Chapter 41: Secret Plots and the Mystic Arts Competition Begins

Chapter 41: Secret Plots and the Mystic Arts Competition Begins

Zhang Yu was initially taken aback when he saw the intricate energy circulation diagram.

But once he actually tried it out, he realized it was much simpler than his daily practice of the Heavenly Cycle Qi Gathering Technique.

Compared to the complex Mana circulation throughout the body established by the Heavenly Cycle Qi Gathering Technique, the route for converting Mana into sharp sword energy was incredibly straightforward.

Zhang Yu had already advanced the Heavenly Cycle Qi Gathering Technique to level 10, practicing it countless times.

Now, practicing this new technique felt as easy as a college student from his past life doing mental math to dominate a group of kids.

So when he began following the energy circulation diagram projected in front of him, guiding the Mana to his right arm, and made a slight attempt, he felt a sharp aura burst from his fingertips.

This sharp aura couldn't even be called sword energy, and its power was barely better than a utility knife, but it still made Zhang Yu feel incredibly excited.

"Zhenzhen, look! I did it!"

Bai Zhenzhen: "Shrimp-head Zhang Yu! Goose heart!"

Teacher Yan immediately looked over, surprised. "Have you studied this before?"

Seeing Zhang Yu shake his head, she remarked, "It seems you have a natural talent for this."

Noticing Zhang Yu's aptitude, Teacher Yan became even more dedicated to her teaching.

She then went through several basic Mana conversion techniques, such as heating, cooling, and electrification. Zhang Yu managed to learn all of them in a short time, earning her continuous praise and nods.

"Today's lesson ends here. Practice a lot when you get back."

"Tomorrow and the day after, remember to come back at the same time for two more lessons."

"Next time, I'll teach you how to neutralize Mana and how to invade with Mana."

Watching Zhang Yu leave, Teacher Yan thought to herself, "I hope you can crush those eight students who didn't come for extra classes in the Mystic Arts Competition."

As for actually placing in the Mystic Arts Competition, or even making it into the top ten to win a prize and gain extra points for university interviews...

Teacher Yan hadn't even considered that.

If it were a sports competition, Songyang City High School might have a fighting chance.

Although competitions are one thing and the Imperial Entrance Exam is another, Songyang City High School had produced the city's top athlete and was known for its strong sports program.

However, for any competition outside of sports, it was almost always the playground of the three major prestigious schools. Their only rivals were each other, and even a key high school like Songyang City rarely got a chance to compete.

The best Teacher Yan could hope for was that Zhang Yu would be the best performer among the ten Songyang City High School participants, making those who skipped extra classes regret their decision and beg her for more lessons after the Mystic Arts Competition.

On the other side, after leaving the classroom, Zhang Yu found a message from Zhou Chechen on his phone, agreeing to continue the Loan contract and monthly payments.

Zhou Chechen had already bought Zhang Yu's 700,000 Loan debt, becoming his new creditor. However, to show his sincerity, Zhou Chechen had initially allowed Zhang Yu to delay the monthly payments.

Over the past few days, Zhang Yu and Zhou Chechen had discussed the loan payments several times. Despite Zhou Chechen's initial refusals, he eventually agreed to Zhang Yu's request, understanding his desire to avoid debt.

"Agreed?"

Painfully, Zhang Yu made this month's 15,000 Loan payment. Although it hurt, he didn't want to give others a chance to hold him accountable for overdue payments, as Bai Zhenzhen had warned.

Especially if those wealthy individuals found out he was trying to break through the seal and get into one of the top universities of the Ten Great Sects, an overdue loan would be a significant weakness.

After this 15,000 and the 3,000 for extra classes, Zhang Yu's savings had dropped to just over 43,000.

"Sigh, this money doesn't last long."

"I hope the Mystic Arts Competition can help me earn more."

...

On the other side.

Just as Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen left the Model Class classroom to go to Teacher Yan for extra lessons, Liang Qin returned from the restroom and noticed Zhang Yu's empty seat, frowning.

After searching the entire floor without finding Zhang Yu, he couldn't help but curse, "He was just in the classroom. Where did he go?"

"Is he deliberately avoiding me?"

"Just because he became a Golden Core Disciple, does he think he's better than everyone else?"

"If he hadn't become a Golden Core Disciple, he wouldn't be much better than me..."

Leaving the building with a heavy heart, Liang Qin received a phone call.

Listening to the inquiry on the other end, he mumbled, "Yeah, he's already gone home."

"Nothing much happened today."

"Since he became a Golden Core Disciple, he's been acting very aloof, as if he's afraid someone will find out his secret to improving."

"I know, I'll keep an eye on him. Don't forget to send the money."

After hanging up, Liang Qin looked distracted until he saw the transfer notification, which brought a smile to his face.

He was particularly short on money recently.

While most students and teachers at Songyang City High School were struggling financially, Liang Qin was in even worse shape.

His family had been reasonably well-off, living in a suburban apartment rather than the city center or far outskirts.

