ã€ŠDivine Talisman Grandmasterã€‹


 Chapter 1

    C1 ¨C Bless You

    ¡°Xiufen, here are the cultivation resources for next month,¡± Lu Lixing said, extending the frayed cloth bag toward the girl with the orchid-like aura. He was slightly out of breath, his face showing signs of fatigue.

    Sha Xiufen nced down at the tattered bag in Lu Lixing¡¯s hand, her gaze lingering on the dark stains marring its surface. Aplex emotion flickered in her striking ck and white eyes, and she hesitated to take the bag.

    Noticing Sha Xiufen¡¯s reluctance, Lu Lixing¡¯s lips tightened. ¡°I just got off a part-time job and rushed over. I didn¡¯t have a chance to¡­¡±

    ¡°Lu Lixing, what¡¯s your Brain Domain development at? And how many of the teacher¡¯s low-grade yellow-level Runes have you mastered?¡± Sha Xiufen cut him off abruptly. She wasn¡¯t in the mood for exnations; they seemed pointless and unnecessary.

    Lu Lixing met her gaze, momentarily taken aback. It was the first time Sha Xiufen had shown interest in his cultivation progress since high school began. Despite the oddness of the moment, he answered her honestly. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other since childhood. Aren¡¯t you aware of my capabilities by now? My Brain Domain is only at 25% development, and I¡¯ve barely managed to master one Clear Water Rune from the yellow-level low-grade Runes our teacher taught us.¡±

    Though Lu Lixing spoke with a semnce of openness, his heart was heavy with discontent. Since high school, he had thrown himself into learning about Brain Domain development and meditation Runes. Every waking moment outside of ss and part-time work was dedicated to his studies, with sleep limited to a mere three hours a night. Despite his relentless effort, his achievements were modest at best.

    Two and a half years into high school, the average student¡¯s Brain Domain had reached about 40%, but Lu Lixing was stuck at 25%. With the college entrance exams looming in six months, his prospects were grim. If his Brain Domain development didn¡¯t improve, he risked missing out on university admission, relegating him to a vocational school and dashing any hopes of bing a cultivator.

    Sha Xiufen, a fellow child from the slums, revealed an extraordinary aptitude for cultivation upon entering high school. Her Brain Domain development had soared to 65%, and she had mastered nine low-grade yellow level Runes and four medium-grade yellow level Runes. A prodigy in the elite ss, she was revered as the goddess of Skyhaven¡¯s Forest Lake Academy.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s admission to Forest Lake Academy was a direct result of Sha Xiufen¡¯s influence, and he had always harbored deep gratitude for her. When he learned of her exceptional talent, he invested all his hard-earned money into cultivation resources to support her training, as a way to repay her past kindness.

    Sha Xiufen¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as she listened to Lu Lixing¡¯s candid response. She seldom monitored his cultivation progress and was taken aback by his poor performance.

    ¡°To get into a prestigious university, you must develop your Brain Domain to at least fifty percent during high school,¡± she advised. ¡°Additionally, you should master at least five low-grade yellow level Runes and two medium-grade yellow level Runes. Given your current standing, it seems almost certain that university¡ªand the path to bing a cultivator¡ªis out of reach for you.¡±

    In the boundless cosmos, where cultivators from three thousand great worlds hold Runes in the highest esteem, mastery over these Runes is essential to qualify as a true cultivator. The rate of Brain Domain development is crucial to the pace at which one can control Runes. The more advanced the Brain Domain, the quicker the mastery of Runes and the more precise the control over their power. Thus, the level of Brain Domain development is often the deciding factor in one¡¯s potential to be a cultivator. With Lu Lixing¡¯s current level, his future as a cultivator¡ªand his eligibility for university study¡ªwas in jeopardy.

    Lu Lixing was well aware that his chances of attending university and pursuing cultivation were slim, given his academic record. Yet, he refused to abandon hope as long as the college entrance exam loomed ahead. He believed in the principle that hard work would be rewarded by the Heavenly Dao, and until the final verdict was in, he clung to the possibility of turning his fate around.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s resolve was unshakable; no one could weaken his faith and determination.

    When Lu Lixing remained quiet, Sha Xiufen worried that her words had wounded his pride. She sighed gently, ¡°Keep these cultivation resources for yourself. You don¡¯t need to provide any for me from now on.¡±

    Surprised, Lu Lixing nced at Sha Xiufen and responded, ¡°Your goal is to get into one of the top six universities. You need these resources more than I do.¡±

    Admission to the elite six was reserved for geniuses, and while Sha Xiufen¡¯s grades were impressive, her chances of securing a spot were uncertain. The cultivation resources were crucial for her.

    ¡°Lu Lixing, ept the truth. We can¡¯t be together.¡±

    Sha Xiufen¡¯s brow furrowed as she spoke firmly, ¡°In six months, the college entrance exams will be over. I¡¯ll make it into the top six and be a rare cultivator. You, on the other hand, will only get into a vocational college, bing just another face in the crowd. We¡¯re not meant to share a world. No matter how kind you are to me, my feelings won¡¯t change. Let go.¡±

    Lu Lixing was taken aback, not expecting Sha Xiufen to misinterpret his intentions. He began to rify with a smile, ¡°Xiufen, you¡¯ve got it all wrong, I¡­¡±

    But as Lu Lixing attempted to exin, Sha Xiufen¡¯s expression turned stern. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t see each other anymore. I don¡¯t want Zhang Tu to get the wrong idea. I¡¯ll be honest with you; I¡¯ve agreed to be his girlfriend after high school. He¡¯s going to supply me with an abundance of cultivation resources. Plus, this summer, I¡¯ll have the chance to learn the low-grade profound level runes that the Zhang family has passed down. I¡¯ll be exposed to a higher realm far sooner than my peers. Do you grasp what I¡¯m saying?¡±

    Runes were categorized into four levels: Heaven, Earth, ck, and Yellow. The yellow level was merely basic, while the profound level marked the truemencement of cultivation. Only those who mastered profound level runes were considered genuine cultivators. Sha Xiufen¡¯s words were a stark reminder to Lu Lixing of the harsh reality: a future together was out of the question.

    Witnessing the resolute expression on Sha Xiufen¡¯s face, Lu Lixing couldn¡¯t help but smile. He had diligently provided cultivation resources for Sha Xiufen, motivated solely by a desire to repay a debt of gratitude. Not once had he harbored any inappropriate thoughts about her. Although he had intended to make things clear before, he now realized that there was no longer any need for exnations.

    ¡°If that¡¯s how it is, I wish you all the best,¡± Lu Lixing said, offering a warm smile along with his well-wishes. Clutching his tattered cloth bag, he turned and walked away.

    As Sha Xiufen watched Lu Lixing¡¯s retreating figure, her heart was surprisingly devoid of relief. Instead, a subtle sense of regret crept in, as though she had let something precious slip through her fingers..

 Chapter 2

    C2 ¨C Sea of Runes

    Riding on the massive rune train bound for home, Lu Lixing gazed out the window at the swiftly passing urban sprawl, a hint of bewilderment creeping into his eyes.

    His confusion stemmed not from severing ties with Sha Xiufen, but from the uncertainty of how to enhance his abilities enough to secure a university spot before the college entrance exams loomed.

    In a day¡¯s twenty-four hours, aside from three for sleep, Lu Lixing devoted ten to work and another ten to cultivation, leaving just a single hour for meals and rest. This rigorous routine had persisted for two and a half years, yet the adage ¡®the early bird catches the worm¡¯ seemed to falter in his case. The strides he made in ten hours of diligent cultivation paled inparison to what his ssmates achieved in two, not to mention the prodigies in the elite ss.

    Most would have abandoned cultivation and resigned themselves to their lot, but Lu Lixing was cut from a different cloth. Emerging from the slums, he understood that mastering cultivation was his sole avenue to alter his destiny. Surrender was not an option; he was resolute in his pursuit.

    Previously, Lu Lixing had allocated the lion¡¯s share of his cultivation resources to Sha Xiufen, sparing only a scant amount for his own use. Now that Xiufen no longer required his contributions, the resources at his disposal each month had significantly increased. With this newfound wealth of resources, he was certain his strength would surge in a short span.

    Mulling over his cultivation prospects, Lu Lixing instinctively reached into his frayed canvas bag, withdrawing a quaint, palm-sized bronze box. Clutching the box, brimming with ancient charm, a wave of relief washed over him; he had nearly parted with this treasured family relic that had been hispanion since childhood.

    He had once intended to sell the bronze box to repay Xiufen¡¯s generosity and boost her chances of entering one of the prestigious Big Six. But with their connection severed, there was no longer a reason to let go of the box.

    ¡°Old pal,¡± he murmured to the box, ¡°today, you were almost sold. After all these years, you remain a mystery to me. What secrets do you hold within?¡±

    Lu Lixing spoke to the bronze box under his breath. Out of the blue, he caught a glimpse of a golden light fleeting across its surface. Doubting his own eyes for a moment, he was brought back to reality when the massive rune train came to a gradual halt, and the sound of the station announcement filled his ears. His stop had arrived; it was time to disembark.

    He gave the unaltered bronze box onest nce before tucking it back into his waist pouch and stepping off the rune train onto the slum¡¯s solitary tform.

    Inhaling the slum¡¯s distinctively sour stench, a slight look of contentment crossed Lu Lixing¡¯s face. It wasn¡¯t a penchant for self-punishment that brought this on, but a purefort with the slum¡¯s polluted air¡ªit felt likeing home.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s abode was a modest two-story structure close to the tform. The first floor served as his living quarters, while the second was his ce of cultivation.

    Dinner time hade, yet Lu Lixing felt no urgency to eat. His n was to ascend to the second floor, immerse himself in rune meditation, and only after two hours of cultivation would he sit down for his meal.

    The so-called cultivation room on the second floor was nothing more than a dpidated futon and a worn rune chandelier¡ªsimplicity at its finest. Lu Lixing settled onto the futon, casually cing his waist pouch beside him, ready to slip into a meditative trance. That¡¯s when a soft golden glow began to emanate from the pouch, reminiscent of a tiny sun trapped inside a bag, radiating intense heat.

    Staring at the luminous pouch, Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. As he reached out to investigate, the tattered pouch disintegrated into fine dust, revealing the bronze box within.

    The intense golden light was beaming from the box itself!

    The light grew stronger and more abundant, eventually shaping itself into a golden door as tall as a man right before Lu Lixing. The bronze box had transformed into the door¡¯s frame, exuding a profound, ancient vibe, like a colossal beast from the depths of antiquity slowly stirring from its slumber.

    As Lu Lixing grappled with his astonishment at the bronze box¡¯s transformation, the bronze door radiating golden light suddenly unleashed a powerful suction, pulling him through its threshold!

    ¡°Where am I?¡±

    Lu Lixing found himself adrift in an infinite expanse of stars, with a massive continent floating before him. Countless stone pirs rose from its surface, each inscribed with intricate and mysterious runes that exuded an aura of ancient destion.

    The sight of the seemingly infinite stone pirs and runes left Lu Lixing dumbfounded. In his seventeen years of life, he had never witnessed such a majestic spectacle. The innumerable golden runes before him appeared to merge into a vast ocean, bobbing and weaving with a heart-pounding force.

    Without warning, the towering stone pirs on the continent began to crumble, and the endless runes cascaded down like leaves in the wind. The power they harbored, akin to wild beasts breaking free from captivity, erupted with a cataclysmic fury that shattered the continent to its core.

    As the continent fell apart and the stone pirs met their end, the golden runes, having unleashed their unparalleled ferocity, slowly started to fade away. In the brink of their extinction, a small bronze box emerged from the debris. In a sh, it transformed into a colossal bronze door, exerting a fierce pull on the cosmos, drawing in all the floating runes and with them, the silhouette of Lu Lixing.

    Boom!

    Time lost all meaning until a thunderous noise jolted Lu Lixing awake, his consciousness resurfacing. His bodyy afloat like driftwood on the sea, carried by the current. The sight of the ocean beneath him, a boundless seaposed of countless golden runes, left him utterly astonished.

    In that instant, Lu Lixing¡¯s mind seemed to detonate like a supernova, waves of information crashing into his thoughts without end. Overwhelmed by the deluge, he lost consciousness.

    Meanwhile, the Sea of Runes beneath him transformed into gentle streams, infusing Lu Lixing¡¯s body with their essence, as if the world¡¯s most potent elixir was revitalizing his every sinew and bone.

 Chapter 3

    C3 ¨C Talent Rune

    Boom!

    A p of thunder roared within Lu Lixing¡¯s mind, jolting his dormant consciousness awake. Aplex and mystical Rune hovered silently in his mental realm, its structure reminiscent of a thunderbolt crashing down from the skies, radiating an enigmatic and awe-inspiring divine presence.

    That thunderp had emanated from this very Rune!

    Overwhelmed by the Rune¡¯s power, which seemed to resonate with his own bloodline, Lu Lixing shuddered with uncontroble excitement. He had actually awakened his Talent Rune!

    The Talent Rune marked the beginning of one¡¯s journey into cultivation. Only by awakening this Rune could one harness its power to draw in the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth, thus embarking on the path of cultivation. Put simply, only those who had awakened their Talent Rune were deemed worthy of being true cultivators, while those who failed to do so would never set foot on the path of cultivation in their lifetime.

    Typically, one would awaken their Talent Rune in university, with the aid of a mentor. It was rare for someone to do so in high school. Those who managed to awaken their Talent Rune during their high school years were invariably prodigies, one in a million. For instance, in Skyhaven¡¯s Forest Lake Academy, only four individuals had achieved this feat, each backed by formidable connections that allowed them to awaken their Talent Rune ahead of their peers.

    Now, Lu Lixing had be the fifth person at Forest Lake Academy to awaken his Talent Rune!

    By awakening his Talent Rune, Lu Lixing had earned the right to cultivate. He had stepped through the gateway to bing a cultivator. With just one more cultivation technique, he could swiftly ascend to the Qi Refining Stage.

    As the thought of a cultivation technique crossed his mind, a surge of tremendous power burst forth from the lightning-shaped Talent Rune, transforming into a myriad of shimmering blue glyphs that etched themselves deeply into Lu Lixing¡¯s mental realm.

    The Lightning Swallowing Rune!

    ¡°A cultivation technique?!¡±

    Eyes wide with astonishment, Lu Lixing struggled to grasp the reality that he had not only awakened his Talent Rune but had also serendipitously acquired a cultivation technique.

    Amidst his shock, a series of knocks echoed from downstairs. The sound snapped Lu Lixing back to the present. He instinctively nced toward the door. Though his eyes saw only the floor of the cultivation room, his mind conjured the image of a youthful girl d in a white dress, standing just outside.

    Not just the adolescent girl, but every item in the ground-floor room¡ªthe worn-out sofa, the half-shattered coffee table, and a filthy grey rat cowering in the corner¡ªappeared vividly in Lu Lixing¡¯s mind as if he were seeing them firsthand. His perception epassed everything within a ten-meter radius.

    ¡°Is this what perception feels like?¡±

    Lu Lixing was unsure, as this was an entirely new experience for him. He knew that such sensory abilities typically required one¡¯s Brain Domain to be developed beyond 50%, yet his was only at 25%, a full half less than needed.

    While Lu Lixing was deep in thought, an urgent knocking and a somewhat icy voice echoed from downstairs.

    ¡°Lu Lixing, are you there or not?¡±

    Upon hearing the call, Lu Lixing hurriedly rose and made his way down. It was only then that he noticed the ck muck covering his body, its foul odor making him instinctively wrinkle his nose.

    Bang!

    The sound of pounding at the door was followed by the copse of the severely aged smart security door, which fell with a crash and raised a cloud of dust.

    Lu Lixing nced at the door now lying on the floor, then turned his attention to Xiufen, who was slowly entering. He pressed his lips together and asked, ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°What do you think? If I hadn¡¯te, what would you have done to yourself?¡±

    Xiufen¡¯s gaze was filled with disdain as she looked at the grimy figure of Lu Lixing. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, we¡¯re from different worlds. No matter if you shut yourself away for days on end, avoiding school and work, it won¡¯t change that fact. It¡¯s time to let go.¡±

    The visitor was none other than Sha Xiufen, the girl who had severed ties with Lu Lixing on the rooftop of Forest Lake Academy. She had assumed that would be the end of it, but to her dismay, Lu Lixing had vanished from school for three whole days since that incident, and he was nowhere to be found at his usual job. Concerned that Lu Lixing might do something rash, Xiufen reluctantly decided to seek him out herself.

    Sha Xiufen¡¯s concern wasn¡¯t for Lu Lixing¡¯s well-being; she simply didn¡¯t want her reputation tarnished by his death.

    Upon hearing her words, Lu Lixing nced at the old electronic clock on the wall, surprised. It was 2 PM on December 5th, yet he distinctly remembered it being 6 PM on December 2nd when hest went home.

    That meant he had spent a full three days in the cultivation room?

    As the realization of time lost hit him, a fierce hunger erupted in Lu Lixing¡¯s stomach, feeling as though it were on fire. His body, once strong, now felt weak and frail. In his mind, there was only one thought: Eat!

    With eyes zing red, Lu Lixing lunged at the nearby refrigerator, yanking out heaps of bread and synthetic meat and devouring them with a ravenous frenzy, like a starving ghost reborn.

    Sha Xiufen watched Lu Lixing gorge himself on the floor, the revolting odor emanating from him intensifying her disgust. She had been right; Lu Lixing was leveraging his life to manipte her. Why else would he allow himself to be so desperately famished?

    ¡°What will it take for you to leave me alone?¡± she demanded.

    Lu Lixing, seemingly oblivious to her question, continued to eat voraciously. He wiped his greasy hands on the tablecloth before grabbing another chunk of synthetic meat and shoving it into his mouth, his face smeared with grease.

    Sha Xiufen¡¯s patience evaporated as she watched Lu Lixing¡¯s unkempt disy. With a stern expression, she dered, ¡°I will give back every single cultivation resource I borrowed from you. After that, our paths will never cross again. Your fate is of no concern to me!¡±

    With those cold words, Sha Xiufen turned on her heel and strode away, eager to escape the squalor and its unbearable stench.

 Chapter 4

    C4 ¨C Brute Bull Array

    Burp!

    Lu Lixing sprawled on the floor, letting out a contented belch. He had devoured every edible item in the refrigerator, banishing the gnawing hunger atst and feeling rejuvenated.

    He couldn¡¯t pinpoint the cause of his sudden, ravenous appetite, but he was acutely aware of the boundless energy that now coursed through him after his feast¡ªan entirely new sensation.

    The mingling scents of food and his own foul odor assaulted Lu Lixing¡¯s senses,pelling him to rise and make a beeline for the shower. An hour¡¯s worth of scrubbing washed away the grime, revealing a tall, imposing figure beneath the cascade of water.

    Dried off and standing before the mirror, Lu Lixing admired the defined muscle contours and thetent explosive strength they harbored. A realization crystallized in his mind.

    He was no longer theughingstock everyone deemed worthless¡ªhe had grown stronger in a mere night and three days!

    The catalyst for this transformation was the bronze box he had nearly sold in haste.

    The thought of the box propelled Lu Lixing, d only in a bath towel, to the second-floor cultivation room. Where the bronze box once sat by the meditation mat, nowy a simple bronze ring.

    Gazing at the ring on the floor, Lu Lixing was certain it was connected to the bronze box, possibly another manifestation of it.

    With this in mind, he gingerly slipped the bronze ring onto his left pinky, a perfect fit. The ring may not have revealed any mystical qualities yet, but Lu Lixing resolved to keep its existence his most closely guarded secret, never to be shared with another soul.

    Dressed and settled back on the meditation mat, Lu Lixing focused intently on sensing every nuance of change within his body. This mastery over his physical state assured him that his Brain Domain had undergone significant expansion in thest three days. The exact extent was unknown, but he was confident it was no less than 50%.

    Above all, what captivated Lu Lixing¡¯s attention was the awakening of the Talent Rune and the practice of the Lightning Swallowing Technique!

    Upon activating the lightning attribute Talent Rune, Lu Lixing also acquired a cultivation technique of the same attribute. He sensed that this was no mere coincidence but a serendipitous adventure!

    Without a moment¡¯s dy, Lu Lixing embarked on his life¡¯s first cultivation journey, guided by the incantations of the Lightning Swallowing Rune.

    ¡°The cosmos is profound and yellow, the origin of all spirits. I cultivate my Lightning Rune to manifest my divine powers.¡±

    As Lu Lixing delved into his practice, a faint thunderous rumble emanated from within him. Soon after, a delicate blue current of electricity emerged, enveloping his body in a dance of ebb and flow, an endless cycle of appearance and disappearance.

    Completing one full cycle of the technique, Lu Lixing paused, his face etched with contemtion. To truly master the Lightning Swallowing Rune, mere meditation wouldn¡¯t suffice; he needed the Power of Thunder. The essence of the technique was to absorb this force and make it his own.

    Without the aid of the Power of Thunder, reaching the firstyer of the Lightning Swallowing Rune could take him upwards of two years!

    Amidst his thoughts on cultivation, Lu Lixing¡¯s phone abruptly rang. It was Old Man Zha, the proprietor of the rune shop where he worked part-time.

    Barely had Lu Lixing answered the call when a bellowing voice assaulted his ears, nearly deafening him.

    ¡°Kid, you finally decided to answer your phone?! Where have you vanished to these past three days? The shop¡¯s swamped! Did you getst month¡¯s paycheck and think about skipping town, huh? Would you believe I¡¯d drag you back from school to work?!¡±

    With a wry smile, Lu Lixing responded, ¡°I¡¯m on my way to the shop now, I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡±

    He hung up before Old Man Zha could retort. Cultivation mattered, but so did his job. Provoking Zha was thest thing he wanted; finding another job as convenient and fitting as this one would be no small feat.

    Reflecting on this, Lu Lixing immediately rose and made his way downstairs. He paused, taken aback, when he spotted the door sprawled on the ground, and it dawned on him that Sha Xiufen hade looking for him earlier that afternoon.

    Recalling the words Sha Xiufen had said to him, a subtle smile crept onto Lu Lixing¡¯s face.

    ¡°Perhaps you¡¯re right; we truly are from different worlds.¡±

    Zha¡¯s Rune Shop was situated in Skyhaven¡¯s burgeoning new district. The prime location boasted a specialty in selling a variety of meditation runes and cultivation resources, while also providing repairs for an array of magical tools. The shop enjoyed brisk business, and Lu Lixing¡¯s role was to assist customers with their purchases of cultivation resources. Repairing magical tools, however, was beyond his expertise.

    Upon Lu Lixing¡¯s arrival at the shop, he found Zha tending to the bustling trade. Zha¡¯s cheerful demeanor quickly soured at the sight of Lu Lixing, and he grumbled irritably, ¡°Get moving, kid, and take care of the customers. I¡¯ve got a magic tool to fix.¡±

    With a smile, Lu Lixing stepped in to handle Zha¡¯s responsibilities, warmly guiding customers through the selection of cultivation resources. Five minutester, having bid farewell to a contented customer, he finally had the chance to turn his attention to Zha, who sat deep in thought, furrowing his brow over a watch-like magic tool.

    In quieter moments, devoid of customers, Lu Lixing enjoyed standing by Zha¡¯s side, observing the repair of magical tools. Though the intricacies eluded him, he was fond of the atmosphere. This asion was no different, and he positioned himself next to Zha, ready to watch the master at work.

    ncing at the watch cradled in Zha¡¯s hands, Lu Lixing chuckled and remarked offhandedly, ¡°This watch¡¯s owner was quite careless to damage the Barbarian Bull Array on it. Fixing this is going to be quite the task.¡±

    Zha, engrossed in his examination of the watch, nced at Lu Lixing with a hint of surprise upon hearing hisment. ¡°You¡¯ve got a knack for this, don¡¯t you? You used to be baffled by even the simplest level one array, and now you¡¯ve identified a level two Barbarian Bull Array and discerned how the watch got damaged. Your eye for detail has sharpened in just three days. Tell me, have you encountered this Barbarian Bull Array somewhere before?¡±

    Upon hearing Zha¡¯s remark, Lu Lixing was momentarily taken aback.

    He had instinctively named the Bull Array when he noticed the Rune on the watch, yet he had never encountered the Bull Array until today!

    Despite the whirlwind of questions in his mind, Lu Lixing responded, ¡°I¡¯ve seen this model on a ssmate¡¯s watch before, which is how I recognized the Bull Array.¡±

    ¡°I knew there was a reason you suddenly seemed so perceptive.¡±

    Zha let out a chuckle, bending over to resume his work on the watch. Meanwhile, Lu Lixing, standing by his side, felt a surge of excitement and was eager to conduct an experiment!

 Chapter 5

    C5 ¨C Runemaster

    ¡°Spiritual Water Array, Inferno Talisman Array, Strength Talisman Array, and this Level Two Gale Talisman Array!¡±

    Lu Lixing stood before the counter holding the damaged magical instruments, his eyes methodically scanning each one. He could effortlessly call out the names of the arrays etched into the instruments, and he even felt confident that he could repair these damaged arrays himself.

    Consider that even Zha, a Level Three refiner, had to consult the Rune Treasure Book to identify these arrays, yet Lu Lixing recognized them at a mere nce!

    ¡°Could this incredible stroke of luck have not only awakened my Talent Rune and granted me a cultivation technique but also opened up the possibility of bing a Runemaster?!¡±

    In the Stardragon Federation, cultivators are held in the highest esteem, and the most revered among them are the Runemasters. Each Runemaster is a treasured guest among the various powers, not to be offended lightly. Sadly, bing a Runemaster requires not just talent but also substantial financial backing. Thus, it¡¯s not guaranteed that even one in ten thousand cultivators could achieve such a status, highlighting the scarcity and value of Runemasters.

    Take Skyhaven, for instance. Among its twenty million residents, there are roughly three thousand cultivators, but only two are Runemasters. Out of tens of thousands of high school students, fewer than a hundred have the potential to be Runemasters, and of those, perhaps not even ten will actually make it.

    Moreover, even those touted as prodigies with limitless potential don¡¯t possess the keen insight that Lu Lixing does!

    ¡°This could be my big break.¡±

    Lu Lixing exhaled deeply, tempering his excitement with the knowledge that potential alone doesn¡¯t guarantee sess as a Runemaster. He was acutely aware that many gifted individuals had failed to achieve this esteemed title for various reasons. As a poor youngster without financial backing or a mentor, Lu Lixing understood that his journey to bing a Runemaster would be far more challenging than most.

    Some things can¡¯t be achieved with talent alone; money is also essential.

    ¡°What are you spacing out for, kid?¡±

    Zha had appeared behind Lu Lixing without notice, extending a blue suitcase toward him. ¡°This is Mr. Wen¡¯s magic tool from Forest Lake Academy. It¡¯s been repaired. You need to deliver it.¡±

    Delivering repaired items to customers was part of Lu Lixing¡¯s job, actually a major part. With work to be done, he had to put his curiosity about the array on hold, took the suitcase from Zha, and strode out the door.

    Lu Lixing reached the school just as sses were letting out. A flood of students poured from the building, clogging the entrance. He waited patiently by the wall, deciding to go in once the crowd thinned.

    On a normal day, Lu Lixing, the so-called loser from the ordinary ss, would go unnoticed. But today was different. The students exiting the school gave him odd looks.

    ¡°Is that Lu Lixing? The deadbeat from the Common ss?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s him. A toad lusting after swan meat, constantly bothering the Snow Goddess.¡±

    ¡°Does he really think he canpete with Zhang Tu? That guy¡¯s a genius from the Key ss. What¡¯s he thinking? He¡¯s way out of his league!¡±

    They stood near Lu Lixing, pointing and speaking without restraint, clearly not taking him seriously.

    Lu Lixing frowned at the surrounding whispers. Just then, a portly figure barreled toward him, urgency written all over his face. ¡°Why are you at school now? Come on, we¡¯ve got to go!¡±

    The chubby boy was Sha Zhenghao, Lu Lixing¡¯s best friend at school and a fellow student in the ordinary ss. Known for his yful demeanor, Sha Zhenghao¡¯s current anxiety was a first for Lu Lixing.

    ¡°Why should I go? I¡¯ve got work to do.¡±

    Lu Lixing brandished the briefcase in his hand and said, ¡°This belongs to the ck Masked God, old Zhou. If I don¡¯t deliver it on time, do you think he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to twist my head off?¡±

    Sha Zhenghao, however, was unfazed. He grabbed Lu Lixing¡¯s arm, ready to make a swift exit. ¡°Old Zhou twisting your head is a problem for another day. But if you don¡¯t get out of here now, you¡¯re going to face something far worse than his wrath!¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯s eyebrows shot up at Sha Zhenghao¡¯s grave tone. ¡°Is this about Sha Xiufen or Zhang Tu?¡±

    Despite his less-than-ster academic record, Lu Lixing was no fool. Piecing together the whispers he¡¯d overheard and Sha Zhenghao¡¯s urgency to get him off campus, it wasn¡¯t hard to deduce someone was gunning for him. If he couldn¡¯t see that, he¡¯d have wasted all his years.

    ¡°You know Zhang Tu is out to get you, and you still show your face at school?¡±

    Sha Zhenghao gave an exasperated eye roll. He¡¯d never noticed his friend¡¯s talent for quietly charming the elite ss¡¯s goddess, Sha Xiufen. But mulling over that was a luxury they couldn¡¯t afford at the moment; they needed to make themselves scarce.

    As Sha Zhenghao was about to pull Lu Lixing away, a chilly voice cut through the air behind them.

    ¡°Are you Lu Lixing?¡±

    The speaker was tall and striking, d in the tailored uniform reserved for the Important ss¡¯s prodigies. His piercing ck and white eyes regarded Lu Lixing with a mix of disdain and superiority.

    Lu Lixing turned to face him, a crease forming in his brow. ¡°I¡¯m Lu Lixing. And you are?¡±

    ¡°Bro, you¡¯re in deep trouble. That¡¯s Yuwen Ba, Zhang Tu¡¯s right-hand man from the Important ss!¡±

    While Lu Lixing didn¡¯t recognize Yuwen Ba, Sha Zhenghao was all too aware of who he was. Yuwen Ba had made a name for himself at the school, not for his academic achievements, but for his notorious ruthlessness.

    Yuwen Ba was known for his arrogance and tyranny. As a self-proimed genius of the elite ss, he looked down on everyone else. If a student from a regr ss ever crossed him, Yuwen Ba would ruthlessly break their legs in retaliation. To date, over thirty individuals have suffered this fate, with many seeing their futures shattered. Yet, with Zhang Tu¡¯s protection, Yuwen Ba repeatedly dodged the school¡¯s discipline. Consequently, no one dared to cross him, and they would deferentially address him as Mr. Yuwen upon meeting him.

    Clearly, Yuwen Ba¡¯s current target, Lu Lixing, was in his sights because of Zhang Tu.

