Chapter 17: Scores and Secrets

Chapter 17: Scores and Secrets

"I'm so hungry."

Qian Shen rubbed his stomach, showing no interest in the paintings on display. All he wanted was to find a place to eat a big meal.

After all, he had just finished his Physical Cultivation class and rushed over, feeling so hungry that he thought he could eat a whole cow.

"I'll see if I can find something good to eat."

After saying goodbye to his classmates, Qian Shen began searching the exhibition hall.

His fellow students were not surprised by this. They all practiced Xian Dao daily and trained their bodies rigorously, requiring far more nutrition and food than the average person.

Qian Shen, a top student in the first year at Songyang High School, who had always been second in his grade, relied not only on his talent and hard work but also on his family's wealth.

To enhance his cultivation, especially his Physical Cultivation, his diet was always rich in Xian Dao Elements.

For someone like Qian Shen, who valued scores above all, the taste of food was secondary. What mattered most was whether it could improve his cultivation efficiency.

The Spirit Seafood offered at the exhibition's buffet was something he could afford, but he had no interest in spending money just to satisfy his appetite. He considered it a waste of time and food.

"Spirit Seafood, fancy meals... if they can't improve my scores, they're just garbage."

As he surveyed the other dishes on the table, Qian Shen called over a server, asking if there were any foods suitable for cultivators.

"Everything edible is here. Take what you want."

Hearing the server's cold response, Qian Shen frowned, but when he looked up, he recognized a familiar face.

"Are you working here?" Qian Shen asked, surprised to see Bai Zhenzhen in a server's uniform.

"Yes." Bai Zhenzhen replied expressionlessly. "Is there anything else?"

Qian Shen furrowed his brow. "Are you short on money?"

"You should sign up with the Student Council. Otherwise, wasting your time on meaningless jobs will only hinder your Xian Dao journey."

"Even if I surpass you, it won't mean much."

Qian Shen's tone was filled with regret. He had always seen Bai Zhenzhen, the only student in his grade who could outscore him, as his rival.

He believed she felt the same way.

Over the next three years, they would be the two geniuses of the school, competing fiercely yet respecting each other. They would push each other to new heights and ultimately enter the top universities together.

But in response to Qian Shen's sentiment, Bai Zhenzhen said coolly, "Are you telling me how to live my life?"

Before Qian Shen could reply, she continued, "A guy with a score of 600-something telling me, who has 650, what to do?"

Faced with Bai Zhenzhen's blunt score-based discrimination, Qian Shen, a firm believer in the importance of scores, felt his confidence waver. The 50-point gap felt like a mountain crushing him.

You have higher scores, so you're right.

At that moment, Qian Shen saw the number 650 glowing above Bai Zhenzhen's head, radiating a powerful pressure that silenced him.

Bai Zhenzhen frowned. "What are you looking at my head for?"

Qian Shen huffed and turned away. "Just wait, Bai Zhenzhen. Wasting your time like this, you'll be overtaken by me sooner or later."

But as he walked away, he nearly collided with two security guards.

They were Zhang Yu and Zhao Tianxing, who had come to check on the situation.

Seeing Bai Zhenzhen and Qian Shen in conflict, Zhang Yu, as a security guard, had rushed over.

Qian Shen recognized them despite their uniforms. "550 and 580?"

Zhang Yu was taken aback by the nickname. 550 was his score from last month's exam, and 580 was Zhao Tianxing's score.

"Wow, you only remember scores, not names, huh? Another one obsessed with studying."

But Qian Shen didn't just forget names; he didn't remember anyone scoring below 550. To him, anyone below 550 was an Npc, not worth remembering.

To Qian Shen, Zhang Yu, with a score of 550, was already sub-human. Based on his observations, Zhang Yu would likely score below 550 next month, making him even less memorable.

Qian Shen shook his head. "Why are you two working here?"

Confronting 550 and 580, Qian Shen's confidence returned. "Why aren't you using your time to study and cultivate? What are you doing here?"

Zhang Yu replied, "You're here too, aren't you?"

Qian Shen chuckled. "I specifically canceled my class today to come and study the Celestial Martial Arts Chart."

Zhang Yu nodded. "We're here to study the Celestial Martial Arts Chart too."

