Chapter 160: National College Entrance Exam Begins
Chapter 160: National College Entrance Exam Begins (Requesting Monthly Votes)
"Throughout this senior year, we've all strived together with relentless effort", Yan Hong addressed the class, his voice ringing with determination. "Every one of you is an elite of Tianhai Second High School. Only we understand the sacrifices we've made for martial arts—the endless days of training, studying, and pushing through exhaustion."
"Triple-point routine: training, studying, sleeping. We've repeated this cycle day after day", he continued, his tone softening. "Through countless nights of monotonous practice, enduring physical fatigue and muscle pain, we've persevered with gritted teeth. Wasn't it all for achieving better results in the National College Entrance Exam? To enter one of the three top academies and secure a brighter future?"
"After tomorrow", he gesturing emphatically, "comes the moment to prove our efforts. Today, I sincerely wish you all: Martial Arts Prosperity!"
"Applause!!"
As Yan Hong finished, thunderous applause erupted in the classroom. One by one, teachers from other departments stepped forward to offer their words, stirring quiet emotions among the students.
Finally, Zhang Cheng—a muscular figure with an imposing presence—strode onto the podium, a rare smile breaking across his face. "Let me add two cents", he began, his deep voice commanding attention. "After training you for a year, I can proudly say you've all made incredible progress. Our Elite Class students could outshine peers from any of Tianhai's nine key high schools."
"This exam will prove it", he said, his tone sharpening. "Tianhai Second High School will shock every institution this year. I believe in you."
With a respectful fist-to-palm salute, he concluded, "Martial Arts Prosperity!"
The students rose as one, returning the salute with solemn faces. "Martial Arts Prosperity!" Their unified roar reverberated through the entire school complex.
...
"Bang!!"
Moments later, Tianhai Second High School erupted into bustling activity. Classrooms emptied as students gathered belongings, preparing to leave.
In the Elite Class, Lin Qi posed for photos with classmates—especially those ranked lower. They knew their scores wouldn't reach the top three academies. These might be their final moments with Lin Qi.
"Lin Qi, can we take a picture with you?" Zhu Yuqi asked, tugging Qi Yuelin forward. The latter blushed furiously, her delicate features tinged pink as she shyly averted her gaze.
"Of course", Lin Qi grinned. The two girls flanked him, striking poses for the snapshot.
...
Half an hour later, as students trickled out of classrooms, Lin Qi emerged outside the school parking lot laden with bags. Lin Zhen and Fang Huiyi hurried forward, packing his belongings into the car trunk. The four departed slowly, leaving Tianhai Second High School behind.
"Brother Qi, I've trained nonstop this month", Jiang Tao declared from the backseat, his broadened frame radiating a stronger aura. "I'll definitely shock everyone during the exams."
Lin Qi noted the changes—Jiang Tao's body seemed to have undergone a fundamental transformation. The crimson gem’s effect is accelerating, he mused.
"What about you, Brother Qi?" Jiang Tao asked. "You seem even stronger."
Lin Qi smiled. "I’m curious too. I wonder how strong I’ve become."
...
That evening, at Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion’s Training Hall B123, gales howled as billowing curtains danced.
Clad in a black martial arts uniform, Lin Qi sat cross-legged, his body radiating a fierce aura. Winds swirled violently around him.
Roar!
A lightning-shaped golden pattern blazed across its forehead, crackling with energy.
As Lin Qi visualized, the beast grew increasingly vivid, every detail crystallizing with supernatural clarity. He merged with its consciousness, absorbing primordial energy particles to refine his physique.
Twelve thick sinews writhed like coiled dragons beneath his skin. With each breath, muscles surged and receded like tempered steel being forged into a peerless weapon.
An hour later, his eyes snapped open—twin beams of light piercing the darkness.
"Breathing in, he exhaled sharply—a gust blasting outward.
[Training complete. Physical refinement achieved. Vital Energy Stat +0.15]
[Vital Energy Stat: 26.85 → 27]
Rising slowly, Lin Qi felt residual energy coursing through his muscles. Clenching his fist, bones crackled like dry kindling.
"Right on target", he muttered. "Time to test my current strength."
Approaching the Punch Force Analyzer, he activated the device.
Beep!
As the screen lit, he inhaled deeply, his aura erupting like a volcano. Power surged from his legs to waist, spine arcing like a drawn bowstring. His body became a living engine, channeling energy into his strike.
Boom!!
The shockwave rattled the testing board. Digital readout: 2,310.1 kg
"Perfect", Lin Qi smirked. "2,300 kg. Just 200 kg shy of the Third Realm benchmark. Once my Vital Energy reaches 30, I’ll break 2,500 kg—surpassing even Chen Li’s Divine Strength."
He moved to the Speed Tester. Moments later, a data flash: 30 m/s
Third Realm minimum is 36 m/s, he calculated. Once I breakthrough, I’ll outpace peers in both power and speed.
How would I rank nationally against S-Rank Geniuses like Huo Wanyang or Ao Feng? He wondered. Gong Ruo said they’re still stronger... but give me time.
Clutching his black Thunderhorn Longspear, he resumed spear techniques training.
...
Meanwhile, in Imperial Capital’s Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion headquarters, Deputy Dean Liu Jing stood by a window, his stout frame silhouetted against neon-lit night.
"Over a month passed, yet Lin Qi hasn’t responded", he muttered. "Either he’s accepted another offer, or he’s bargaining."
Behind him, Researcher Lu Wei—her curvy figure framed by a white lab coat—asked nervously, "Dean, what now?"
Liu Jing turned, eyes narrowing. "I’ve analyzed his files from Wen Rui. I know what he wants." He smirked. "Tomorrow, we fly to Cang Province’s Tianhai City. After the exams, we’ll negotiate. Other academies are already signing contracts—we can’t lose him. He’s the genius we need."
...
June 6th – Xia Kingdom imposed nationwide security lockdowns ahead of the exam. Media buzzed with updates. Even martial arts pavilions struggled to suppress the candidates’ collective anticipation.
Tianhai Second High School buzzed with chatter. Lin Qi, however, remained secluded in his training hall, unperturbed by the impending exam.
...
Martial Dao Calendar 2046, June 7th – Exam Day One. Scorching sun, clear skies.
Lin Qi awoke at 7 a.m., finding his parents already bustling about.
"Xiao Qi, did you pack your admission ticket and stationery?" Fang Huiyi fretted. "I’ll drive you."
"Mom, I’ll bike", he said, eyeing the traffic chaos outside. "Too many cars today."
Minutes later, he pedaled toward Tianhai First High School, stationery bag bouncing. His parents followed on an electric scooter.
The usually congested University District had been cleared. Security forces—hulking martial artists in crisp uniforms—guarded the entrance.
"Brother Qi!" Jiang Tao’s booming voice carried over. He approached with Jiang Miaoyin in a pink dress, both waving enthusiastically.
"Same exam hall? Fate’s smiling!" Jiang Tao chuckled. "Good luck, Lin Qi!"
The bell chimed.
"Dingdong – All candidates, please enter orderly."
Hundreds of students filed in. The National College Entrance Exam had begun.
(End of Chapter)
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