Chapter 38: 10th Level Zhou Tian Cai Qi Fa
Turning to Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen looked surprised. “You’re serious?”
“Yu, don’t make such a big decision so lightly,” she added. “If you’re aiming for one of the Top Ten Elite Universities, you’re basically declaring war on countless people across Shangyang City.”
“Are you really just saying this to show off?”
Zhang Yu snapped, “What the hell are you talking about? I’m being dead serious—don’t treat me like I’m joking!”
Seeing the genuine intensity in Zhang Yu’s eyes, Bai Zhenzhen suddenly smiled. “Alright, fine. If you’re really going for it, then go for it.”
“They gave you one month to decide, right?”
“Yeah. My deadline is exactly one month from now.”
“Then for the next two weeks, focus on pushing your own limits. I’ll take you to meet some people at the Mana Competition.”
“The Mana Competition?” Zhang Yu’s mind sparked. He remembered he’d signed up for the event—it was starting in just two weeks.
“Meet people at the Mana Competition? Who exactly?”
Bai Zhenzhen kept her tone mysterious. “Someone who might be able to help us.”
Damn cryptic talker! Zhang Yu pressed. “Who is it? Just tell me!”
“I don’t know for sure yet,” she said. “But you’ll find out when the time comes.”
Zhang Yu sighed. There was no use pushing further. For now, he’d have to pour every ounce of focus into self-improvement.
Whatever the cost, the only thing he could truly control was his own strength.
…
In the Martial Arts class.
“Magic spells are useless,” Lei Jun declared. “Only martial prowess matters. When you’re cornered, when you’re face-to-face with your opponent—your skill in combat is the only thing that’ll save you.”
“At that moment, there’s only one outcome: either you kill them… or they kill you.”
He Dayou silently rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed by the lecture.
Then Lei Jun added, “Alright, now pair up for sparring practice.”
“He Dayou, you’re with Zhang Yu.”
“Huh?” He Dayou blinked, pointing at himself in disbelief.
Lei Jun shot him a cold glare. “What are you staring at? You failed the Monthly Exam so badly, your score was a disgrace. Did you even reflect on it?”
“Now you get a second chance—to learn from Zhang Yu. You’re not interested?”
The accusation landed like a hammer. Even He Dayou, son of a school board director, couldn’t argue back. In a world where failure made every breath a mistake, defiance in class was unthinkable.
Damn old martial arts pedant—trying to bully a high-scoring spellcaster?
He slowly walked to Zhang Yu’s side, silently thinking: But honestly… I might not lose to him now.
Three straight losses to Zhang Yu had stung—but he wasn’t holding a grudge. He’d studied the footage obsessively, even showing it to his private combat tutor. The analysis was clear: Zhang Yu’s San Shou had reached Level 3. One slip, and it could turn deadly.
But Zhang Yu’s flaw was obvious—lack of real combat experience.
So He Dayou had devised a strategy. On the training platform, he stopped attacking. Instead, he focused entirely on defense, waiting for Zhang Yu to grow impatient—then strike with his Xiao Tianxing palm when the opening came.
With a plan, He Dayou felt confident. Even if he lost, he wouldn’t look bad. There was even a chance he could win.
Thud!
Thud!
Thud!
He blocked several rapid strikes. At first, he held strong. But soon, Zhang Yu’s punches grew heavier—each impact sending shockwaves up his arms, his Martial Energy stirring uneasily.
Boom!
Zhang Yu landed a brutal punch, shattering He Dayou’s guard. Before he could recover, a sharp kick sent him flying across the mat.
He hit the ground hard, his body trembling. Martial Energy surged uncontrollably through him—so much so that for a moment, he couldn’t even get up.
“Zhang Yu’s San Shou… stronger than last time?” He Dayou stared, stunned.
At that moment, Lei Jun’s figure blurred—suddenly appearing beside Zhang Yu.
“You’ve reached Level 4 San Shou?”
Zhang Yu, now at Level 5 San Shou, gave a sheepish grin. “Yeah… I broke through yesterday.”
He hadn’t meant to reveal his progress. He’d been holding back, suppressing his San Shou’s power to keep the match fair. But in the heat of battle, after He Dayou switched to pure defense, Zhang Yu had unleashed a barrage—unintentionally pushing his Martial Energy to Level 4.
Lei Jun laughed heartily. “Looks like you’ve got real talent in martial arts.”
“What do you say? Want to enter next month’s Shangyang City Martial Combat Tournament?”
Zhang Yu’s eyes lit up. “Prize money?”
“Of course. First place gets 50,000, plus the right to use an Expert-grade technique.”
Zhang Yu’s mind raced. Mana Competition has prizes too… and now this? If he could win more competitions, collect more rewards, he wouldn’t need student council funding. He could cover living expenses—and even accelerate his cultivation.
Seeing Zhang Yu’s interest, Lei Jun added, “I’ve told you all along—combat skill pays. If you fight well, you’ll earn real money.”
“I’ll sign you up. I’ll bring you and Bai Zhenzhen.”
After Lei Jun left, Zhang Yu glanced at the still-laying He Dayou. “You okay?”
“Fine,” He Dayou said quickly, pushing himself up. He looked at Zhang Yu with a long, silent stare. “I heard the student council called you in yesterday.”
Zhang Yu nodded.
He Dayou slowly calmed his anger. “Don’t bother getting mad. We’re all just campus assets. Doesn’t affect my college entrance exam.”
He rubbed his chest, whispering to himself: First-year combat strength doesn’t matter. Once I master the Expert-grade techniques and build my foundation, I’ll crush Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen… everyone.
On the other side of the training hall, Bai Zhenzhen tapped her foot impatiently. “Done staring? Let’s go.”