"And we get paid 800 per hour."

"Making money and studying powerful martial arts, isn't that a good deal?"

Qian Shen was taken aback. "A 550-point guy actually makes sense?"

He looked at Zhang Yu. "550, I'll remember you."

"My name is Zhang Yu!" Zhang Yu glanced at his head. "Why do you keep looking at my head?"

But Qian Shen quickly regained his composure. "No, you two can't study the Celestial Martial Arts Chart."

Zhao Tianxing felt the attention and Qian Shen's disdain, his cheeks turning red. He waved his hands. "No, no, I'm not here to study the Celestial Martial Arts Chart."

Qian Shen ignored Zhao Tianxing's protests and sighed. "The Celestial Martial Arts Chart was drawn by a Golden Elixir cultivator. It's meant to test true geniuses. Even I have no confidence in mastering it, let alone you two."

With that, Qian Shen turned and left.

Zhao Tianxing's face darkened. Not only had Qian Shen seen him working as a security guard, but he had also assumed he was there to study the Celestial Martial Arts Chart due to Zhang Yu's comments.

He felt bitter, imagining the ridicule from his classmates.

"This is really embarrassing."

Zhang Yu, however, wasn't as concerned. He looked at Bai Zhenzhen. "Are you okay? You and Qian Shen don't get along well?"

Bai Zhenzhen shrugged. "I'm fine. Most of the time, he brings it upon himself."

She then looked at Zhang Yu curiously. "You're planning to study the Celestial Martial Arts Chart too?"

Seeing Zhang Yu nod confidently, Bai Zhenzhen thought, "Yu is really losing it, driven by his massive debt. With his level, he actually wants to study a Golden Core cultivator's martial arts?"

Zhao Tianxing just wanted to leave. He tugged at Zhang Yu's sleeve, but noticed Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen exchanging glances.

Bai Zhenzhen then secretly handed Zhang Yu a plate of Spirit Seafood.

Zhang Yu: "Old Zhao, want to try some?"

Zhao Tianxing: "The captain said we can't eat the buffet."

He quickly blocked Zhang Yu, fearing someone would see.

Zhang Yu: "Aren't we just taking advantage of Ah Zhen working here?"

As Zhang Yu tasted the shrimp, a voice came from behind Zhao Tianxing.

"What are you two doing?"

Zhao Tianxing jumped, but relaxed when he saw it was their classmate, Zhou Tianyi.

Zhou Tianyi: "Hey, Zhou Tianyi, you're here too?"

Zhou Tianyi smiled. "Yeah, I came with Qian Shen and the others."

Zhang Yu: "Really? I didn't see you earlier."

Zhou Tianyi: "How did you get here?"

They chatted for a bit, and Zhao Tianxing urged Zhang Yu to continue patrolling.

Zhou Tianyi then said mysteriously, "Do you want to hear a gossip about a Golden Core cultivator?"

Zhang Yu's curiosity piqued, and Zhao Tianxing said, "The captain is already asking where we are..."

Zhang Yu nodded. "Let's focus on work. We can talk later."

As they turned to leave, Zhou Tianyi said, "Starfire Sage was demoted to half his cultivation after leaving his position and is now planning to retreat to Kunxu Realms."

"Huh?"

Zhang Yu and Zhao Tianxing turned back, waiting for Zhou Tianyi to continue.

Bai Zhenzhen, though not looking, also listened intently.

Zhou Tianyi smiled. "Golden Core cultivators can live up to 400 years. Starfire Sage is already 350 and was optimized by the Ten Thousand Laws Sect."

"When he left, he had to give up half his cultivation, leaving him unable to afford the expenses. He's now planning to retreat to Kunxu Realms to focus on raising his descendants and training disciples."

Zhang Yu was shocked. "Wait, they take away half your cultivation when you leave?"

Zhou Tianyi replied matter-of-factly, "The Sect provided him with the resources and opportunities to reach the Golden Core stage. Giving up half his cultivation when leaving is only fair."

As they listened to Zhou Tianyi, a commotion arose in the crowd.

A guest whispered, "Ms. Li has arrived. The Celestial Martial Arts Chart is about to be revealed."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end