Chapter 30: Palm Power Duel and Dao Core Exam

Chapter 30: Palm Power Duel and Dao Core Exam

The Lesser Celestial Star Palm is a martial art with no specific techniques, but rather a method of channeling mana into a freezing, icy palm force.

At this moment, He Dayou confidently unleashed the icy palm force of the Lesser Celestial Star Palm, aiming to severely injure Zhang Yu and freeze his internal organs.

He believed that with Zhang Yu’s financial situation, he wouldn’t have the money to go to the hospital for treatment and would have to tough it out.

"Poor guy, at least you won’t be coming to school for a week."

Boom!

As their palms clashed, their mana collided, creating an explosion within their bodies.

Although He Dayou’s Lesser Celestial Star Palm was powerful, it was still newly mastered.

Zhang Yu, on the other hand, was using the common Freehand Combat, which he had already practiced to the third level, allowing him to unleash a formidable palm force.

As their palm forces collided, the mana surged, and He Dayou found that his advantage wasn’t as significant as he had imagined. The force of the Lesser Celestial Star Palm could only gradually push back Zhang Yu’s palm force, slowly infiltrating his body.

What surprised He Dayou even more was that Zhang Yu seemed like an unbreakable doll. Every time He Dayou’s palm force managed to intrude a bit, Zhang Yu would quickly push it back. Despite being at a disadvantage, he managed to hold his ground and not be defeated.

Meanwhile, the mana circulation within Zhang Yu’s body continued, steadily restoring his mana and allowing him to withstand He Dayou’s Lesser Celestial Star Palm force repeatedly.

The assistant teacher, witnessing this, was suddenly alarmed. "They’re clashing with mana?"

Seeing the serious expressions on both students’ faces, the assistant teacher feared for their safety, knowing that if anything happened, his annual performance bonus would be in jeopardy. Especially since one of them was the son of a board trustee, it was crucial that nothing went wrong.

He quickly reminded them, "Students, if anyone can’t hold on, immediately admit defeat and withdraw your mana."

"Don’t let a monthly exam cause you serious injuries and jeopardize your future."

Neither of them spoke. He Dayou stared intently at Zhang Yu, frantically channeling mana to unleash the Lesser Celestial Star Palm force.

Zhang Yu, however, remained calm, actively using the Heavenly Cycle Qi Gathering Method to restore his mana while countering He Dayou’s palm force.

In no time, both of their foreheads were drenched in sweat, and their bodies were radiating heat like huge furnaces.

However, Zhang Yu’s complexion was rosy, and he looked increasingly relaxed.

In contrast, He Dayou’s face was pale, and he was showing signs of fatigue.

Unable to control his emotions, He Dayou glared at Zhang Yu in shock and anger.

The assistant teacher checked the time, noting that the mana clash had already lasted over a minute. Seeing He Dayou’s state, he felt compelled to remind them again, "Students, if you can’t hold on, immediately admit defeat."

"It’s just a monthly exam."

He Dayou struggled to speak, seeing Zhang Yu’s increasingly relaxed state. Finally, he managed to force out a few words, "I... I give up."

As both of them gradually withdrew their mana, He Dayou collapsed onto the ground.

His face was as pale as paper, and his energy core was almost depleted of mana.

He looked at Zhang Yu with a mix of resentment and admiration. "How much mana do you have left?"

Zhang Yu, seeing He Dayou’s weakened state, modestly replied, "About one or two percent."

He Dayou snorted, knowing that it was far more than that.

He slowly stood up and gave Zhang Yu a deep look. "You did well."

"Next time, we’ll spar again."

With that, He Dayou turned and left.

On his way out, he couldn’t help but admit to himself, "Zhang Yu... he’s strong."

"But... it’s a pity. As a poor person, he’s destined to become our dog."

"I hope you can hold on until I can defeat you properly next time, without leaving any regrets."

On the other side, Zhang Yu watched He Dayou’s weakened back as he left. He thought to himself, "Next time? I don’t think so..."

"This is the closest you’ll ever get to matching me. The next time we fight, I’m afraid you’ll be the one who can’t bring out your full strength."

Zhang Yu walked out of the exam room and saw Bai Zhenzhen leaning against the wall.

"Hey, Zhenzhen, you were quick."

"Yup, a few moves did the trick." Bai Zhenzhen glanced at him curiously. "Who did you draw?"

"He Dayou."

"Damn!" Bai Zhenzhen stomped her foot in anger. "He just showed off during the Taoist Arts exam, and now he’s humiliated you. He’s having a field day today."

"But don’t worry, I’ll challenge him in the next practical class and humiliate him for you."

Zhang Yu looked at Bai Zhenzhen speechlessly. "I won."

Feeling her surprised gaze, Zhang Yu decided to demonstrate.

He threw a punch, which Bai Zhenzhen immediately blocked with her palm.