    With a menacing look, Yuwen Ba red at Chen Tang and spoke in a chilling tone, ¡°You don¡¯t need to know who I am. All you need to understand is that you¡¯re not leaving this school on your own two legs today. Your legs are mine!¡±

 Chapter 6

    C6 ¨C Again!

    ¡°I¡¯m taking those legs of yours!¡±

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s menacing promation silenced the bustling school entrance in an instant. Every lingering student turned, almost involuntarily, toward the source of the voice. Upon recognizing the infamous figure from the Advanced ss, a mix of awe and curiosity flickered in their eyes.

    Who was the unfortunate soul to have crossed paths with the notorious Yuwen Ba?

    It didn¡¯t take long for the crowd to spot Lu Lixing, following Yuwen Ba¡¯s steely gaze. The sight of Lu Lixing¡¯s faded, whitened uniform, a clear marker of the Common ss, elicited looks of sympathy from the onlookers.

    Not even the students from the Advanced or Elite sses would dare to rile up Yuwen Ba. And here was Lu Lixing, a mere Common ss student, doing just that? He must have a death wish.

    While the crowd deemed Lu Lixing¡¯s actions suicidal, Lu Lixing himself thought Yuwen Ba was full of hot air. He scrutinized Yuwen Ba with a hint of curiosity and asked, genuinely perplexed, ¡°You seem toe from a decent family, and with the talent to be in the Advanced ss, why would you choose thuggery over actual learning?¡±

    Sha Zhenghao, standing next to Lu Lixing, was frantically trying to figure out how to extricate his friend from Yuwen Ba¡¯s clutches. But upon hearing Lu Lixing¡¯s bold words, he turned, wide-eyed and ck-jawed. Dude, you¡¯re like searching for death with antern in a toilet!

    Yuwen Ba paused, then his lips curled into a sinister smile, dark and foreboding like storm clouds ready to burst. ¡°How amusing. It¡¯s been ages since anyone has dared to challenge me like this.¡±

    His gaze sharpening, Yuwen Ba sneered, ¡°If you¡¯re so eager to meet your end, I¡¯ll be happy to oblige!¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Yuwen Ba sprang into action. He whipped out a customized baseball bat from his backpack and swung it brutally toward Lu Lixing¡¯s knees.

    In the crowd, the faint-hearted students instinctively shut their eyes, dreading the sight of the impending carnage. Yet, curiously, the anticipated screams of agony were nowhere to be heard.

    After a brief pause, the more timid students opened their eyes to gaze upon Yuwen Ba and Lu Lixing. Their astonishment was palpable when they saw the scene before them.

    Somehow, the baseball bat that was in Yuwen Ba¡¯s hands had ended up with Lu Lixing!

    What in the world was happening?

    The timid students nced around with a touch of bewilderment in their eyes, only to find their peers staring wide-eyed, as if they had witnessed something inconceivable.

    ¡°Did he just take the baseball bat right out of Yuwen Ba¡¯s hands?! Am I hallucinating?¡±

    Atst, an exnation came for those who had shut their eyes in fear, but the truth was a tough pill to swallow. Yuwen Ba, the notorious tough guy from the Advanced ss, had been disarmed by a student from the Regr ss. Impossible!

    Yet, the undeniable evidence was right before their eyes, leaving no room for doubt.

    No one had anticipated such an oue, not even Yuwen Ba, at the heart of the incident. He looked at the baseball bat now in Lu Lixing¡¯s possession with a mix of shock and confusion, unable to piece together the events that had just unfolded.

    How could he, with his strength and speed, be disarmed by the lowest-ranked student in the ordinary ss?

    Lu Lixing, observing the bewildered look on Yuwen Ba¡¯s face, felt a simr sense of confusion. Facing Yuwen Ba¡¯s fierce onught, he had acted on instinct to grab the bat, never truly believing he could pull it off.

    ¡°How did I manage that?¡±

    Unable to solve the puzzle, Lu Lixing extended his hand and pushed the baseball bat back into Yuwen Ba¡¯s arms, challenging, ¡°Let¡¯s go again.¡±

    Yuwen Ba, now holding the bat that Lu Lixing had forcefully returned to him, was dumbfounded. The nearby students who witnessed this were equally baffled. What was this Regr ss student up to?

    Yuwen Ba quickly regained hisposure, his eyes burning with anger and humiliation as he red at Lu Lixing. ¡°Are you mocking me?!¡± he demanded.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°I¡¯m not mocking you. Just hurry up and try again.¡±

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s temper red at Lu Lixing¡¯s impatient demeanor. How could he, a prodigy of the Advanced ss, be looked down upon by a nobody from the Regr ss? But Lu Lixing wasn¡¯t caught up in such thoughts; he simply wanted to experience disarming his opponent once more. However, to Yuwen Ba, Lu Lixing¡¯s actions were nothing short of an insult¡ªan ordinary ss nobody trying to climb over a top-tier genius.

    ¡°Do you really think you¡¯re a match for me?!¡±

    In a rage, Yuwen Ba gripped the baseball bat, channeling his full strength and speed into his swing. The bat sliced through the air, trailing afterimages, and with the wind howling, it hurtled towards Lu Lixing¡¯s right knee like a sh of lightning!

    Crack!

    A sharp sound echoed, but it wasn¡¯t the bat striking the knee¡ªit was the sound of a wrist being tightly grasped!

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s enraged strike was intercepted by Lu Lixing, who seized his wrist and abruptly halted the attack.

    ¡°Way too slow.¡±

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s swing was painfully sluggish.

    With a mere nce, Lu Lixing had prated Yuwen Ba¡¯s offensive intent and anticipated his arm¡¯s next move. That¡¯s how he was able to strike with precision, seize Yuwen Ba¡¯s wrist, and forcefully put an end to the onught.

    Was this the same genius from the Honors ss he used to look up to?

    ¡°Just as I thought.¡±

    A confident smirk yed on Lu Lixing¡¯s lips as he hunched his back and sank his shoulders. His left hand balled into a fist, and heunched a ferocious punch. With the force of a thunderp, he aimed for Yuwen Ba¡¯s abdomen. The strength that surged from his fist was like a river breaking through a dam, overwhelming Yuwen Ba, who was still reeling from shock.

    ¡°O! O! O!¡±

    Ovee with agony, Yuwen Ba couldn¡¯t help but wail. Tears and snot streamed down his face as his knees buckled, and he copsed to the ground, clutching his stomach and shaking uncontrobly.

    At the school entrance, onlookers gaped at Lu Lixing, their eyes wide with astonishment. They gazed at him as if he were some unfathomable creature, unable to believe that Yuwen Ba, the school¡¯s two-year terror, had been taken down so effortlessly.

    This was the notorious Yuwen Ba! The prodigy of the Honors ss! And you, just a regr student¡ªhow dare you be so bold?

    To the crowd, it was an incredible feat, but to Lu Lixing, it was trivial. He nced down at his old digital watch and then turned to his stunned buddy, Sha Zhenghao, ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll be back in a sh.¡±

    Having said that, Lu Lixing hoisted the suitcase off the ground and made a beeline for the campus. As for Yuwen Ba, still kneeling on the ground, he was merely ackey ¨C hardly worth a second nce.

 Chapter 7

    C7 ¨C ck Masked God

    Lu Lixing, who had been brimming with confidence just moments before, now stood before Wen Shi, the stern director of academic guidance, meek as a quail and stering on an apologetic smile.

    He had no choice. The rules stipted that he needed to get the items to Wen Shi by five in the afternoon. But by the time he reached Wen Shi¡¯s office, it was already ten past five. He was a whole ten minuteste. Standing before the formidable ck Masked God, Wen Shi, Lu Lixing felt at a disadvantage, his expression betraying his embarrassment.

    Wen Shi, as the director of the senior year, bore the responsibility of overseeing all the teachers and students in that year, including Lu Lixing. Lu Lixing was well-acquainted with Wen Shi, who had earned the nickname ck Masked God not just for his stern appearance but also for his foul temper and, most critically, his disdain for those whocked punctuality.

    This time, Lu Lixing had squarelynded in Wen Shi¡¯s crosshairs. With a long road ahead at the school, he feared the repercussions of this misstep. Though the esteemed director might not typically concern himself with an ordinary student, Lu Lixing couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    Internally, Lu Lixing had already cursed Yuwen Ba countless times. If it hadn¡¯t been for that guy¡¯s sudden interference, he would never have beente.

    As Lu Lixing mentally berated Yuwen Ba, Wen Shi suddenly broke the silence, ¡°Why are youte?¡±

    Wen Shi¡¯s voice was deep and raspy, rumored to be the result of a battlefield injury that left his voice chilling and ufortable to hear.

    Lu Lixing forced a smile and said, ¡°There was a traffic jam, that¡¯s why I¡¯mte. But I assure you, it won¡¯t happen again!¡±

    Upon hearing Lu Lixing¡¯s excuse, Wen Shi let out a cold snort and remained silent. With a swift gesture, he conjured a holographic projection screen in the air before Lu Lixing. The video ying was the very scene of Lu Lixing and Yuwen Ba brawling at the school entrance!

    Confronted with this evidence, Lu Lixing was at a loss for words. Caught lying to the ck Masked God on his first attempt, his luck couldn¡¯t have been worse.

    Lu Lixing had braced himself for a scolding from the ck Masked God, so it came as aplete surprise when a faint, yet unmistakably genuine smile appeared on the enigmatic figure¡¯s face.

    Could the ck Masked God actually smile?

    Taken aback, Lu Lixing carefully maintained a neutral expression. In his nearly three years at the school, he had encountered the ck Masked God numerous times but had never once witnessed a smile.

    ¡°Yuwen Ba may rank at the bottom of the Important ss, but he does possess some skill. Your ability to defeat him with such ease ismendable,¡± Wen Shi remarked, his gaze carrying a subtle note of admiration as if he was thoroughly pleased with Lu Lixing¡¯s handling of Yuwen Ba.

    Lu Lixing was genuinely surprised. The ck Masked God hadn¡¯t reprimanded him for the brawl but instead offered praise. Could it be that Yuwen Ba¡¯s arrogance had previously offended the ck Masked God, and now he was delighted to see Lu Lixing put Yuwen Ba in his ce?

    Unaware of Lu Lixing¡¯s inner turmoil, Wen Shi continued, undisturbed by what he might be thinking. He fixed Lu Lixing with a steady look and inquired, ¡°You gave the baseball bat back to Yuwen Ba and allowed him to strike at you again because you were uncertain about how you disarmed him the first time, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lu Lixing responded candidly, still perplexed by the incident and unsure of how he had managed it.

    Wen Shi offered a calm exnation, ¡°It¡¯s a matter of Brain Domain suppression. Your Brain Domain development far exceeds Yuwen Ba¡¯s, allowing you to anticipate his moves and respond ordingly. The reason you¡¯re unaware of how you aplished this is that your Brain Domain was initially underdeveloped. It has since surged due to certain special circumstances, and you haven¡¯t had the chance to adjust to this newfound power. You understand what happened, but not how it happened.¡±

    ¡°So, you must have experienced some extraordinary event recently, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Listening to Wen Shi¡¯s exnation, Lu Lixing found himself nodding along subconsciously, his face lighting up with a dawningprehension. But at Wen Shi¡¯s final words, Lu Lixing¡¯s expression darkened abruptly, his gaze toward Wen Shi turning icy in an instant.

    Wen Shi, observing Lu Lixing¡¯s wariness, wasn¡¯t upset in the slightest. In fact, he seemed quite pleased. With a slight nod, he said, ¡°Your recent stroke of luck doesn¡¯t pique my interest. My point is simply to caution you: your victory over Yuwen Ba today is bound to draw attention. There will be those who will investigate and probe, trying to uncover the cause of your transformation. Surely, you don¡¯t believe that an ordinary student besting a prodigy from the Important ss is a trivial feat? Be vignt and guard your privacy. Your power is still too fragile; there are adversaries you¡¯re not yet equipped to face.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m gratified to see that you haven¡¯t let your newfound fortunes inte your ego or cloud your judgment.¡±

    Hearing Wen Shi¡¯s candid exnation and seeing the genuine expression on his face, Lu Lixing understood that Wen Shi truly had no interest in his extraordinary experience. While relieved, he also became more cautious. Just because Wen Shi wasn¡¯t curious didn¡¯t mean others wouldn¡¯t be. From now on, he¡¯d need to be constantly on the lookout for any subtle tests, lest he inadvertently give something away and find himself unable to fend off the advances of a true power yer.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s test the current level of your Brain Domain development.¡±

    Wen Shi rose to his feet and with a casual wave of his hand, the wall behind him turned translucent, revealing a sprawling training room of over a hundred square meters. It was Wen Shi¡¯s personal space for secluded cultivation, a ce seldom entered by others.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t hide the envy that flickered through them as he took in the opulent training room before him. His own so-called training space paled inparison to this real sanctuary¡ªit was barely fit for a dog in contrast!

    Fists clenched, Lu Lixing resolved that one day he too would possess a training room like this, or perhaps something even grander.

    ¡°To effectively suppress in the realm of the Brain Domain, you need to surpass the other¡¯s development by at least 5%,¡± Wen Shi exined, turning to face Lu Lixing. ¡°Yuwen Ba¡¯s Brain Domain is at 55%, meaning you need to be at 60% or higher. Yet, your records show a development of only 25%. I¡¯m genuinely intrigued¡ªwhat kind of remarkable encounter did you have that could surge your Brain Domain¡¯s development to such heights?¡±

    It¡¯s worth noting that even Zhang Tu, who¡¯s in the elite ss, has achieved just 68% in Brain Domain development.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 8

    C8 ¨C A Special Surprise

    Wen Shi wasn¡¯t the only one driven by curiosity; Lu Lixing was equally intrigued about the extent to which his Brain Domain had developed.

    In the past, hearing that Zhang Tu had achieved a 68% development in his Brain Domain would have sparked intense envy in Lu Lixing. But now, he harbored the confidence to reach¡ªand perhaps even exceed¡ªthat same level.

    So, when Wen Shi brought up Zhang Tu, it wasn¡¯t envy that stirred in Lu Lixing, but a surge ofpetitiveness. He made a silent vow to outdo Zhang Tu.

    As Wen Shi spoke of Zhang Tu, he kept a watchful eye on Lu Lixing¡¯s expressions. Seeing the self-assured look that crossed Lu Lixing¡¯s face, Wen Shi nodded subtly, his fondness and approval for Lu Lixing growing stronger.

    Wen Shi had encountered numerous civilian geniuses, many of whom would kowtow to the scions of noble families for the slightest bit of cultivation resources. He had no desire to see Lu Lixing sumb to the same fate, bing nothing more than a pawn for the aristocracy.

    Meanwhile, Lu Lixing¡¯s gaze flitted excitedly around the cultivation room, much like a countrydy marveling at the wonders of a grand estate. His eyes sparkled with curiosity and longing for every detail.

    ¡°That must be the advanced rest pod I¡¯ve heard about, right? They say an hour of sleep in there is as restorative as three hours outside. Imagine how much extra time that would free up for training!¡±

    ¡°And is that a Gravity Chamber? Rumored to adjust gravity up to twenty times the normal force! If one could get used to that level of gravity and then return to normal conditions, their speed and strength would be incredibly enhanced!¡±

    ¡°That is¡­¡±

    Lu Lixing knew each piece of equipment in the room from his online research, but this was his first encounter with them in the flesh. His attention was now wholly captivated by the devices before him.

    Owning a cultivation room like this was a dream so grand that he¡¯d probablyugh himself awake.

    Wen Shi, observing the unguarded look of envy and aspiration on Lu Lixing¡¯s face, felt a pang of nostalgia. His own first encounter with a cultivation room had elicited a simr reaction, filled with the same mix of envy and desire. Yet now, with such resources at his disposal, he found himself seldom using them for cultivation.

    As time marches on, everything changes; nothing remains as it was in bygone days.

    ¡°Quit staring; you¡¯re practically drooling.¡±

    Seeing Lu Lixing now, Wen Shi couldn¡¯t help but see a reflection of his younger self. It became difficult for him to maintain his stern demeanor. He pressed his lips together briefly before saying to Lu Lixing, ¡°If the development of your Brain Domain reaches a level that satisfies me, then I¡¯ll let you train in my cultivation room for one day each week.¡±

    Wen Shi could easily allow Lu Lixing to use his cultivation room anytime, but that might not be in Lu Lixing¡¯s best interest. He wanted Lu Lixing to constantly long for and look forward to the cultivation room, to drive him to train diligently and value this hard-earned opportunity.

    Upon hearing Wen Shi¡¯s offer, Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes went wide with incredulity. He gasped, ¡°Really?! Can I actually train here?!¡±

    ¡°You get one day a week,¡± Wen Shi rified, holding up a finger. ¡°And only if your Brain Domain development meets my standards.¡±

    At Wen Shi¡¯s response, Lu Lixing let out an excited roar and pumped his fist, dering, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely meet your expectations!¡±

    Even if it were just an hour each week, Lu Lixing would give it his all. To someone craving strength like him, this ce was paradise.

    Wen Shi felt a surge of satisfaction at Lu Lixing¡¯s ecstatic reaction. He affectionately pped Lu Lixing on the shoulder and said, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get you tested.¡±

    Wen Shi led Lu Lixing to a sleek, silver-white chamber designed for assessing Brain Domain development. It was a cut above the standard test cabins at the school, offering greater precision and reliability.

    ¡°Head inside.¡±

    Lu Lixing, no stranger to the process, needed no further instruction from Wen Shi. He settled into the cabin, found afortable position, closed his eyes, and began to meditate.

    Wen Shi watched from outside the cabin, his gaze filled with hopeful anticipation. He was eager for Lu Lixing to deliver some extraordinary surprises.

    As a mist began to fill the test cabin, signaling the start of the test, the density of the clouds indicated the level of Brain Domain development. Previously, Lu Lixing¡¯s tests produced only a sparse few clouds, but this time was different. The clouds enveloped Lu Lixing¡¯s form, shrouding him in a thick haze that barely revealed his silhouette.

    Witnessing the test pod¡¯s response, Wen Shi couldn¡¯t help but show a look of satisfaction. The more time he spent with Lu Lixing, the more pleased he became. The concentration of the mist and the degree of Brain Domain development had certainly surpassed 60%, aligning perfectly with his predictions.

    As Wen Shi was nodding contentedly, a sudden burst of lightning from within the mist made him jolt, his eyes widening in shock.

    The test was brief,sting only around five minutes, but to Lu Lixing, it felt like a full night¡¯s sleep. He awoke feeling invigorated and instinctively stretched.

    After stretching, Lu Lixing opened his eyes to find a ck face loomingrge before him, nearly causing him to leap out of the test pod in fright.

    ¡°Director, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Startled by Wen Shi¡¯s imposing presence, Lu Lixing quickly rose from the pod and stepped out, feeling uneasy under Wen Shi¡¯s intense, fiery gaze.

    The ck Masked God had been so kind to me before. Could it be he has some peculiar quirks?

    While Lu Lixing¡¯s mind raced with wild thoughts, Wen Shi inhaled deeply, regaining hisposure before speaking, ¡°Your Brain Domain development is impressive, at 64%, far exceeding my expectations. But that¡¯s not the crucial part¡ªthe lightning is!¡±

    Wen Shi gazed at Lu Lixing with astonishment, eximing, ¡°You¡¯ve actually activated a Talent Rune!¡±

    Lu Lixing, somewhat taken aback, replied, ¡°Yes, is there a problem with that?¡±

    At Lu Lixing¡¯s response, Wen Shi burst into heartyughter. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s fine! Why wouldn¡¯t it be? If anyone dares to say otherwise, I¡¯ll tear them apart!¡±

    Observing Wen Shi¡¯s sudden disy of overwhelming authority, Lu Lixing couldn¡¯t help but feel puzzled. He had activated a Talent Rune, but what did that have to do with Wen Shi? Why was he so ecstatic?

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 9

    C9 ¨C New Hope

    ?¡±Your talent has truly brought me a wealth of surprises,¡± Wen Shi said, his eyes filled with admiration as he watched Lu Lixing. It had been ages since he¡¯dughed with such abandon. The joy he felt was reminiscent of the tion from his victorious days in battle¡ªthere was scarcely anything in the world that could make him happier than a triumph in war.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re pleased,¡± Lu Lixing replied, giving Wen Shi a peculiar look. Something seemed off. Wen Shi¡¯s treatment of him was akin to that of a father to his son¡ªbizarrely warm and out of character. This was not the ck Masked God he remembered.

    Sensing the confusion in Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes, Wen Shi let out a chuckle. ¡°Do you find my behavior towards you odd? Not quite in line with how I usually am?¡±

    Lu Lixing nodded candidly. The mystery of it all was unsettling, and he feared it would keep him awake at night if left unresolved.

    With a sigh, Wen Shi spoke to Lu Lixing in a tone tinged with sentiment, ¡°I¡¯ve looked into your background. You¡¯re an orphan from the slums, just as I was decades ago before I joined the military.¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment at Wen Shi¡¯s revtion. He never imagined that the ck Masked God himself hailed from the slums!

    If Wen Shi was being truthful, then it made sense why he had shown such kindness. Had Lu Lixing been in Wen Shi¡¯s shoes, he too would feel a natural affinity for someone sharing his humble origins. With this realization, Lu Lixing¡¯s wariness towards Wen Shi ebbed away, reced by a budding sense of kinship.

    ¡°My origins are no secret¡ªyou can easily verify them. I have no reason to deceive you over such a triviality. Seeing another genius emerge from our slums fills me with contentment,¡± Wen Shi said earnestly. ¡°I hope you¡¯ll persist on your path with unwavering resolve.¡±

    A genius with advanced Brain Domain development may not typically merit Wen Shi¡¯s lofty expectations. However, a genius who not only possesses a high level of Brain Domain development but has also awakened the Talent Rune, and whoes from a civilian background¡ªnow that changes everything.

    In the current state of the world, the lion¡¯s share of resources is hoarded by the elite families and sects. Commoners, without the backing of these powerful entities, find it nearly impossible to rise above their station. Wen Shi, having held the post of director for over a decade, had witnessed far too many civilian geniuses forced to seek the patronage of these aristocratic houses due to a dearth of cultivation resources. It pained him deeply, yet he was powerless to alter this reality. Thus, he clung to the faint hope that someone from the ranks of themon folk would emerge to challenge the status quo. Although this hope was faint¡ªso faint that Wen Shi was on the verge of abandoning it¡ªfortune smiled when Lu Lixing entered the scene, reigniting his optimism.

    Wen Shi¡¯s watchful eyes missed little of the school¡¯s happenings. He understood Yuwen Ba¡¯s reasons for approaching Lu Lixing, and he was aware that there was no significant history between Lu Lixing and Zhang Tu¡ªexcept for the involvement of Sha Xiufen, the female student. This connection convinced him that an inevitable sh between Lu Lixing and Zhang Tu was brewing.

    One hailed from the echelons of nobility, the other from the depths of poverty¡ªboth exceptionally gifted and remarkable in their own right. Wen Shi was eager, almost impatient, to witness the sh of these two forces and the sparks that would surely result.

    Should Lu Lixing triumph over Zhang Tu in this uing confrontation, Wen Shi would not hesitate to bestow upon him a windfall of opportunity.

    Yet, such discussions were premature. Everything hinged on Lu Lixing¡¯s future conduct. If Lu Lixing proved to be mediocre, unable to fend off Zhang Tu¡¯s onught, it would simply confirm that he was not the individual Wen Shi had been waiting for.

    He was not heartless, but neither did he indulge in squandering time. A person who could not even best Zhang Tu did not merit his attention, much less his investment of resources and time.

    Harsh as it may be, such is the nature of reality.

    Unbeknownst to Lu Lixing, in the brief time that had passed, Wen Shi had already pondered all these matters, silently appointing him as the potential lever to shift the might of the aristocracy in the future. With Wen Shi¡¯s expectations and support weighing on him, Lu Lixing gave a solemn nod and vowed, ¡°I will not disappoint you!¡±

    He was never one to bow and scrape. If he were, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to challenge the notoriously fearsome Yuwen Ba at the school gate.

    ¡°Very good,¡± Wen Shi said, patting Lu Lixing¡¯s shoulder with satisfaction. ¡°From now on, you¡¯re wee to train at my ce every Sunday. I¡¯ll grant you ess to use any of the equipment there. Don¡¯t worry about damaging anything¡ªfeel free to use it all. Now, it¡¯s gettingte, and you should head home.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Lu Lixing hesitated, scratching his head sheepishly. ¡°About the delivery beingte, could you please¡­¡±

    Normally, ate delivery meant losing the delivery fee, but given his strong rapport with Wen Shi, surely Wen Shi wouldn¡¯t lodge aint with Zha, would he?

    Wen Shi chuckled at the concern. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t report you. In fact, I¡¯ll give you a five-star rating!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Director!¡± Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes sparkled at the news. A five-star rating meant earning 150% of the delivery fee¡ªa substantial windfall!

    After Lu Lixing left, buoyant with joy, Wen Shi pulled out his phone and stared at a number he hadn¡¯t dialed in ages. After a long silence, he mustered the courage to make the call.

    The phone rang for what seemed an eternity before it was picked up, and a deep, resonant voice answered.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    Just two simple words, but they were enough to bring tears to Wen Shi¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Captain, it¡¯s Wen Shi,¡± he said, his voice thick with emotion.

    There was a lengthy pause before the reply came. ¡°I¡¯m not a captain anymore. Stop calling me that.¡±

    Wen Shi inhaled deeply, trying to steady his voice. ¡°Captain, I¡¯ve discovered a civilian genius in the slums. He¡¯s incredibly talented and has so much potential¡ª¡±

    ¡°Enough,¡± the voice interrupted, firm and final. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, I¡¯ve given up. Don¡¯t bring these matters up to me again.¡±

    Having finished his piece, the man ended the call before Wen Shi could get a word in. When Wen Shi attempted to redial, he found himself blocked.

    Staring at the all-too-familiar number on his screen, Wen Shi¡¯s fists tightened, and through clenched teeth, he vowed, ¡°Captain, this time, we will not face disappointment!¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 10

    C10 ¨C Refuse to Apologize!

    For a top-tier talent like Yuwen Ba, physical wounds might heal easily, but the scars on the soul were far harder to mend.

    In front of hundreds of students at the school gates, Lu Lixing had been brought to his knees by Yuwen Ba. For Yuwen Ba, the disgrace was immeasurable, a stain that no amount of blood could cleanse.

    Sha Xiufen, having rushed to the scene, stood by the hospital bed, her face mirroring the dark scowl of the injured Yuwen Ba. She hadn¡¯t anticipated Yuwen Ba seeking out a confrontation with Lu Lixing, let alone that Lu Lixing woulde out on top.

    Had she not seen it with her own eyes, Sha Xiufen would have struggled to ept the truth. How could Lu Lixing, a bottom-ranked student from an ordinary ss, ovee a prodigy from the elite ss? The Lu Lixing she knew surely didn¡¯t possess such prowess.

    ¡°Senior Brother Ma, I share the me for this incident. I¡¯m truly sorry,¡± Sha Xiufen offered her earnest apology to Yuwen Ba. Despite her superior talent and strength, Yuwen Ba was a confidant of Zhang Tu, and as Zhang Tu¡¯s girlfriend, she feltpelled to show Yuwen Ba due respect.

    Yuwen Ba, initially dismissive upon hearing Sha Xiufen¡¯s apology, managed a forced smile out of consideration for Zhang Tu. ¡°You¡¯re not at fault. I simply let my guard down and paid the price. Rest assured, it won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    His words wereced with venom, and his face twisted with malice. Indeed, there would be a next time, and he wouldn¡¯t let Lu Lixing off lightly. Before, he had intended only to break Lu Lixing¡¯s legs as a lesson, but now he envisioned breaking all four of Lu Lixing¡¯s limbs¡ªor rather, all five.

    Only such extreme measures could quell the burning resentment he harbored for Lu Lixing.

    Witnessing the raw hatred etched on Yuwen Ba¡¯s face, Sha Xiufen understood that he would never let this go; revenge against Lu Lixing was inevitable. And as she thought of Lu Lixing, a flicker of annoyance crossed her mind. Why did he always seem to court trouble?

    ¡°Take care and rest up, Senior Brother. I¡¯m heading out.¡±

    Sha Xiufen said her goodbyes to Yuwen Ba and walked away.

    Yuwen Ba watched her retreating figure, her graceful silhouette, and let out a cold, mockingugh. Under his breath, he muttered, ¡°She¡¯s nothing but Young Master Cheng¡¯s toy, yet she fancies herself the future Young Madam of the Zhang family.¡±

    Sha Zhenghao was feeling a whirlwind of emotions. He was also quite disheartened. Theplexity stemmed from his surprise at how strong his childhood friend had be, strong enough to take down Yuwen Ba, the notorious tough guy. The sadness came from knowing Yuwen Ba¡¯s vengeful nature; he wouldn¡¯t take this defeat lying down. Lu Lixing was in for a rough time facing Yuwen Ba¡¯s inevitable bacsh, and as Lu Lixing¡¯s close friend, Sha Zhenghao knew he¡¯d be caught in the crossfire. Despite this, Sha Zhenghao had no intention of running away. Standing by Lu Lixing as his loyal brother, he might not be up for throwing punches, but taking a few hits together was no big deal.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you lost in thought over here?¡±

    Lu Lixing, emerging from the school gates, spotted Sha Zhenghao under the tree, lost in a daze. With a smile, he teased, ¡°What, got spring fever? Daydreaming about your goddess?¡±

    Snapping out of it, Sha Zhenghao looked up at the grinning Lu Lixing and raised his thumb in approval. ¡°You killed it, bro! You¡¯ve really made a ssh this time. By tomorrow, the whole school will be buzzing about how Yuwen Ba, the bully from the Advanced ss, got taken down by a nobody from the Regr ss. You¡¯re about to be a legend!¡±

    Lu Lixing shed a cheeky grin. ¡°So, want me to include you in the story? When they ask, I¡¯ll say we did it together. That way, you, Young Master Wang, can get a taste of the spotlight too.¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± Sha Zhenghao quickly gestured with his hands and shook his head vigorously, ¡°I¡¯m not cut out for that kind of fame.¡±

    Seeing that his good buddy Sha Zhenghao hadn¡¯t shunned him for stirring up trouble with Yuwen Ba, Lu Lixing was genuinely ted. His earlier remarks were just in jest; he had no intention of spreading rumors¡ªit simply wasn¡¯t necessary or worthwhile. After all, Yuwen Ba was nothing more than a minor yer.

    ¡°Come on, brother, I¡¯m taking you out for some skewers,¡± Lu Lixing said cheerfully. The extra cash from running errands today meant they could treat themselves to a decent dinner.

    When Sha Zhenghao heard Lu Lixing¡¯s offer to foot the bill, he didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯m in for two hefty skewers to make up for the fright you gave me today!¡±

    As Lu Lixing and Sha Zhenghao were about to head out, a tall figure in a pleated skirt stepped in their path.

