Chapter 138: Departure
Chapter 138: Departure (Requesting Monthly Vote)
Time flew by.
Ever since the Survival Training Camp was announced, geniuses across Xia Kingdom had been under immense pressure, training relentlessly. Not for fame or glory, but for survival—strength was the only guarantee of safety against Disaster Beasts.
April 21, 2046, two days before the Survival Training Camp.
In the afternoon, in the Elite Class of Tianhai No.2 High School, the final class was being held. At the podium stood Zhang Cheng, his broad-shouldered frame rigid, his gaze sharp and expression severe. The classroom was suffused with tension. Many students frowned, their palms sweating.
“Tomorrow, April 22nd, the 35 prodigies in this class who’ve contracted with the three major Martial Arts Pavilions will depart for the Survival Training Camp.” His voice cut through the silence. “Tonight’s self-study session is canceled. Return home and speak with your parents.”
“If you wish to withdraw, inform me immediately.”
“If you go, think carefully!”
“This is real combat—an actual fight for survival against Disaster Beasts, not a game.”
“Once the camp begins, you’ll have one final chance to back out. But if you dare quit then, I’ll personally rip your head off!”
He turned and left abruptly. The classroom erupted into murmurs as students packed their bags.
“For once, I’m glad I didn’t sign with the Pavilions,” someone muttered in relief.
“Are you pulling out?”
“Of course not! Every Martial Artist must eventually face Disaster Beasts. If I run now, I’ll never hold my head high among peers,” Qiu Jie retorted.
“Brother Qi, let’s go to the Martial Arts Pavilion,” Jiang Tao called.
Lin Qi nodded, watching Jiang Tao. His friend exuded a powerful aura, taller and more muscular than before. His presence already surpassed Li Zhou’s, though he might not realize it himself. His strength had clearly grown.
The Survival Training Camp had canceled the Midterm Evaluation. The next major test would be at the National College Entrance Exam. Lin Qi had no idea where he stood now in terms of strength or rankings.
Riding their bicycles, the two headed to the Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion. Jiang Tao had only one relative left—Jiang Miaoyin. Lin Qi had already discussed the camp with his parents. Thanks to the Wanda Plaza Disaster Beast Surge Event, they were confident in his safety.
Inside the Pavilion, they entered their respective training halls. Despite tomorrow’s departure, Lin Qi trained as usual. Changing into his Martial Arts Uniform, he spent two hours cultivating Primordial Energy, then took Vital Energy Pills, Stamina Elixirs, and applied Crimson Blood Healing Balm.
“Huuuh!!”
In moments, his body burned with heat, but he’d long grown accustomed to the pain. In this crimson state, Vital Energy surged. He assumed his stance and began the Five Elements Boxing.
“Peng peng peng!!”
Fingers curled into claws, muscles tensed, veins bulged, tendons quivered.
Each strike channeled endless power from his body. The movements intensified, Vital Force accelerating through his blood, strengthening his muscles and sinews.
“Hu!”
“Peng!”
A tiger’s claw slashed, shaking the air with a crisp crack.
As his body heated, Lin Qi’s awareness of his Vital Force sharpened. He guided it like streams merging into a wave.
The third stage of Fist Techniques required mastering large muscle groups, unleashing their power in unison—a single, explosive force capable of devastating strikes.
Half an hour later!
[Your training has broken through! Vital Energy Stat +0.2]
[Your physical mastery has improved through arduous training! Fist Techniques +1%]
[Vital Energy Stat: 23→23.2]
[Fist Techniques: Second Stage 49%→50%]
…
Lin Qi halted his punches, breathing heavily.
“A whole month to raise Vital Energy Stat to 23… too slow!”
After breaking 10, his progress had been astonishing—doubling past 20 in just months. But after 20, gains slowed. Even the Vital Energy Pills and Primordial Energy techniques felt less effective.
“Still, 23 should be enough for now. Li Lang’s Vital Energy Stat wasn’t much higher when we fought.”
He gulped down three Energy Brews, changed into a fresh uniform, and approached the Punch Force Analyzer, pressing the red switch.
