https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-291-I-Want-to-Join-the-Hehuan-Study-Group/13686840/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-293-Underground-Martial-Energy-Transaction/13686842/
Chapter 292: Poor Exam Performance, Construction Site Invitation
In the Dao Heart Class, students sat upright, eyes fixed on Feng Jiu atop the stage.
Feng Jiu spoke calmly. “Willpower is the most direct manifestation of Dao Heart. Your next exam is simple—endure the fire of purgatory.”
As each student donned their Spiritual Interface Mask, their consciousness instantly plunged into the Ling Realm. Unlike Eye Armor, which merely projected the Ling Realm onto reality, this time, their spirits truly entered the realm.
In an instant, waves of searing flames engulfed them. Many students screamed in agony.
Meanwhile, Feng Jiu—the spirit essence—had already arrived in the exam hall within the Ling Realm, her gaze sweeping over the students now reduced to blazing figures.
Her first focus fell on Ji Yuanchi, the class’s top student and the only one currently at Dao Heart Level 12. Even as fire consumed him, his expression remained calm, as if the flames were nothing more than a warm breeze.
Ji Yuanchi’s inner voice remained steady: This kind of Ling Realm training is something I do for over two hours every day. This is nothing.
Observing him, Feng Jiu’s spirit recorded: Ji Yuanchi—exceptional Dao Heart potential. Tentatively selected as a candidate for next year’s Ling Realm Competition.
Next, she turned to Gong Shuijin, the student closest to Level 12 in the class. Though he grimaced slightly, he gritted his teeth and endured the flames.
Gong Shuijin thought to himself: After this exam, I need to invest more Lingbi into Ling Realm training.
Better get a membership card—something to keep me on track.
Feng Jiu noted: Gong Shuijin—second in Dao Heart cultivation. Tentatively selected as a candidate for next year’s Ling Realm Competition.
After assessing a few more students, Feng Jiu’s gaze settled on Zhang Yu. She recorded: Zhang Yu—likely due to early Foundation Establishment, high cultivation level, and solid Dao Heart talent. Close to Ling Realm Competition standard, but still one step short. Listed as reserve candidate.
…
In the Mana Class, Li Mingbo watched as students input Martial Energy into the testing devices, his attention lingering on Ji Yuanchi and Gong Shuijin.
From Ji Yuanchi’s Martial Energy purchase records, he’s bought both high and low-quality energy in bulk.
Probably using high-grade energy to refine his body, boosting his energy quality.
Low-grade energy is being funneled through the Ling Network add-on to power his Spirit Armor.
His own energy is barely used for anything else… truly extravagant.
Though Li Mingbo sighed in admiration, he was mostly delighted. After all, Ji Yuanchi’s massive purchases on the Fa Li Bao platform had brought him a generous commission.
And Gong Shuijin isn’t bad either. Heard he lives in the most luxurious upper dorms. Every night, he changes into a dedicated Spirit Armor just for cultivation. No wonder his progress is lightning-fast—only slightly behind Ji Yuanchi.
Hmm… Li Xiao’s progress has improved again. But First Layer students—always risky. The early surge is strong, but the long-term stamina? Questionable.
Li Mingbo glanced at Zhang Yu. This one… if he keeps this up, he might crack the top 100 of the Civil Engineering Department’s Foundation Establishment in a few years.
But the real challenge? Maintaining it.
To Li Mingbo, making the top 100 of the Civil Engineering Department—spanning all years—was a feat achievable only through years of accumulation. For a First Layer student, it was nearly impossible without the benefit of time and seniority.
…
On the Body Refining Class exam floor, Lang Yougong addressed the students.
“Physical strength isn’t just about the number on your Physical Strength Level. It’s not just raw power—your body’s tolerance to medicine, your control over your limbs, your reflexes, agility, technique—those only reveal themselves through real practice.”
“The three-month foundation course is over. Today, we test what you’ve truly learned.”
As Lang Yougong spoke, Zhang Yu glanced around the room. Hidden stats—Anti-Detection Ritual makes that manageable.
But how should I perform in the actual test?
Can’t show too much beyond my stats—would be too conspicuous.
Then he looked at Li Xiao. He’s ranked just below me… if I just outperform him slightly, that should be enough.
In the strength test, Li Xiao roared, straining to lift the gauge—then Zhang Yu let out a loud shout of his own, lifting a weight slightly heavier than Li Xiao’s.
In the agility test, Li Xiao pushed himself to the limit, dodging increasingly faster spheres for a full minute—then Zhang Yu matched him, enduring three extra seconds.
Before the final Speed test, Li Xiao took the delivery package from the courier, muttering: Zhang Yu… he really sees me as his biggest rival.
He could feel it—Zhang Yu had been watching him throughout the previous two tests, always overtaking him just before reaching his limit.
He’s clearly being driven by my presence. I’m pushing him, but he’s pushing me back.
Maybe he even took some dangerous, body-damaging tiger-wolf pills to keep up.
But the same goes for me, Zhang Yu. You’ve pushed me too.