    ¡°Lu Lixing, you¡¯reing with me,¡± Sha Xiufen demanded, her gaze stern and face expressionless.

    Sha Zhenghao gave Lu Lixing a sly nudge and a conspiratorial wink. While others might be clueless about Lu Lixing¡¯s history with Sha Xiufen, as Lu Lixing¡¯s close friend, he was well aware. Sha Xiufen¡¯s sudden appearance could mean something exciting was afoot.

    What Sha Zhenghao didn¡¯t realize was that Sha Xiufen was now Zhang Tu¡¯s girlfriend and had already vowed to cut ties with Lu Lixing.

    Confronted by Sha Xiufen, Lu Lixing pressed his lips together and asked, ¡°What do you need me for? If it¡¯s not urgent, let¡¯s skip it¡ªI¡¯ve got ns to hit up the barbecue with Sha Zhenghao.¡±

    Sha Xiufen¡¯s brow furrowed at his response. ¡°You¡¯re still in the mood for skewers? Do you really think you¡¯re unbeatable just because you outsmarted Yuwen Ba? Listen up, you¡¯re no match for the prodigies in the Important ss. If you don¡¯t want Yuwen Ba¡¯s retaliation, you¡¯d bettere with me now and apologize to him! If you show a bit of sincerity, I can assure you he¡¯ll leave you alone from here on out.¡±

    Watching Sha Xiufen¡¯s self-righteous disy of concern, Lu Lixing felt anything but warmth or gratitude. Instead, a sense of annoyance crept in. With a forced smile, he addressed Sha Xiufen coolly, ¡°An apology seems unnecessary. If he¡¯s out for revenge, then let hime. You don¡¯t need to worry about me, and I certainly don¡¯t need your concern. We agreed to go our separate ways, and that¡¯s what we should do.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re clueless about what¡¯s good for you!¡±

    Sha Xiufen¡¯s anger red at the sight of Lu Lixing¡¯s dismissive demeanor. She had meant well, yet she hadn¡¯t anticipated such a reaction from him!

    As for Sha Xiufen¡¯s humiliation and rage, Lu Lixing was indifferent. The Sha Xiufen before him was a far cry from the girl he once knew. The pure, cheerful, kind, and endearing young woman who had once captured his heart was long gone.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 11

    C11 ¨C ck City

    After enjoying a barbecue with his good friend Sha Zhenghao, Lu Lixing didn¡¯t head straight home. Instead, he made his way to Sunlit Path on the city¡¯s western edge.

    Theing Sunday marked an important day for him. Per their agreement, he was granted ess to the ck Masked God¡¯s training room for a full day of intensive cultivation. To take full advantage of this opportunity, Lu Lixing knew he had to be thoroughly prepared.

    Previously, Lu Lixing¡¯s aptitude for cultivation was notablycking. Whether he utilized cultivation resources or not made little difference, leading him to seldom rely on them. Back then, he barely gave them a second thought. Times have changed, however. Now, with his exceptional cultivation talent, Lu Lixing had the rare chance to train in a luxurious, advanced cultivation room. He was certain that with the right resources, he could achieve remarkable progress with minimal effort.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s visit to Sunlit Path was specifically for these cultivation resources.

    To the casual observer, Sunlit Path was just another unremarkable street, devoid of any distinctive features or shops selling cultivation resources. But Lu Lixing, a frequent visitor, was well aware of the massive underground city hidden beneath. In this subterranean marketce, if you had the means, you could acquire anything your heart desired.

    This sprawling underground haven was known as ck City, amon yet ndestine feature not exclusive to Skyhaven but present beneath every city in the Stardragon Federation. The origins of ck City, stretching across the Federation, were shrouded in mystery. But one thing was clear to all who frequented it: those foolish enough to stir up trouble in ck City wouldn¡¯t live to see the dawn of a new day.

    Despite its diverse clientele, ck City maintained an unexpectedly high level of order.

    Over the past two-plus years, Lu Lixing had made monthly trips to ck City to procure cultivation resources for Sha Xiufen. He favored this underground market over conventional stores for its more affordable prices. Now, seeking resources for his own use, Lu Lixing¡¯s first thought was, naturally, ck City.

    The gateway to ck City was discreetly located in the backyard of a nondescript grocery store. To gain entry, one had to purchase a pass from the store¡ªa mere ten dors, a trivial sum. While buying a pass was optional, without it, ck City offered no protection to those who found themselves in trouble within its confines. Consequently, regardless of status, everyone chose to secure a pass as insurance before venturing into the depths of ck City.

    Lu Lixing strode into the grocery store with the ease of familiarity. He nced at the dozing shopkeeper behind the counter but remained silent. cing a 10-dor Federation coin on the counter, he spread his hand open.

    The once dark counter flickered to life momentarily before returning to its normal state. Now in Lu Lixing¡¯s palmy a ck crescent moon mark, the pass for ck City valid for 24 hours. With this mark, Lu Lixing was under the protection of ck City. However, once he stepped out of its bounds and off Sunlit Path, the mark would vanish without a trace in less than ten minutes¡ªa truly magical phenomenon.

    Having secured his pass, Lu Lixing didn¡¯t linger. He made his way to the grocery store¡¯s backyard. To enter ck City, he needed to take an elevator, but first, he had to don a disguise.

    From his jacket pocket, Lu Lixing retrieved a thin ck mask and ced it over his face, leaving only his forehead and eyes visible. Even Sha Zhenghao, were he present, might fail to recognize him. Lu Lixing had purchased this mask for a hundred dors within ck City, where such masks weremonce.

    Mask in ce, Lu Lixing entered the elevator, joining the already sizable crowd inside. Most of the upants wore masks, and those who didn¡¯t bore a menacing look¡ªclearly not the sort to be trifled with. Among them was an individual radiating an intimidating Spiritual Force, a sure sign of a genuine cultivator.

    The others in the elevator kept their distance from the suspected cultivator, wary of inviting trouble. They avoided even ncing his way. Lu Lixing observed this dynamic with a tinge of envy. Cultivators held a revered and powerful status in the hearts of the people, a status thatmanded respect and caution.

    The elevator surged downward at a breakneck pace, plunging the passengers over 300 meters in a mere moment. Through the transparent protective shield, the bustling scene of ck City came into view¡ªstreets teeming with people and aze with lights, a vibrant hub of activity.

    Lu Lixing, a frequent visitor to ck City, found himself indifferent to its familiarndscapes. Yet, his eyes betrayed a spark of excitement. This visit held a different purpose from his previous ones; he was here for his own reasons, a thought that pleased him greatly.

    ¡°People really should live for themselves,¡± Lu Lixing whispered to himself. As the elevator came to a halt, he stepped out and made his way into the heart of ck City. Knowing the ins and outs like the back of his hand, Lu Lixing was well aware of where to find the highest quality and most affordable cultivation resources. Without hesitation, he headed straight for the shops.

    Navigating through the bustling crowd for about ten minutes, he finally paused in front of a store named Caitlin. After a quick survey of the passersby, he entered the shop.

    ¡°No credit allowed here.¡±

    The moment Lu Lixing crossed the threshold, anguid voice floated from behind the counter. He saw Caitlin, the still-charming proprietress, propping her chin with one hand and greeted her with a chuckle, ¡°You greet all your customers with that line. Aren¡¯t you worried they¡¯ll get upset and never return?¡±

    Caitlin, hearing a voice she recognized, looked up in surprise. She peered at Lu Lixing as he approached and asked, puzzled, ¡°You usually visit once a month. Why are you back so soon? Did you strike it rich?¡±

    Over the past couple of years, Lu Lixing had consistently purchased his cultivation resources from Caitlin, and they had grown quite familiar with each other. Even though he wore a mask that concealed his features, Caitlin could easily recognize his voice.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t struck it rich, and I¡¯m not here to shop,¡± Lu Lixing replied, cing a dark cloth bag on the counter. ¡°I need you to exchange these low-grade spirit powders for higher-grade ones.¡±

    Caitlin cast a nce at the bag on the counter and then eyed Lu Lixing with a yful look. ¡°You sure about that? You may have bought them here, but rules are rules. I¡¯ll have to charge you a 20% fee.¡±

 Chapter 12

    C12 ¨C Wealth Comes from Danger

    In ck City, basic cultivation resources are quite affordable. Yet, the advanced onese with a hefty price tag. This isn¡¯t because the proprietors of ck City are greedy; it¡¯s simply because these high-grade resources are unattainable elsewhere.

    Outside the city, nearly all the advanced cultivation resources are hoarded by noble families and sects, leaving ordinary folks with money but no means to purchase them. Given this near-monopoly, the advanced resources that do circte within ck City are considered incredibly valuable, justifying their steep cost. Those eager to acquire these resources,cking any other ess, have no choice but to reluctantlyply with the market rates.

    So when Caitlin mentioned taking a 20% cut, Lu Lixing winced at the thought but resignedly consented.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lu Lixing said, eyeing the cloth bag before addressing Caitlin, ¡°Just don¡¯t cheat me.¡±

    ¡°Rx, you¡¯re a regr now. Why would I cheat you?¡± Caitlinughed lightly, grabbing the bag without concern for its dirtiness and deftly tipping the spirit powder onto the counter. The pale green powder was portioned into dozens of transparent, neatly packaged servings, each weighing 100 grams¡ªjust enough for one session of cultivation for the average person.

    Caitlin surveyed the spirit powder spread across the counter and cheerfully informed Lu Lixing, ¡°The exchange rate from low to high-level spirit powder is 100 to 1. You¡¯ve brought 2,000 grams of the low-level variety, which equates to 200 grams of the advanced. After mymission, you¡¯ll 160 grams of the high-level powder. Are you sure you want to proceed with the exchange?¡±

    The realization that his two kilograms of low-level spirit powder would only yield 160 grams of the advanced variety made Lu Lixing¡¯s heart sink. But, determined to enhance his cultivation, he steeled himself to ept the terms.

    Lu Lixing inhaled deeply and dered, ¡°Convert it all to advanced spirit powder!¡±

    ¡°I admire your decisiveness,¡± Caitlin said with an approving nce at Lu Lixing. She swept her hand, gathering the low-level powder from the counter. Then, turning to the storage cab behind her, she retrieved two packets of the deep green advanced spirit powder and tossed them casually in front of Lu Lixing, stating simply, ¡°Here¡¯s your share.¡±

    Lu Lixing eyed the two bags of advanced spirit powder before him with a hint of surprise. ¡°You haven¡¯t taken your cut yet.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m feeling generous today,¡± Caitlin drawled, stretchingnguidly. ¡°I¡¯m not particrly interested in that bit of advanced spirit powder.¡±

    After a brief pause, Lu Lixing finally reached out and took the two bags of spirit powder. He looked at Caitlin earnestly and said, ¡°I¡¯ll find a way to repay you.¡±

    For Lu Lixing, advanced cultivation resources like these were incredibly valuable. Caitlin¡¯s casual gift of 40 grams of advanced spirit powder was a significant boon. Having benefited from her generosity, he felt a natural obligation to return the favor someday.

    Caitlin, however, didn¡¯t seem to take Lu Lixing¡¯s vow of repayment seriously. She yawned and told him, ¡°Alright, if that¡¯s everything, you¡¯re free to go.¡±

    His mission to exchange for cultivation resources aplished, Lu Lixing saw no reason to linger. But as he was about to leave, two notices posted on the wall caught his eye.

    Drawn to them, Lu Lixing stepped closer to examine the intricate and mysterious runes. A jolt of excitement ran through him¡ªthey were part of a highly advanced array!

    Caitlin, observing from behind the counter, noticed Lu Lixing¡¯s diverted attention. She arched an eyebrow and warned, ¡°Be careful with that array; it might make your head spin.¡±

    Ignoring Caitlin¡¯s caution, Lu Lixing continued to scrutinize the array. After a while, he turned to her, his voice tinged with excitement. ¡°Mistress, is the announcement for real? If I can identify this array, you¡¯ll pay me 100,000 yuan?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s genuine,¡± Caitlin replied, sitting up with a keen look in her eyes. ¡°Do you recognize the array?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Lu Lixing started, almost ready to concede, but then he remembered Wen Shi¡¯s warning. Changing tack, he said, ¡°But I know a Runemaster who surely could.¡±

    Caitlin gave Lu Lixing a look of sheer astonishment and said, ¡°You¡¯re rted to a senior runemaster, and yet you¡¯re the one who has to buy resources for cultivation?¡±

    Lu Lixing scratched his head in embarrassment upon hearing this and quickly concocted an excuse, ¡°It¡¯s a form of training from my elders. They¡¯re encouraging me to cultivate a sense of independence.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s beside the point,¡± Caitlin interjected, her excitement palpable. She rose swiftly and strode over to Lu Lixing, pointing at the two notices on the wall. ¡°Are you absolutely certain your elder can identify the arrays on these notices? Let me be clear, these are at least level four arrays!¡±

    Level four arrays fell within the intermediate category, and only a runemaster of level three or higher could discern them. Each level three runemaster was a highly esteemed guest of major powers, necessitating Caitlin¡¯s utmost caution.

    ¡°I¡¯m positive,¡± Lu Lixing replied confidently. For him, deciphering arrays was no challenge. Despite the risks, sess would him two hundred thousand¡ªa veritable fortune for him at the moment.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s self-assured demeanor made Caitlin wary. If he wasn¡¯t bluffing, then a runemaster of at least level three was backing him. A mere word from him could banish her from ck City. She dared not cross them.

    ¡°How do you n to proceed?¡±

    Caitlin inquired tentatively. If Lu Lixing intended to inform his runemaster about the situation, she would unhesitatingly intervene. A respected level three runemaster wouldn¡¯t miss two hundred thousand, and if they thought she was behind it, she¡¯d be in jeopardy.

    Lu Lixing had his response ready. ¡°Every day, my grandfather has me practice identifying arrays. I¡¯ll just need to memorize these two and consult him as part of my daily lessons. He¡¯s sure to help me out. I¡¯ll say I saw them on someone else¡¯s magical instrument¡ªI won¡¯t mention finding them here. Naturally, it¡¯s best if you don¡¯t spread the word.¡±

    Grandfather?

    Caitlin peered intently at Lu Lixing and assured him, ¡°Rest easy, your secret¡¯s safe with me.¡±

 Chapter 13

    C13 ¨C Lord¡¯s Mansion

    ?¡±Before we go any further, I need to know who put up this notice,¡± Lu Lixing said, gesturing to the notice on the wall. He was certain that it hadn¡¯t been there when he visited two days prior.

    ¡°Every shop in ck City was stered with these notices two days ago,¡± Caitlin replied promptly. ¡°To my knowledge, they originated from the Lord¡¯s Mansion. Whoever is behind them is likely a high-ranking official there, possibly even the Lord himself.¡±

    Lu Lixing inhaled sharply at Caitlin¡¯s response. The connection to the Lord¡¯s Mansion of ck City was unexpected¡ªthe Lord was a formidable cultivator at the peak of Foundation Building, ording to rumors.

    Anxiety crept into Lu Lixing¡¯s thoughts. If the Lord¡¯s Mansion caught wind of his involvement with the array, the consequences could be dire. He wondered if the risk he took for two hundred thousand was truly justified.

    Amidst his indecision, Caitlin¡¯s phone rang. She nced at the screen, then fixed Lu Lixing with an eerie look. ¡°I¡¯ve just been informed of a new decree from the Lord¡¯s Mansion. They¡¯ve updated the reward for the notices. Identifying one array now earns two hundred thousand, and for two arrays, the prize is five hundred thousand.¡±

    The new bounty was staggering¡ªmore than double the original sum.

    Lu Lixing steeled himself. Indeed, fortune favored the bold.

    ¡°Tonight, I¡¯ll consult my grandfather. I¡¯ll return here tomorrow evening, so have some Body Tempering and advanced Brain Domain cultivation resources ready for me¡ªI intend to purchase them,¡± Lu Lixing said, his gaze intense. ¡°And remember, my grandfather¡¯s involvement must remain confidential. If it leaks, I might only get a beating, but you could pay with your life.¡±

    The stakes were high with the Lord¡¯s Mansion involved. Lu Lixing had to ensure absolute secrecy, and Caitlin, as an informed party, had to maintain it.

    Caitlin nodded with grave seriousness and assured, ¡°Rest assured, your secret is safe with me!¡±

    Only a fool would risk angering a Runemaster, such a prominent figure.

    With Caitlin¡¯s promise secured, Lu Lixing wasted no more time. He turned on his heel and departed. Whether Caitlin was trustworthy or not, he nned to leave ck City immediately after the deal was done the following night. He had no intention of returning to ck City anytime soon.

    Caitlin¡¯s excitement hadn¡¯t waned since learning that Lu Lixing¡¯s grandfather was at least a level three Runemaster. A level three Runemaster was a figure of such esteem that even the Speaker of Skyhaven would address him with the honorific ¡°Master.¡±

    The thought of being connected to such an eminent individual thrilled Caitlin, yet it also stirred a sense of apprehension within her. If she disclosed the names of the two Runes, she would certainly draw the Lord¡¯s Mansion¡¯s scrutiny. And if they inquired about the origins of those names, what then? Should she reveal the truth?

    Telling the truth would surely put her at odds with both Lu Lixing and the Runemaster. Keeping silent, on the other hand, would mean crossing the Lord¡¯s Mansion. She was caught between a rock and a hard ce, hoping the Lord¡¯s Mansion would let the matter slide. If not, her future in ck City might be bleak indeed.

    ¡°I¡¯m all in for ck City¡¯s permanent residency and the perpetual ownership of my shop!¡± Caitlin resolved, her determination steeling her resolve. Fortune favors the bold, and she had to take this chance to see what she was capable of.

    When Lu Lixing returned to Caitlin¡¯s shop the next evening, he was met with a startling sight: Caitlin, disheveled and sporting dark circles under her eyes. He was taken aback. Had the Lord¡¯s Mansion gotten wind of their deal and interrogated Caitlin through the night?

    Unbeknownst to Lu Lixing, Caitlin¡¯s appearance was the result of a sleepless night fueled by sheer excitement. She had spent the entire day in her shop, which had led to her current state.

    Catching the worry on Lu Lixing¡¯s face, Caitlin realized he had gotten the wrong idea. She hurriedly rified, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I was just too excitedst night and didn¡¯t get much sleep. That¡¯s all. Our secret is still safe; no third party is aware.¡±

    Upon hearing Caitlin¡¯s exnation, Lu Lixing¡¯s tension eased. He took a seat at the counter and leaned in to whisper, ¡°I spoke with my grandfather yesterday. I¡¯ve learned the names of the two arrays.¡±

    While speaking, Lu Lixing handed a slip of paper to Caitlin, unconcerned about the possibility of her pocketing his prize money.

    Caitlin¡¯s eyes sparkled as she took the paper from Lu Lixing with a slightly shaking hand. She inhaled deeply and told him, ¡°Just give me a moment!¡±

    She promptly stood up, went to the shop¡¯s entrance, and locked the door, hanging a ¡°Closed for Business¡± sign. Turning back to Lu Lixing, she instructed, ¡°Come with me to the back.¡±

    Without a moment¡¯s dy, Lu Lixing followed her into the shop¡¯s backyard. He knew that any sign of hesitation or fear might raise Caitlin¡¯s suspicions. Regardless of what dangers might lurk in the backyard, he had to maintain a brave front.

    It was a risk he was willing to take.

    Caitlin returned from her bedroom carrying an Holo-Brain and set it on the table. ¡°I¡¯m sending the names of these arrays to the Lord¡¯s Mansion right now,¡± she told Lu Lixing. ¡°Once they confirm, you¡¯ll instantly receive your prize money of five hundred thousand yuan.¡±

    Caitlin nced at Lu Lixing and continued, ¡°I¡¯ve also prepared advanced cultivation resources worth one million yuan for you today. They¡¯re in the cab outside and I¡¯ll hand them over to you shortly.¡±

    Lu Lixing paused, puzzled. ¡°Why would I have one million in advanced cultivation resources?¡±

    He only had a gift of five hundred thousand yuan; surely that wouldn¡¯t cover the cost of resources valued at one million. Was there some hidden aspect of the deal he wasn¡¯t aware of?

    ¡°You surely don¡¯t think hiring a level three Runemaster would cost just five hundred thousand?¡± Caitlin chuckled. She borated, ¡°I suspect that the five hundred thousand is merely a token of introduction. The Lord¡¯s Mansion will likely extend an invitation to your grandfather afterwards. Regardless of whether he epts, they¡¯ll have a generous gift for me to pass on to him. Ultimately, that gift will end up in your hands, and I¡¯ll receive a substantial reward from this deal as well. Consider the additional five hundred thousand in advanced cultivation resources a small token of my appreciation. Please, don¡¯t turn it down.¡±

 Chapter 14

    C14 ¨C The Resources Were in Her Hands!

    The Lord¡¯s Mansion, situated at the heart of ck City, stood as its tallest edifice¡ªa towering structure with thirteen floors.

    The first ten floors served as the public domain, housing the offices of the mansion¡¯s officials. Above that, from the eleventh floor onward,y the private domains of the Lord¡¯s Mansion. Trespassers who entered without permission met a swift end at the hands of the guards¡ªno exceptions, not even for cultivators.

    A middle-aged man in a purple tailcoat stood before a grand, pristine window. His stature was tall andmanding, his expression stern, and an intimidating presence radiated from him. This was Shang Ruiming, the City Lord of ck City, a formidable cultivator at the pinnacle of the Foundation Building stage.

    For three full days, Shang Ruiming had been standing there, neither eating nor shifting his position. His thoughts remained a mystery, and none dared interrupt his solitude.

    The crisp sound of high heels approached, and a striking figure in a ck uniform emerged from the shadows. She positioned herself respectfully behind Shang Ruiming and announced, ¡°Sir, there¡¯s news.¡±

    Upon hearing her, Shang Ruiming turned slowly to face her, his voice deep, ¡°Tell me.¡±

    ¡°A message from the owner of Caitlin¡¯s Store. A runemaster passing by identified two arrays and left their names.¡±

    Shang Qiongsi handed over a document as she spoke. The names of the arrays were inscribed upon it.

    Shang Ruiming epted the document and, after a nce, his excitement surged.

    ¡°Spirit Containing Array, Spirit Immersion Array! So there are still those in this world who recognize these arrays! Excellent, this is excellent!¡±

    He burst into heartyughter, his eyes alight with fervor as he gazed at the document. ¡°With these arrays, there¡¯s hope for me yet!¡±

    Shang Qiongsi shared in his joy, smiling as she congratted him, ¡°Congrattions, my Lord!¡±

    Meanwhile, in the shop, Lu Lixing was inwardly frantic with worry. Yet, he maintained a calm exterior, feigning indifference as he casually inquired, ¡°How¡¯s everything going?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve got news!¡± Caitlin eximed, her eyes fixed on the response disyed on the Holo-Brain. She turned to Lu Lixing with palpable excitement. ¡°The funds have been transferred into the ount I provided!¡±

    But it wasn¡¯t just the funds. Along with the gold, she had also received the permanent property deed for Caitlin¡¯s Store and the identity certificate affirming her status as a permanent resident of ck City.

    ¡°Excellent!¡± Lu Lixing responded promptly upon hearing the news. ¡°Hand over the cultivation resources now. I need to leave immediately!¡±

    Caitlin had anticipated that Lu Lixing would depart as soon as he got the message. Without hesitation, she apanied him to the cab, from which she retrieved a ck leather backpack the size of a schoolbag and passed it to him.

    ¡°This is a space bag crafted from ck Scaled Python hide. Everything you need is in there. Consider this backpack my thank-you gift to you.¡±

    A space bag like this would fetch around 100,000 yuan on the market. It wasn¡¯t exactly cheap, but it paled inparison to the value of the permanent residence and property ownership certificates she had just acquired.

    Lu Lixing didn¡¯t linger. He slung the backpack over his shoulders and strode out, making a beeline for the elevator. He didn¡¯t pause for a second, driven by the fear that any dy might lead to an unwanted encounter. His instincts were spot-on; envoys from the Lord¡¯s Mansion were already en route to Caitlin¡¯s Store. Had he been just three minutes slower, he might have walked straight into them.

    Caitlin remained at the storefront, her gaze lingering on the fading figure of Lu Lixing as he vanished into the throng. A look of steadfast resolve etched her features. She was acutely aware that the Lord¡¯s Mansion¡¯s agents were likely closing in. By letting Lu Lixing go, she risked incurring their wrath and potential retribution. But the choice was clear. To betray the Lord¡¯s Mansion was one thing; to cross the powerful Runemaster backing Lu Lixing was quite another. She would rather face the former than thetter.

    As Caitlin was about to pivot back into her shop, the distant rumble of engines grew louder. A fleet of sleek ck flying shuttles, engines roaring, raced towards her and came to a smooth halt right in front of Caitlin¡¯s Store.

    Caitlin¡¯s eyes widened in surprise as the ck flying shuttle materialized before her. Such a vehicle was reserved for the exclusive use of the Lord¡¯s Mansion guards. Could the issuer of the announcement truly be the City Lord himself?

    Amidst her astonishment, the hatch of the lead flying shuttle opened slowly, revealing a tall, striking figure. Caitlin recognized her immediately¡ªit was Shang Qiongsi, the public face of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion and the City Lord¡¯s daughter.

    With a detached gaze, Shang Qiongsi inquired, ¡°Where is the Master?¡±

    Confronted with Shang Qiongsi¡¯s formidable presence, Caitlin had no choice but to reply, ¡°The master has departed.¡±

    ¡°Gone?¡± Shang Qiongsi¡¯s brows knit together slightly. ¡°When did he leave?¡±

    ¡°He left some time ago,¡± Caitlin fabricated. ¡°I¡¯m not sure of his exact destination. I didn¡¯t dare to question him or hinder his departure.¡±

    Shang Qiongsi, slightly deted by the response, didn¡¯t press further. She posed another question, ¡°Do you know what the Runemaster looks like?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Caitlin responded honestly. ¡°The individual was wearing a disguise. I¡¯ve known Lu Lixing for a long time, but I truly have no idea what he looks like.¡±

    Shang Qiongsi, not interested in pursuing the matter further, gave her instructions, ¡°Remember, if that Master visits you again, you must notify the Lord¡¯s Mansion immediately. We will ensure you are duly rewarded for your cooperation.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I understand,¡± Caitlin replied, nodding with respect. What she truly thought, however, remained her own secret.

    Shang Qiongsi lingered no longer, boarding the flying shuttle and departing. She harbored no suspicions about Caitlin¡¯s honesty. Caitlin, she figured, wouldn¡¯t dare deceive the Lord¡¯s Mansion. Besides, even Shang Qiongsi herself would likely hesitate to confront a Runemaster of such esteem. It was perfectly reasonable for Caitlin to be unaware of certain details. Furthermore, neither Shang Qiongsi nor the City Lord had any intention of intercepting the Runemaster immediately. Simply knowing that such a Runemaster was present in Skyhaven was sufficient.

    Regarding other matters, there was plenty of time ahead of them¡ªtime they could afford to wait.

    Meanwhile, Lu Lixing had stepped onto the elevator departing from ck City. As the city receded into the distance, the tension in his chest eased. It looked like he was going to make a safe getaway today.

    The thought of the backpack carrying a full million in advanced cultivation resources set Lu Lixing¡¯s heart racing. With such a treasure, he was sure to make rapid progress in the Body Tempering Stage!

 Chapter 15

    C15 ¨C Level-4 Runemaster?

    Shang Qiongsi didn¡¯t venture elsewhere but instead took the Flying Shuttle straight back to the Lord¡¯s Mansion. She found herself once more standing before the panoramic window, facing Shang Ruiming.

    Shang Ruiming could tell from Shang Qiongsi¡¯s swift return that her mission hadn¡¯t gone as nned. ¡°You didn¡¯t encounter the Runemaster?¡± she inquired.

    ¡°No, he had left in haste, and by the time I arrived, it was toote,¡± Shang Qiongsi replied, shaking her head. ¡°However, I¡¯ve instructed the shopkeeper ordingly. Should the Runemaster reappear, she¡¯ll notify us at once.¡±

    Shang Ruiming chuckled and shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s futile. The shopkeeper might not inform us even if the Runemaster does show up.¡±

    Shang Qiongsi¡¯s brow furrowed as she responded sternly, ¡°How could she dare not to?¡±

    ¡°Which do you think poses a greater risk: crossing the Lord¡¯s Mansion or a Runemaster?¡± Shang Ruiming posed the question calmly, fixing Shang Qiongsi with a measured gaze. ¡°Unless the shopkeeper is a fool, she certainly won¡¯t betray the Runemaster.¡±

    With Shang Ruiming¡¯s words sinking in, Shang Qiongsi came to a realization. He was right; one could simply leave ck City to avoid the wrath of the Lord¡¯s Mansion, but angering a Runemaster could be lethal.

    Grasping this, Shang Qiongsi couldn¡¯t help but express her concern, ¡°So, are you saying we may never get a chance to meet this Runemaster?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Shang Ruiming countered, shaking his head. ¡°His willingness to act indicates an interest in the Spirit Containing Array and the Spirit Immersion Array. It¡¯s likely that no one else in Skyhaven possesses the methods to inscribe these arrays besides us. If he wishes to learn, he¡¯ll have toe to us. All we need to do is wait patiently for him to seek us out.¡±

    Shang Qiongsi¡¯s eyes sparkled with understanding, and she eximed with a hint of surprise, ¡°Father, your foresight truly surpasses mine!¡±

    ¡°Father, I do have one question, though,¡± Shang Ruiming said, his tone reflecting his confusion. ¡°Why opt for the indirect approach of posting notices instead of directly inquiring with the runemasters we¡¯re acquainted with?¡±

    As the Lord of ck City, Shang Ruiming held a revered status in Skyhaven and was well-acquainted with numerous runemasters. If he chose to intervene, those runemasters would undoubtedly extend him the courtesy due to his position. So why bother with the extra effort?

    In response to Shang Qiongsi¡¯s query, Shang Ruiming offered a slight smile and exined, ¡°The majority of runemasters in Skyhaven are at the second level. Only the Speaker¡¯s friend has reached the third level. However, the Spirit Containing Array and the Spirit Immersion Array are both fourth-level constructs, far beyond their ability to inscribe. Seeking their help would only draw unwanted envy and offer no real advantage. Why invite unnecessaryplications?¡±

    ¡°And regarding the posting of the notice, consider how many of the people passing through ck City daily are actually runemasters, let alone those who would take an interest in such cryptic talismans. Even if someone were curious, could they trulyprehend it? Honestly, not just the second-level runemasters, but even the Speaker himself might fail to discern the nature of these arrays. The runemaster who provided the solution at Caitlin¡¯s Store today may not be a fourth-level runemaster, but is undoubtedly a runemaster at the pinnacle of the third level, with extensive knowledge.¡±

    ¡°Why do you think I only asked you to gather information instead of inviting that runemaster over as a guest? It¡¯s not just me; even the influential figure backing the ck City Alliance wouldn¡¯t dare to cross someone on the cusp of bing a fourth-level Runemaster!¡±

    Upon hearing Shang Ruiming¡¯s rationale, Shang Qiongsi involuntarily inhaled sharply. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that the enigmatic runemaster could possibly be at the fourth level¡ªa rarity even within the Federation, where such individuals are esteemed by leaders as grandmasters.