His mother was a housewife, and his father was a small company employee. Although supporting his education was a strain, they managed to provide for his basic needs.

Things changed a month after he entered Songyang City High School.

Perhaps it was the heavy academic pressure, the declining rankings, the pressure from top students, or the flaunting of wealth by wealthy students, and the strictness of the teachers...

Liang Qin didn't know why, but he, who had always been a top student from elementary to middle school, began to lose focus in high school.

He would open his eyes halfway through Spiritual Respiration to check his phone.

During Physique Cultivation, he always felt weak and listless.

While learning Talismans, he would often daydream.

He seemed to be losing interest in his studies.

What would happen if he lost interest in his studies at Songyang City High School?

Just thinking about it made him feel suffocated, and his state worsened.

At that moment, a senior student he met by chance introduced him to a way to relax and relieve stress.

The senior said, "Try this platform."

Liang Qin hesitated, "Is it for betting Mana?"

The senior laughed it off, "A little bet can be enjoyable. Winning can give you a break, and losing can motivate you to study harder."

The senior patted Liang Qin's shoulder, "I had trouble adjusting when I first entered high school, but playing on this platform helped me relax."

"Don't be too afraid. We are geniuses who can get into high school, and our willpower is stronger than ordinary people."

"Control yourself, and a little relaxation can be beneficial and even earn you some Mana..."

Thinking about his self-discipline from childhood, Liang Qin finally gave it a try.

It was a platform where you could recharge and bet to win Mana.

Winning allowed you to gain Mana by sending Spirit Roots to others.

Losing meant you either sent Spirit Roots to help others cultivate Mana or paid off the debt with money.

Liang Qin lost his first bet.

He lost his second bet as well.

Just as he thought he would lose all his money and that the platform was unreliable, he won 0.3 Mana on his third bet.

He still remembered the excitement of that moment.

The thrill of withdrawing 0.3 Mana from the platform's Spirit Root sent shivers down his spine.

The sudden surge of Mana was a sensation he would never forget.

Over time, he began to place small bets on the platform occasionally.

At first, it was as the senior had said.

If he won, the Mana he gained would reduce the pressure of one Mana class for several days, making him feel much lighter.

If he lost, he would redouble his efforts to cultivate, feeling more motivated.

"Indeed, as long as I control myself, this platform is harmless..."

That's what Liang Qin thought after two months of school.

But by the time four months had passed...

Regret! Regret! Regret!

Every time he thought about secretly using his parents' credit card and the massive debt he had accumulated, Liang Qin would wake up from his sleep, terrified, staring at the door, fearing someone would burst in and take his Energy Core, organs, and flesh...

But now, at the school gate, looking at the 500 yuan he had just received, Liang Qin felt an itch in his hands.

A moment later, watching the 500 yuan vanish in an instant, Liang Qin pounded his chest and fell into a state of regret again.

"It's okay, it's okay."

He consoled himself, "Tomorrow, I'll follow Zhang Yu and get more money."

"Next time, if I win 300, I'll stop immediately."

"As long as I control my greed with absolute willpower, I can gradually pay off my debt..."

Thinking about his plan to mend the sky, Liang Qin walked home.

...

In the office of Songyang City High School, Su Haifeng watched the person on the phone hang up and said, "So Liang Qin was your spy?"

"But he's become a gambling addict. His words can't be trusted."

The man smiled slightly, "I just wanted him to keep an eye on Zhang Yu. It was a minor move, using a waste of resources. I didn't expect much from him."

Su Haifeng shook his head, "Zhang Yu has already talked with the Student Council and is likely to sign a contract soon. Are you still not giving up?"

The man said coldly, "Zhang Yu is my protégé. Although things have developed beyond my expectations, I won't let go so easily."

"Rest assured, I've received word that Zhang Yu will sign with the Student Council after the next Monthly Exam."

"I'll make sure to wrap everything up in time."

...

In the following days, Zhang Yu happily cultivated the Feral Bull Soul-Soothing Scripture, feeling satisfied and fulfilled as he saw his Spiritual Core Level gradually improve.

Besides his daily classes, he also practiced the techniques he learned from Teacher Yan to prepare for the Mana competition.

After more than ten days, the day of the Mystic Arts Competition finally arrived.

During these ten days, thanks to the rapid advancement of the level 10 Feral Bull Soul-Soothing Scripture, Zhang Yu's Spiritual Core Level had risen to level 2 (42%).

He felt that he would have a chance to reach level 3 before or after the next Monthly Exam.

His Mana, cultivated through the Heavenly Cycle Qi Gathering Technique, had steadily increased to 15.4.

Zhang Yu's rapid Mana growth surprised his classmates, but when they noticed that his Physical Strength Level had hardly changed, they concluded that he had devoted all his energy to Spiritual Current cultivation and Mana refinement, preparing for the Mystic Arts Competition.

On that day, at the entrance of Songyang City High School, Teacher Yan led Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen, Qian Shen, He Dayou, and others onto a bus to the Mystic Arts Competition venue at Songyang City First-Year High.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end