Swallowing a newly purchased potency-enhancing pill, Li Xiao felt his body heat up, burn hotter and hotter. Even if I have to stop training for days after this, I will beat you in this final test.
On the speed track, Li Xiao shot forward like a bolt of lightning, tearing through the air with a thunderous crack—right on Zhang Yu’s heels.
His heart pounded like a drum. Limbs whipped forward, propelling him with explosive force.
But as Li Xiao accelerated, so did Zhang Yu. No matter how hard he pushed, he couldn’t close the gap.
Staring at Zhang Yu’s back, Li Xiao felt like he was standing at the entrance of Construction Site—so close, yet still just out of reach.
Damn it… Why is this so hard?
Zhang Yu maintained his lead, smoothly outpacing Li Xiao to the finish line. That should be safe enough.
Feeling Li Xiao’s furious, despairing gaze, Zhang Yu thought: Just one rank ahead… why are you this upset?
Then the results appeared.
Zhang Yu frowned. Wait… I’m fifth in the physical test?
He glanced at Li Xiao, puzzled. This guy… did he hide his strength all along? Should’ve picked someone else to chase.
Still… my earlier performance wasn’t bad. A little “overperformance” this time—understandable, right?
Lang Yougong smiled at Zhang Yu. “Keep it up. At this pace, you’ll be ready for the Civil Engineering Department’s competition next year.”
Across the room, several upper-tier observers watched the rivalry unfold.
“One’s clearly pushing the other. They’re driving each other to improve—healthy competition.”
“Wait… they’re both ranked so high in physical tests?”
Ying Xin chuckled. “To keep this up, Li Xiao’s money won’t last. Let’s see who runs out first—these two First Layer students.”
“First Year students don’t adapt well to university life. They spend wildly at first—rapid progress, but then collapse. We’ve seen it before.”
Ying Xin had long known Li Xiao was borrowing to keep up. She’d been waiting for the moment he’d hit his limit, ready to laugh at the sight of a First Year drowning in debt.
Now, seeing Li Xiao walk back, dazed and hollow-eyed, she greeted him with a smirk. “Old Li, after the exam, wanna hit the training room together?”
Li Xiao forced a weak smile. “Yeah… sure.”
…
In the professional course exams, subjects like Engineering Array Drawing and Interpretation, Martial Dao Power Studies, and Construction Technology included both written and technique tests.
Techniques like Digging Palm, Crane Claw, Racing Leg, and Elevator Leap—Zhang Yu had already mastered them all and trained them to Level 10.
But for Civil Engineering-specific techniques like Concrete Qi, Lifting Power, and Mountain-Back Fast Walk—Zhang Yu had barely practiced beyond basic classroom drills.
Most of his time and energy had been devoted to refining his Tu Mu Holy Body techniques.
Still, three months wasn’t enough for mastery. Teachers didn’t expect perfection. Zhang Yu’s performance went unnoticed.
Gong Shuijin watched him, thinking: My friend’s martial talent is truly lacking. But his base stats? Though not keeping pace with me, they’re still solid. Must’ve poured a lot of resources into this.
…
That night, all exam scores were finalized.
Rank 6: Zhang Yu — Total Score: 688
Rank 7: Li Xiao — Total Score: 682
Li Xiao stared at the final rankings, a wave of confusion washing over him.
He’d believed Zhang Yu had taken the chance to join Construction Site—until Tu Lishan’s call revived him.
“Li Xiao, not every student can join Construction Site right after enrollment. This year’s single spot? I fought hard for it—reserved for top performers.”
“I know you’ve been grinding nonstop. Honestly, I admire you.”
“Your score is slightly behind Zhang Yu’s, but I believe in you. From the first time I saw you, I knew—you belong in Construction Site.”
“Here’s the deal: You pay me 20% of your monthly earnings from Construction Site, and I’ll smooth the way. You’ll get in.”
…
In the dorm room, Zhang Yu showed Zhang Pianpian his 6th-place ranking.
“Sis, I underperformed. Is ranking sixth too flashy?”
Zhang Pianpian sighed. “A little, but it’s fine. How did you mess up?”
Zhang Yu groaned. “Bad luck. I picked the wrong benchmark.”
“That Li Xiao—probably hiding his strength the whole time.”
“He chose me as his target, wanted to follow behind me.”
“But I picked him as my goal, wanted to pull ahead.”
“We ended up chasing each other, pushing each other higher.”
Zhang Yu shook his head. Top Ten really is full of hidden geniuses. I’m not the only one with talent.
Zhang Pianpian nodded. “Then there’s nothing we can do. Sixth place isn’t too noticeable. Just stay there for now—don’t make any drastic jumps.”
Just then, the dorm door creaked open. Yu Xinghan strode in, wearing his 11th-place ranking with pride.
“Zhang Yu,” he asked, “did Tu Teacher mention Construction Site?”
Zhang Yu nodded. “I’m supposed to report in a few days.”
Yu Xinghan: “Did he mention… the money part?”
(End of Chapter)
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