    If Lu Lixing were privy to Shang Ruiming¡¯s remarks, he¡¯d surely burst intoughter. Forget being a fourth-level runemaster; he wasn¡¯t even at the first level. Shang Ruiming could hardly imagine someone as peculiar as Lu Lixing existed¡ªa man who, despite not being a runemaster, had stumbled upon a stroke of luck, allowing him to instantly recognize various runes. He was, indeed, an extraordinary anomaly.

    ¡°I came across this Spirit Containing Array and Spirit Immersion Array in an ancient ruin. It¡¯s likely that we¡¯re the only ones in possession of the inscription methods for these arrays. I can¡¯t imagine that a mysterious runemaster wouldn¡¯t be intrigued by them!¡±

    Shang Ruiming was convinced that the Runemaster would seek him out sooner rather thanter. When that time came, he nned to trade the secrets of the rune inscription methods for twoplete sets of inscribed arrays. That seemed like a fair exchange, didn¡¯t it?

    It was nearly midnight, 11:50 p.m. to be exact, yet Lu Lixing had not yet retired for the night. He stood in Wen Shi¡¯s office, his gaze fixed on the sealed cultivation room with palpable excitement. In just ten more minutes, it would be Sunday, and he would gain ess to the opulent advanced cultivation room. He only needed to spend two hours sleeping in the high-tech rest pod, and he could devote the remaining time to his training!

    As the clock hands aligned at midnight, Lu Lixing wasted no time using the ess privileges Wen Shi had granted him. He swung open the cultivation room¡¯s door and strode inside. Every minute was valuable, and he intended to use them wisely.

    Lu Lixing tossed his backpack aside and hurried to the rest pod. But as he prepared to step in, he froze. To his astonishment, someone was already inside the pod!

    He gaped at the girl lying there, d in nothing more than a tiny tank top and sports shorts. Confusion reigned in his mind: Who am I? What am I doing here? And who is she?

    While Lu Lixing was still reeling, the girl in the pod seemed to detect his presence. Her eyes snapped open, and she fixed a piercing gaze on him, her eyes shing with a startling ferocity.

    In that instant, Lu Lixing felt a chill run down his spine; he was paralyzed, the sensation of death¡¯s gaze upon him instilling a deep fear. ¡°My name is Lu Lixing. I¡¯m a student of Mr. Wen; he sent me here to cultivate!¡± he managed to blurt out, mustering all his strength.

    As his words hung in the air, the intense malice that had targeted him withdrew as swiftly as the receding tide. Freed from the lethal intent, Lu Lixing¡¯s body rxed, and he nearly copsed onto the floor in relief.

    Just then, the door to the rest cabin swung open, and the tall girl emerged. Towering over Lu Lixing, she spoke with an icy tone, ¡°I¡¯ll verify this with my dad. You¡¯d best not be lying to me, or you¡¯ll meet a gruesome end!¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 16

    C16 ¨C Wen Shanmei

    Father?

    Lu Lixing¡¯s ears perked up when he heard the girl refer to Wen Shi. A realization seemed to dawn on him, and he asked with a hint of surprise, ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Wen¡¯s daughter, Mei?¡±

    From what Lu Lixing knew, Wen Shi indeed had a daughter named Wen Shanmei, but he had only heard of her and never actually met her.

    Wen Shanmei slipped on her coat and regarded Lu Lixing with a cool detachment. ¡°Don¡¯t try to associate with me. If you entered without my father¡¯s permission, you¡¯re as good as dead.¡±

    Lu Lixing was momentarily at a loss for words. Wasn¡¯t Wen Shanmei being a bit too unreasonable? How could she be so aggressive? Yet, recalling the chilling sensation he¡¯d experienced earlier, he couldn¡¯t deny a stark reality: Wen Shanmei truly possessed the power to end his life, perhaps even instantly.

    She didn¡¯t seem much older than him by appearance, but how could she exude such an intimidating presence?

    Could it be that she had already be a bona fide cultivator?

    The thought that Wen Shanmei might indeed be a cultivator stirred a mix of excitement and curiosity within Lu Lixing. This was his first encounter with a peer who was a cultivator. He was eager to ask Wen Shanmei what it felt like to walk that path. However, her stern demeanor made it clear she was not in the mood for conversation.

    Meanwhile, Wen Shi, who resided in the faculty dormitory, had hurried over after being informed of the situation. Dressed in his pajamas, he entered the cultivation room and, seeing Lu Lixing and Wen Shanmei standing on either side of the resting chamber, a smile yed at the corners of his mouth. ¡°I had intended to introduce you two in the daylight. I didn¡¯t expect you to be so eager to start cultivating,¡± he said.

    Scratching his head sheepishly, Lu Lixing apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to cause such a misunderstanding.¡±

    It was indeed a misunderstanding. Had he known Wen Shanmei would be there, he would have steered clear of the resting chamber and simply slept on the ground outside.

    Wen Shi¡¯s voice warmed with satisfaction. ¡°The fact that you value every minute and focus so much energy on cultivation is heartening.¡± He bore no me for Lu Lixing; on the contrary, he admired his dedication. In today¡¯s world, young people who seized every moment to dedicate themselves to cultivation were a rare breed indeed.

    Speaking, Wen Shi turned to Wen Shanmei and said, ¡°This is Lu Lixing, my student. He¡¯s here with my permission and is your junior.¡±

    Wen Shanmei gave Lu Lixing a brief, indifferent nce and remarked, ¡°He¡¯s too weak.¡±

    Lu Lixing couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit disheartened. Was he being looked down upon? But in fairness, his strength paled inparison to Wen Shanmei¡¯s. Her mere gaze was enough to freeze him in ce, too intimidated to move.

    ¡°Lu Lixing grew up in the slums, without the benefit of systematic training or favorable conditions, so his foundation is somewhatcking. But he does have potential,¡± Wen Shi exined, somewhat apologetically, hoping to spare Lu Lixing¡¯s pride.

    Upon learning that Lu Lixing came from the slums, something flickered in Wen Shanmei¡¯s eyes, and the frostiness on her face softened, shedding its previous chill and detachment.

    ¡°You can use this rest pod. I¡¯ve rested enough and am off to train.¡±

    ncing at the time, Wen Shanmei then addressed Wen Shi, ¡°You can head back now. I¡¯m all set here.¡±

    Wen Shi nodded, then turned to Lu Lixing with words of encouragement, ¡°Give it your all. If there¡¯s anything you¡¯re unsure about, just ask your Senior.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Wen,¡± Lu Lixing said with a grateful smile, then turned to Wen Shanmei, ¡°And thank you too, Senior Mei.¡±

    With that, the minor misunderstanding was cleared up. Lu Lixing watched as Wen Shanmei vacated the training area¡¯s rest pod and didn¡¯t hesitate to take her ce, readying himself for some rest.

    As soon as he settled into the pod, a subtle yet soothing scent enveloped him, bringing Wen Shanmei to mind.

    ¡°This must be the Senior¡¯s fragrance,¡± he mused before drifting off to sleep.

    It was Lu Lixing¡¯s inaugural nap in the pod, and he awoke two hourster feeling refreshed and invigorated.

    Stepping out of the pod, he stretched leisurely, gearing up for training. That¡¯s when Wen Shanmei reappeared, casually tossing him a set of clothes.

    ¡°This is my dad¡¯s training gear. Go take a shower and change into it,¡± Wen Shanmei said with a casual nce at Lu Lixing. ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed your file. You¡¯ve got decent potential. Find me afterward.¡±

    With that, Wen Shanmei turned on her heel and strode toward the training area, leaving no room for Lu Lixing to interject.

    Holding the clean training clothes, Lu Lixing felt a sudden warmth in her heart, aforting sensation she hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time.

    After a quick shower, Lu Lixing donned the training gear and, barefoot, made her way to the training area. There, she found Wen Shanmei effortlessly performing weighted squats.

    Lu Lixing was astounded by the sight of Wen Shanmei squatting with a barbell weighing a thousand kilograms. She struggled with even a stable squat, much less lifting such a weight. Yet Wen Shanmei seemed at ease. Had Lu Lixing not witnessed it herself, she would never have believed such incredible strength resided within Wen Shanmei.

    After setting the barbell down, Wen Shanmei stretched nonchntly before turning to face Lu Lixing. ¡°Do you want to train with me?¡±

    Lu Lixing, momentarily taken aback, quickly nodded, ¡°Yes!¡±

    The opportunity for one-on-one coaching from someone as formidable as Wen Shanmei was not something he would ever pass up.

    Wen Shanmei eyed Lu Lixing with a discerning look and posed a question, ¡°You still have time to back out. Training with me is no walk in the park.¡±

    Lu Lixing shook his head, his reply unwavering, ¡°As long as it makes me stronger, I¡¯m ready for any challenge!¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Wen Shanmei acknowledged with a nod. ¡°Let¡¯s head to the ring.¡±

    Confused, Lu Lixing watched Wen Shanmei head for the ring. She had mentioned training, so why the ring?

    Standing in the ring, Lu Lixing¡¯s confusion turned to surprise as Wen Shanmei adopted a fighting stance. His eyes widened as he blurted out, ¡°Wait, our training is actually sparring?¡±

    ¡°Rest assured, I won¡¯t tap into my Genuine Qi,¡± Wen Shanmei assured, gazing intently at Lu Lixing. ¡°How can I truly gauge your abilities without sparring with you? It¡¯s the only way I can tailor a training n that suits you.¡±

    Something about Wen Shanmei¡¯s response set off an instinctive rm in Qin Chuan¡¯s mind. Yet, before he could process that feeling, Wen Shanmei wasted no time andunched an attack on him!

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 17

    C17 ¨C Fighting

    Wen Shanmei hadn¡¯t tapped into her Genuine Qi, yet her strength far surpassed Lu Lixing¡¯s. She advanced with a step, her right hand balled into a fist, and hurled it straight at him. Her punch wasn¡¯t particrly swift, but the power behind it was formidable. If Lu Lixing wasn¡¯t careful in his defense, he was bound to take a beating.

    Lu Lixing took the threat of Wen Shanmei¡¯s seemingly insignificant fist seriously. Instinctively, he sidestepped, pivoting to avoid the blow. But Wen Shanmei was one step ahead; she lifted her leg and swept it behind his heel, sending him tumbling to the ground.

    ¡°Do you think your enemies will onlye at you with their fists? What good does dodging a punch do if you¡¯re open to other attacks? If I had wanted to kill you, that kick would have been the end of you. Get up and try again!¡±

    In training mode, Wen Shanmei was all business, scolding Lu Lixing without a hint of mercy. Yet, he took no offense, instead taking her words to heart as he picked himself up.

    ¡°Now, it¡¯s your turn to go on the offensive.¡±

    At Wen Shanmei¡¯s prompt, Lu Lixing wasted no time in initiating his attack.

    ¡°Your punch is too slow. Didn¡¯t you eat enough?¡±

    ¡°Such an unstable stance. Who gave you the confidence to kick?¡±

    ¡°That punch is so feeble, it wouldn¡¯tpare to a woman¡¯s. Do you even qualify as a man?¡±

    ¡°Does it hurt? Go on, shout it out. I promise I won¡¯t mock you.¡±

    In the ring, Lu Lixing gasped for air, his face drenched with sweat, his training outfit clinging to him, soaked through. Every inch of his body ached, feeling like it was on the verge of copse. If he could, he¡¯d lie down right there and sleep for hours.

    Wen Shanmei, however, remained the picture of tranquility, as if she were merely a spectator. She watched Lu Lixing with a detached gaze, her face etched with a mocking sneer and a hint of disdain.

    ¡°You imed you could withstand any hardship. Yet here we are, not even an hour in, and you¡¯re already faltering?¡±

    Confronted with Wen Shanmei¡¯s biting sarcasm, Lu Lixing was itching to fire back, but he was too winded to muster more than breaths, let alone words. His defiant gaze was the only weapon he had left to signal his refusal to be cowed.

    Wen Shanmei, noting Lu Lixing¡¯s stubborn resistance, chose not to push him further. She leapt gracefully from the arena and made her way to the nearby maintenance pod. She beckoned to Lu Lixing, ¡°Come over here, strip down, and get in.¡±

    With each step a struggle, Lu Lixing descended from the arena and shuffled toward the pod. Before he could even begin to undress, Wen Shanmei, growing impatient, swiftly peeled away his clothes, leaving him in just his ck shorts.

    Surveying the bruises that marred Lu Lixing¡¯s slender frame, Wen Shanmei gave a nod of approval. She then ushered the enervated Lu Lixing into the pod and activated the nutrition treatment mode.

    The chamber quickly filled with a deep green nutrient solution, and Lu Lixing¡¯s face twisted with pain ¨C a pain that was strangely exhrating.

    Immersed in the solution, Lu Lixing felt as though countless hands were kneading his muscles, easing the tension away. It was an exquisite sensation, unlike anything he had ever felt before.

    But as always, bliss was fleeting. After a mere twenty minutes, Wen Shanmei extracted Lu Lixing from the pod. His bruises had vanished, his condition seemed to have not only returned to its peak but had subtly advanced. The rush of newfound power left Lu Lixing buzzing with excitement.

    ¡°This beating wasn¡¯t for nothing,¡± he thought.

    Eager eyes fixed on Wen Shanmei, Lu Lixing was now as eager for the challenge as he had once been resistant.

    ¡°Forget it,¡± Wen Shanmei said coolly, ¡°With your current condition, you can only handle one nutrient soak per day. Any more than that would be too much for you.¡± She gave Lu Lixing a nonchnt nce. ¡°Get dressed and go train on your own.¡±

    Though a twinge of disappointment at the loss of the incredible sensation lingered, Lu Lixing was content. He quickly donned his freshlyundered training gear and approached his backpack, rummaging through its contents. The so-called space bag was modest, offering only double the capacity of a regr backpack. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough; the one million in cultivation resources took up only about half the space, withouting close to filling it.

    Lu Lixingid out his cultivation resources and meticulously inventoried them. Among the items were 100 packets of advanced spirit powder and 100 tubes of advanced nutrition paste, but what caught his eye was a bottle of light purple liquid glowing softly. Known as Violet Spirit Liquid, it was highly beneficial for Brain Domain development and was valued at a staggering six to seven hundred thousand for just a small bottle!

    Surveying the resources spread before him, Lu Lixing sighed. A million in resources might sound substantial, but it was just enough to get him to the peak of the Body Tempering Stage, and that was with penny-pinching. The cost of future cultivation resources was bound to be a significant expense.

    Putting other considerations aside, the nutrition liquids he had used for soaking alone were worth well over a million. He would never have asked for them if Wen Shanmei hadn¡¯t offered first. Though she hadn¡¯t mentioned it, Lu Lixing was deeply grateful andmitted her generosity to memory.

    He now had a glimpse of understanding as to why Sha Xiufen had agreed to be Zhang Tu¡¯s girlfriend. He could understand her choice, even if he didn¡¯t agree with it.

    Shaking off these thoughts, Lu Lixing focused on the task at hand¡ªcultivating his Brain Domain. He carefully extracted three drops of the Violet Spirit Liquid and applied them to his forehead. As he smoothed the liquid across his skin, a refreshing coolness washed over his brain, emptying his mind and plunging him into a state of serene confusion.?

    The sensation was fleeting; after a mere three minutes, the effects of the Violet Spirit Liquid dissipated. Reluctantly, Lu Lixing emerged from the trance-like state. With eyes closed, he tuned into his body, noticing a marked improvement in his sensory perception and a deeper connection to his physical self.

    ¡°Violet Spirit Liquid truly lives up to its reputation,¡± he mused, eyeing the bottle. With roughly a hundred drops remaining, he could sustain that transcendent state for about a hundred minutes of cultivation, potentially enhancing his Brain Domain by 5%.

    A sigh escaped him as he considered the inevitable depletion of the liquid. Once it was gone, he¡¯d be unable to afford more. The path of cultivation was indeed fraught with hardships for the impoverished.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 18

    C18 ¨C The Chance to Be Stronger

    When Wen Shi returned to the cultivation room at noon, he brought with him two lunch sets. As he entered, his gaze fell upon Lu Lixing, who was seated in meditation on the floor, and Wen Shanmei, standing a short distance away, observing Lu Lixing intently.

    Approaching Wen Shanmei with the meals, Wen Shi inquired, ¡°What¡¯s your take on him?¡±

    epting the food from Wen Shi, Wen Shanmei replied, ¡°He¡¯s incredibly diligent and has a high tolerance for hardship.¡±

    Although Wen Shanmei hadn¡¯t spent much time with Lu Lixing and didn¡¯t know him well, she recognized his exceptional qualities.

    ¡°He¡¯s a kid who¡¯se up from the slums. He understands the value of strength and the rarity of cultivation opportunities far more than those born into noble families,¡± Wen Shi remarked with a sense of pride, casting an approving nce at the meditating Lu Lixing. He was satisfied with Wen Shanmei¡¯s assessment.

    ¡°I noticed he possesses numerous meditation runes and resources for Brain Domain development, valued at around a million. Are you certain he¡¯s really from the slums?¡± Wen Shanmei asked, her eyes reflecting a hint of skepticism. It seemed improbable for a slum child to have ess to such valuable cultivation resources.

    Wen Shi was taken aback by her observation; he hadn¡¯t anticipated Lu Lixing to be in possession of such wealth in resources. Yet, recalling Lu Lixing¡¯s rapid Brain Domain advancement, he found himself at ease. Clearly, these resources must be linked to Lu Lixing¡¯s serendipitous experiences. Wen Shi¡¯s reasoning wasn¡¯t misced, especially considering Lu Lixing¡¯s potential as a Runemaster and his exceptional perception.

    ¡°He¡¯s had some fortunate experiences. These resources are likely connected to those,¡± Wen Shi exined.

    With that, Wen Shanmei chose not to probe further. Everyone harbored secrets, and she wasn¡¯t inclined to delve into the nature of Lu Lixing¡¯s encounters.

    ¡°I¡¯m heading back to school tonight,¡± Wen Shanmei stated, settling into a chair and beginning her meal. Wen Shi, long ustomed to her casual demeanor, offered noment.

    ¡°Go back and focus on your training,¡± Wen Shi gently tapped Wen Shanmei on the shoulder, adding, ¡°You¡¯re shouldering a great deal of responsibility now. Perhaps, once he¡¯s grown, he can help lighten your load.¡±

    Wen Shanmei was taken aback by his words.

    She had assumed Wen Shi¡¯s assistance to Lu Lixing was purely out of pity for his unfortunate past, never suspecting that Wen Shi harbored a deeper intent.

    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely certain yet, but I have a strong feeling it¡¯s him,¡± Wen Shi said earnestly, locking eyes with Wen Shanmei. ¡°I trust my own instincts, and I trust your assessment of him.¡±

    Suddenly, Wen Shanmei set down her chopsticks and stood up, her expression stern. ¡°I need to request a week off from school,¡± she told Wen Shi.

    Wen Shi was initially surprised, then his brow furrowed as a thought struck him. ¡°Are you doubting my judgment and want to observe him yourself?¡±

    ¡°I trust your judgment; it¡¯s his capabilities that concern me,¡± Wen Shanmei stated resolutely, her gaze fixed on Lu Lixing. ¡°Only the strong can stand as my allies.¡±

    Seeing Wen Shanmei¡¯s determination, Wen Shi refrained from further attempts to dissuade her. Allowing her to spend a week with Lu Lixing would be beneficial for his development. As it happened, this would also give Wen Shanmei and Lu Lixing a chance to build rapport, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t hold each other back should they eventually need to fight side by side.

    ¡°We¡¯ll do it your way.¡±

    Wen Shi was curious to see the extent of Lu Lixing¡¯s progress over the week.

    For the old Lu Lixing, rune meditation was a formidable challenge; he couldn¡¯t even fully meditate on the most basic Clear Water Rune. But now, things were different. His Brain Domain had undergone significant expansion, and he was aided by advanced spirit powder. It took him less than ten minutes to sessfully meditate on the low-grade yellow-level Clear Water Rune.

    With concentrated focus, a pale golden Rune began to materialize in Lu Lixing¡¯s palm. The Rune flowed like water within his hand, exuding a refreshing coolness. At that moment, Lu Lixing could transform the Rune into water to quench his thirst whenever he chose.

    Lu Lixing was experiencing the wonders of runes for the first time, and it only heightened his anticipation of bing a true cultivator.

    The Clear Water Rune in the palm of his handsted only briefly before fading away. In that moment, Lu Lixing could tell that his body had be noticeably fatigued. Meditating on a rune was proving to be quite the challenge for him at this stage.

    As Lu Lixing prepared to engage the Lightning Swallowing Rune for his next cultivation session, Wen Shanmei suddenly crouched down in front of him.

    Surprised by Wen Shanmei¡¯s sudden appearance, Lu Lixing greeted her with a smile, ¡°Senior Wen, is there something you need?¡±

    ¡°My father stopped by earlier and we discussed your situation. Your Brain Domain is highly developed, yet your control over it iscking. Moreover, your physical condition seems to begging behind your current capabilities. You¡¯ve noticed this, haven¡¯t you?¡± she inquired.

    Lu Lixing gave a slight nod, responding candidly, ¡°I have. It¡¯s as if my body is an outdated Holo-Brain that¡¯s been fitted with thetest chip¡ªit just can¡¯t support the chip¡¯s full-speed operation. To change this, I¡¯ll need to upgrade the Holo-Brain itself.¡±

    Wen Shanmei acknowledged his self-awareness, ¡°You have a clear grasp of your own condition. I can offer you a method to master the power you currently possess in a short time, but ites at a cost. Are you willing to ept it?¡±

    Curiosity piqued by Wen Shanmei¡¯s earnest expression, Lu Lixing asked, ¡°Why are you so kind to me?¡±

    Lu Lixing wasn¡¯t naive; he knew that Wen Shi and Wen Shanmei¡¯s relentless support meant there was something about him that warranted their attention, something he was yet to discover.

    ¡°At least you¡¯re perceptive enough to realize that you¡¯re not a fool,¡± Wen Shanmei said, giving him a meaningful look. ¡°However, you¡¯re not yet entitled to that knowledge. If, after a week, I¡¯m satisfied with your progress, I¡¯ll share some details with you. For now, I need your decision.¡±

    Lu Lixing met Wen Shanmei¡¯s gaze with a serious demeanor and dered, ¡°I¡¯m willing!¡±

    Lu Lixing was acutely aware of his own frailty, a fact he couldn¡¯t ignore. Determined to ovee his weakness, he seized every chance to grow stronger with unwavering resolve.

    Once Lu Lixing confirmed hismitment, Wen Shanmei gave his shoulder a reassuring pat and told him, ¡°Meet me at the school gate at six in the morning tomorrow. I¡¯ll be waiting for you.¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 19

    C19 ¨C Cloud Dragon Mountain

    Early the next morning, Lu Lixing arrived at the school gates by 5:30 am, only to find Wen Shanmei had already beaten him there.

    Wen Shanmei was d in a sleek ckbat suit that hugged her figure, showcasing her curves to perfection. The day was still young, and aside from Lu Lixing, there was no one else to admire the stunning view.

    But Lu Lixing¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t on Wen Shanmei¡¯s alluring form. Instead, he was captivated by the deep purple Flying Shuttle parked beside her.

    The shuttle was a masterpiece from the Skywalking Group, the Federation¡¯s premier shuttle manufacturer. Known as the No.9 Skywalking, it stood out from other shuttles with its motorcycle-inspired design and luxurious appearance. Not to mention its speed ¨C a breathtaking 700 kilometers per second ¨C pushing the boundaries of what small shuttles could achieve.

    This Super Flying Shuttle was a collector¡¯s dream, a limited edition model that every man aspired to own. Lu Lixing had dreamt of piloting this very shuttle, soaring between heaven and earth, never imagining he¡¯d get the chance to be this close to it in reality.

    Unconcerned with Lu Lixing¡¯s awe, Wen Shanmei hopped onto the shuttle and instructed the still-standing Lu Lixing, ¡°Take a seat behind me.¡±

    With a surge of excitement, Lu Lixing leapt aboard and settled into the plush back seat. Before he could even getfortable, Wen Shanmei ignited the engines, and the shuttle streaked through the sky like lightning.

    As the shuttle roared to life, a delicate light purple protective membrane enveloped them, shielding Lu Lixing and Wen Shanmei from the brunt of the wind resistance. Without it, Lu Lixing would have been swept away as soon as the shuttle took off.

    Once the thrill of riding the No.9 Skywalking settled, Lu Lixing regained hisposure and asked Wen Shanmei curiously, ¡°Where are we headed?¡±

    Wen Shanmei didn¡¯t reply, her focus locked on piloting the shuttle. Half an hourter, they had left Skyhaven behind, venturing into the wilderness beyond. Wen Shanmei showed no signs of slowing down until they reached Cloud Dragon Mountain, two thousand kilometers west of Skyhaven, where she finally brought the shuttle to a stop.

    Cloud Dragon Mountain was neither a tourist hotspot nor a barren wastnd; it was a haven for wild creatures. Ordinary folks wouldn¡¯t dare tread here, and even cultivators at the Qi Refining Stage had to tread lightly amidst its dangers.

    Lu Lixing had only ever heard tales of Cloud Dragon Mountain, never having set foot on its treacherous slopes himself. Now, standing within its confines, he could sense the palpable peril surrounding him.

    ¡°True mastery of your strength emerges only through the crucible of life-and-deathbat,¡± Wen Shanmei stated, her gaze cool and detached as she stood by Lu Lixing¡¯s side. ¡°You¡¯re going to spend the next seven days here. It could be that you¡¯ll pass them without incident, or you might face grave dangers. Remember, you have just one opportunity to call on me for help. If you do, our mission here concludes.¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes bulged at her words, his gaze fixed on Wen Shanmei in sheer disbelief. Cloud Dragon Mountain was notorious, a ce where even those at the Qi Refining Stage risked their lives, and here he was, merely at the Body Tempering Stage. Survival seemed like a distant dream.

    ¡°Scared?¡± Wen Shanmei¡¯s voice dripped with scorn as she eyed Lu Lixing. ¡°You can ask for my help now, and we can leave at once. You¡¯ll be safe, but you¡¯ll also forfeit the chance to ever possess a super flying shuttle.¡±

    Her taunts cut through Lu Lixing like a de, his ears ringing with the sting of her words, his heart heavy. Clenching his jaw, he responded with unwavering resolve, ¡°I will fight to stay alive!¡±

    With Lu Lixing¡¯s determined reply, Wen Shanmei took her leave. She left behind a sharp alloy dagger, a single day¡¯s rations, and enough water for a day¡ªnothing more.

    Lu Lixing stowed the items in his backpack with care, gripping the dagger firmly. After scanning his surroundings for threats, he prepared to seek out a secure spot to strategize his next move. But before he could take a step, a massive gray wolf, towering over a meter tall, burst from the woods. Its greedy gaze fixed on Lu Lixing in an instant.

    Lu Lixing couldn¡¯t help but swear under his breath. No sooner had Wen Shanmei left than trouble found him¡ªhis luck was downright terrible!

    The gray wolf had no intention of coexisting peacefully with Lu Lixing. As soon as it set its sights on him, it sprang into action, charging at Lu Lixing with a swift leap, its sharp fangs dripping with saliva, a clear sign of its ravenous hunger.

    Reacting quickly, Lu Lixing twisted his body to the side, narrowly dodging the attack while simultaneously shing at the wolf with his knife. But it was a mere flesh wound; the gray wolf was hardly fazed.

    The counterattack only served to enrage the wolf further. Afternding, it let out a fierce roar and lunged at Lu Lixing with increased ferocity, catching him off guard. He was knocked to the ground, and the wolf wasted no time in snapping its jaws towards his neck.

    In a desperate stroke of ingenuity, Lu Lixing thrust his alloy dagger into the wolf¡¯s mouth and delivered a powerful kick to its abdomen. The wolf howled in agony and copsed under the force of Lu Lixing¡¯s blow.

    It was then that Lu Lixing noticed the wolf¡¯s slightly swollen belly¡ªit appeared to be pregnant. His kick had inadvertently struck the unborn pup. The wolf cried out in distress from the severe impact.

    With the specter of death looming over him, Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes zed with determination. He scrambled to his feet and plunged the dagger deep into the wolf¡¯s underbelly. Blood spurted out, staining the wolf¡¯s fur and Lu Lixing¡¯s cheeks a crimson hue.

    The scalding blood sttered across his face, sending a shiver through his body. As his vision cleared, he saw the wolf¡¯s dwindling struggle and realized he had triumphed¡ªhe had survived the encounter!

    Exhausted, Lu Lixing sat on the ground, gasping for air. He couldn¡¯t help but think that had the wolf been male, he might not have been so fortunate to be alive.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 20

    C20 ¨C Vicious Beast!

    Despite Lu Lixing¡¯s exhaustion and the weakness that pervaded his entire body, he knew he couldn¡¯t linger in this ce. With great effort, he rose from the ground and retrieved his alloy dagger from the belly of the lifeless grey wolf. Without a backward nce, he headed north.

    After trudging nearly a hundred meters, Lu Lixing could no longer keep going. He copsed to the ground, pulled out some water from his backpack, and took a couple of sips. Ripping a strip of cloth from his clothing, he dampened it with water and meticulously cleaned the blood from his face.

    It wasn¡¯t that Lu Lixing was particrly fastidious; rather, he was aware that the scent of blood could attract other predators. In his current state, another encounter with a wild beast could prove fatal.

    Once he had taken care of himself, Lu Lixing leaned against a tree trunk to consider his next move. Given his condition, the smartest strategy would be to find a safe haven and wait out the seven days. Yet, if he chose to merely survive, passing the test would hold no real value. He wouldn¡¯t gain anything from it. After all, he had ventured into Cloud Dragon Mountain not just to survive, but to grow stronger.

    With his purpose clear, Lu Lixing resolved to engage in relentlessbat.

    As he steeled himself for a battle to the end, a sudden noise caught his attention, and a foul odor assaulted his nostrils. His face contorted in rm, and almost instinctively, his hand shot up, driving the alloy dagger deep into the tree trunk overhead. In the same instant, he rolled away from the looming threat of therge tree.

    Scrambling to his feet, Lu Lixing eyed the python impaled on the tree trunk by his dagger. The creature was over two meters long and as thick as an arm. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he realized how close he hade to death; a moment slower and the python would have mped onto his throat, draining his life away.

    ¡°This is truly a thrill,¡± he muttered to himself.

    For Lu Lixing, this was a first¡ªa series of life-threatening encounters within mere minutes, and this was just the start of a seven-day ordeal!

