Chapter 30: Palm Power Duel and the Daoxin Exam
Xiao Tianxing Palm was a martial art with no formal forms—just pure cultivation of Martial Energy, channeled into icy, penetrating palm force. At this moment, He Dayou unleashed the full power of Xiao Tianxing Palm, confident he could freeze Zhang Yu’s internal organs, crippling him with frostbite.
He was certain that, given Zhang Yu’s poverty, there’d be no way the boy could afford medical treatment. He’d have to endure the pain—just like he deserved.
“Beggars like you should stay home for at least a week.”
Boom!
The two palms collided with a thunderous impact. Their Martial Energies surged into one another, erupting like a detonation deep within their bodies.
Though Xiao Tianxing Palm was devastating in power, He Dayou had only just mastered it. Zhang Yu, on the other hand, was using the basic San Shou—ordinary, unimpressive—but he had already trained it to Level 3, enough to generate formidable force.
As their energies clashed, the shockwaves rippled through their frames. He Dayou soon realized his advantage wasn’t as overwhelming as he’d hoped. The icy palm force crept forward slowly, pushing back Zhang Yu’s defense bit by bit—but only just.
Even more shocking was Zhang Yu’s resilience. Like an indestructible top, every time He Dayou forced his energy deeper, Zhang Yu would instantly push back, holding his ground despite being at a clear disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Zhang Yu’s Martial Energy continued circulating within him, replenishing itself without pause. Each time he absorbed the cold assault, he recovered, ready to endure the next wave.
Beside them, the assistant teacher watched in alarm. “They’re actually clashing Martial Energies?”
Seeing the grim expressions on both boys’ faces, he feared for their safety—especially since one of them was the chairman’s son. His own performance review would be ruined if anything went wrong.
He rushed to warn them. “Students! If you can’t keep going, admit defeat immediately! The other must withdraw their energy at once.”
“Don’t ruin your futures over a single Monthly Exam!”
Neither spoke. He Dayou locked eyes with Zhang Yu, pouring every ounce of his will into his energy, firing wave after wave of Xiao Tianxing Palm force.
Zhang Yu, calm and focused, activated Zhou Tian Cai Qi Fa—a passive cultivation technique. He let it restore his energy while simultaneously resisting He Dayou’s assault.
Minutes passed. Sweat poured from both of their brows, their bodies radiating heat like two roaring furnaces.
Yet Zhang Yu’s face remained flushed, growing increasingly relaxed.
He Dayou, however, was pale. His breaths grew ragged. His body trembled.
Finally, he could no longer suppress his fury. “You… you’re not supposed to be this strong!”
The assistant teacher glanced at the clock. Over a minute had passed. Seeing He Dayou’s deteriorating state, he had to speak again.
“Both of you—if you’re struggling, just concede. This is just a Monthly Exam.”
He Dayou tried to speak, his jaw clenched. He stared at Zhang Yu, who looked effortlessly composed. With a final, strained effort, he forced out the words:
“I… I concede.”
As their energies withdrew, He Dayou collapsed to the ground, pale as a corpse. His dantian was nearly empty.
He glared at Zhang Yu. “How much Martial Energy do you have left?”
Zhang Yu looked down at the broken boy and replied modestly: “Maybe one or two percent.”
He Dayou snorted bitterly. He knew the truth—Zhang Yu still had plenty left.
Slowly, he rose to his feet, staring at Zhang Yu with a mix of resentment and reluctant respect. “You’re good.”
“Next time… we’ll settle this properly.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
As he did, he reflected on the battle. Reluctantly, he admitted it to himself:
Zhang Yu… is strong.
But… too bad he’s a poor kid. He’ll never be anything but our puppet.
I hope you last until I can defeat you fairly. I don’t want regrets.
Back at the scene, Zhang Yu watched He Dayou’s unsteady gait.
Next time?
You’re not even thinking straight. That was the peak of your strength. That’s your last good memory. Next time, I might just make you apologize to me for not giving your best effort.
Zhang Yu stepped out of the exam hall and saw Bai Zhenzhen leaning against the wall.
“Hey, Zhenzhen. Fast work.”
“Mm. A few moves and it’s done.” She glanced at him, curious. “Who’d you draw?”
“He Dayou.”
“F!” Bai Zhenzhen slammed her foot down. “He showed off in the Daoist Arts exam, now you get humiliated? He’s having a field day today.”
“But don’t worry—I’ll challenge him in the next practical class. I’ll make him pay.”
Zhang Yu just stared. “I won.”
Bai Zhenzhen blinked, stunned.
Zhang Yu didn’t hesitate. He threw a punch—straight at her.