“Diiing!”
The screen lit up.
“Before the Survival Training Camp, I need to test my current strength.”
Staring at the red target, he relaxed his body.
Suddenly, his eyes sharpened. A terrifying aura erupted from him like a tiger awakening.
Leg muscles coiled, rooting him like a tree, he pushed against the ground. The reaction force surged upward through his tendons.
His spine, like a slumbering dragon, awakened, vertebrae lifting one by one. Twisting his torso around his spine, he compressed power from his lower body into a spiral, channeling it into his arms. Veins bulged, Vital Energy surged, and he threw a punch like a launched missile, striking the target in a perfect arc.
“Pengg!!!”
The impact roared, sending gusts of wind as the target shook violently.
“Diiing!!”
The screen flashed—“1999.8kg!!”
Lin Qi smiled. Nearly 2000 kilograms of force.
He only needed 500kg more to reach the third stage’s minimum. At his current rate, breaking 2500kg before hitting 30 Vital Energy Stat was feasible. And at 40? Over 3000kg was guaranteed.
“Now for speed!”
He switched to the Speed Tester.
Two minutes later!
“Sssooo!!”
He blurred into motion, a streak of wind. Even without exerting force, he shot past the finish line.
“Ding!”
The screen read—“27.3m/s”
2000kg punch force! 27.3m/s speed!
“In my tier, I’m already among the strongest.”
“I wonder if I’ve surpassed Wang Qiufeng and Chen Li…” He clenched his fist, curious.
“The Thunderflash Body Arts is nearly perfected!”
“Pity the Split Mountain Spear’s first killing move still eludes me.”
The latter technique was proving harder than expected. He was close, but just needed more time.
…
April 22nd.
Lin Qi slept in, waking at 7 AM. His parents, Lin Zhen and Fang Huiyi, had already left for work, leaving breakfast and a note:
“Good luck at the Survival Training Camp, Xiao Qi!”
He smiled and began his morning routine.
…
At 9 AM, the sun bathed the Tianhai No.2 High School field, where dozens of students and teachers had gathered.
Suddenly, a massive shadow engulfed them, and a gale erupted.
A silver, streamlined transport plane descended, its metallic surface gleaming coldly, claw marks etched into its wings.
“A military Great Sparrow Transport—can carry over a thousand people!” Qiu Jie exclaimed, eyes shining.
The students gazed in awe as it landed.
The ramp lowered with a kachak! A muscular figure strode out in a gray tactical suit, muscles rippling like explosives under his clothes. His sharp features were hidden behind aviator sunglasses, tablet in hand.
Zhang Cheng greeted him.
“Hello, I’m team leader Zhang Cheng!”
“Likewise.”
The gray-clad man scanned the crowd.
“I’m Zhao Hai, here to escort you. Board in order when I call your name.”
“First, Lin Qi!”
As the crowd stirred, a tall, broad-shouldered figure in black casual wear stepped forward. His face was calm, hair slicked back, eyes piercing and commanding.
Zhao Hai studied him, impressed. What a prodigy! No wonder he’s top five province-wide.
Smiling warmly, he said, “Lin Qi, Tianhai University would love to have you. We’ll offer our best resources.”
Zhang Cheng interjected dryly, “Let’s be honest—he’s aiming for the top three academies.”
Zhao Hai chuckled. “Just teasing. Climb aboard!”
Lin Qi entered. The interior resembled a commercial airliner, already seating dozens of students—athletic, sharp-eyed, radiating strength.
He found his seat, Jiang Tao following closely.
Soon, all of Tianhai No.2 boarded. Zhao Hai took his seat up front.
“Next stop, the next school!”
The plane roared to life, vibrating slightly as it soared skyward.
“That’s the Second High crew!”
“I saw Lin Qi—more intimidating in person than on TV! I couldn’t even meet his eyes!”
“And Li Zhou and Jiang Tao!”
“They’re the top three in Tianhai City!” Someone whispered.
Jiang Tao smirked, relishing the whispers.
Lin Qi gazed out the window, watching the school shrink into a tiny square. The sky stretched endlessly ahead.
…
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