    Though he had narrowly escaped the python¡¯s deadly bite, the ordeal had been a profound learning experience. He hade to a sudden and vital realization: the role of perception was critical for survival in the wilderness.

    Just moments ago, Lu Lixing¡¯s ability to precisely pinpoint the python¡¯s location and stab it with his dagger was due to his heightened perception kicking in at that critical juncture, allowing him to anticipate its movements. This intuitive response was something Lu Lixing had once experienced during his fight with Yuwen Ba.

    ¡°Senior sister is right; it¡¯s only through life-and-death battles that I can grow rapidly.¡±

    Lu Lixing exhaled deeply. If he could adeptly harness his perception, his uing seven-day journey through Cloud Dragon Mountain might prove to be much smoother.

    By the bank of a crystal-clear stream, a shirtless Lu Lixing crouched, cleaning a plump fish. Nearby, a bonfire crackled, drying a damp shirt.

    He threaded the fish onto a branch and propped it over the fire, grinning. Settling down, he began to hum a tune, content and at ease.

    Now on his sixth day in Cloud Dragon Mountain, Lu Lixing¡¯s experience was vastly improved from his first day.

    Over these six days, Lu Lixing had faced at least four encounters with wild beasts daily. Sometimes these were abrupt confrontations, other times nocturnal ambushes. In each crisis, Lu Lixing cleverly leveraged his perception to skillfully outmaneuver the beasts and emerge victorious.

    Though brief, these six days had seen Lu Lixing¡¯s growth skyrocket. He had transformed from a naive youth with untapped strength to someone who could adeptly wield his skills and power in battle, thanks to the perilous Cloud Dragon Mountain.

    Lu Lixing hade to a profound realization: the number of Runes he possessed and the extent of his Brain Domain¡¯s development did not define his strength. Truebat prowess was the sole measure of one¡¯s might.

    And now, Lu Lixing could feel himself moving in the right direction!

    As Lu Lixing was about to savor his perfectly roasted fish, a chilling roar erupted from the forest¡¯s depths, and a formidable presence was closing in fast!

    Sensing the approaching force, Lu Lixing¡¯s expression turned grave. He sprang to his feet, ready to evade the source of the aura, but before he could act, a hulking figure burst into view with a wild ferocity.

    Standing before Lu Lixing was a colossal ck bear, towering at three meters tall. Its massive frame resembled a small mountain, marred with dozens of gory wounds. The bear¡¯s ferocity was heightened by the loss of one eye, now just a blurred, bloody cavity.

    As Lu Lixing stared at the imposing creature, a wave of unease washed over him. He had been navigating Cloud Dragon Mountain for six days, yet this was his first encounter with such an intimidating beast.

    ¡°I definitely can¡¯t take on this ck bear!¡±

    Despite the bear¡¯s battered state, Lu Lixing knew he was no match for it. The bear might not have been at its prime, but it could easily overpower and kill him. This was no ordinary wild beast; it was a bear on the brink of being a Vicious Beast, capable of ying a Qi Refining Stage cultivator with ease.

    Lu Lixing had no intention of tangling with such a formidable opponent. He was set on fleeing, but the bear seemed determined not to let him go. The re from its sole remaining eye sent chills down his spine as it charged at him with a terrifying roar.

    The bear¡¯s size was immense, yet its movements were surprisingly swift. It swung its muscr arms with brutal force, aiming a deadly blow at Lu Lixing.

    Lu Lixing felt a searing pain graze his cheek even before the bear¡¯s paw could reach him. A direct hit would have undoubtedly reduced him to a pulp.

    In a split-second decision, Lu Lixing leapt to the side, darting into the nearby underbrush. He used the dense foliage as a shield, swiftly making his escape. Only a fool would stay and risk a deadly confrontation with the ck bear.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 21

    C21 ¨C War of Attrition!

    Lu Lixing sought to evadebat, yet the ck bear, suspected to be a Vicious Beast, was not of the same mind. It unleashed a barrage of roars, its massive legs pounding the earth with each step, shaking the ground beneath. The bear¡¯s colossal form tore through the forest, heedless of the barriers before it, fixated solely on the sight of Lu Lixing¡¯s desperate flight.

    The bear rapidly narrowed the gap between them. Despite Lu Lixing¡¯s full-speed sprint, he couldn¡¯t lose the persistent creature, his heart growing heavier with each passing moment.

    ¡°This can¡¯t go on! It may be wounded, but its stamina far surpasses mine. If I keep running, I¡¯ll be the first to falter, and then I¡¯m done for!¡±

    A fierce look crossed Lu Lixing¡¯s handsome face. Realizing escape was futile, he decided to confront the bear trailing him.

    With the thought firmly in his mind, Lu Lixing acted decisively. He spun around and dashed toward a robust tree to his left, swiftly scaling it. In an instant, he vanished into its lush foliage.

    Just then, the bear caught up. Seeing Lu Lixing disappear into the treetop, it let out an enraged roar and charged the tree with savage force, its arms mming into the trunk with a thunderous crash.

    The sturdy tree quivered under the bear¡¯s relentless assault, threatening to snap at any moment.

    Clutching a branch tightly, Lu Lixing peered through the leaves at the frenzied beast below. A grimace twisted his lips as he muttered bitterly, ¡°Damn creature, your wounds aren¡¯t my doing. Why take it out on me? Do you think I¡¯m an easy target?¡±

    The ck bear, oblivious to Lu Lixing¡¯s words, seemed to mistake the tree for its adversary. It let out another roar and struck the trunk once more, causing a noticeable tilt. One more hit, and the tree would surely give way.

    Perched tensely in the tree, Lu Lixing¡¯s focus was unyielding as he red down at the ck bear below. His prediction proved urate; following a futile second attempt, the bearunched into an impatient third charge. The forceful blow finally broke through the tree¡¯sst line of defense, and with a mournful cry, it toppled backward.

    As the tree crashed down, the ck bear, having overexerted itself and now without the tree for support, staggered, struggling to maintain its bnce. Seizing the moment, a slender figure leapt from the tree,nding squarely on the bear¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Go to hell!¡± Lu Lixing¡¯s left hand clung to the bear¡¯s fur as his right hand, clutching an alloy dagger, plunged it viciously into the bear¡¯s sole eye.

    Caught off guard, the bear could not defend itself as the dagger pierced its eye socket, Lu Lixing twisting the de with force. The bear¡¯s eye sustained a brutal injury, and it erupted into a frenzy. It roared and swung its w at Lu Lixing, who was perched on its shoulder. With no time to evade, Lu Lixing could only brace himself with his arms. A massive force hit him, snapping his arms instantly. He was flung from the bear¡¯s shoulder like a kite severed from its string, crashing violently to the ground.

    A sheen of cold sweat coated Lu Lixing¡¯s forehead from the excruciating pain, yet he bit back a scream. He kept his gaze fixed on the rampaging bear, and only when he was sure he had gone unnoticed did he exhale in relief, a grimace of agony crossing his pale face.

    Attempting to rise, he barely stirred before pain overwhelmed him, rendering him unable to stand.

    ¡°It¡¯s too strong,¡± Lu Lixing remarked. It was a stroke of luck he had blocked with his arms; a direct hit to his head or chest would have been fatal.

    Resigned, Lu Lixingy still, quietly observing the bear¡¯s frenzy. Unexpectedly, the creature began to settle down, as if it were sniffing out something.

    Upon witnessing the scene unfold, Lu Lixing¡¯splexion turned ashen in an instant.

    While Lu Lixing was gripped by anxiety, the massive ck bear let out a ferocious roar and charged in his direction. His heart plummeted at the sight; his greatest fear wasing to life!

    Despite the intense pain wracking his body, Lu Lixing knew he had to fight for survival. With great effort, he managed to get back on his feet and dashed towards an area withplex terrain. The bear, now blind, could track Lu Lixing by scent but was oblivious to the obstacles in its path.

    As Lu Lixing had anticipated, the bear¡¯s bulk allowed it to barrel through the forest, but its blindness was a significant handicap. Its pace slowed unavoidably, and it asionally injured itself in its blind rage, which only fueled its temper, making its roars increasingly wild.

    Both the ck bear and Lu Lixing were in dire straits. Lu Lixing¡¯s situation was hardly better than the bear¡¯s; the agony of his broken arms was a relentless assault on his nerves, and the blood loss made his head spin. He longed to just lie down and sumb to a deep sleep.

    Lu Lixing couldn¡¯t tell how long he had been running through the woods or how long the bear had been bellowing behind him. Only when dusk began to settle did the bear, after a day of madness, finally show signs of weakness. It copsed to the ground, its breathsing in heavy gasps. The extreme fatigue and blood loss had nearly brought the bear to the brink of death.

    Meanwhile, Lu Lixing was faring no better, lying a mere twenty meters from the bear. One more charge from the bear would easily end his life. It wasn¡¯t that Lu Lixing didn¡¯t want to flee; he simply couldn¡¯t move.

    ¡°If I die like this, it wouldn¡¯t be shameful, would it?¡±

    That was Lu Lixing¡¯s final thought before darkness imed him.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 22

    C22 ¨C Stardragon Academy!

    In the cultivation chamber, Wen Shi watched over Lu Lixing, whoy unconscious in the treatment cabin, then turned his gaze to Wen Shanmei, who stood nearby with a stoic expression. His cheek twitched involuntarily, and with a hint of reproach, he said, ¡°That was reckless of you. Weren¡¯t you worried he might actually die on Cloud Dragon Mountain?¡±

    The memory of Wen Shanmei returning with Lu Lixing in her arms still sent shivers down Wen Shi¡¯s spine. He had been aware that Wen Shanmei took Lu Lixing out for some real-world experience, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated that the lively young man who left would return drenched in blood.

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t have died¡ªnot with me there,¡± Wen Shanmei responded coolly to Wen Shi. ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest in your hands. I need to go.¡±

    Wen Shanmei had taken a week off from school, and with thest day of her leave upon her, it was time for her to head back.

    Hearing her mention returning to school, Wen Shi made no attempt to dissuade her. Instead, he watched her with a look of curiosity and inquired, ¡°You mentioned you wanted to personally assess Lu Lixing. How did he fare?¡±

    Wen Shanmei cast a subtle nce at Lu Lixing, still in the treatment cabin, and told Wen Shi, ¡°Once he wakes up, let him know I¡¯ll be waiting for him at Cosmic Star Academy.¡±

    With those words, Wen Shanmei didn¡¯t linger for a response; she turned on her heel and left. Watching her depart, Wen Shi allowed himself a smile of satisfaction and murmured softly, ¡°I knew I saw potential in the right person.¡±

    Lu Lixing came to the next day at noon. Despite the severity of his injuries, a day in the treatment cabin had worked wonders, and he had almostpletely healed.

    Standing on the floor of the cultivation chamber, Lu Lixing stretched and moved his body freely, reveling in the surge of power within. A wide grin spread across his face as he embraced the old adage: what doesn¡¯t kill you makes you stronger. Reflecting on his recent ordeal at Cloud Dragon Mountain, Lu Lixing felt he hade out on top¡ªso much so that he was confident he could take on a hundred Yuwen Bas without breaking a sweat.

    Even if he were to face that massive ck bear again, Lu Lixing wouldn¡¯t likely be scared!

    Watching Lu Lixing¡¯s face light up with excitement, Wen Shi gave a light cough and cautioned, ¡°Don¡¯t get too cocky over a minor sess. You¡¯ve got a long way to go before you can consider yourself truly powerful.¡±

    Lu Lixing was well aware that he was nowhere near the level of the truly powerful. So, after a brief moment of excitement, he regained hisposure and asked Wen Shi, ¡°Director, where¡¯s my senior sister?¡±

    He was certain that his return to the treatment cabin for healing was thanks to Wen Shanmei¡¯s intervention. Moreover, he suspected that the wild beasts he faced on Cloud Dragon Mountain, including the formidable ck bear, were deliberately put in his path by Wen Shanmei. Unsure if he had met his promise, he was eager to speak with Wen Shanmei directly.

    ¡°Her vacation¡¯s over,¡± Wen Shi replied with a steady tone. ¡°She brought you back yesterday and then returned to school. However, she did leave a message for you¡ªshe¡¯ll be waiting for you at Cosmic Star Academy.¡±

    Lu Lixing paused, taken aback by Wen Shi¡¯s words. He was familiar with Cosmic Star Academy, a renowned institution among the Six Great Academies, celebrated throughout the Federation. He had spected that Wen Shanmei might be a student at one of these prestigious academies, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated that she would be at Cosmic Star Academy.

    Lu Lixing knew that despite being one of the Six Great Academies, Cosmic Star Academy ranked sixth, its overall strength considered moderate at best within the group. His own aspirationsy with Stardragon Academy, the top-ranked institution among the Six Great Academies.

    Stardragon Academy was the undisputed powerhouse of the Federation, and earning a ce there had always been Lu Lixing¡¯s dream. Despite Wen Shanmei¡¯s kindness towards him recently, he wasn¡¯t ready to forsake his chance at Stardragon Academy for anything.

    Noticing Lu Lixing¡¯s inner turmoil, Wen Shi pressed his lips together and let out a sigh before asking, ¡°Lu Lixing, is it your dream to get into Stardragon Academy?¡±

    Caught off guard by the question, Lu Lixing hesitated briefly before nodding earnestly. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s been my dream for as long as I can remember!¡±

    Gratitude is one thing, dreams are another. Lu Lixing understood that they were not the same.

    Upon hearing Lu Lixing¡¯s response, Wen Shi¡¯s expression grew stern. He pulled a cigarette from his shirt pocket, lit it, and then gestured to Lu Lixing. ¡°Come, let¡¯s sit down over there and talk this through. If, after you¡¯ve heard me out, you still want to try for Stardragon Academy, I won¡¯t stand in your way.¡±

    Lu Lixing trailed Wen Shi to the lounge area and settled into a plush sofa.

    Wen Shi took his time, silently smoking until the first cigarette was spent. He lit another before finally addressing Lu Lixing.

    ¡°Consider this: 80% of the world¡¯s wealth is held by 20% of its people. Simrly, 80% of the cultivation resources are controlled by that same 20%¡ªthe noble families and sects. For us ordinary folks, essing basic cultivation resources isn¡¯t too hard, but trying to get our hands on anything advanced? That¡¯s a different story. Within the Federation, there are only two paths to those resources. One is to enlist in the Union Army, be a valiant soldier, and earn military honors through relentlessbat. Those honors can then be exchanged for advanced cultivation resources. The other is to align with a noble family or sect and serve them.¡±

    Wen Shi paused, taking a deep drag from his cigarette as the room filled with smoke. His voice dropped to a murmur, ¡°But not everymoner wants to join the army. Most who risk their lives for military honors, hoping to trade them for cultivation resources, eventually bow to the noble houses and sects after facing hardships. They secure advanced resources by pledging service to these powers. Do you understand the repercussions of such choices?¡±

    Before Lu Lixing could answer, Wen Shi pressed on, ¡°Over time, these families and sects tighten their grip on the Federation, increasing their sway. Wemoners, if we wish to seed, end up dependent on them. And if we refuse to bend the knee, to be their vassals, then even if we¡¯ve chosen the army, they have a myriad of ways to dispatch us to the deadliest fronts, ensuring we perish in battle.¡±

    ¡°Lu Lixing, I¡¯m not trying to frighten you. What I¡¯m describing is the reality facing our entire Federation. Despite its outward strength, the Federation has long been in the grip of aristocratic families and sects. If we don¡¯t take action to change this state of affairs, the Federation is on the brink of being overturned.¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 23

    C23 ¨C The Overturned Worldview

    Lu Lixing watched, wide-eyed and ck-jawed, as Wen Shi raged before him, his heart pounding with shock. He didn¡¯t think Wen Shi was deceiving him. Maybe the Federation really was steeped in corruption. But what did that have to do with his college entrance exam?

    Surely, he couldn¡¯t believe that his choice of college could dictate the future trajectory of the entire Federation. That seemed far too far-fetched and unrealistic.

    Wen Shi managed to steady his turbulent emotions, inhaled deeply, and then continued, ¡°You must be wondering what all this has to do with Stardragon Academy, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Lu Lixing nodded earnestly, his curiosity piqued about the connection Wen Shi was making to Stardragon Academy.

    ¡°In the Federation, there are over a hundred noble families, but only four stand at the pinnacle of power. Stardragon Academy was established by these four families! To call it a university is somewhat misleading; it¡¯s more of a tool for these elite families to cultivate their heirs and sift through themoners for exceptional talent.¡±

    Wen Shi¡¯s revtion struck Lu Lixing like a bolt of lightning. He had never imagined such a backstory for Stardragon Academy.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to lie about this; it¡¯s hardly a secret. A simple search on the Holo-Brain will bring up information about Stardragon Academy, though it won¡¯t be as tantly stated as I¡¯ve put it,¡± Wen Shi said with a coldugh. ¡°The four great families keep a record of everyone who enters Stardragon Academy. They covertly approach those who excel. If these individuals agree to align with them, all is well. If not, their life at the academy bes difficult. Ultimately, they either bow to the families¡¯ dominance or are forced to leave the academy. And that¡¯s when they discover their troubles have only just begun. After being put through the wringer, they¡¯ll find that their only option is to pledge allegiance to the four great families.¡±

    As Lu Lixing gazed at Wen Shi¡¯s stern face, he waspletely stunned. He struggled to ept the truth, finding it hard to believe. Wen Shi¡¯s words had utterly shattered the illustrious image of Stardragon Academy that he had held in his mind.

    ¡°Do the Federation¡¯s bigwigs just turn a blind eye to these matters?¡± Lu Lixing¡¯s voice was edged with incredulity. He couldn¡¯t fathom that these individuals could act with such impunity!

    ¡°And how exactly would they intervene? We¡¯re talking about the Four Great ns here!¡± Wen Shi scoffed. ¡°Do you grasp the significance of the Four Great ns within the Federation? You might be oblivious to who the Federation¡¯s leader is, but you¡¯d better know who calls the shots in the Four Great ns. Offend the Federation¡¯s leader, and you¡¯re a fugitive. But cross the Four Great ns, and you¡¯ll find that death itself is a luxury you can¡¯t afford!¡±

    Lu Lixing was rendered speechless by Wen Shi¡¯s words, which had profoundly shaken his worldview. He had always believed he lived in a world of peace and harmony. Was it possible that it was all just a facade?

    ¡°Consider Sha Xiufen¡¯s case,¡± Wen Shi pressed on, determined to jolt Lu Lixing into reality. ¡°I once had great respect for Xiufen, held her in high esteem. But faced with the lure of cultivation resources, what choice did she make? She became Zhang Tu¡¯s girlfriend, aligning herself with the Zhang family, selling out both her body and her soul! And then there¡¯s Yuwen Ba. He¡¯s assaulted countless students, yet he roams free. Why? Because his victims are invariablymoners! Tell me, if you were born into one of those aristocratic families, do you think Yuwen Ba would have dared to confront you at the school gates?¡±

    Wen Shi¡¯s words pierced Lu Lixing¡¯s heart like a sharp dagger. He could dismiss some of Wen Shi¡¯s earlier remarks as mere hearsay, but the situations involving Xiufen and Yuwen Ba were undeniable realities that unfolded before his very eyes. He couldn¡¯t feign ignorance or refute the truth.

    That was the stark reality.

    Observing Lu Lixing¡¯s bowed head and silence, Wen Shi let out a gentle sigh. ¡°This world isn¡¯t made up solely of those content to be underlings to the aristocratic sects. Through relentless effort across generations, we¡¯ve founded Cosmic Star Academy and elevated it to be among the Six Great Academies. Our purpose is to carve out a sanctuary for cultivation¡ªa haven for those who refuse to bow to the aristocratic sects¡ªenablingmoners to advance further on their cultivation journey, to inspire change, and to strive for a reversal of the current state of affairs.¡±

    ¡°Now, I extend to you a heartfelt invitation to join us and be a part of our team. Together, we can make a real difference!¡±

    Confronted with Wen Shi¡¯s invitation, Lu Lixing was taken aback. Truth be told, he had never anticipated things turning out this way. He was just an average high school student, and now, out of the blue, someone was urging him to help transform the Federation. It was hard for him to take such a proposition at face value.

    Lu Lixing struggled to find the right words and finally said to Wen Shi, ¡°I¡¯m just an ordinary person.¡±

    Wen Shi didn¡¯t seem disheartened by Lu Lixing¡¯s response. With a chuckle, he replied, ¡°I understand where you¡¯reing from. If I were in your shoes, I¡¯d find it hard to ept such an offer on the spot, too. It does sound a bit too wild and far-fetched. But no worries, we¡¯ll wait for you until you¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t overstep or meddle in your life decisions. Where you choose to go to university is entirely up to you. I believe that once you see the world¡¯s true colors¡ªthe darkness and the dirt¡ªyou¡¯lle to share our perspective. And when that day arrives, I¡¯ll be here to wee you with open arms to our cause.¡±

    With that, Wen Shi departed. He didn¡¯t linger or say more than necessary, staying true to his word that he wouldn¡¯t influence Lu Lixing¡¯s choices. The path ahead would be shaped by Lu Lixing¡¯s own decisions.

    In that moment, Lu Lixing felt lost. He wasn¡¯t sure if he should trust Wen Shi¡¯s words, yet something deep down told him that Wen Shi had no reason to concoct such an oundish lie. There was nothing in it for him.

    So, maybe, just maybe, Wen Shi was speaking the truth.

    ¡°These matters don¡¯t concern me for now.¡±

    Lu Lixing took a deep breath, his fists clenched as he whispered to himself, ¡°Right now, I¡¯m too powerless. Even if I were to make a choice, I couldn¡¯t change anything. As Mr. Wen said, there¡¯s still time for me to see the world for myself. And if I ever gain the strength to make a difference, then I¡¯ll seize the opportunity and act!¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 24

    C24 ¨C An Eye for An Eye

    Emerging from the cultivation room with his thoughts in disarray, Lu Lixing was set on leaving school and heading home for a much-needed day of rest. The matter of his leave would be effortlessly managed by Wen Shi. Right now, what Lu Lixing needed was to deeply contemte his future.

    As he weaved through the bustling crowd, head bowed, the surrounding mor abruptly ceased. Sensing something amiss, he nced up to find the towering figure of Yuwen Ba blocking his path, his face twisted in a grotesque snarl, as if he were ready to devour Lu Lixing whole.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been searching for you all this time!¡±

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s animosity towards Lu Lixing was palpable. Since being discharged from the hospital, Yuwen Ba had scoured everywhere for him, burning with the desire for retribution. A week had passed without a glimpse of Lu Lixing, but today, upon receiving a tip-off, Yuwen Ba had swiftly gathered his men and cornered Lu Lixing just in time.

    He was determined to give Lu Lixing an unforgettable lesson today!

    Confronted by the menacing Yuwen Ba, Lu Lixing inquired, ¡°If I were a scion of a prominent family, would you still dare to treat me this way?¡±

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s reaction to Lu Lixing¡¯s question was to burst into derisiveughter, as if it were the funniest joke he¡¯d ever heard. He pped Lu Lixing¡¯s cheek mockingly and sneered, ¡°Take a good look at yourself. What makes you think you could ever be a scion of a great family? You¡¯re living in a dream!¡±

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s cronies joined in theughter, their eyes filled with scorn as they gazed at Lu Lixing. To them, he was nothing but trash from the slums, entertaining the ludicrous notion of bing a noble¡¯s descendant.

    Yet, amidst the tant ridicule, Lu Lixing remained eerilyposed. He knew all too well that his words fell on deaf ears; to Yuwen Ba, he was just amoner, forever barred from the ranks of the elite.

    ¡°Step aside, all of you. I¡¯m not in the mood for a fight today.¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯s interest in further dialogue had evaporated. All he yearned for now was to hasten back to the sce of his home, to lie in bed and embrace the peace of a deep slumber.

    ¡°Let me take you to the hospital to be with your friend!¡±

    Yuwen Ba let out a cold snort. He had finally cornered Lu Lixing today and there was no way he was going to let him walk away so easily!

    When Lu Lixing heard Yuwen Ba bring up Sha Zhenghao, his eyes sharpened, and he demanded in a stern voice, ¡°What have you done to Sha Zhenghao?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Yuwen intended to break both his legs, of course!¡± One of Yuwen Ba¡¯s henchmen sneered maliciously and reached out to shove Lu Lixing. But Lu Lixing was quick to react, seizing the man¡¯s wrist.

    ¡°You should never haveid a finger on Sha Zhenghao.¡±

    With an icy re, Lu Lixing tightened his grip and, with a crisp snap, broke the henchman¡¯s wrist! The man screamed in agony.

    Yuwen Ba, startled by the turn of events, erupted in anger andmanded, ¡°Beat him to death!¡±

    At Yuwen Ba¡¯smand, the group lunged at Lu Lixing with savage looks in their eyes. But they were no match for Lu Lixing. He struck first, his feet moving like lightning, delivering precise kicks to their knees, brutally breaking their legs one by one.

    The air was filled with their agonized cries. In just moments, all six of Yuwen Ba¡¯sckeys were sprawled on the ground, faces ashen with pain.

    Yuwen Ba¡¯s eyes bulged with terror at the sight. He had thought he was prepared for Lu Lixing, but he hadn¡¯t anticipated just how formidable Lu Lixing was. In a sh, Lu Lixing had taken down all his men!

    As Lu Lixing advanced towards him, Yuwen Ba swallowed hard, fearfully, and bellowed, ¡°Lu Lixing, what do you think you¡¯re doing? This is a school!¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯s sneer was his only reply. ¡°Now you remember we¡¯re at a school?¡±

    Without another word, Lu Lixing closed the distance andnded a punishing blow to Yuwen Ba¡¯s abdomen. Yuwen Ba doubled over, clutching his belly as he knelt on the ground, retching.

    The students surrounding the scene were utterly stunned. No one had anticipated that Yuwen Ba would once again fall to Lu Lixing, and this defeat was even more resounding than before!

    Sha Xiufen, having hurried over upon hearing the news, stood amidst the crowd, her eyes wide with shock as she gazed at Lu Lixing. She seemed unable to believe what she was witnessing; Lu Lixing appeared so alien and cold at that moment.

    ¡°I was wrong!¡±

    Yuwen Ba knelt on the ground, his gaze fixed on Lu Lixing¡¯s feet. Gone was his earlier arrogance, now reced by sheer terror. Had he known the extent of Lu Lixing¡¯s prowess, he never would have sought to provoke him.

    ¡°Why target me for trouble? But more importantly, why attack Sha Zhenghao? Simply because he¡¯s amoner without a powerful family to back him up?¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯s disdain for Yuwen Ba, who tormented themon folk, had reached its peak after hearing Wen Shi¡¯s words earlier that day. To him, Yuwen Ba was even lower than the Vicious Beasts of Cloud Dragon Mountain, who at least showed no favoritism in their aggression.

    ¡°You broke Sha Zhenghao¡¯s legs, so I¡¯ll break yours. That will settle the score.¡±

    With an indifferent look, Lu Lixing sent Yuwen Ba tumbling to the ground with a fierce kick. As he was about to follow through on his threat, Sha Xiufen suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

    ¡°Lu Lixing, stop!¡± Sha Xiufen¡¯s eyes were filled with urgency as she pleaded with him.

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Lu Lixing cut her off, his gaze icy as he stared down at the astonished Sha Xiufen. ¡°If you try to stop me, I¡¯ll break your legs too!¡±

    Sha Xiufen was amoner just like everyone else. Why hadn¡¯t she intervened when Yuwen Ba was breaking Sha Zhenghao¡¯s legs?

    ¡°Lu Lixing, that¡¯s enough.¡±

    Out of nowhere, a tall figure emerged from the crowd, his eyes calm as he addressed Lu Lixing with a measured tone, ¡°Sha Xiufen is my girlfriend. Have you no regard for me?¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 25

    C25 ¨C There Were Some Things That Had to be Changed

    The man stepping forward in agreement with Sha Xiufen was none other than Zhang Tu, the prodigy from Skyhaven¡¯s Forest Lake Academy.

    As soon as Zhang Tu made his entrance, all eyes were on him. The gazes he received were a mix of awe and envy¡ªawe for his formidable talent and exceptional abilities, and envy for his distinguished family and striking looks.

    Truth be told, even Lu Lixing had to concede that Zhang Tu was an incredibly handsome and refined young man. His looks and status could easily fulfill the prince charming fantasy harbored by most girls.

    Such a person would invariably be the center of attention wherever he went. Clearly, Zhang Tu had grown ustomed to the spotlight.

    Lu Lixing watched Zhang Tu with an impassive face, then abruptly snapped Yuwen Ba¡¯s legs. Yuwen Ba, who had assumed he¡¯d be unharmed, suddenly bulged his eyes in agony and passed out.

    Yuwen Ba, who had broken so many legs himself, had never realized how excruciating the pain could be.

    The incident left everyone present in shock. No one had anticipated that Lu Lixing would stand his ground even after Zhang Tu¡¯s intervention, brazenly breaking Yuwen Ba¡¯s legs right in front of him.

    This act wasn¡¯t just about breaking Yuwen Ba¡¯s legs; it was a clear affront to Zhang Tu¡¯s dignity.

    Zhang Tu¡¯s usuallyposed demeanor darkened upon witnessing Lu Lixing¡¯s ruthless action. His gaze turned icy as he addressed Lu Lixing, ¡°I had thought to spare you, considering your past acquaintance with Xiufen, but it seems you¡¯re not inclined to make a quiet exit.¡±

    Zhang Tu struggled to recall thest time he¡¯d been so openly challenged. All he remembered was that thest person to do so met with a dire fate, vanishing silently from the world. Unknown to all, it took a full hundred days for that person to die after their disappearance.

    ¡°My name is Lu Lixing.¡± Lu Lixing straightened his clothes and introduced himself to Zhang Tu with earnest, ¡°I hail from the slums; I¡¯m just an ordinary citizen.¡±

    Upon hearing Lu Lixing¡¯s introduction, even the worldly Zhang Tu was momentarily taken aback. However, he quickly recovered, scoffing, ¡°Are you trying to leverage this incident to carve out a reputation for yourself in Skyhaven? Your ambition ismendable, and at the very least, you¡¯ve got guts.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re mistaken,¡± Lu Lixing said, shaking his head gently. ¡°I¡¯ve never considered you a formidable opponent. You don¡¯t hold a candle to the true masters; you¡¯re not even on par with a ck bear.¡±

    Zhang Tu¡¯s face fell at these words. Shooting Lu Lixing a fierce look, he spoke with unyielding harshness, ¡°I¡¯m not sure who emboldened you, but let me tell you, you¡¯ve truly infuriated me now.¡±

    Yet, Lu Lixing appeared oblivious to Zhang Tu¡¯s rage. He calmly retorted, ¡°Without your family¡¯s backing, you¡¯re nothing. You wouldn¡¯t even qualify to tie my shoes.¡±

    At that, Lu Lixing¡¯s gaze shifted abruptly to Sha Xiufen. ¡°I¡¯ll prove to you with facts that the person you¡¯ve chosen is far from virtuous.¡±

    Disappointment etched on her face, Sha Xiufen shook her head at Lu Lixing¡¯s audacity. ¡°I may not know what you¡¯ve been through, but your arrogance is blinding. You¡¯re underestimating Zhang Tu. Do you realize the path you¡¯re choosing today could be your downfall?¡±

    The more time Sha Xiufen spent with Zhang Tu, the more she grasped the extent of his strength and the dread the Zhang family inspired. In her eyes, Lu Lixing¡¯s public challenge to Zhang Tu was tantamount to courting death.

