https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-121-Classes-Are-Too-Full-to-Schedule/13686560/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-123-Foundation-Establishment-Qualification-Certificate/13686583/
Chapter 122: I'm Sorry, A Zhen (Repaying Monthly Ticket Loan 5)
Two months from now—would you be joining Zhang Pianpian on the Second Layer?
At the moment of Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen’s stunned silence, Zhang Pianpian continued, “There’s less than two months until the college entrance exam begins.”
“After the exam, I’ll be heading to Kunxu’s Second Layer for the interview.”
“In normal circumstances, successful interviewees are immediately admitted into university—time is tight, so all students begin classes before officially enrolling.”
“So, two months from now, I won’t be able to protect you here in Songyang City anymore.”
Zhang Pianpian turned to Zhang Yu and said, “But as I mentioned before, I’ve already prepared a path for you—Wanfa University’s Prodigy Class.”
Zhang Yu knew Wanfa University. It was the direct affiliate of the Wanfa Sect, one of the Top Ten Sects, and ranked among the elite universities of Kunxu. Companies like Xianyun Group, Shenhai Education Group, Wanxing Group—indeed, even Songyang High School and Bailong High School—when traced back through the lineage, all ultimately belonged to the Wanfa Sect. To the higher echelons of the sect, the competition between these institutions was nothing more than internal rivalry.
But… the Prodigy Class? What exactly was that?
Zhang Yu searched his memory, but couldn’t recall any such thing.
“Sis,” he asked, “what’s this Prodigy Class? Can I apply for it as a first-year high school student? Can I really enter university this early?”
Zhang Pianpian explained, “The Prodigy Class is Wanfa University’s special program—selecting gifted students from first-year high school and accelerating their cultivation. That’s why first-years can become university students.”
“Usually, applicants are second-layer students, so few people in the first layer even know about it.”
Zhang Yu understood. This was the backdoor route taken by those from the Second Layer.
Zhang Pianpian added, “Your recent competition results have been impressive. If you place in the top three in the Dao Heart Competition, and use this month’s prize money and endorsement fees to strengthen your Dao skills, you should meet the Prodigy Class’s entry requirements.”
“Once you pass the exam, you can join me at Wanfa University.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yu felt a surge of joy—especially because it meant he could avoid the Heavenly Web and Earthly Net woven by Songyang’s wealthy elites against ‘poor kids’ aiming for the Top Ten. He wouldn’t have to worry about the dangers that would follow Zhang Pianpian’s departure.
But then, he turned to Bai Zhenzhen beside him and asked Zhang Pianpian, “Sis, what about A Zhen? Is her score good enough for the Prodigy Class?”
Earlier, Zhang Yu had already harbored concerns about Bai Zhenzhen’s competition results. Though her progress had been astonishing—fourth in the Martial Arts Competition, fifth in Physical Fitness—still…
Zhang Pianpian shook her head. “Unfortunately, she doesn’t meet the Prodigy Class standards.”
Hearing that, Zhang Yu’s heart sank. He turned back to Bai Zhenzhen.
But Bai Zhenzhen simply laughed lightly. “It’s fine, Yu. You go ahead and climb up to the Second Layer first. I’ll stay here and deal with the rich bastards in Songyang—then I’ll catch up in two years.”
Zhang Yu didn’t respond. Instead, he looked back at Zhang Pianpian. “Sis… can’t we make an exception? Can’t we find someone to buy a Prodigy Class exam spot?”
Bai Zhenzhen, overhearing, inhaled sharply. Her hands clenched tightly together without her even realizing it.
Facing their expectant gazes, Zhang Pianpian spoke calmly: “It can’t be done.”
“You must understand—crossing social layers in Kunxu follows strict rules. There’s no bypassing them.”
“To rise through the ranks, there’s only one way: through grades, exams, and merit.”
“There’s no other path. Only by passing each test, achieving outstanding results, and earning the required certificates can you climb higher in Kunxu.”
“This is Kunxu’s iron law. Anyone who dares to break it… will be crushed by thunder.”
Bai Zhenzhen flinched at those words.
Silence hung in the air.
Then, Bai Zhenzhen forced a smile. “I said it’s fine, Yu. Go ahead and compete with the Second Layer elites. I’ll stay here and crush all these rich dogs one by one.”
Though she spoke lightly, she knew it wasn’t true.
She really… really didn’t want to stay behind in Songyang City alone.
“But what can I do?” she thought. “Can I really ask Yu to give up his chance at university just to stay with me?”
“If I said that… we wouldn’t even be friends anymore.”
Just then, Zhang Yu spoke again, voice low. “Sis… really, there’s no way to take A Zhen with us?”
A cold shiver ran through Zhang Yu’s chest. Before he could even finish his sentence, the Ritual’s countdown echoed in his mind—urgent, relentless.
