https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-281-Breaking-Through-to-the-Fourth-Realm/13507372/
Chapter 280: Jade Skin Balm
Chapter 280: Jade Skin Balm (Requesting Monthly Votes)
He needed to breakthrough to the Fourth Realm, claim victory at the Global Freshman Competition, awaken a Special Ability, and become an SS-Rank Genius.
For ordinary students, each goal seemed like climbing a mountain. For him, these were merely logical steps achievable through discipline.
...
Moments later, the crowd dispersed.
"Hoo~"
The biting wind carried the scent of grass and blossoms as a vast green garden came into view.
Lin Qi stepped off the black electric scooter, gazing at his private villa. Inside, the freshly cleaned grand hall shimmered with high concentrations of Primordial Energy, invigorating his body and mind.
"Xiaochan, order a Grade-4 Nutritional Meal!"
"Understood, Master!" The blue holographic projection of Xiaochan, emanating from the metallic orb, smiled.
Lin Qi headed directly to the Martial Arts Training Hall, where a massive cardboard box stood waiting—his package from yesterday had arrived at Azure Firmament Martial Academy.
He quickly tore it open, retrieving its contents: Martial Arts Uniforms, training shoes, spare clothing, leftover Skin Tempering Balm, Vital Energy Pills, Revitalizing Elixirs...
Changing immediately into his training gear, he prepared to cultivate.
"Winter Break is over. Now that I'm back at Azure Firmament Martial Academy, it's time to return to serious training."
After a simple lunch, he bypassed rest and launched into his training regimen.
...
Martial Dao Calendar 2047, February 15th
Freshman Opening Ceremony at Azure Firmament Martial Academy.
According to academy rules, only freshmen attended the opening ceremony. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors simply resumed classes upon returning.
The Crimson Vault Building—a skyscraper piercing the clouds—housed its first-floor hall where nearly 9,000 students from the Ten Institutes stood in orderly formation, clad in uniforms. Freshmen from the Tenth Institute occupied the second-floor balconies.
Lin Qi stood calmly, though curious gazes surrounded him.
"I heard Lin Qi survived an assassination attempt over Winter Break. A Fourth Realm killer too", someone whispered.
"Worse, the assassin had a bomb implanted inside. I saw the photos—the entire parking lot turned to charcoal."
"And Lin Qi only suffered minor injuries! Someone from the Sixth Institute told me he recovered in two days. Unbelievable!"
Huo Wanyang frowned, recalling news reports. Knowing more than most, he realized surviving such an attack required extraordinary skill.
"If I hadn't awakened my Special Ability", he thought, "I might've died instantly."
"Students!" Deputy Principal Xu Wenji's voice boomed from the podium above. "A new semester begins, and with it, new competition."
"Last semester saw tremendous growth. This term, you'll surpass even that."
"By finals, I expect each of you to transform completely..."
After the flag-raising ceremony and Xu Wenji's brief remarks, the event concluded. Students dispersed orderly, with the Tenth Institute exiting their balcony. This was Lin Qi's first encounter with all Ten Institute freshmen.
Leading the group was Yu Zhuoran—a tall, sharply-featured youth radiating intense Vital Energy. His posture exuded confidence, every step projecting raw power.
"Yu Zhuoran", Jiang Tao murmured. "One of only two SS-Rank Geniuses in our freshman cohort. The undisputed number one in Ten Institute. Rumor says his Special Ability is【Lightning】."
Guo Heng added, "His Vital Energy is completely unrestrained—absolute dominance."
As Lin Qi observed, Yu Zhuoran suddenly turned his gaze toward him. Their eyes met briefly before Yu Zhuoran resumed walking. Behind him loomed Xiang Long—the Ten Institute's third-ranked powerhouse. His muscular frame and beast-like aura radiated brute strength.
Pei Jiu approached next, accompanied by Han Zhen, Xia Lian, and Wan Ming. His gentle demeanor eased tension wherever he went.
"Lin Qi, thank heavens you're safe!" Pei Jiu smiled warmly. "Losing you would've robbed the Xia Kingdom of a future pillar."
Xia Lian laughed, "You're getting scary strong—modified martial artists can't even touch you anymore."
Lin Qi shook his head. "Just luck."
Wan Ming chuckled. "Don't downplay it! You securing ninth place last semester lit a fire under all of us. This term, we'll have to train like mad to avoid shame."
They spoke truth. Even these prodigies felt pressure—if Lin Qi overtook them, it'd be humiliating.
Wan Ming noticed Lin Qi watching Yu Zhuoran's retreating figure.
"Looks like your target's set", he teased.
"Yu Zhuoran's already broken through to Fourth Realm", Pei Jiu sighed. "That final step from peak Third Realm to Fourth is a massive hurdle."
"Truly an SS-Rank Genius", Jiang Tao muttered, exchanging uneasy glances with others. Their 70-stat Vital Energy suddenly felt inadequate.
...
After dispersing, Pei Jiu maintained his smile outwardly while inwardly calculating. His Spiritual Power detected Lin Qi's Vital Energy had surged since Wan Ming's birthday banquet—approaching his own strength.
"You're right", he thought. "He might actually catch Yu Zhuoran."
But he kept these thoughts private. No need burdening others.
...
The Opening Ceremony ended with an internal institute meeting in Cangjing Teaching Building.
"Please welcome Academy Head Lin Qi!" Dean Liu announced, clad in white robes.
Thunderous applause erupted as Lin Qi stood from the central seat. Compared to last semester, enthusiasm had intensified—many owed their progress to him.
"I said last term we'd be number one", Lin Qi declared. "This semester will be no different. No institute will challenge our supremacy."
Roaring approval followed—claps reverberated through the hall.
...
After the meeting, Lin Qi followed Dean Liu to his office.
"Here's your weapon", Lin Qi said, placing the Metal Cylinder on the desk.
Dean Liu waved him off. "Keep it. Buy it from me when you're rich enough."
Lin Qi beamed. The liquid-metal spear had saved his life against assassins—he'd grown fond of it.
"Thanks, Dean."
Dean Liu poured tea. "Wise to keep it. Didn't expect the【Vermin God Cult】to target you directly."
"You're safe here now", he continued. "Focus on reaching 95 Vital Energy Stat. The Fourth Realm threshold will ease."
Lin Qi sipped tea. "I've already reached 95."
Dean Liu froze mid-sip, then grinned. "That assassination attempt accelerated your progress, didn't it?"
He retrieved an Obsidian Steel Case from an adjacent room, revealing a crimson Jade Skin Balm. "Three items aid Third Realm breakthroughs: Skin Tempering Balm, Skin-shedding Elixirs, and this—Jade Skin Balm."
"The last helps those stuck at 99.99 Vital Energy Stat shorten their bottleneck dramatically."
"Jade Skin Balm", Lin Qi nodded, noting its value.
"Only one dose per vial. At 200 million Xia Kingdom Currency, even with 40% discount—12 million—you'd struggle buying it."
Lin Qi winced. The Winter Break had drained his 50-million fortune to 30 million. Still sufficient, but barely.
Dean Liu hinted, "Breakthrough before April, and another advantage awaits."
Lin Qi suspected Fourth Realm-exclusive resources or privileges.
...
Later, back at his villa, Lin Qi placed the Jade Skin Balm in his Metal Cabinet. He'd need it later—first, maximizing Vital Energy Stat.
Checking his phone confirmed 30 million remaining. Enough for now.
(End of Chapter)
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