    She found herself longing for the Lu Lixing of old¡ªthe one who was at least somewhat sensible and would never have dared utter such reckless words.

    Lu Lixing had no desire to justify himself to Sha Xiufen; he intended to let his actions do the talking.

    Ignoring Zhang Tu¡¯s seething anger, Lu Lixing turned on his heel and headed off campus. His first stop would be the hospital to see Sha Zhenghao, to whom he nned to issue a warning to beware of Zhang Tu going forward.

    Watching Lu Lixing dismiss him and walk away, Zhang Tu¡¯s rage was palpable. With a low growl, heunched himself forward with explosive speed, reaching Lu Lixing in a blink. He swung his fist at Lu Lixing¡¯s head with lethal intent¡ªhe was out for blood!

    Sensing the imminent threat, Lu Lixing whirled around and countered with his own punch. Their fists met with a thunderous collision, unleashing a shockwave that sent a gale whipping around them. Both men were forced to step back¡ªLu Lixing by four paces, Zhang Tu by three.

    Zhang Tu was in disbelief. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that Lu Lixing would manage to fend off his surprise attack. Utilizing the speed from his shoes, inscribed with a level two Gale Array, even someone at the pinnacle of the Body Tempering Stage might fail to react in time. Yet, Lu Lixing not only responded but alsounched a counterattack!

    Witnessing the astonishment on Zhang Tu¡¯s face, Lu Lixing remainedposed. He gave Zhang Tu a dismissive nce before turning on his heel to continue his exit from Forest Lake Academy.

    This time, Zhang Tu made no move to stop him.

    All eyes followed Lu Lixing¡¯s departing figure in eerie silence, a shared understanding among the onlookers that Forest Lake Academy was on the cusp of dramatic change.

    In his office, Wen Shi had observed the unfolding events through the surveince system. He witnessed Lu Lixing¡¯s interrogation of Yuwen Ba, his fury over his friend¡¯s mistreatment, his rebuke of Sha Xiufen, and the showdown with Zhang Tu.

    Wen Shi was thoroughly impressed by Lu Lixing¡¯s conduct. His efforts to inform Yuwen Ba of Lu Lixing¡¯s presence at the school had not been in vain.

    It was Wen Shi who had secretly ryed the information to Yuwen Ba, having promised only to refrain from influencing Lu Lixing¡¯s decisions.

    He knew that Yuwen Ba would inevitably seek out Lu Lixing, and even if he didn¡¯t, Lu Lixing would have sought out Yuwen Ba upon learning of Sha Zhenghao¡¯s plight. All Wen Shi did was expedite the inevitable.

    ¡°After today¡¯s events, you should understand the truth in my words,¡± Wen Shi murmured to himself, conviction shining in his eyes like never before. ¡°As long as these noble families and sects rule the world,moners will never receive justice. Our only recourse is to rise up, to topple those from their pedestals, and only then will the world know peace.¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 26

    C26 ¨C Qualification Test

    Returning home from the hospital, Lu Lixingy on his bed, his gaze fixed on the worn ceiling overhead. The words Wen Shi had spoken to him earlier echoed relentlessly in his mind.

    Those words had profoundly shaken Lu Lixing¡¯s worldview, nearly toppling his entire understanding of the world. He instinctively recoiled from the harsh reality they depicted. Yet, Yuwen Ba, Sha Xiufen, and Zhang Tu had taught him a harsh lesson in their own ways. Learning that Sha Zhenghao couldn¡¯t afford better treatment and would have to wait at least a week to be discharged, Lu Lixing came to a stark realization: the world could be unforgiving and heartless, especially to the likes of ordinary people.

    The wealthy and powerful seemed to operate by their own rules, unrestrained. If you dared to stand against them, respect would be thest thing you¡¯d earn¡ªinstead, you¡¯d be met with even harsher retribution.

    Wen Shi and his allies were striving to transform the world¡¯s status quo. Their mission was noble and worthy of respect. But upon deeper reflection, it became clear that their vision was steeped in idealism. The egalitarian world they aspired to was nothing more than a utopian fantasy, one that was nearly impossible to achieve.

    Society is inherent wherever people exist, and with societyes conflict. Themon folk weren¡¯t resisting, not out of ack of desire, but due to ack of means. Should they ever gain the power and influence they seek, few could contain the swell of desires within them.

    In the end, all that would change would be the faces of those controlling the world¡¯s resources¡ªa new cadre of aristocratic sects, perpetuating the same cycle. Such changes would hardly cleanse the Federation¡¯s environment at its core.

    Upon reflection, Lu Lixing believed that Wen Shi and hispanions must have also understood this. But with their ideals still unfulfilled and a long struggle ahead, they chose to set aside these future concerns. Their immediate goal was to topple the entrenched aristocratic families and sects.

    ¡°I really am just an ordinary person,¡± Lu Lixing whispered to himself. Despite his transformation into a genius following some extraordinary encounters, he didn¡¯t feel particrly unique. From an obscure slum kid to amon genius, he was just one among many in this world, and that didn¡¯t make him feel any different.

    Regarding the matters Wen Shi brought up, Lu Lixing felt an innate resistance. He had no desire to get involved in such significant affairs. All he wanted was to lead a normal life, to get into one of the Six Great Academies, and to dedicate himself to his studies. After graduation, he might enlist or pursue other paths, but ultimately, he envisioned a life of simplicity. The notion of the aristocratic sects andmoners rising seemed far too fanciful for him.

    He yearned to live in the here and now!

    That was the conclusion Lu Lixing reached after a night of contemtion. His future, as well as the world¡¯s trajectory, didn¡¯t concern him. His focus was on living each day to the fullest, following the dictates of his heart, one step at a time.

    Lu Lixing truly didn¡¯t want to be burdened withplex issues. He aspired to be nothing more than a straightforward young man.

    With this newfound rity, Lu Lixing felt a significant lift in his spirits.

    The following morning, as Lu Lixing entered the school, he was met with curious stares from his ssmates. Their looks conveyed a mix of awe, envy, and a touch of scorn and mockery.

    Lu Lixing understood that their changed attitudes stemmed from the previous day¡¯s confrontation. An ordinary ss student had challenged a prodigy from the Important ss ¨C it was sensational news that had undoubtedly spread like wildfire.

    ¡°You¡¯re quite early today,¡± Sha Zhenghao remarked, appearing suddenly at Lu Lixing¡¯s side.

    With a friendly arm around Lu Lixing¡¯s shoulder, he chuckled, ¡°I caught wind of yesterday¡¯s drama. Threatening to break Sha Xiufen¡¯s leg? That¡¯s pretty harsh.¡±

    Lu Lixing had previously shared the basics about Sha Xiufen with Sha Zhenghao, so he was aware of her new rtionship with Zhang Tu. Sha Zhenghao was quite pleased to hear about Lu Lixing¡¯s bold words to her.

    Seeing the energetic Sha Zhenghao, Lu Lixing expressed his surprise, ¡°How were you discharged from the hospital so quickly?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t believe what happened,¡± Sha Zhenghao began, his voice tinged with excitement. ¡°Guess who I bumped intost night at the hospital? Wen Shi himself visited me, representing the school. And he didn¡¯te empty-handed ¨C he brought an advanced treatment liquid, courtesy of the school. I treated my legs with it. Have you ever experienced soaking in that stuff? It¡¯s unbelievably refreshing.¡±

    Watching the excitement dance across Sha Zhenghao¡¯s face, Lu Lixing¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile. He had befriended Sha Zhenghao precisely because of his unwavering optimism. No matter the adversity, Sha Zhenghao never let it get him down. Even with both legs broken, he managed to maintain a positive outlook on life.

    ¡°It¡¯s my treat tonight for barbecue,¡± Lu Lixing chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to order you four roasted pork trotters.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a deal then.¡±

    The mere thought of savoring four roasted pork trotters that evening made Sha Zhenghao¡¯s mouth water. For him, there was no setback that a good barbecue couldn¡¯t cure.

    After some time spent in conversation, a critical issue dawned on Lu Lixing¡ªthe semester¡¯s end was nearing, bringing with it an exam that was far from ordinary. It was a qualification test.

    Gaining admission to one of the Six Great Academies was a dream cherished by many. If possible, everyone would list them as their top choice on their college entrance applications. Yet, the admission standards of these academies were notoriously stringent. Even the Cosmic Star Academy, the least selective among them, admitted merely a thousand students annually, despite the tens of millions who sat for the college entrance exam each year.

    Thus, the final exam of the senior year served as a decisive qualification test. Only those who excelled would earn the chance to apply to the Six Great Academies; all others would have to set their sights on ordinary colleges.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 27

    C27 ¨C The Test Began!

    The end-of-semester finals for the third year of high school arrived on schedule, with every student brimming with anticipation. This wasn¡¯t just any exam; it was the one that could alter the course of their lives forever!

    Lu Lixing was among the throng of students, yet hisposure set him apart. He had a deep understanding of his capabilities. A steady performance was all that stood between him and the chance to apply to the prestigious Six Great Academies. His best friend, Sha Zhenghao, on the other hand, never fretted over such matters. His aspirations didn¡¯t lie within the walls of academia but on the military frontlines.

    Indeed, Sha Zhenghao aspired to be a distinguished soldier. Post-exams, he wouldn¡¯t be found on a university campus; he¡¯d be enlisting in the army. He was convinced that his obscurity at school wasn¡¯t a reflection of his merit but a mismatch of environment. The army was where he was meant to thrive.

    Embracing this conviction, Sha Zhenghao¡¯s resolve to enlist was unwavering. Lu Lixing wholeheartedly supported his friend¡¯s ambition. Despite the battlefield¡¯s inherent risks, it also promised vast opportunities. With Sha Zhenghao¡¯s unyielding optimism, he was bound to carve out a notable reputation in the military ranks. Who knows, Lu Lixing might one day find himself leaning on Sha Zhenghao.

    As the exam loomed closer, the two friends exchanged goodbyes at the ssroom door before heading off to their respective testing sites, each poised to take on the exam that would redefine their destinies.

    Lu Lixing located his designated testing pod by his exam number. Settling into the pod, heposed himself, awaiting themencement of the test.

    The examination consisted of three segments: the cultural test, thebat test, and the meditation test. The cultural test assessed the candidate¡¯s grasp of Runes and knowledge of Federation history. Thebat test evaluated overall physical prowess. The meditation test, however, gauged the development of the candidate¡¯s Brain Domain and the potency of their psychic force.

    In the scoring breakdown, cultural andbat tests each ounted for 200 points, but the meditation test tipped the scales with a hefty 400 points.

    It¡¯s clear just how crucial the development of the Brain Domain and the strength of psychic force are. For Lu Lixing to gain admission into one of the Six Great Academies, he must not only achieve a total score of at least 650 points but also score over 350 points in the meditation test.

    Suddenly, an rm red within the testing pod, snapping Lu Lixing back to the present. Familiar with the procedure after numerous tests, he recognized it as a signal that the examination was imminent.

    ¡°Examinee number 1088, Lu Lixing, your test willmence shortly. Please prepare yourself!¡±

    A sterile mechanical voice echoed as Lu Lixing gently closed his eyes. Following a subtle vibration, he slowly reopened them to find himself in an expansive wilderness.

    This wasn¡¯t an actual wilderness but a virtual environment created by the testing pod. Yet, all sensations here were authentically replicated. That meant injuries would cause real bleeding and pain. A fatal strike, while not truly lethal, would disqualify a candidate from further testing, effectively ending their chances.

    ¡°First question, examinee, identify the terrain and name this location within ten seconds.¡±

    Lu Lixing surveyed his surroundings. Observing the chariot aze and the g and remnants of soldiers embedded in the ground, he spoke with a firm voice, ¡°This is the ck Wind in, the site of the ck Wind Defense.¡±

    The ck Wind in was not just a battlefield but also a sacred site honoring fallen heroes. In the past, the Demonic Beast Army had ambushed the Federation¡¯s ck Wind Fortress through a spatial tunnel. At the time, the fortress was vulnerable, with most troops deployed elsewhere. It was then that themander of the Third Division, Kuang Weizhao, made his stand. Leading his division, they fought valiantly against the Demonic Beast Army. With just ten thousand soldiers, they held off nearly a million beasts for ten hours, buying precious time for reinforcements. Their efforts ensured the fortress¡¯s defense and the Union Army¡¯s victory.

    Despite the triumph, the Union Army¡¯s joy was subdued, for Kuang Weizhao and his entire Third Division had perished, leaving no trace behind except for a solitary g that remained as a testament to their sacrifice.

    A decade has passed since the ck Wind Defense, and the third division¡¯s banner still stands on the ck Wind in. It¡¯s be amon sight to see people visiting to honor the third division¡¯s martyrs. Consequently, the banner has transformed into a monument, a constant reminder of the third division¡¯s valorous contributions to the Federation.

    Lu Lixing¡¯s knowledge of the ck Wind Defense was initially limited, but Sha Zhenghao, an ardent admirer of Kuang Weizhao, frequently recounted tales of Kuang and the historic defense to Lu. As a result, the test question about the ck Wind in was a breeze for him.

    The test protocol dictated that after naming the location, Lu would be subjected to abat evaluation themed around the ck Wind Defense, pitting him against a troop of Demonic Beasts to gauge his fighting prowess.

    Soon, the scene before Lu shifted dramatically. Although he remained on the ck Wind in, the air was now thick with the scent of blood, transporting him back to the days of the ck Wind Defense.

    ¡°Reinforcements to the ck Wind in are ten minutes out. As the third division¡¯s sole survivor, you must hold on until they arrive. Fight! Annihte every Demonic Beast that charges at you!¡±

    Hearing the system¡¯smand, Lu¡¯s expression darkened. The test demanded he fend off a Demonic Beast horde for ten minutes¡ªa tall order, to say the least.

    Only the fiercest of beasts were deemed worthy to join the Demon n¡¯s ranks and swell the Demonic Beast army. Now, standing alone, the system expected Lu to withstand a million-strong onught for ten minutes. Was this some kind of twisted joke?

    ¡°Something¡¯s off here,¡± Lu murmured, his brow furrowing. Despite his suspicions, there was no time for contemtion; the Demonic Beast army was already bearing down on him. As he faced the oing tide of beasts, a grim resolve settled over him.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 28

    C28 ¨C Excluded Early!

    ¡°Candidate number 1088, Lu Lixing, has lost his life during the test. His score is insufficient to pass!¡±

    A chilling mechanical voice echoed, snapping Lu Lixing back to reality. His eyes flew open, and he clenched his fists in defiance.

    He had been sabotaged!

    Lu Lixing was certain that the test had been tampered with deliberately.

    To be eliminated on the very first question was utterly absurd!

    Lu Lixing knew that by tomorrow, the news of his premature exit would be the talk of the entire school, making him the butt of every joke.

    ¡°Zhang Tu!¡±

    Almost instinctively, Lu Lixing pinpointed his suspicion on Zhang Tu. With a personal vendetta against him and the influence of a prestigious family, Zhang Tu had the means to manipte the test. His grandfather was a board member at the school, after all.

    No one else came to mind who would have the motive to frame him in such a way.

    Zhang Tu was intent on altering the course of Lu Lixing¡¯s destiny!

    ¡°Candidate number 1088, please exit the area.¡±

    The proctor, standing outside the test pod, regarded Lu Lixing with aplex mix of emotions, a trace of sympathy crossing his features.

    ¡°You¡¯ve crossed someone you shouldn¡¯t have. Brace yourself for the bacsh.¡±

    The proctor exhaled a weary sigh. He was aware of the recent incident and recognized Lu Lixing¡¯s potential as a burgeoning talent. Yet, Lu Lixing should never have crossed Zhang Tu.

    Lu Lixing stepped out of the pod, his gaze sweeping the room. All the other candidates were still immersed in their tests, meaning he was the sole person ousted so early¡ªnone had faced a test like his.

    The proctor gave Lu Lixing another look and remarked, ¡°With your capabilities, you stand a good chance of being epted into a top-tier university.¡±

    Though the door to the Six Great Academies had closed for Lu Lixing, securing a spot at a prestigious university was stillmendable. The proctor meant to offer sce, but to Lu Lixing, the words stung with insult.

    ¡°I will make it into the Six Great Academies!¡±

    With unwavering resolve, Lu Lixing met the proctor¡¯s gaze and dered in a firm undertone, ¡°I refuse to give up!¡±

    As Lu Lixing¡¯s retreating figure disappeared from view, the proctor shook his head, resigned to the inevitable oue that no one could alter.

    Wen Shi stood by the window, his gaze steady as he watched Lu Lixing exit the examination hall. The somber look on Lu Lixing¡¯s face was clear, but Wen Shi had no intention of offeringfort or pity.

    Such was the harsh truth of their world: without strength, one was doomed to be preyed upon.

    Wen Shi was well aware that the Zhang family had intentionally tampered with Lu Lixing¡¯s test. He could have intervened or tipped off Lu Lixing, but he chose not to. He had his own agenda¡ªto use the machinations of others to push Lu Lixing, to force him to confront the world¡¯s brutality head-on.

    Only with this stark realization could Lu Lixing make the right decisions.

    Even with the truthid bare, Wen Shi wasn¡¯t concerned about Lu Lixing harboring any resentment towards him; after all, he hadn¡¯t wronged Lu Lixing in any way.

    ¡°After you¡¯ve endured the ruthless oppression and strikes from the scions of the great houses, perhaps you¡¯ll understand the torment and agony we feel,¡± Wen Shi murmured to himself, a message from Wen Shanmei surfacing in his mind. She had cautioned him against judging Lu Lixing by conventional standards, suggesting that sincerity was the key to earning Lu Lixing¡¯s respect. Wen Shi, however, believed they needed no such genuine effort¡ªjust a nudge from the unruly nobility would suffice.

    When Zhang Tu backed Lu Lixing into a corner, Wen Shi nned to step in at the opportune moment, offering a lifeline¡ªa special admission to the Cosmic Star Academy. He would be the one to lift Lu Lixing from the depths of despair to the heights of paradise. In that moment, gratitude would surely bind Lu Lixing to him.

    But first, Lu Lixing had to demonstrate his worth.

    The test¡¯s duration varied widely; some candidates faltered within an hour, facing elimination, while others endured to the very end,pleting every question.

    After Sha Zhenghaopleted his test and stepped out of the testing pod, he hurried over to the school¡¯s sports field, eager to meet up with Lu Lixing once he finished his own exam. They nned to grab a bite to eat after the school released the results.

    By the time Sha Zhenghao arrived, the field was dotted with students. He immediately spotted Lu Lixing sitting in a corner, and his surprise was evident. ¡°What happened? How did you finish before me?¡±

    Sha Zhenghao was genuinely puzzled. Lu Lixing had been getting stronger, so why did his test end so quickly? Could it be that Lu Lixing¡¯s answering speed had improved?

    Lu Lixing just slightly pursed his lips in response, choosing not to share what had transpired. It wouldn¡¯t change anything.

    Seeing the dark look on Lu Lixing¡¯s face, Sha Zhenghao realized his error. It wasn¡¯t that Lu Lixing had sped through the test; he had been prematurely eliminated.

    With this in mind, Sha Zhenghao took a seat next to Lu Lixing and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°Dinner¡¯s on me tonight, no need to be shy about it!¡±

    The meal might make a dent in Sha Zhenghao¡¯s wallet, but he was more than happy to cover it.

    After all, even if Lu Lixing didn¡¯t ace the exam, it wasn¡¯t the end of the world. They could enlist in the military together and achieve great things side by side.

    Touched by Sha Zhenghao¡¯s kind gesture, a glimmer of gratitude shone in Lu Lixing¡¯s eyes. In a world that seemed to be against him, having such a friend by his side was trulyforting.

    ¡°Thanks, but the meal is on me,¡± Lu Lixing said with a smile, a hint of steely resolve flickering in his gaze. He added firmly, ¡°Besides, I might still have a shot at turning things around!¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 29

    C29 ¨C Two No.1

    As Skyhaven Academy¡¯s most renowned prodigy, Zhang Tu emerged from the test cabin only afterpleting the final question, marking a full four hours since the exammenced.

    His uncle, serving as the proctor, greeted him with a smile as Zhang Tu stepped out. ¡°Congrattions, you¡¯re thest one to finish the test at our school. And I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve already guessed the surprise¡ªLu Lixing was the first to be eliminated.¡±

    He sighed, adding, ¡°Just two days ago, Lu Lixing was challenging you. He likely never saw this daying.¡±

    A smile of satisfaction spread across Zhang Tu¡¯s handsome features. He had been eagerly anticipating this very day.

    Today, he intended to make it clear to Lu Lixing that they were worlds apart. Ants would always be ants, incapable of transforming into colossal prehistoric beasts.

    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s time to head to the field.¡±

    Zhang Tu made his way out of the exam hall, where the entire school¡ªfaculty and students alike¡ªawaited him. He was about to ascend the podium under the watchful eyes of all, ready to bask in the spotlight as the object of everyone¡¯s admiration.

    Upon reaching the school¡¯s sports field, Zhang Tu was met with resounding cheers. All eyes were on him, filled with adoration and envy, for he was their school¡¯s unparalleled genius.

    Pleased with the reception, Zhang Tu ascended the podium with a smile, taking his ce before the school¡¯s dignitaries and teachers. This was the acim befitting a student of his caliber.

    Scanning the crowd below, Zhang Tu sought out Lu Lixing¡¯s figure, but the sea of faces made it an impossible task. A twinge of disappointment struck him; he had hoped to witness the frustration and defeat etched on Lu Lixing¡¯s face.

    ¡°Silence, please!¡±

    Principal Mi Hongbo took to the stage at that moment, addressing the audience. ¡°The qualification test has concluded. The results will be disyed on the Crystal Screen behind me. Should you have any questions, feel free to raise them.¡±

    As the principal¡¯s words faded, the hush that fell over the crowd was palpable. Eyes turned to the towering Crystal Screen, everyone eager to see their scores. And there, for all to see, the examination results shone brightly, with Zhang Tu¡¯s name at the top. Out of a perfect 800, Zhang Tu had scored an impressive 760 points!

    Upon seeing Zhang Tu¡¯s test scores, a wave of astonishment rippled through the crowd once more. They heaped praise upon Zhang Tu¡¯s prowess, proiming him the premier genius of Skyhaven Academy!

    Sha Xiufen imed the second spot with 720 points, trailing Zhang Tu by a full 40 points, which only underscored Zhang Tu¡¯s formidable talents.

    Then, suddenly, another round of gasps erupted among the onlookers.

    ¡°The top scorer is actually Lu Lixing!¡±

    This im sent a ripple of confusion through the crowd as they nced at the rankings. Zhang Tu was clearly in first ce, so why was someone iming Lu Lixing had outscored him?

    Amidst the confusion, the same voice hastily rified, ¡°I meant he¡¯s inst ce! Lu Lixing only managed to score 20 points! He¡¯s at the bottom of the list!¡±

    While some were shocked, others scoffed at the news.

    Nobody had anticipated that Lu Lixing, who had recently stirred up the school with his challenge to Zhang Tu, would end up with the lowest score in the qualification test!

    ¡°Is this the so-called genius from the slums you¡¯ve been raving about? I could score 100 points blindfolded!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯sughable! How can such rubbish even be mentioned in the same breath as Zhang Tu? He¡¯s not fit to even carry Zhang Tu¡¯s shoes!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s truly unexpected. He only scored 20 points.¡±

    ¡°I just think his abilities don¡¯t measure up. He¡¯s all talk, but when it¡¯s time to show his true skills, he falls t.¡±

    The crowd buzzed withmentary, stunned by the stark contrast between Zhang Tu¡¯s top school ranking and Lu Lixing¡¯s position at the very bottom.

    On the podium, the teachers murmured amongst themselves, casting discreet nces at Zhang Tu and the school board member beside him, Zhang Maozhe of the Zhang family.

    While the students might be in the dark about why Lu Lixing rankedst, the teachers knew all too well. Understanding the intricacies of the situation was one thing, but speaking up was quite another. Anyone with sense could see that Lu Lixing had been set up. They wouldn¡¯t risk offending the powerful Zhang family for a student without influence.

    Wen Shi stood on the podium, his face a mask of neutrality. He observed Lu Lixing, noting the icy demeanor on his face with a hint of surprise. He had expected Lu Lixing to react with outrage, to publicly denounce the school for this tant act of sabotage. Yet, contrary to expectations, Lu Lixing remainedposed, devoid of anger.

    Wen Shi believed Lu Lixing hadn¡¯t been provoked enough. Casting a nce at someone in the crowd who caught his cue, that person immediately pointed at Lu Lixing, standing among them, and bellowed, ¡°Hey everyone, check this out ¨C the one inst ce is right here!¡±

    At the sound of the call, nearly everyone in the room swiveled to stare at Lu Lixing. Instinctively, those nearby stepped back, leaving him conspicuously alone. Sha Zhenghao tried to push his way through the throng to get back to Lu Lixing¡¯s side, but the dense crowd was imprable. Frustrated and anxious, there was nothing he could do.

    From her vantage point on the stage, Sha Xiufen¡¯s gazended on the now isted Lu Lixing, her eyes betraying a flicker ofplex emotion.

    ¡°I warned you not to cross Zhang Tu. You¡¯re feeling the fallout now. You must realize you¡¯ve made a mistake.¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 30

    C30 ¨C Hidden Dragon tform!

    ¡°Let¡¯s have some quiet, please.¡±

    Out of the blue, Zhang Tu, standing at the podium, called for attention. The room fell silent as all eyes returned to him.

    Zhang Tu was pleased to see the crowd hush at hismand. Addressing his peers, he said, ¡°In this world, for every genius, there¡¯s someone not as gifted¡ªit¡¯s simply the way things are. We¡¯re all ssmates here, and rather than ridicule those who struggle, we should be eager to lend them a hand.¡±

    At this juncture, Zhang Tu¡¯s gaze shifted deliberately to Lu Lixing. ¡°Lu Lixing, despite our past friction, I¡¯ve always believed in the camaraderie among us. If you¡¯re ever stumped by a question or face a hurdle in your studies, feel free to seek my advice. I promise to share all I know.¡±

    ¡°With your potential and my guidance, even if the Six Great Academies are out of reach, you¡¯re still a shoo-in for a top-tier university!¡±

    Zhang Tu¡¯s deration sent a wave of astonishment rippling through the audience. No one had anticipated such a public overture to Lu Lixing.

    Below the stage, the crowd marveled at Zhang Tu¡¯s magnanimity, while those on stage saw through his sly and venomous ploy!

    He had already sabotaged Lu Lixing during the test, and now, under the public eye, he was trampling on Lu Lixing¡¯s dignity once more. His cruelty knew no bounds!

    Though Lu Lixing had missed his chance at the Six Great Academies, it didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t secure a ce at a prestigious university. Should Lu Lixing seed, the credit would likely be attributed to Zhang Tu.

    Even if Lu Lixing refuted any help from Zhang Tu, skepticism would prevail. He risked being branded as ungrateful.

    To avoid such a predicament, Lu Lixing would have to forgo attending any notable university, effectively shattering his prospects.

    Having rankedst in the test, everyone doubted his capabilities.

    Zhang Tu had single-handedly destroyed Lu Lixing¡¯s bright future.

    Previously, everyone had mocked Lu Lixing, but now they found themselves envious. If Lu Lixing could indeed secure guidance from Zhang Tu, there was a real chance he might gain admission to a prestigious university. And even if he didn¡¯t make it into a top-tier school, simply forging a strong connection with Zhang Tu could benefit him for a lifetime.

    Amidst the crowd¡¯splex stares, Lu Lixing remained unfazed, his expression as cool and detached as ever.

    In the midst of the collective sighs, Mi Hongbo spoke up with rity, ¡°Lu Lixing, are you feeling remorseful about the incident from a few days ago? Now would be a good time to apologize to Zhang Tu in front of all the teachers and students.¡±

    Zhang Maozhe nodded in approval upon hearing Mi Hongbo¡¯s suggestion. He nned to publicly endorse Mi Hongbo during next year¡¯s principal election.

    The under-the-table dealings between Mi Hongbo and Zhang Maozhe were of no interest to anyone at that moment. A teacher had just passed a microphone to Lu Lixing and cast his image onto the Crystal Screen, allowing everyone to witness his every action.

    Lu Lixing epted the microphone without hesitation. Gazing out over the assembly, he addressed Mi Hongbo with a calm detachment, ¡°Principal, can you assure us that this test will be conducted with absolute fairness?¡±

    The room fell into a stunned silence as Lu Lixing¡¯s words hung in the air. Everyone eyed him with a mix of surprise and intrigue, none having anticipated that he would forgo an apology to Zhang Tu in favor of challenging the integrity of the test.

    Mi Hongbo¡¯s smile vanished, reced by a sudden scowl. ¡°Lu, watch yournguage,¡± he snapped. ¡°Our school prides itself on fairness and justice. How could we possibly sabotage you in such a crucial test?¡±

    Even if they had indeed conspired against him, they would never confess. Frustrated by Lu Lixing¡¯s ingratitude, Mi Hongbo was already plotting a pretext to expel him.

    While Mi Hongbo seethed with anger, Wen Shi was quietly pleased. He had been eager for Lu Lixing to confront the school¡¯s elite, and though he hadn¡¯t expected to witness it today, events had unfolded just as he had hoped.

    ¡°Fair and just?¡± Lu Lixing scoffed, scanning the room. ¡°Tell me, has anyone else been forced to withstand the onught of millions of Demonic Beasts in the ck Wind Defense on the very first test, all while standing their ground solo for ten minutes?¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯s challenge sent shockwaves through the crowd. Facing the fury of millions of Demonic Beasts in the ck Wind Defense by oneself? It sounded absurd.

    ¡°What are you bbering about?¡± Mi Hongbo bellowed, reaching to silence Lu Lixing¡¯s microphone.

    But in that instant, Lu Lixing dropped a bombshell among the onlookers.

    ¡°I won¡¯t stand for this¡ªI demand a trial at the Hidden Dragon tform!¡±

    The Hidden Dragon tform!

    The mention of that name sent a ripple of confusion through the crowd, followed by a wave of realization about what it truly meant. They stared at Lu Lixing with eyes wide in astonishment, convinced he had lost his mind.