Their fists and palms clashed repeatedly, their arms blurring in the air, creating a series of heavy thuds.

Bang!

After several exchanges, they finally broke apart.

Bai Zhenzhen: "You’re at Freehand Combat level 3?"

Zhang Yu: "You’re at Freehand Combat level 3?"

Bai Zhenzhen was shocked. "You were only at level 1 before. How did you suddenly reach level 3? Did you actually practice Freehand Combat to level 3 and just wait for an opportunity like today to show off? You’ve been reading too many power-up novels, haven’t you?"

Zhang Yu looked at Bai Zhenzhen with a mix of surprise and suspicion. "Zhenzhen, did you just say what you were thinking? You clearly said you were at level 2 before. You’re really going to any lengths to stand out, aren’t you?"

Bai Zhenzhen blushed and explained, "I’m not doing it to stand out."

"Higher Freehand Combat levels don’t add points."

"Instead, keeping a few tricks up your sleeve can give you an advantage in practical exams and help you score higher."

"Didn’t the teacher say that intelligence gathering is also part of practical exams?"

Zhang Yu thought about his battle with He Dayou today.

The sudden use of the icy palm technique had almost caught him off guard.

Hearing Bai Zhenzhen’s words, Zhang Yu agreed, thinking, "I should definitely keep some cards up my sleeve and not reveal everything."

After Zhou Tianyi finished his exam, the three of them went to the cafeteria for dinner and then went their separate ways, either home or to extra classes.

The next day would be the Dao Heart, Mana, and Physical Strength Level exams.

That night, Zhang Yu returned to the Half-Constructed Tower.

The 24-hour cooldown for switching Specializations in the Feather Codex had not yet passed.

Since he was still Specialized in Freehand Combat, Zhang Yu decided to continue practicing and push his level even higher.

"Heh, although I revealed my level 3 Freehand Combat to Zhenzhen, if I can push it to level 5 or 6 tonight, I’ll have a new card to play."

Thinking about the shock on Bai Zhenzhen’s face next time, Zhang Yu felt his punches grow even stronger.

So, Zhang Yu practiced Freehand Combat diligently, resting to restore his spirit when tired, and then continuing his practice. The night passed in a flash.

The next morning, as the sunlight slowly filtered through the Half-Constructed Tower’s empty window frames and fell on Zhang Yu, he slowly opened his eyes.

After a night of intense practice, his Freehand Combat had reached level 5 (3/50), and his understanding of this basic martial art had deepened.

His mana had also increased from 11.7 to 11.8.

Zhang Yu thought to himself, "With the passive Spiritual Respiration effect of the Heavenly Cycle Qi Gathering Method, even if I only rest and practice Spiritual Respiration, my mana still grows significantly every day."

Feeling the constant increase in his mana, Zhang Yu’s mood improved, and he looked forward to the effects of upgrading the Heavenly Cycle Qi Gathering Method to level 10 after the cooldown period.

...

Squeezing onto the bus and walking into school, Songyang City still felt under a low-pressure cloud.

Many students looked visibly upset, clearly having had a rough time with the exams the day before.

After breakfast, Zhang Yu made his way to the exam room for the Dao Core Exam.

The white walls and neatly arranged beds made the exam room look like a hospital ward.

However, instead of oxygen machines, the beds were connected to mask-like devices.

Zhang Yu had just sat down at his bed when he heard the countdown in his mind.

He smirked and began practicing Spiritual Respiration.

As Zhang Yu practiced, more and more students entered the room, and the beds gradually filled up.

The ringing of a bell signaled the start of the exam, and the students’ expressions grew serious.

A light, soothing tune played over the intercom.

When the music ended, a female voice announced, "This is the city-wide unified monthly Dao Core Exam for all high schools in Songyang City. The exam will last 60 minutes."

Zhang Yu was not surprised by the announcement, as he had experienced previous monthly exams.

Unlike the general knowledge, martial arts, and Taoist Arts exams, the Dao Core Exam was a unified city-wide test.

This was due to the unique nature of Dao Heart and Dao Core.

The female voice continued, "Please ensure that the Spirit Interface Mask is correctly worn on your face throughout the exam."

"Now is the time for equipment check and wearing."

All the students immediately picked up the masks from their beds and began checking them.

Zhang Yu did the same, confirming that the mask’s cables were plugged in and that the mask was functioning properly.

After ensuring there were no issues, he put the mask on his face.

The mask deformed and perfectly covered his face, as if it had become an additional layer of skin.

However, with his eyes covered, Zhang Yu was left in complete darkness.

A moment later, the female voice from the intercom spoke again, "Equipment check and wearing are complete."

"The Dao Core Exam is now starting."

The darkness before Zhang Yu’s eyes suddenly vibrated, and as particles of light appeared, he found himself transported to another world.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end