Qian Shen reluctantly turned from watching Zhang Yu. Facing Bai Zhenzhen, he felt an overwhelming pressure.
If it were a 550-point average student, he’d have crushed them effortlessly. But facing a 651-point prodigy? Every move felt exposed—like she could see through him. His combat efficiency plummeted the moment they clashed.
How can I possibly beat her? She’s 100 points above me. Why did Lao Lei pair me with her? He should’ve matched me with Zhang Yu—only 6 points below me!
Zhang Yu glanced at He Dayou, Qian Shen, and the other wealthy students. They seem friendly enough… but what happens when they learn I’m aiming for the Top Ten Elite Universities? Will they band together to crush me and A-Zhen?
Watching Qian Shen get completely dominated by Bai Zhenzhen, Zhang Yu mused: Qian Shen’s obsession with scores… he really acts like he doesn’t know poor kids can’t reach the Top Ten. Is he faking it?
Zhang Yu doubted it. Qian Shen’s mindset felt too genuine.
Then again… could it really be that simple? “Let the young master focus on his studies—leave the world’s filth to us.” Like some old-fashioned fairy tale?
He shook his head. The truth remained unclear.
…
In the Spellcraft class.
The teacher looked at He Dayou with admiration. “This Physical Examination Charm is excellent. You’ve clearly mastered the ins and outs of the Jiankang Chusheng Deity’s sigils.”
He Dayou modestly replied, “Teacher, you’re too kind. I still have a long way to go.”
The teacher waved a hand. “Excessive modesty is just pride in disguise.”
“By your level in first year, you don’t need to take these classes anymore. You can skip them. I’ll mark you present regardless.”
He Dayou basked in the envious glances from classmates, playing the humble student—until the teacher suddenly turned.
“Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen—you two need to step up.”
“Extreme specialization won’t help you. Focus on balance.”
“If you’ve time, come to my office for extra tutoring. I’ll give you an 80% discount.”
Both Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen could only nod and endure the lecture. Inside, neither cared. The return on investing in spellcraft training was far too low. They’d rather spend their money on better investments.
…
In the Meditation Chamber.
Wei Xin’s voice echoed through the room. “Zhang Yu, time’s almost up. Want to extend your session?”
Zhang Yu, once again securing the lowest Distraction Rate of the week, hesitated. Then he said, “Add one hour.”
With the Mana Competition approaching, he decided to accelerate his Martial Energy cultivation.
He took a deep breath. The Qi Hai Linggen in his dantian trembled. Qi surged from all directions—spirits from the air, earth, and sky—flowing into him, refined into pure Martial Energy, one thread at a time.
After one hour, as Zhang Yu walked away, Wei Xin sighed in awe.
“No wonder he’s a Golden Core Disciple. His breathing efficiency is skyrocketing.”
“Just… when will he finally upgrade to Platinum Member?”
…
After school.
On the school rooftop.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Two figures clashed at blinding speed, their movements generating thunderous gusts.
Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen, sparring in private.
Unlike in class, this wasn’t about restraint or hiding secrets. They fought at full power—no holds barred. The experience was invaluable.
Zhang Yu’s San Shou was stronger, but his Physical Strength Level lagged behind Bai Zhenzhen’s.
Bai Zhenzhen’s San Shou was weaker, but she wielded a basic high school sword technique—her blade flicking in and out like a viper, forcing Zhang Yu into disarray.
“Yu, don’t watch my hands,” she called. “Watch my waist, my shoulders—anticipate the movement.”
“Don’t rely only on your familiarity with San Shou—use your instincts.”
…
At the school gate stationery shop.
The shopkeeper pointed at the high school rankings. “Zhang Yu, third in first year—jumped 70 points in a month. All thanks to my tonic, painkillers, fillers, and muscle supplements.”
He pulled out a bag of bottles. “Zhang Yu’s Original Training Package—now 10% off!”
Zhang Yu stood at the door, watching the man hawking his wares with practiced charm. A wave of disgust washed over him—yet another reminder of how ugly the adult world could be.
Once the students left, Zhang Yu stepped forward. “So, I told you I’m a campus celebrity. My influence sells. Isn’t it time you raised the price?”
The shopkeeper scowled. “I haven’t even recouped the cost of the Neural Filler I gave you.”
He pointed to a small gift bag. “Only one sale today.”
Zhang Yu thought: These are just mass-market junk. Not even cheaper than online. Why would anyone buy from you?
The shopkeeper added, “And the Strengthening Medicine—many students say you’re naturally built, no need for drugs.”
Zhang Yu quickly changed the subject. “I’ve been eating your stuff too little at school. If you give me two more bottles of Neural Filler, I’ll take them every day—promote your brand like crazy.”
…
Study. Class. Cultivation. Breathing. Sparring.
For five days, Zhang Yu poured his entire being into training.
That night, lying in bed, he suddenly smiled.
After completing his final breath cycle, his Zhou Tian Cai Qi Fa finally reached Level 10.
Instantly, his Martial Energy surged—like a mighty river roaring through his body. A roaring echo filled his ears, as if the world itself was whispering.
After a long moment, the turbulence subsided.
Zhang Yu felt it—his passive cultivation had become as efficient as active cultivation. At 100% power.
That means… even without trying, I’m constantly refining Qi. My Martial Energy grows nonstop.
And after weeks of relentless effort, his Martial Energy had climbed to 13.3—ranking him second in the entire grade.
A sly grin spread across his face.
Of course I’m progressing this fast. I’m a genius with iron discipline. This is what I deserve.
Then, a thought struck him.
But why has A-Zhen’s progress been accelerating so rapidly lately?
Has she… unlocked something too?
(End of Chapter)
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