    The Hidden Dragon tform was a formidable challenge instituted by the Six Great Academies. Should any candidate deem the qualification test unjust, feeling they¡¯ve been wronged, they could invoke their right tobat on the Hidden Dragon tform¡ªa challenge that could not be denied.

    Once issued, the Six Great Academies would dispatch representatives to oversee the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, ensuring its fairness and integrity.

    The test itself was brutally straightforward: a lone fight against the school¡¯s top hundred elite students.

    Victory meant passing the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, earning the right to enroll in the Six Great Academies, and possibly even immediate eptance. Defeat, however, meant death.

    In the decade since its inception, the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform had been invoked only four times, with each challenger meeting their demise.

    So when Lu Lixing dered his intent to face the Hidden Dragon tform, everyone believed he was out of his mind. He was, in their eyes, flirting with death itself.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 31

    C31 ¨C The Anxious School Leaders

    ¡°Do you even realize what you¡¯re saying?¡±

    Mi Hongbo¡¯s gaze bore into Lu Lixing, his face dark with fury. If Lu Lixing were to actually make it onto the Hidden Dragon tform, it wouldn¡¯t just spell disaster for him; the entirety of Skyhaven¡¯s Forest Lake Academy would be doomed! The school board would certainly not let him off the hook.

    It wasmon knowledge that any challenger who stepped onto the Hidden Dragon tform was signing their own death warrant. The students who had faced injustice and chose this path weren¡¯t aiming for a spot at the Six Great Academies; their true intent was to pin the school and its leadership to the pir of shame with their demise.

    Looking back at the four previous Battles of the Hidden Dragon tform, each challenger perished, but they seeded in tarnishing the schools¡¯ reputations and dragging the names of their leaders through the mud. Those four high schools have since shut their doors for good, a testament to the profound impact of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform on an institution.

    Now, after being ousted in the qualification test, Lu Lixing¡¯s unexpected request to confront the Hidden Dragon tform caught everyone off guard.

    Was he not afraid to die? Did he harbor that much resentment towards Zhang Tu?

    Lu Lixing¡¯s grudge wasn¡¯t against Zhang Tu, but against the school¡¯s leadership!

    Had the leaders not turned a blind eye to the Zhang family¡¯s misconduct, Lu Lixing wouldn¡¯t have been pushed to this extreme. Their only concern had been their own interests.

    Mi Hongbo was now consumed with regret. Had he anticipated Lu Lixing¡¯s deration, he would never have allowed him ess to the microphone.

    With the eyes of the entire assembly upon them, everyone had heard Lu Lixing¡¯s deration to face the Hidden Dragon tform. The only way to avert disaster now was to persuade Lu Lixing to retract his statement; the alternative was too dire to contemte.

    At this critical juncture, it wasn¡¯t just Mi Hongbo who was fraught with anxiety; every leader on stage was seething with anger. Yet, their ire was not solely directed at Lu Lixing but also at Zhang Tu and Zhang Maozhe.

    Had it not been for their schemes against Lu Lixing, none of this trouble would have arisen.

    Once the dust settled and word got out, the reputation of Forest Lake Academy would be irrevocably sullied, and the leaders, including Mi Hongbo, would likely find themselves out of a job.

    The Zhang family wasn¡¯t the least bit concerned, and given Zhang Tu¡¯s talent, any high school would wee him with open arms. Neither Zhang Maozhe nor Zhang Tu were worried about Lu Lixing stepping onto the Hidden Dragon tform.

    Indeed, Zhang Tu wasn¡¯t intimidated by Lu Lixing¡¯s ascent to the Hidden Dragon tform. He was merely taken aback that Lu Lixing wouldunch such a bold counterattack in dire straits. But what of it? The Zhang family¡¯s clout in Skyhaven was so substantial that these events couldn¡¯t possibly undermine their stronghold. Zhang Tu was unfazed.

    Zhang Maozhe, on the other hand, was somewhat perturbed, as the family¡¯s reputation was at stake. If the Zhangs were to distance themselves from this affair, who would be bold enough to serve the Zhang family in the future?

    Thus, in the face of this unrest, it was imperative for Zhang Maozhe to step in and soothe the anxious crowd.

    ¡°Lu Lixing¡¯s challenge on the Hidden Dragon tform is nothing more than a bid for a final showdown with us. Rest assured, the Zhang family will not ignore the difficulties you face. Once Lu Lixing meets his end on the Hidden Dragon tform, the Zhang family will offer you employment with generouspensation. I assure you, the remuneration we provide will far surpass your current earnings.¡±

    For the Zhangs, with their sway over Skyhaven, securing employment for a few individuals was a trivial matter.

    Upon hearing Zhang Maozhe¡¯s assurances, the crowd internally cursed the Zhang family for stirring up this mess.

    Yet, they kept their grievances to themselves. With the potential closure of the school looming, their livelihoods might depend on the Zhang family. Despite their current discontent, they werepelled to treat Zhang Maozhe with the utmost respect.

    In stark contrast to thecent school officials, Principal Mi Hongbo was filled with resentment. Leaving Forest Lake Academy meant a future of subservience and constraints. Regardless of what others might think, he knew he had to persuade Lu to retract his statement for the sake of his own career.

    ¡°Lu, if you believe the school has treated you unfairly, let¡¯s try this: I will, as principal, grant you an exception to retake the qualification test. The entire process will be broadcast live on the Crystal Screen, ensuring that all eyes are on us. With such transparency, any attempt to disadvantage you would be impossible. This should guarantee the fairness and integrity of the test. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°However, to prevent any possibility of the answers being leaked to you, we¡¯re going to switch to a different set of questions with an equivalent level of difficulty. If you¡¯re not okay with that, then there¡¯s really nothing more we can do.¡±

    Mi Hongbo¡¯s decision to change the test was strategic; even if Lu Lixing scored highly, he could attribute it to Lu¡¯s familiarity with the test material, deflecting any suspicions. As long as Lu Lixing didn¡¯t have a death wish, he¡¯d understand the choice he needed to make.

    As for the embarrassment Mi Hongbo suffered this time, he knew there would be ample opportunities to redeem himself in the future.

    With these thoughts, Mi Hongbo¡¯s expectant gaze fell on Lu Lixing, awaiting his decision. This was the greatestpromise he was willing to offer.

    Mi Hongbo¡¯s statement sent ripples of shock through the crowd. No one had anticipated his willingness to bend. Yet, considering the far-reaching impact of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, they breathed a sigh of relief. If Lu Lixing were to actually step onto the Hidden Dragon tform, his death was certain, and the school would vanish. The school¡¯s administration had to yield to protect the institution¡¯s future¡ªa move that, under the circumstances, seemed reasonable.

    The onlookers¡¯ eyes were filled with mixed emotions as they regarded Lu Lixing. No one had imagined that a few simple words from him would back the school leaders into a corner, leaving them with no option but to allow Lu another test.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 32

    C32 ¨C I Have Made up My Mind!

    Mi Hongbo¡¯s words were tantamount to offering Lu Lixing a second chance to alter his destiny. Those who had failed the test gazed at Lu Lixing with eyes filled with envy, wishing for another shot themselves. Sadly, theycked the necessary courage to go all in.

    For them, life held more weight than the promise of a different future.

    Zhang Tu¡¯s brow creased in a mix of confusion and annoyance as he regarded Mi Hongbo. He couldn¡¯t fathom why Mi Hongbo would concede to Lu Lixing, a mere pauper. The Zhang family could easily eliminate Lu Lixing; Mi Hongbo¡¯s actions were only inting Lu Lixing¡¯s defiance.

    ¡°Calm down,¡± Zhang Maozhe counseled. ¡°There¡¯s a reason behind Mi Hongbo¡¯s decision. Besides, even if Lu Lixing manages to pass this second test, what of it?¡± Zhang Maozhe wasn¡¯t troubled by Mi Hongbo¡¯s choice. He sensed that Zhang Tu¡¯s mindset was being swayed by Lu Lixing, which couldplicate Zhang Tu¡¯s personal development. He intended to use Lu Lixing as a whetstone to sharpen Zhang Tu¡¯s resolve.

    Moreover, Zhang Maozhe didn¡¯t believe that Lu Lixing was courting death. He suspected someone was mentoring Lu Lixing; otherwise, it was unlikely that Lu Lixing could have devised such a clever strategy on his own.

    As everyone anticipated Lu Lixing to make the prudent decision, Wen Shi let out a soft sigh. He knew Lu Lixing better than most; Lu Lixing¡¯s stubborn nature wouldn¡¯t allow him to ept handouts.

    If Lu Lixing had truly epted the offer, he would cease to be the Lu Lixing they knew.

    And indeed, as expectant eyes watched, Lu Lixing scoffed and dered with cool resolve, ¡°My mind is set. I will ascend the Hidden Dragon tform!¡± He sought to im his desires through his own merit, not through the charity of others.

    ¡°I knew it woulde to this,¡± Wen Shi murmured, his gaze heavy withplexity. In his forty-six years, he had encountered all manner of individuals, but Lu Lixing was an enigma like no other.

    With Lu Lixing¡¯s deration, a hush fell over the field. Once again, Lu Lixing had defied expectations, choosing to forgo an incredible opportunity that had seemed within easy reach.

    He¡¯s set his sights on the Hidden Dragon tform!

    Amidst the crowd, Sha Zhenghao watched Lu Lixing¡¯s slender figure with tears streaming down his face. That was his brother, standing tall and resolute!

    On the stage, Mi Hongbo¡¯s gaze was fixed intently on Lu Lixing. Confronted with Lu Lixing¡¯s icy demeanor, he felt like aplete fool, utterly manipted by him. Lu Lixing was the type who would rather die than retreat!

    ¡°Very well, I ept your challenge!¡±

    With the situation as it was, Mi Hongbo had little else to say. If Lu Lixing was determined to take on the Hidden Dragon tform, then he would facilitate it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll report to the Six Great Academies by tomorrow and await their response. The timing for the challenge will be set once the Academies¡¯ representatives have arrived. Until then, by the rules, Lu Lixing, you are not permitted to leave the school grounds. You must reside within the school.¡±

    To ensure the smooth conduct of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, the challenger was required to remain on school premises until the battle¡¯s conclusion. This was to prevent any possibility of backing out or escaping, and it wasn¡¯t a stiption specifically targeting Lu Lixing.

    During this time, Mi Hongbo wouldn¡¯t just refrain from antagonizing Lu Lixing; he would actively ensure his safety. After all, if Lu Lixing were to die before the battle even began, Mi Hongbo would be at a loss for words.

    ¡°Agreed.¡±

    Lu Lixing¡¯spliance indicated his familiarity with the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform¡¯s regtions. Knowing that remaining on campus was part of the protocol, Mi Hongbo understood that Lu Lixing would have no objections.

    Hearing Lu Lixing¡¯s consent, Mi Hongbo inhaled deeply, quelling the rage within. He turned to Wen Shi, who stood nearby, and instructed, ¡°As the senior year¡¯s head teacher, you¡¯ll oversee Lu Lixing. I¡¯m at a loss as to how you manage your students on a regr basis.¡±

    Mi Hongbo had no choice but to entrust Lu Lixing to Wen Shi¡¯s supervision. Should anything befall Lu Lixing, the responsibility would fall on Wen Shi.

    What Mi Hongbo failed to realize was that this was precisely the oue Wen Shi had hoped for. Even if it hadn¡¯t been suggested, Wen Shi would have found a pretext to volunteer himself for the task.

    ¡°I get it. I¡¯ll keep a close watch on him during this time,¡± Wen Shi promised, his expression grave. His demeanor was perfectly normal, not raising any suspicions among the others.

    Today¡¯s grand assembly should have been Zhang Tu¡¯s moment to shine, yet all eyes were on Lu Lixing. Despite Zhang Tu¡¯s strength, he paled inparison to Lu Lixing, who had the courage to ascend the Hidden Dragon tform. To everyone, Lu Lixing seemed fearless.

    Following the incident with Lu Lixing, the assembly couldn¡¯t go on. Students scattered from the field, buzzing with talk about Lu Lixing and the Hidden Dragon tform. Within a day, the news would nket Skyhaven and ripple through the entire Federation. By then, Lu Lixing would be a bona fide celebrity.

    Sadly, Lu Lixing¡¯s days were numbered, as no one believed he would make it out of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform alive.

    While most students left, Sha Xiufen and Sha Zhenghao lingered, each with much to say to Lu Lixing. However, it was clear that Lu Lixing was more preupied with Sha Zhenghao. Approaching him, Lu Lixing pped Sha Zhenghao on the shoulder, smiling at the tear streaks on his friend¡¯s face. ¡°No tears now, I¡¯m not gone yet. Just you wait¡ªI¡¯m about to hit the big time.¡±

    Sha Zhenghao looked up, his expression tinged with sadness. ¡°If you make it out alive, I swear, I¡¯ll treat you to barbecue for life.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Lu Lixing replied with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s a promise.¡±

    After offering some words offort to Sha Zhenghao, Lu Lixing sent him on his way and turned to Sha Xiufen, who stood nearby. He arched an eyebrow and inquired, ¡°Something on your mind?¡±

    Sha Xiufen felt a pang in her heart at Lu Lixing¡¯s aloofness. She bit her lip, gazing at him with a mix of concern and bewilderment. ¡°Why are you so set on this path? You could have a much brighter future.¡±

    ¡°The school even agreed to give you a second shot at the qualification test. Why turn down that chance?¡±

    Lu Lixing met Sha Xiufen¡¯s gaze with a cool detachment and replied simply, ¡°I have my reasons.¡±

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 33

    C33 ¨C The Wind Blew

    In the cultivation room, Lu Lixing and Wen Shi were seated on the sofa in the rest area, facing each other in silence. Their eyes locked, neither uttered a word.

    After a ten-minute silent standoff, Wen Shi¡¯s patience wore thin, and he broke the silence.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to die.¡±

    Wen Shi had high hopes for Lu Lixing¡¯s talent and potential, but until those qualities were transformed into real strength, Lu Lixing amounted to nothing. Sure, he might have the upper hand over Zhang Tu with his current abilities, but taking on the school¡¯s elite top 100 students was a whole different ball game ¨C an impossible feat.

    That¡¯s why Wen Shi was convinced of Lu Lixing¡¯s impending doom.

    Unfazed by Wen Shi¡¯s grim prediction, Lu Lixing offered a slight smile, seemingly indifferent to his own mortality. ¡°Death isn¡¯t what¡¯s frightening,¡± he said with serene confidence. ¡°It¡¯s all about how I meet it.¡±

    Wen Shi¡¯s brow creased as he observed Lu Lixing¡¯sposed demeanor. ¡°The way you talk makes me think you¡¯re certain you¡¯ll survive. It¡¯s incredibly hard to believe.¡±

    Wen Shi himself was astounded by his own thoughts. The idea that Lu Lixing might actually emerge victorious from the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform seemed ludicrous. He must be out of his mind to entertain such a notion.

    Since its inception, the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform had only urred four times, each event shaking the very foundations of the Federation and causing an uproar. The most infamous instance was during its inaugural year when a civilian genius, much like Lu Lixing, faced the same injustice. Oppressed by the privileged students and school authorities, he refused to go down without a fight and took his stand on the Hidden Dragon tform. Though he perished in that battle, he wasn¡¯t taken down by his adversaries; he died of exhaustion after ying sixty-three opponents.

    The oue of that battle sent shockwaves through the Federation. As a result, the school¡¯s entire leadership was dismissed and prosecuted, and an institution once renowned throughout the Federation vanished overnight. The survivors of that fateful Hidden Dragon tform battle were forever branded with shame.

    Over the following nine years, three more battles ensued, but none could match the glory of that first, fateful fight. Nevertheless, the schools that hosted these subsequent battles inevitably fell into decline, eventually shutting their doors for good.

    Wen Shi had high hopes for Lu Lixing, yet he doubted that Lu Lixing possessed the formidable power of the Hidden Dragon tform¡¯s first challenger. Even if he did, after defeating sixty-three adversaries, he¡¯d still face the daunting task of oveing the remaining thirty-seven. No matter Lu Lixing¡¯s strength, victory seemed a distant prospect.

    ¡°The Hidden Dragon tform wasn¡¯t established to shield us, the civilian geniuses,¡± Wen Shi said, giving Lu Lixing a prating look. ¡°The oue of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform is a foregone conclusion, and I deeply regret not stopping you.¡±

    Wen Shi had indeed intended to dissuade Lu Lixing from his perilous quest, but with all eyes upon them, he was powerless to act. Moreover, he had vowed not to meddle in Lu Lixing¡¯s decisions, leaving him no choice but to watch as Lu Lixing inched closer to certain doom.

    ¡°Why bother with these words if you¡¯re convinced I¡¯m doomed?¡± Lu Lixing asked, casting a nce at the cultivation room. ¡°Did you bring me here to maximize my strength before the battle begins? I appreciate it, truly. I need all the help I can get.¡±

    Wen Shi, sensing Lu Lixing¡¯s reluctance to converse, let out a weary sigh. ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need, ask now. I¡¯ll assist you as best I can within my principles. You¡¯re fated to die, but I refuse to let you go quietly into the night. Show the living what it means to be a true man!¡±

    Disappointed by Lu Lixing¡¯s decision yet admiring his spirit, Wen Shi would prefer to see talents perish on the Hidden Dragon tform rather than betray their principles by siding with the aristocratic sects.

    With a few parting words, Wen Shi departed, leaving Lu Lixing alone in the cultivation room. There was no time to ponder the future; every second had to be devoted to training. Lu Lixing was determined to astonish everyone at the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform.

    As anticipated, the news of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform set Skyhaven and the entire Federation abuzz. The impending battle has put Skyhaven at the center of attention, drawing crowds from far and wide.

    The Speaker of Skyhaven, outraged by the events surrounding the Hidden Dragon tform, furiously phoned Mi Hongbo to give him an earful. However, upon learning that the Zhang family was the instigator, he tempered his anger. While he could berate Mi Hongbo freely, he approached the matter of the Zhang family with caution.

    Despite this, the Zhang family felt the weight of scrutiny from all sides. The origins of the conflict were clear to any invested party, as it wasmon knowledge that Lu Lixing had faced an onught of a million Demonic Beasts during the first challenge¡ªa fact witnessed by all present. Consequently, the Zhang family was on the receiving end of a stern military warning.

    In the conference room, Zhang Maozhe sat with a sullen expression, feeling unjustly treated as he observed the patriarch¡¯s wrathful demeanor. They had not foreseen that their ploy to use the ck Wind Defense scenario to trouble Lu Lixing would provoke a military admonition.

    Zhang Yande, the Zhang family patriarch, was so incensed he wished he could strike down Zhang Maozhe himself. He couldn¡¯t fathom why Zhang Maozhe had chosen to use the ck Wind Defense to target Lu Lixing, inadvertently hitting a nerve with the military.

    ¡°You¡¯ve brought this upon us,¡± Zhang Yande said with a cold huff. ¡°The General has taken note of this incident. If Lu Lixing emerges victorious from the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, he has vowed to obliterate the Zhang family. This, he will use as leverage to recruit Lu Lixing into the military ranks.¡±

    Although Zhang Yande was seething, he wasn¡¯t overly concerned. The General had stipted that the destruction of the Zhang family hinged on Lu Lixing¡¯s survival through the battle¡ªa feat that seemed nearly impossible. In Zhang Yande¡¯s view, the General¡¯s words served more as a cautionary tale to the Zhang family and others: they could stir trouble if they wished, but they must never trivialize the sacrifice of the Federation¡¯s fallen heroes.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 34

    C34 ¨C The Six Great Academies Gathered

    ?Cosmic Star Academy took the resurgence of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform very seriously. Known as a hub for civilian geniuses, the academy acted swiftly, dispatching a mentor to Skyhaven to demonstrate their stance on the issue.

    The mentor selected was Sheng Qing, a civilian alumnus of Cosmic Star Academy. His exceptional academic performance had earned him a teaching position post-graduation. At just thirty years old, Sheng Qing was a formidable cultivator at the peak of the Foundation Building Stage.

    Sheng Qing had intended to travel to Skyhaven alone, but to his surprise, a student approached him, eager to apany him. The student was Wen Shanmei, a standout first-year student at the academy, known for her striking beauty and strength. At neen, she had already reached the eleventhyer of the Qi Refining Stage and was on the cusp of breaking through to the Foundation Building Stage. Barring any unforeseen events, Wen Shanmei was on track to be a household name.

    ¡°Do you wish to join me on the journey to Skyhaven?¡± Sheng Qing inquired, eyeing Wen Shanmei with a contemtive gaze. ¡°If I recall correctly, you¡¯re from Skyhaven, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Wen Shanmei confirmed with a nod. ¡°Please, let me apany you. The individual behind this Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform is my junior brother.¡±

    Wen Shanmei¡¯s feelings about Lu Lixing were mixed. She believed strongly in his potential and looked forward to the day he would join her at Cosmic Star Academy. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that, shortly after her departure from Skyhaven, she would receive news of Lu Lixing¡¯s ascent to the Hidden Dragon tform. Immediately, she reached out to Wen Shi for details. Upon learning of Lu Lixing¡¯s plight, Wen Shanmei refrained from condemning the Zhang family¡¯s vile actions, choosing instead to hold Wen Shi ountable.

    Given Wen Shi¡¯s influence at school, she was certainly capable of helping Lu Lixing navigate this difficult situation. Yet, she chose not to intervene¡ªfor reasons known only to her.

    Wen Shi hadn¡¯t anticipated such an event.

    But what¡¯s done is done, and regret was pointless. Now, Wen Shanmei¡¯s only option was to see Lu Lixing before the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform and do whatever she could to bolster his strength. While her efforts might not change the oue of the battle, they were better than standing idly by.

    Sheng Qing was somewhat taken aback; he hadn¡¯t expected Wen Shanmei¡¯s junior to be the one challenging the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform. Observing Wen Shanmei¡¯s anxious expression, he offered a reassuring smile. ¡°I understand¡ªyou¡¯ve already taken some time off, and Mr. Jing won¡¯t permit another leave. That¡¯s why you¡¯vee to me, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Wen Shanmei nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°I¡¯m hoping you can assist me just this once.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll speak with Mr. Jing. Get your things ready; we leave in an hour.¡±

    Sheng Qing was happy to lend a hand to Wen Shanmei over such a trivial matter; all he needed to do was request leave on her behalf.

    Three days after the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform was announced, Sheng Qing and Wen Shanmei traveled a great distance and were greeted by Wen Shi outside the Aerial Hall.

    After a warm greeting with Wen Shanmei¡¯s father, Wen Shi shared some news during their trip to the school: representatives from the other five academies had already arrived¡ªthey were thest to reach.

    ¡°The other academies seem to take this more seriously than Cosmic Star Academy,¡± Sheng Qing remarked quietly, a hint of a smirk on his face. Apart from Cosmic Star Academy, the other institutions included Stardragon Academy, Profound Heaven Sect Affiliated University, Divine Sword Academy, Federal Military University, and ckmoon Academy. With the exception of ckmoon Academy, the remaining four had the backing of aristocratic sects and were known to have a strained rtionship with Cosmic Star Academy. Their early arrival was likely a show of force, eager to witness who would dare challenge the authority of the aristocratic sects.

    Sheng Qing had always looked down on the conduct of these individuals.

    ¡°They may have arrived, but they haven¡¯t met Lu Lixing. I used the excuse that he¡¯s deeply immersed in his cultivation to prevent them from seeing him.¡±

    Wen Shi¡¯s excuse effectively deterred the delegates from the other five major academies from any rash actions. If Lu Lixing were to lose, there would be whispers that they had sabotaged him during their visit. Although it might not significantly affect them, it would certainly tarnish their reputations. Thus, after being turned away by Wen Shi, they didn¡¯t press the issue. They decided to wait until the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tformmenced to meet with Lu Lixing.

    ¡°However, you folks from Cosmic Star Academy are certainly wee to see him.¡± Wen Shi might turn away others, but not those from his own academy.

    To Wen Shi¡¯s surprise, Sheng Qing shook his head, ¡°Wen Shanmei can go see him. I think it¡¯s best if I don¡¯t.¡±

    After some thought, Wen Shi agreed with Sheng Qing. If he were to visit Lu Lixing, he could be a target for criticism by the other academies, potentially implicating Cosmic Star Academy as well. It was wiser to avoid the meeting.

    Despite his decision not to meet Lu Lixing, Sheng Qing remained intrigued. Watching Wen Shi navigate the Crystal Flying Car, he inquired with genuine interest, ¡°Mr. Wen, what¡¯s your take on Lu Lixing? To what extent do you believe he can seed?¡±

    To date, there had been four urrences of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform. In the fiercest of those battles, sixty-four people, challengers included, had perished. Even the least deadly battle imed nine lives. Sheng Qing was eager to gauge Lu Lixing¡¯s potential based on Wen Shi¡¯s insights into both him and the school¡¯s top hundred students.

    Upon hearing Sheng Qing¡¯s question, Wen Shi¡¯s lips tightened as he offered a cryptic response, ¡°Three days ago, I would have said that Lu Lixing, at his utmost effort, could perhaps defeat twenty opponents. But now, I¡¯m not so certain.¡±

    Wen Shanmei cast a puzzled nce at Wen Shi. What had prompted him to reassess his opinion of Lu Lixing?

    Wen Shanmei wasn¡¯t the only one brimming with curiosity; Sheng Qing was equally intrigued. What on earth had Lu Lixing done to spark such a notion in Wen Shi¡¯s mind?

    As they both looked to him, eager for answers, Wen Shi let out a weary sigh and spoke, ¡°I made a promise to him once to keep his secret. There¡¯s no use in pressing me for details. However, I can tell you this much¡ªthe mystery will unravel on the day the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform unfolds. Perhaps he truly will deliver an astonishing surprise to us all.¡±

    At Wen Shi¡¯s cryptic hint, both Sheng Qing and Wen Shanmei¡¯s curiosity only deepened. Could Lu Lixing genuinely pull off a miracle?

    Yet, the thought seemed almost too incredible to believe.

    OR download the app directly??

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35 - Before the Battle

    Upon her return to the school, Wen Shanmei made a beeline for the training room, where she found Lu Lixing deeply immersed in his training.

    She observed Lu Lixing in silent meditation, his body asionally illuminated by a fleeting spark of lightning. Regret and helplessness filled Wen Shanmei''s gaze.

    Given Lu Lixing''s innate talent, he was destined to be a formidable cultivator, provided his progression was uninterrupted. Yet, fate had other ns, dealing him a cruel hand that shattered his future with a heartless twist of irony.

    Lu Lixing, roused from his meditation by Wen Shanmei''s presence, slowly opened his eyes to meet hers. A brief moment of surprise passed before he offered a warm smile. ¡°You actually came back.¡±

    He had assumed themotion surrounding the Hidden Dragon tform had drawn Wen Shanmei''s attention, never imagining she would traverse such distances for him.

    Noting the ease on Lu Lixing''s face, Wen Shanmei bit her lip and shared, ¡°On the way here, my father mentioned you might surprise us all. I was skeptical at first, but seeing your serene confidence, I''m starting to believe it.¡±

    Despite the seeming improbability, Wen Shanmei held onto the belief that Lu Lixing was capable of delivering those very surprises.

    Still, even with her astonishment, Wen Shanmei harbored doubts about Lu Lixing''s chances of surviving the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform. Victory was his only lifeline, demanding he vanquish a hundred adversaries¡ªa feat that seemed insurmountable to anyone.

    ¡°Surprises are in store, though I can''t guarantee my survival,¡± Lu Lixing admitted with a candid smile. For him, life and death had lost their weight; his focus was solely on victory. With no alternative paths avable, there was no room for panic.

    Reflecting on their past encounter at Cloud Dragon Mountain, Wen Shanmei remarked, ¡°You''ve always been decisive. Where others facing that massive ck bear would first think to flee, and only fight if escape proved impossible, you chose to confront it head-on. Your quick thinking and strategic strike to its vital eye were pivotal. Without that, you surely would have perished at the bear''s ws.¡±

    Upon hearing those words, Lu Lixing shed a grin and said, ¡°I won''t die. After all, you told me I could ask for your help.¡±

    ¡°Yet, despite your exhaustion, you never once reached out for help. You''d prefer death over yielding to me, wouldn''t you?¡± Wen Shanmei observed Lu Lixing with aplex gaze. Had Lu Lixing been willing topromise, he would have opted for the second qualification test by now.

    ¡°I really owe you thanks. Without you taking me to Cloud Dragon Mountain for that training opportunity, I wouldn''t possess the confidence I have now to confront the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform.¡±

    Brief as that training stint was, it held immeasurable value for Lu Lixing.

    He felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Wen Shanmei. Among those he knew, aside from Sha Zhenghao, she was likely the only one who hadn''t yed him. Even Wen Shi, who appeared quite friendly, had his own ulterior motives. His kindness towards Lu Lixing was never pure from the start.

    ¡°Let''s put an end to the small talk. From here on out, I''ll be by your side to aid in your cultivation. Should you run into any issues, feel free to consult me at any time.¡±

    Wen Shanmei ceased any further dy of Lu Lixing''s training, settling herself quietly to one side. She resolved to be there for Lu Lixing through this final chapter of his life.

    The arrival of the Six Great Academies in Skyhaven was nowmon knowledge. Simultaneously, the schedule for the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform had been set¡ªtwo o''clock in the afternoon, two days hence!

    Per the regtions, in addition to the challengers, a hundred of the school''s most elite students were to partake in the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform. The school promised these students substantial rewards. While it was possible to decline participation in the battle, doing so meant forfeiting the lucrative prize. Only those who sought no part in worldly affairs would pass up such an opportunity.

    To everyone, the reward seemed easily attainable. No one believed Lu Lixing stood a chance against them, nor did anyone entertain the thought of perishing on the Hidden Dragon tform.

    Moreover, in addition to the substantial rewards offered by the school, the Zhang family had discreetly put forth a significant amount of cultivation resources as an incentive. Anyone who agreed to take part in the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform would have these resources promptly delivered to their door. Faced with such an astonishingly valuable lure, there were hardly any who could resist.

    As a result, nearly every student ranked in the top hundred at the school had consented to join the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform. A few declined, but their spots were quickly filled by those just outside the top hundred, so the overall effect was minimal.

    Sha Xiufen, a prodigy second only to Zhang Tu at the school, had turned down the chance to fight in the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform. Regardless of the current state of her rtionship with Lu Lixing, she couldn''t ignore the fact that he had been a significant presence in her life for over a decade. With Lu Lixing now in dire straits, the thought of oppressing him in such a time was something she simply couldn''t do.

    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± Sha Xiufen said to Zhang Tu, her eyes filled with regret. ¡°I''ve declined your grandfather''s generous offer.¡±

    Zhang Tu heard her and simply smiled, unfazed. He reached out to caress Sha Xiufen''s cheek, but she evaded his touch. Her avoidance caused a brief pause in his smile, but he quickly recovered, saying, ¡°No worries. I understand your kind heart, and that you still cherish the past with Lu Lixing. I won''t push you, because whether or not you step onto that stage, Lu Lixing''s fate is sealed.¡±

    Sha Xiufen''s expression dimmed upon hearing Zhang Tu''s words. True to his statement, her participation wouldn''t change the inevitable oue. Lu Lixing''s fate was sealed.