She blocked instantly.
Their fists and palms clashed again and again, arms blurring in the air, each strike echoing like heavy hammers.
Boom!
After several exchanges, they broke apart.
Bai Zhenzhen’s eyes widened. “You’re Level 3 in San Shou?”
Zhang Yu smirked. “You too?”
She stared at him in shock. “You were only Level 1 before! How did you jump to Level 3 so fast? Did you secretly train it all along—just waiting for a chance like this to show off? You’ve been reading too many fantasy novels.”
Zhang Yu narrowed his eyes. “You’re the one who’s lying, Zhenzhen. You said you were only Level 2. You’re willing to fake your level just to steal the spotlight?”
Bai Zhenzhen flushed. “I’m not doing it for attention!”
“San Shou level doesn’t boost your score.”
“In fact, keeping it hidden gives you the edge in real combat. Surprise is half the battle.”
“Didn’t the teacher say that? Intelligence warfare is part of the exam.”
Zhang Yu paused. Then he thought of He Dayou’s sudden icy palm attack—how close it had come to catching him off guard.
Now, he understood.
Yes… I should keep some things hidden. Not everything needs to be revealed.
Later, after Zhou Tianyi finished his exam, the three of them ate dinner together in the cafeteria before heading off—some to home, others to catch up on lessons.
Tomorrow was the test for Daoxin, Martial Energy, and Physical Strength Level.
But that night, Zhang Yu returned to the abandoned construction site.
The Feather Scroll’s Specialization cooldown—24 hours—hadn’t expired yet.
Since he was still specializing in San Shou, he decided to push it further.
Heh. I showed my Level 3 San Shou to Zhenzhen. But if I train hard enough tonight and get it to Level 5 or 6… I’ll have a new secret weapon.
Just imagine her face when she sees me next time.
Zhang Yu trained with focus. Rest when tired. Rise again when recovered.
Time slipped by like water.
Dawn broke. Sunlight seeped through the broken windows, painting golden streaks across the rubble.
Zhang Yu slowly opened his eyes, still seated in meditation.
After a full night of cultivation, his San Shou had reached Level 5 (3/50). His understanding of the technique had deepened significantly.
His Martial Energy had climbed from 11.7 to 11.8.
He exhaled, a quiet smile on his lips.
With Zhou Tian Cai Qi Fa’s passive recovery, even just breathing during rest gives me steady gains. I’ve been improving without even trying hard.
Feeling the constant, subtle growth of his energy, Zhang Yu’s mood lifted.
He couldn’t wait for the Specialization cooldown to end—then he’d push Zhou Tian Cai Qi Fa to Level 10.
What kind of power will that unlock?
...
The next morning, Zhang Yu squeezed onto a packed bus.
Sōngyáng was still under a heavy gloom.
Students’ faces were grim—clearly, yesterday’s exams hadn’t gone well.
After breakfast, he arrived at the first exam hall: the Daoxin Exam.
White walls. Rows of neatly arranged beds. The room looked like a hospital ward.
But instead of oxygen machines, each bed had a face mask attached to the back.
Zhang Yu sat down at his assigned bed. Moments later, the familiar countdown echoed in his mind.
He rolled his eyes. Then, without hesitation, he entered meditation.
As he breathed, students kept filing in. Soon, every bed was filled.
Then—ding-ding-ding!—the signal rang.
All eyes snapped to attention.
A cheerful melody played over the intercom.
When the music ended, a calm female voice announced:
“This is the city-wide monthly Daoxin Exam for all high schools in Sōngyáng. The exam will last 60 minutes.”
Zhang Yu didn’t flinch.
He’d lived through this before.
Unlike yesterday’s general knowledge, martial arts, and Daoist Arts exams, the Daoxin Exam was always a unified test across the entire city.
That was due to its unique nature—both in spirit and function.
The voice continued:
“During the exam, please ensure your Spiritual Interface Mask is properly worn.”
“Now begins the equipment check and setup phase.”
Every student immediately picked up their mask, checking the cable connection, testing the power, ensuring no damage.
Zhang Yu did the same. Verified the plug. Turned it on. Confirmed it worked.
Then, he placed the mask over his face.
It instantly molded to his skin—stretching, reshaping—until it felt like a second layer of flesh.
But his vision was gone. Only darkness remained.
A few seconds later, the voice returned:
“Equipment check complete.”
“The Daoxin Exam has officially begun.”
The darkness before Zhang Yu’s eyes shivered.
Then, light began to form—tiny glowing particles floating into existence.
In an instant, he was no longer in the exam hall.
He had stepped into another world.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
