Several days before the New Year, Yan Ming King returned to Qinghe Academy with his female confidante and his young follower, in preparation for the province-wide final exams.
The last event was a tournament, but this time it was different. It was on a much larger scale and conducted directly within a Secret Realm.
Wang Linchi didn't have much to do at the moment, as he had used up all the materials for his experiments. He spent his days cultivating the Book Mountain and Sea Soul Forging Method and reading to cultivate his temperament.
However, his cultivation progress was becoming increasingly challenging. After his spiritual power reached 23 points, improvement became incredibly difficult, slowing to a snail's pace.
He seemed to be nearing his limit.
He had considered strengthening his physical body through research to expand its capacity, but that wasn't realistic. Before entering Qinghe University, he had tempered his body for many years, and it had already reached a point where further progress was impossible.
He had also considered inquiring about the black market, but he couldn't get any information. He wasn't part of that circle, and it was incredibly difficult to access anything related to it, even mundane items common within that world.
The Battle-type Awakeners paid him no mind. Since he couldn't fight, why should they bother with him?
The privileged class looked down on Wang Linchi, who belonged to a much lower social stratum.
Moreover, such inquiries couldn't be made openly. The black market was illegal by nature, and trying to gather information about it was courting disaster.
Thus, Wang Linchi maintained a low profile, spending his time reading various books in the library.
Useful or not, he had nothing better to do. Besides, staying at the academy meant free meals, which saved him a considerable amount of money.
He still had around ten thousand units, as he lacked Soul Kind, not money. Sometimes, even with money, one couldn't buy Soul Kind, as it was strictly controlled by the Dajing Court.
Of course, even if he wanted to buy more, he couldn't afford it with what he had.
A little over ten thousand could only afford a single Excellent Level Soul Kind.
The value of Soul Kind and money were not at all equivalent.
"Time to go. I should head to the dining hall for a free meal," Wang Linchi said, putting down his book and preparing to leave.
The library was usually deserted. Nine out of ten students at the academy were Battle-type Awakeners. They would rather spend their time cultivating or battling than reading. To them, reading was a waste of time.
Leaving early again... Wang Linchi glanced at the library's front desk, unsure what to say.
He knew the front desk attendant, a student like himself with an ordinary Soul Resemblance—which was not very useful—who worked part-time at the academy.
The two had become quite familiar over time. He picked up a note from the desk. It read: "I'm heading to the dining hall to save you a seat. Please lock up for me. The key is in the usual place."
Wang Linchi shredded the note and tossed it into the trash. He then skillfully retrieved the key from under the doormat, locked the door, returned the key, and, after this fluid sequence of actions, headed towards the dining hall.
Halfway there, he found the path ahead blocked.
A large crowd had gathered, apparently causing some commotion.
Don't tell me it's Yan Ming King again... Wang Linchi thought. Without hesitation, he decided to take a detour.
Normally, the academy would go three to five years without any major incidents. However, things changed after Yan Ming King arrived; major events seemed to occur every few days.
During the period he was away from the academy causing trouble elsewhere, public order in Qinghe City had noticeably improved, and Qinghe Academy had enjoyed a rare period of tranquility.
Then, Wang Linchi heard a familiar voice.
"Yan Ming King, you arrogant fool! Do you have any idea who my older brother is? He's a fifth-year Awakener, already a Mountain Copper Level expert! What makes you think you're qualified to compete with me for a woman?"
The voice was piercingly loud, prompting Wang Linchi to quicken his pace.
As he departed, he could still hear the crowd jeering at Yan Ming King, saying he was overestimating himself.
It seems Yan Ming King is either already a Mountain Copper Level Awakener or at the peak of the Black Iron Level, just one step away from breaking through. Then he'll be able to defeat that fifth-year student by fighting above his level.
Considering this, Yan Ming King should be moving on to a new 'map' soon.
It would be good if he moved on. If he leaves, Qinghe Academy will be much more peaceful.
That said, this Intelligence Reduction Aura is truly potent.
Although Yan Ming King was somewhat eccentric, his contributions were undeniable. In recent times, by competing in various tournaments and conquering Secret Realms, he had earned countless honors and merits for Qinghe Academy. Yet, instead of acknowledging his achievements, people either ridiculed or doubted him.
Anyone else would have been disheartened by now.
Fortunately, Yan Ming King wasn't the type to be disheartened. Showing off, putting down opponents, and revealing his true strength in public—these acts were enough to compensate for any frustration. After all, the shock and disbelief of onlookers after a reversal provided Yan Ming King with ample emotional validation.
Moreover, a duel would surely follow, and Yan Ming King would reap benefits. With both emotional validation and tangible gains, there was no way he'd feel disheartened; he'd probably wish for more people to come and "deliver" themselves to him.
"You're here! Sit down, quick. I got your food," Mo Yan called out as Wang Linchi arrived at the dining hall.
Mo Yan was the library's front desk attendant, the one who had asked Wang Linchi to lock up.
Wang Linchi sat down, glanced at the food on his tray, picked up a chicken leg, and began to eat.
"Did you hear? About Yan Ming King..."
As soon as Wang Linchi sat down, Mo Yan began to speak, clearly eager to share some gossip.
"I heard. I just passed by there," Wang Linchi said after swallowing his food.
"Really?! Then tell me what happened, quick!" Mo Yan's eyes lit up; he was very curious.
"There's not much to say. It was a dispute over a woman. I don't know the specifics. You can find out yourself," Wang Linchi replied vaguely.
He had no intention of discussing these matters.
"You were right there and didn't stay to watch how it ended?" Mo Yan said, a hint of reproach in his voice. He didn't press the issue, though. Then, as if remembering something, he lowered his voice, "By the way, Zhou from the fifth year has set up a betting pool. Interested?"
"A betting pool?" Wang Linchi's interest was piqued. Looks like I'll get to see Yan Ming King show off and crush someone again.
"Yes, the betting is on this province-wide joint examination. With a bit of luck, we could make some pocket money," Mo Yan said conspiratorially, pulling a list from his pocket. "This is a list of the top prodigies from all the academies in our province. We should bet on the highest-ranked ones."
Mo Yan wasn't aiming to make a lot of money; earning just ten or so units would be enough for him.
Wang Linchi, however, was different. He wanted to rake in around ten thousand.