    ¡°We had an agreement,¡± Zhang Tu reminded her, his eyes sweeping over her appreciatively. ¡°Once we enter university, you''ll be mine.¡± He couldn''t help but acknowledge that in Skyhaven, it was rare to find someone as stunning as Sha Xiufen among their peers. Her upbringing in the slums did nothing to detract from her allure. With her striking figure and the innocent yet seductive charm that yed across her features, she was bound to captivate any man''s heart.

    As Zhang Tu''s intense gaze bore into her, Sha Xiufen''s face took on aplex expression. In a soft voice, she asked, ¡°Will you marry me?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Zhang Tu''s response was immediate and unwavering. His assurance would remain steadfast, especially before iming Sha Xiufen''s heart.

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36 - Five Representatives

    Lu Lixing stood at the window, his gaze piercing through the ss to the ominously clouded sky beyond. His face remained stoic, yet a surge of excitement bubbled within him.

    He had a fondness for the rain. It washed the squalor from the slums, leaving the ground spotless and the air crisp. The cleanliness was fleeting, but to Lu Lixing, those brief moments were treasures.

    Finding joy amidst life''s crushing burdens was a satisfaction he had learned to embrace.

    Lu Lixing once believed his life would unfold in monotony¡ªspending his days as a lifelongborer at Old Man Zha''s shop or scraping by with another job, marrying a woman whose lot mirrored his own, having children, and vicariously living his unfulfilled ambitions through them. He dreamed that his children would rise to be figures of renown.

    This wasn''t mere fantasy; it was the reality for many in the slums.

    Yet, the emergence of the Sea of Runes had irrevocably altered his destiny and, with it, his perspective of the world. In a realm where only the strong thrived, strength was his lifeline.

    Without it, one was merely surviving.

    Footsteps approached from behind. Wen Shanmei came into view, her eyes holding aplex mix of emotions as she addressed Lu Lixing in a soft tone, ¡°It''s time for you to head to the Hidden Dragon tform. As the challenger, the rules grant you an hour to acquaint yourself with the arena.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lu Lixing turned, offering Wen Shanmei a smile. ¡°Would you mind showing me the way?¡±

    Observing the subtle smile on Lu Lixing''s face, Wen Shanmei bit her lip, tempted to inquire about his confidence in victory. Ultimately, she refrained, convinced the end was already written.

    Since the Six Great Academies had established the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, every Federation city had erected a colossal stadium for the event. The Skyhaven Stadium, dedicated to this very purpose, was about to witness its inaugural battle after a decade of anticipation.

    Years ago, Skyhaven poured a fortune into constructing a colossal stadium to amodate the Six Great Academies, a venue vast enough for a hundred thousand spectators. At the time, officials regarded it merely as a prestigious project, never anticipating that a decadeter, it would be put to use.

    As Skyhaven''s Speaker, Na Youye''s expression had soured ever since the news of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform reached him. From his vantage point in the stands, he cast a somber gaze upon the young man meditating at the heart of the arena. Leaning toward his secretary, he murmured, ¡°That''s Lu Lixing, isn''t it?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the secretary replied in hushed tones. ¡°He arrived an hour ago, pacing the arena before settling into stillness. I can''t fathom what''s going through his mind.¡±

    ¡°If the rules permit him to be here an hour early, then whatever he''s up to falls within their bounds. It''s of no concern to us,¡± Na Youye stated coolly, dismissive of any notion of cheating. If Lu Lixing believed such tactics could alter the oue, he was sorely mistaken.

    ¡°Once the Six Great Academies'' representatives have been seated, allow the general audience to enter,¡± Na Youye instructed his secretary before making his way to the box with the prime view.

    The Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, a highly anticipated challenge, naturally drew in a crowd eager to witness the event. Entry required a ticket, initially priced at a hundred yuan, but they sold out instantly. Now, scalpers were hawking them for eight hundred yuan apiece, yet demand still exceeded supply.

    While ordinary spectators lined up for ticket inspection, the Six Great Academies'' envoys breezed through the VIP entrance.

    Representing Stardragon Academy was Yi Yubo, a man whose name, bestowed by his parents, reflected their wish for him to possess boundless wealth¡ªa wish that, given his current standing, seemed fulfilled.

    Yi Yubo, a rotund figure with a perpetual smile, toyed with a pair of Crystal Balls. The orbs were smooth, their rotations casting a soft, pale glow, their rarity unmistakable. Known for his affability, he''d earned the moniker ¡°Chicken¡± from detractors, a nickname he embraced with his characteristic good humor.

    ¡°Yi Yubo, why are you just standing there?¡±

    Xiang Yicai, the envoy from Divine Sword Academy, eyed Yi Yubo, who was obstructing the VIP entrance. With a slight furrow of his brow, he remarked, ¡°You''re in my way.¡±

    ¡°I''m aware. I was actually waiting for you. As representatives of the Six Great Academies, we ought to make our entrance together.¡± Yi Yuboughed heartily, unfazed by Xiang Yicai''s icy demeanor.

    ¡°Chicken, are you too scared to go in by yourself? Rx, no one here will dare to pick on you, especially since you represent Stardragon Academy.¡±

    While Xiang Yicai and Yi Yubo exchanged words, a somewhat petite woman approached. She was Zha Yanhui, an outer court elder from the Profound Heaven Sect, one of the Federation''s top ten sects, and also a teacher at one of its subsidiary academies.

    Yi Yubo regarded Zha Yanhui, whose in features were contrasted by her preference for bold makeup. He offered a warm smile, saying, ¡°Elder Zha, you seem to grow younger and more beautiful with each passing day.¡±

    Zha Yanhui, far from pleased by Yi Yubo''s ttery, responded with a hint of scorn, ¡°I have little respect for those who constantly butter up others.¡±

    With that, Zha Yanhui brushed off Yi Yubo. She gave him a gentle shove, and his body drifted aside as if weightless, which somewhat astonished her.

    ¡°Chicken, your mastery of the Flying Cloud Technique is increasingly impressive.¡±

    ¡°Spare me thepliments.¡±

    Yi Yubo maintained his smile. Whether met with insults or des, his expression always remained earnest and full of sincerity.

    Just then, representatives from Cosmic Star Academy, Sheng Qing, and Feng Cuo from the Federal Military University arrived, though they were met with no fanfare. Sheng Qing was unwee as a civilian representative of the Cosmic Star Academy, while Feng Cuo''s aloof nature and reluctance to engage in conversation left him simrly unembraced.

    ¡°Now that we''re all here, let''s head inside!¡±

    While they were engaged in conversation, Xiang Yicai had already taken the initiative, striding into the corridor. Meanwhile, the absent representative from ckmoon Academy seemed to have been intentionally overlooked by the crowd.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37 - The Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform Was about to Begin

    In the stadium, the stands were packed with spectators, all eyes riveted on a young man. By now, his name was known to all: Lu Lixing, a prodigy who had emerged from the slums.

    Beforeying eyes on Lu Lixing, people imagined he would possess an indomitable fighting spirit or meet a heroic end. Yet, what they saw was a serene expression, his face betraying little emotion. This left the crowd somewhat perplexed.

    ¡°Is that Lu Lixing?¡±

    In the luxury suite, Xiang Yicai lounged on a plush sofa, his gaze fixed on the image of Lu Lixing disyed on the Crystal Screen. ¡°Such a shame,¡± he remarked with a detached air.

    ¡°Truly a shame,¡± echoed Zha Yanhui with a scoff. He shot a nce at Zhang Yande, the patriarch of the Zhang family seated not too far off, ¡°A talent like that, wasted.¡±

    Far from taking offense, Zhang Yande offered Zha Yanhui a smile. The Zhang family held sway in Skyhaven, but they paled inparison to the might of the Profound Heaven Sect. The Zhangs'' fate, much like their treatment of Lu Lixing, could be sealed by the Sect''s will¡ªthey could vanish from the world in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°He chose his path; no one else to me,¡± Sheng Qing murmured, exhaling a soft sigh. He harbored no regrets for Lu Lixing, having learned from Wen Shi of the young man''s relentless defiance that led him to this moment.

    Na Youye looked around the room, his curiosity piqued. ¡°The challenge match starts in five minutes. Why aren''t you meeting with the delegates from ckmoon Academy?¡±

    ¡°The folks at ckmoon Academy prefer solitude. They''re not our concern,¡± someone replied nonchntly.

    The mention of ckmoon Academy drew a chuckle from Yi Yubo. ¡°They might well be skulking in some corner, spying on us right now. We''re just in the dark about who they''ve sent this time.¡±

    At Yi Yubo''sment, Zha Yanhui let out a derisive snort. ¡°Nothing more than a bunch of obsessive fanatics,¡± she said with scorn.

    Na Youye noticed the unfavorable impression the representatives from the various academies had of the ckmoon Academy''s delegate and decided not to probe further. He turned to his secretary and instructed, ¡°Get the hundred elites ready to take the stage.¡±

    In the stands, Sha Zhenghao watched Lu Lixing in the center of the arena with bated breath, his hands clenched tightly as he silently offered prayers for him.

    Unexpectedly, seated next to Sha Zhenghao was Sha Xiufen. Sha Zhenghao hadn''t anticipated her presence as a spectator. His disdain for her, stemming from her rtionship with Zhang Tu, was well-known, yet her demeanor today softened his feelings towards her. They had, after all, once been close friends who shared everything.

    ¡°Will he die?¡± Sha Xiufen''s gaze was fraught withplexity as she looked at Lu Lixing, biting her lip in concern. She couldn''t fathom why she''d asked such a question or why she was worried about him when they had agreed to sever all ties.

    ¡°Someone''s taking the stage.¡± Sha Zhenghao was about to respond to Sha Xiufen when a group in Forest Lake Academy uniforms appeared near the arena, igniting a wave of cheers from the crowd. The much-anticipated Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform was about tomence.

    As the crowd''s excitement swelled, a booming voice echoed across the stadium, silencing the din and bringing a hush over the spectators.

    ¡°The hundred elite students from Skyhaven''s Forest Lake Academy have taken their ces on the stage. In three minutes, the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform will officially begin.¡±

    Lu Lixing, who had been resting on the tform, slowly opened his eyes upon hearing the announcement. He surveyed the audience with a serene gaze.

    He watched the procession of elite students ascend the stage with a calm and collected look. They seemed carefree, some even chatting andughing as though the impending battle was the furthest thing from their minds, as casual as if they were out for a leisurely walk.

    All hundred elite students swiftly made their way onto the stage. Lu Lixing didn''t spot Sha Xiufen among them, which brought him a twinge of surprise and an unexpected sense of warmth.

    In his darkest hour, she remembered the bond they once shared and refrained from kicking him while he was down.

    ¡°Lu Lixing, I swear I''ll kill you myself!¡±

    At the forefront of the crowd, Zhang Tu''s eyes were dark with malice as he red at Lu Lixing, his voice menacing, ¡°I''ll show everyone. You''re nothing but trash, while I am the true genius!¡±

    Zhang Tu seethed with rage. Since the news of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform had spread, Lu Lixing had be the talk of the town. Wherever he went, he couldn''t escape the chatter about Lu Lixing. Meanwhile, he, the supposed prodigy, was left without a mention. The sting of being overlooked gnawed at Zhang Tu. Now, facing Lu Lixing once more, he was determined to demonstrate to all that Lu Lixing was merely a joke.

    Amid Zhang Tu''s angry tirade, Lu Lixing appeared unfazed, as if he hadn''t heard a word. He looked skyward and asked in an even tone, ¡°Could you amplify my voice a bit?¡±

    Lu Lixing wasn''t sure if his request would be heard, but he posed the question nheless.

    No sooner had Lu Lixing spoken than a sound echoed from above. His voice then filled the gymnasium, clear for all to hear.

    ¡°Let''s have a moment of silence, please. I''m Lu Lixing, and I have a few words for those gathered here before me.¡±

    The previously raucous stadium fell silent at Lu Lixing''smand. Curious eyes turned to him, everyone eager to hear what he was about to say.

    The so-called geniuses facing Lu Lixing also watched with intrigue. Some snickered, specting whether Lu Lixing was about to plead for mercy.

    But even if they were inclined to spare him, the rules of the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform would not permit it.

    ¡°The Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform willmence in one minute,¡± Lu Lixing announced, his eyes sweeping over the crowd. ¡°There''s still time to reconsider. The de knows no sentiment. I have no desire to take many lives; I seek only fairness.¡±

    After Lu Lixing finished his remarks, there was a momentary pause as the gathered prodigies processed his words. Then, a wave of raucousughter broke out across the arena, with some in the crowdughing so hard they were brought to tears.

    His words were truly hrious!

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38 - The Battle!

    Confronted with Lu Lixing''s earnest advice, Zhang Tu couldn''t contain hisughter. He had always considered Lu Lixing nothing more than a clown craving the spotlight, and this just confirmed it.

    Lu Lixing''s counsel was dismissed by all; they felt it would be more fitting for him to be preparing his final words at this juncture.

    The audience shook their heads in resignation, their hopes of hearing Lu Lixing deliver some noble pre-battle rhetoric dashed.

    In the private box, the assembly of VIPs found themselves intrigued by Lu Lixing''s unexpected remarks, sensing something odd in the air.

    Could this be the benevolence of a man facing his demise?

    Yet, knowing Lu Lixing as they did, they could envision that, should he truly fight with all his might, he might indeed take down a few adversaries.

    ¡°What an oddity he is,¡± Zha Yanhui remarked, her gaze on Lu Lixing icy. ¡°Even without facing injustice, he was never destined for greatness.¡±

    Initially, Zha Yanhui held some interest in the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform, but now, she saw Lu Lixing as nothing more than a jester.

    ¡°Let''s watch in silence,¡± Feng Cuo interjected, breaking his usual silence. His words quelled the murmurs in the box¡ªnot that they thought he was defending Lu Lixing. Feng Cuo cherished silence, particrly the kind found amidst the thunderous chaos of battle.

    Abruptly, the somber sky erupted with the sound of thunder, and a deluge followed, spilling from the heavy clouds. The stadium staff activated the protective shield for the spectators but left the central arena exposed, drenching thepetitors.

    ¡°The time hase. The battle is about to start,¡± Zhang Tu muttered, his fists clenched, his eyes fixed on Lu Lixing with a chilling resolve. He was poised to strike at the first signal from the referee, ready to im Lu Lixing''s life.

    With the audience''s breath held in anticipation, the referee Na Youye appeared on the Crystal Screen, his demeanorposed. ¡°Now,¡± he announced with steady assurance, ¡°I dere the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform underway!¡±

    With Na Youye''smand, the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform officiallymenced. Simultaneously, the Crystal Screen shifted to a live view of the arena, where Lu Lixing stood alone against a hundred elite warriors, the air crackling with the tension of the imminent sh!

    As Zhang Tu had strategized, the moment Na Youye dered the battle underway, he sprang into action. Utilizing his shoes, inscribed with a level two Gale Array, he closed in on Lu Lixing like a gust of wind. Brandishing a de forged from hardened ck steel, heunched a vicious strike aimed at Lu Lixing''s head!

    The image on the Crystal Screen captured this moment, eliciting gasps from the onlookers. The stark contrast between Zhang Tu''s savage assault and Lu Lixing''s stoicposure was striking!

    Yet, Zhang Tu''s de missed its mark, striking the ground and ringing out with a sharp ng. Lu Lixing deftly sidestepped the attack.

    That was merely a test. As the de hit the earth, Zhang Tu swiftly twisted his wrist, aiming a horizontal slice at Lu Lixing''s waist. He was determined not to let Lu Lixing evade him again.

    Meanwhile, the other 99 contenders simply watched from the sidelines, with no intention of aiding Zhang Tu. They believed that with Zhang Tu''s full-force attack, Lu Lixing''s defeat was inevitable. Why vie for the spotlight when the end seemed certain? Their focus was on quietly iming their rewards.

    Contrary to expectations, Lu Lixing faced the oing de with a graceful leap. His toesnded precisely on the t of the de. His body then plummeted, pinning Zhang Tu''s sword to the ground. No matter how hard Zhang Tu pulled, the de wouldn''t budge.

    A wave of astonishment swept through the spectators. No one had anticipated Lu Lixing''s move. It was executed with ir, but had it failed, his ankle could have been severed. The risk was immense.

    To Zhang Tu, the audience''s exmations rang in his ears like taunts of his ipetence. His weapon was no match for Lu Lixing, who easily overpowered him. The humiliation was unbearable.

    In that moment, Zhang Tu was forced to concede that Lu Lixing was indeed formidable, certainly more so than himself.

    ¡°Everyone, charge together!¡±

    At this point, Zhang Tu was no longer concerned with showing off. The crowd surged forward, intent on shing Lu Lixing to death with their knives. People are fickle. Though Lu Lixing had stolen the spotlight, once he was dead, he''d be forgotten, and Zhang Tu would remain the celebrated genius.

    Hearing Zhang Tu''smand, those hesitant to engage feltpelled to act. They could dismiss what Lu Lixing had said, but not Zhang Tu''s words. They dared not cross Zhang Tu and certainly didn''t want to end up like Lu Lixing.

    The hundred fighters quickly dispersed, encircling Lu Lixing at the center, each ring at him with fury. He was doomed anyway. Better to let Zhang Tu finish him off than to attack en masse.

    In the stands, the audience felt a twinge of disappointment as the one-on-one duel ended and the battle shifted to one against a hundred. They sensed the fight drawing to a close.

    ¡°Lu Lixing, my dear brother, you''ve got a lifetime of barbecues ahead of you. Hang in there!¡±

    Sha Zhenghao was ashen-faced, anxiously staring at the Crystal Screen, where Lu Lixing''s rain-soaked figure blurred. Tears streamed down his face.

    Sha Xiufen''s gaze also darkened as she watched Lu Lixing on the screen. It all seemed to being to an end. Let this downpour be the tears I cry for you!

    Nobody believed Lu Lixing stood a chance, not even Wen Shanmei, who had been coaching him these past days. Her eyes welled up as she watched him get surrounded.

    Meanwhile, Wen Shi, seated beside Wen Shanmei, wore an oddly twisted expression. The moment for that thrilling surprise was likely just around the corner.

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39 - Thunder Guiding Rune!

    Despite being encircled by foes, Lu Lixing felt neither helpless nor sorrowful. He tilted his head skyward, letting the icy rain patter against his cheeks. Watching the cobalt streaks of lightning dance among the clouds, he let out a wistful sigh.

    ¡°Are you truly unwilling to back down?¡±

    Silence was the only reply to Lu Lixing''s query. Seizing the moment of his sigh, his adversaries charged. Some excelled in hand-to-handbat, others in the art of the de. Each assantunched their attack, tailored to their own deadly skill, all aimed at reducing Lu Lixing to nothing more than a heap of flesh.

    The sky above crackled with electricity as thunder boomed. A bolt of azure lightning sliced through the dark clouds, striking the heart of the arena, which erupted in a blinding radiance.

    The Crystal Screen, meant to disy the battle within the arena, was now a blur. The audience squinted through the downpour, straining to discern the scene unfolding before them. But the relentless lightning veiled everything else from view.

    What had transpired there?

    The spectators weren''t the only ones gripped by curiosity; the VIPs in the private box shared the sentiment.

    Those who had been lounging on the sofas now stood pressed against the expansive French windows, eyes wide with astonishment, staring toward the arena. Why had lightning struck so unexpectedly?

    Na Youye''s expression was dark as storm clouds. He turned to his secretary andmanded, ¡°Find out what''s going on, immediately!¡±

    But before the secretary could move, a tall, alluring woman materialized in the room, blocking his path.

    ¡°There''s no need for an investigation. I''m aware of what''s transpired,¡± she dered.

    Zha Yanhui eyed the sudden arrival warily, the woman in the moon-white qipao exuding an air of mystery. ¡°Huan Qiwei, what brings you here?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.

    The others in the room shared her surprise. It was unexpected that ckmoon Academy would send Huan Qiwei as their envoy. Zha Yanhui''s difort was palpable; she had been wronged by Huan Qiwei in the past.

    Unfazed by their astonished faces, Huan Qiwei glided to the window, her gaze following the fading shes of lightning over the arena. ¡°I had thought my visit to Skyhaven would be nothing more than a leisurely escape,¡± she mused, ¡°yet here I am, encountering a prodigy who has awakened the Talent Rune.¡±

    Upon hearing Huan Qiwei''s words, everyone paused, a flicker of shock quickly spreading across their faces. Who could possibly be the genius capable of activating such an array? Was the lightning they witnessed actually part of an array?

    Huan Qiwei calmly offered an exnation to the astonished crowd, ¡°That young man arrived at the scene an hour early. It''s likely he prepared the Thunder Guiding Rune in the arena beforehand. The thunderstorm today serendipitously yed into his hands. Even though the Thunder Guiding Rune is one of the most fundamental Lightning arrays, for him to have set it up with mere mortal strength is no small feat.¡±

    The revtion left everyone astounded. As they turned their gaze back to the arena, they noticed a dramatic transformation.

    ¡°This young man hasn''t even reached the Qi Refining Stage and he''s already capable of arranging an array. He''s definitely a prodigy,¡± Zha Yanhui remarked offhandedly, casting a nce at Zhang Yande, whose face had turned ashen with shock. She let out a coldugh, ¡°Your family has indeed found a needle in a haystack¡ªa runemaster genius among thousands. Quite impressive.¡±

    It was clear to all that Zha Yanhui''s words wereced with sarcasm. Anyone who could activate an array on their own during the Body Tempering Stage was bound to be a runemaster in the future. Even as a level one runemaster, he was not someone the Zhang family could afford to cross.

    In that moment, Zhang Yande''s mind was a nk te. Staring out the window, his eyes clouded with confusion, he was overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness. How had the Zhang family managed to provoke such a talent?

    ¡°Huan Qiwei, your sudden appearance suggests you''ve taken an interest in this young man,¡± Yi Yubo said with a sly grin. ¡°While ckmoon Academy is indeed a sanctuary for runemasters, I''d advise against holding him back. Perhaps you should consider passing him on to our Stardragon Academy.¡±

    ckmoon Academy, despite being one of the Six Great Academies, had the smallest enrollment. Even at its peak, it boasted no more than a thousand students. This was because ckmoon Academy exclusively recruited runemaster prodigies and focused solely on teaching runes. In essence, every student who graduated from ckmoon Academy was destined to be a runemaster.

    In this day and age, the legacy of arrays is fragmented. Most arrays that have been handed down from the Great Chaos Period are auxiliary, primarily used to be inscribed on magical instruments or warships to enhance their power. These auxiliary arrays don''t have a direct impact onbat, and the ones that do are exceedingly rare. ckmoon Academy is the bastion for the inheritance of Battle Arrays!

    The exact origins of ckmoon Academy are shrouded in mystery, as it has been around since the Federation''s inception. Initially, as a hub for array prodigies, ckmoon Academy held an esteemed position within the Federation. However, due to its steadfast focus on Battle Arrays, the academy has seen a gradual decline. Today, although still revered as a sacred ground for runemasters, the number of individuals eager to study Battle Arrays at ckmoon Academy has dwindled.

    This also exins why the group didn''t wait for Huan Qiwei before proceeding; their interactions were minimal.

    ¡°Fatty Qian, Divine Sword Academy will surely im him!¡±

    Xiang Yicai was resolute in securing Lu Lixing. Renowned for its swordsmanship, Divine Sword Academy has cultivated numerous runemasters adept at inscribing Sword Arrays. The academy has always been a haven for the gifted in the runemaster''s path.

    ¡°When the timees, it''ll be every man for himself!¡±

    Zha Yanhui spoke up once more. Lu Lixing, a prodigy in the art of arrays, was worth thepetition. The disparaging remarks she had previously made about him had long since slipped her mind.

    In the crowd, it was Sheng Qing who buzzed with the most anticipation. He could hardly believe that this was the surprise Wen Shi had hinted at!

    ¡°This time, Cosmic Star Academy is destined for sess!¡±

    With the connections between Wen Shi, Wen Shanmei, and Lu Lixing, Cosmic Star Academy was poised to win over Lu Lixing for sure!

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40 - He Was Recruited by All Sides

    As representatives from the Six Great Academies marveled at Lu Lixing''s remarkable talent from within their private box, the audience was awash with bewilderment.

    By now, the lightning on the Hidden Dragon tform had vanished, and the Crystal Screen had resumed its normal rity, allowing everyone to see the situation on the stage with stark rity. Yet, it was this very rity that deepened their confusion.

    On the stage, aside from Lu Lixing who remained unharmed, standing exactly where he had been, the other hundredpetitorsy strewn across the ground, charred ck as if turned to charcoal.

    What had transpired amidst that blinding sh of lightning? And how had Lu Lixing, at the epicenter of the storm, emerged without a scratch?

    In the stadium, the silence of a hundred thousand spectators hung heavy, the air charged with an eerie tension. It wasn''t just that Lu Lixing had survived the lightning that was astonishing¡ªit was the fact that all his opponents had been vanquished. This surely meant that Lu Lixing had triumphed in the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform.

    Facing a hundred foes, Lu Lixing had emerged victorious as the challenger!

    Once this realization settled in, the venue erupted into a cacophony of noise. The spectators were wildly excited, having witnessed an underdog ovee the odds. This was a tale they would boast about for years toe!

    The fervor reached its peak when the referee announced that Lu Lixing had conquered his adversaries using the Thunder Guiding Rune. The crowd''s enthusiasm ignited!

    The thunderbolt that had streaked down from the ominous clouds was no ident¡ªit was a deliberate act by Lu Lixing!

    This young man was a runemaster!

    A hundred thousand eyes bore witness to the rise of a runemaster with exceptional talent. Such news, once spread, was bound to send shockwaves throughout the entire Federation.

    In the stands, Sha Zhenghao listened to the referee''s deration in stunned silence, struggling to ept that Lu Lixing had won. And Lu Lixing, a runemaster? Could it really be true?

    Equally astonished was Sha Xiufen. Amidst the roars of the crowd, Xiufen''s gaze lingered on the figure standing on the stage, her emotions aplex tapestry. Softly, she murmured, ¡°Congrattions.¡±

    The Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform concluded with Lu Lixing''s resounding victory. At that moment, no one spared a thought for the fallenpetitors on the stage. After all, Lu Lixing had warned them to retreat early on. Their refusal to heed his advice left no room for me to be cast upon him.

    Watching Lu Lixing''s figure slowly exiting the tform, Wen Shanmei''s heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat. Gripping Wen Shi''s arm tightly, she eximed with excitement, ¡°Lu Lixing is actually a runemaster!¡±

    ¡°He''s not quite a runemaster yet; he merely has the potential,¡± Wen Shi responded, pausing mid-sentence. After all, Lu Lixing had single-handedly set up the Thunder Guiding Rune. That surely qualified him as a runemaster, didn''t it?

    ¡°It''s truly an astonishing surprise!¡± Wen Shanmei''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Wen Shi. ¡°And you kept it from me! If I had known Lu Lixing could set up the Thunder Guiding Rune, I would''ve been certain of his victory.¡±

    Firstly, today''s thunderstorm was a stroke of luck from the heavens. Secondly, Lu Lixing had arrived at the arena an hour early to get limated, aiming for a tactical advantage. Andstly, Lu Lixing possessed formidable strength.

    With these factors in y, how could Lu Lixing possibly be defeated?

    ¡°I never imagined he''d actually pull it off,¡± Wen Shi admitted with a sigh. When Lu Lixing had first asked him to purchase a Rune Pen and Thunder Guiding Stone, it had taken him aback. Given that Lu Lixing hadn''t yet reached the Qi Refining Stage, Wen Shi had his doubts about Lu Lixing''s sess. But the reality now stood undeniable¡ªhe had underestimated Lu Lixing.

    Yet, something piqued his curiosity. Had Lu Lixing not known about the weeklong thunderstorms forecasted for Skyhaven, what would have been his n? Would he have had another array up his sleeve?

    These musings were merely Wen Shi''s postpetition reflections. In this world, there are not so many ¡®what ifs.'' A win is a win.

    Guided by Na Youye''s secretary, Lu Lixing made his way to the top-tier private box of the stadium. There, he met Na Youye, representatives from the Six Great Academies, and Zhang Yande, who wore a sour expression.

    Lu Lixing didn''t recognize Zhang Yande, but even if he had, it''s doubtful he would have given him a second thought.

    Sheng Qing, observing Lu Lixing soaked to the skin, approached with a smile and a towel in hand. ¡°Dry off your hair,¡± he suggested to Lu Lixing. ¡°Otherwise, if you catch a cold, Wen Shanmei will surely hold me responsible.¡±

    Lu Lixing was initially inclined to decline Sheng Qing''s kind offer, but upon hearing Sheng Qing mention Wen Shanmei, he paused briefly before epting the towel.

    Observers initially scoffed at the sight of Sheng Qing extending a towel to Lu Lixing. How could a prodigy bold enough to initiate the Battle of the Hidden Dragon tform ept such charity? Yet, as Sheng Qing spoke, the crowd''s expressions shifted subtly. No one had anticipated the undisclosed connection between Sheng Qing and Lu Lixing, causing a collective furrowing of brows. They knew that if Cosmic Star Academy seeded in recruiting Lu Lixing, they would face a stern reprimand upon their return.

    ¡°Young man, I''m Yi Yubo.¡±

    ¡°Are you the representative from Stardragon Academy?¡± Lu Lixing interjected, cutting off Yi Yubo, who, surprisingly, didn''t take offense. Yi Yubo was taken aback by Lu Lixing''s urate guess. Could it be that Lu Lixing was already well-informed about Stardragon Academy and his role there?

    If Sheng Qing were privy to Yi Yubo''s thoughts, he''d likely have a hard time suppressing a chuckle. He was well aware that Lu Lixing''s guess stemmed from his knowledge that the Stardragon Academy was established by the four major families, including the Yi family.

    Reflecting on Wen Shi''s previous revtions, Sheng Qing''s confidence in recruiting Lu Lixing soared. Having just faced persecution from the noble families, Lu Lixing''s chances of joining Stardragon Academy were slim to none. The Cosmic Star Academy, known for its favorable treatment of civilian talents, was undoubtedly Lu Lixing''s best option.

    ¡°Indeed, I represent Stardragon Academy,¡± Yi Yubo said with a smile, stepping forward to address Lu Lixing warmly. ¡°Come with me. I assure you, you''ll receive the finest mentorship at Stardragon Academy, and a prominent ce awaits you in the future Stardragon Federation!¡±

    Yi Yubo''s confidence was not unfounded. With top-tier educational resources and the backing of the most powerful families, Lu Lixing would surely gain the Yi family''s unwavering support if he pledged his service to them. Such backing would no doubt catapult Lu Lixing to fame and sess.

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!