formidable physical prowess; you possess immense strength."

"However, this psychological trial is not a contest of brute force, but rather one of acting acumen."

"For individuals like us who cultivate martial arts, the killing intent can sometimes be quite potent. I am merely apprehensive that within the Illusion Realm, you might not exercise restraint and inadvertently alarm the examiners."

His genuine worry stemmed from the possibility that Fang Cheng, this formidable human, might accidentally unleash some world-ending subconscious impulse during the psychological test, leading to him being labeled a dangerous individual and immediately detained.

Fang Cheng’s eyes flickered slightly, his gaze settling on the undulating shadows of the trees cast upon the ground by the wind.

It appears the foundation of the Special Search Team is indeed quite profound.

This examination, capable of conjuring subconscious illusions, clearly isn’t achieved solely through the administration of drugs.

It is highly probable that specialized artifacts or high-order spiritual mutants were employed to guide the candidates into the Illusion Realm.

While Ma Donghe harbored apprehension, the corners of Fang Cheng’s lips upturned into a faint smile:

"I grasp your concern. The examiners overseeing the interviews and the testing environment must be rather unconventional, wouldn’t you agree?"

"Precisely."

Ma Donghe nodded emphatically:

"I heard from Brother Wei that the interrogation chambers of the Special Search Team are unlike those typically found in police stations."

"Apparently, they incorporate certain... unique modifications. In any case, you will discern the specifics for yourself upon witnessing them."

"Thank you for the heads-up; I shall exercise caution."

Fang Cheng acknowledged with a smile.

Observing his attentive reception, Ma Donghe broke into a grin, reverting to his characteristic lighthearted demeanor.

As the two conversed, a clamor of hurried footsteps emanated from within the entrance of the school building.

While the pair were engaged in conversation, a disturbance arose from the school building’s entryway.

A contingent of crestfallen candidates emerged together, still vociferously lamenting the outrageous difficulty of the questions posed.

Witnessing this, Ma Donghe immediately halted their discussion:

"Ah Cheng, numerous eyes and ears are present. Completing the aptitude test marks a significant alleviation of pressure. Come, I shall treat you to a meal on Nanluo Old Street to invigorate our minds!"

As he spoke, he dropped the remaining cigarette butt onto the ground, extinguishing it with a forceful stomp of his shoe.

Fang Cheng readily accepted, stepping forward to accompany him.

The duo exited the main gate of the school in unison, merging seamlessly with the vibrant throng on the bustling street.

Given the distinctive nature of the National Special Police Officer Academy, a perimeter was established early on at its entrance.

Armed guards maintained a vigilant patrol with loaded firearms, strictly prohibiting the congregation and observation of candidates' families and onlookers.

The expansive thoroughfares lacked the typical scenes of anxious relatives awaiting their children, as often seen during major college entrance examinations.

Naturally, neither Fang Cheng’s nor Ma Donghe’s families or friends were present.

Embracing the tranquility, the pair turned onto the lively Nanluo Old Street, following the tree-lined pathway.

They casually selected a bustling local eatery, ordered several hearty dishes, and partook in a satisfying repast.

A moment of respite, conserving their energies.

Preparing to confront the afternoon examinations in Mandarin and foreign languages, followed by the impending interview tomorrow.