As if urging him to seize this chance, to get into university.
But under that icy pressure, Zhang Yu paused.
And then, he finally spoke the words he’d been too afraid to say—words the Ritual forbade him from uttering.
Because if he didn’t ask, he’d never be at peace.
“Or… if I stay behind… do you think me and A Zhen could follow a normal path? Could we get into the Top Ten—just like you?”
Zhang Pianpian shook her head. “My path only works for me. You can’t walk it.”
“Idiot!” the Evil God roared inside the rosary. “Are you completely insane?”
“Perfect! She can’t go up with you—kill her, take her Spirit Root!”
“With Wanfa University’s resources, your talent, and her Spirit Root, you could reach the Nascent Soul realm in just a century or two! Wealth and cultivation freedom are within reach!”
The Evil God was furious—furious at the sheer stupidity before him. Never had he seen someone so foolish, even among the most desperate, lowest, and most gullible mortals he’d ever deceived.
“Damn dirt-poor wretch! You deserve to eat dust in the First Layer for life!”
Bai Zhenzhen, hearing Zhang Yu’s words, snapped, “What are you doing, Yu? Don’t be ridiculous—go for the Top Ten already!”
But seeing her forced smile, Zhang Yu suddenly said, “You’ll get destroyed, A Zhen.”
“A Zhen… if we both leave, and you’re left behind… you’ll be destroyed.”
Bai Zhenzhen fell silent.
Especially after all she’d learned—about the Student Council, about the schools, about the ruthless tactics of the wealthy families. After training with Zhang Yu, studying under Zhang Pianpian’s guidance—she could no longer accept solitude as she once did.
Now, Zhang Yu’s words laid bare the very fears she’d been trying to ignore, the darkness she’d buried in the back of her mind.
In that moment, she felt as though she’d plunged into an endless icy lake—darkness all around, cold seeping into her bones. She could only sink deeper, unable to see the future.
So scared…
I’m so scared…
She wanted to speak, to laugh, to tell Zhang Yu to be sensible and go up first.
But fear—of the future, of the endless darkness closing in—had silenced her.
“I’m sorry, Yu…” Bai Zhenzhen lowered her head, fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. “I’m so useless… I just… I can’t bring myself to ask you to leave.”
Zhang Yu turned back to Zhang Pianpian, waiting.
But with Zhang Pianpian’s silence, the cold in his heart deepened.
The Ritual—the force that had driven him to study, to train, to chase the dream of entering a Top Ten University—now refused to allow him to abandon this chance.
“Please abide by the Ritual agreement. Strive to fulfill your wish. Do not deliberately slack off or delay. 5.”
“Please abide by the Ritual agreement. Strive to fulfill your wish. Do not deliberately slack off or delay. 4.”
The countdown in his mind grew louder, closer to the end.
He knew time was running out.
He could no longer hold on.
In his heart, he whispered:
“I’m sorry, A Zhen.”
“But if I stay… the Ritual will kill me.”
He couldn’t look at Bai Zhenzhen.
He knew—before the countdown ended—he had to accept Zhang Pianpian’s plan.
His blood surged. Rage welled up.
“This rotten world… this trash Kunxu…!”
Just as Zhang Yu was about to speak, a sigh escaped Zhang Pianpian’s lips.
Zhang Pianpian: “Ah… I knew it. You two really… insist on going together?”
Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen snapped their heads up, eyes wide, staring at her.
Seeing their hope, Zhang Pianpian sighed, defeated. “If you don’t join the Prodigy Class, it means you’ll have to stay in the First Layer after I leave—finish your three years of high school, take the college entrance exam, and then try to get into university.”
“Without my protection, avoiding the rich families’ persecution over the next two years… the only way I can think of… is one that’s extremely difficult. Almost impossible.”
Even she, in all three years at this school, hadn’t managed it.
Zhang Pianpian’s “other way” stopped the countdown in Zhang Yu’s mind.
He leaned forward, breathless. “What is it?”
Zhang Pianpian spoke slowly: “After I leave… you two must, while still in high school, earn the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate.”
What?!
The Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate?!
Zhang Yu thought: You make it sound like ‘passing the CET-4 before graduation’!
That was the Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate—not some simple exam!
It was something even many university students failed to pass.
You want high school students to take it?
How could they even take it before graduation?
Zhang Yu stared, stunned. “The Foundation Establishment Qualification Certificate? Isn’t that only for university students?”
Bai Zhenzhen echoed, wide-eyed: “Can high schoolers even take this exam?”
—
Another chapter repaid. Please consider another month’s ticket loan.
Thank you to Doflamingo Ge for your generous 66,000-point donation for Le Mulan’s character.
(End of Chapter)
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