Ethan Chen fell silent. After a long pause, he slowly spoke, "Teacher, I'll try out for the selection at Black Dragon Martial Arts Academy."
Saying this, he had already understood that Ryan Ling still didn't want him to choose Huangshan University of Martial Arts. It wasn't that the school was bad, but the risk was too high—if he failed the entrance, his entire future could be ruined.
Ryan's intentions were genuinely for his own good, which Ethan understood, and he didn't blame him. Yet, his personality tended toward pessimism.
Ecosystems were isolated, nearly independent. If possible, Ethan hoped all his friends and family could remain in the same ecosystem. His mindset leaned toward the somber, fearing that leaving might be a permanent farewell.
Given his current situation, taking the early special admission path practically guaranteed entry into the eight prestigious schools. He could even treat the eight schools as a safety net, then aim for Black Dragon Martial Arts Academy on top of that! This was exactly the choice Ryan Ling hoped Ethan would make.
"Alright, do your best," Ryan said, noticing that Ethan still hadn't completely let go of Huangshan University of Martial Arts. He didn't push further.
Boys at the high school age were stubborn; Ryan didn't expect an immediate answer, nor did he demand any signed guarantees. What he did was simple: he told Ethan one thing—you have a better future.
Over the next month, Ethan would naturally convince himself to choose the early special admission path. After all, no one would intentionally sabotage their own future.
Though Ryan appeared burly, he was a teacher at heart, with a fine-tuned understanding of students' psychology.
Ethan's thoughts seemed naive to him, but even naivety had its virtues. A person who loved family and dared to give and work hard was fundamentally non-malicious, someone worth nurturing. Someone who only took without giving, no matter how talented, would be wasted.
Over the next nine days, aside from classes, Ethan spent most of his time in the Martial Arts Room's gravity zone. When his body grew tired, he used the Ruins Immortal Visualization Technique to "relax." When both body and spirit were exhausted, he entered his Crystal Space to refine his martial skills, then returned to continue the cycle.
After mastering Spiritual Power Attachment, Ethan's explosive strength and speed did improve slightly. But as Aria had said, spiritual power needed to reach Level 10 for a true transformation. At his current level, the enhancement from Spiritual Power Attachment wasn't significant.
Twenty more days passed. Ethan had purchased twelve boxes of Thunderforce Vitality Pill with his card, leaving him with only twenty thousand.
Over the past month, he had consumed nine boxes, leaving six, with the effects just past the third cycle. Fortunately, no tolerance had developed yet, and the improvements remained noticeable.
March 16, 19:05. Ethan Chen, Liu Bo, and Moret, led by Ryan Ling, arrived in Harbor City.
Harbor City was a central city. Cities were ranked from low to high: ordinary, central, and core. Liang City fell into the ordinary category.
Central cities represented the strongest cities in their districts, such as Harbor City in Ziyun District. Core cities were the strongest in their respective domains. Cyber City belonged to Punk District, which, along with Ziyun District, was under the Bear Domain's governance.
Therefore, Cyber City held the dual title of both the central city of Punk District and the core city of Bear Domain.
The seventh ecosystem contained seven domains, and each domain's core city represented the highest martial and technological prowess of that region.
"What a beautiful city," Ethan exclaimed as he stepped off the plane. This was the first time he had ever left Liang City, and the sight of the bustling streets held him spellbound. Liu Bo felt similarly, while Moret, a wealthy son from Liang City, remained indifferent.
"Let's go, our guide has arrived," Ryan Ling said, stepping out and immediately sharing his location with the attendant via his smart wristband.
"Hello, you must be the Liang City team. I'm your guide, Ryan Wang," a chubby man with black-rimmed glasses jogged over to Ryan Ling. Ryan looked at the almost overlapping dots on his wristband and nodded.
In the Hundred Cities Championship, all participating teams were named with their city plus team designation.
"Follow me," Ryan Wang said, leading the four into an MPV headed for Harbor City Grand Hotel.
Ryan Wang was talkative, like a tour guide, explaining much of Harbor City's culture and geography. Before they knew it, an hour had passed, and the four arrived at their destination. After a quick greeting, Ryan Wang left, saying he needed to pick up participants from other cities.
Except for Harbor City, all teams had to arrive at Harbor City Grand Hotel and complete check-in by midnight; otherwise, they would be considered to have forfeited.
The moment the four stepped into the lobby, a loud roar rang out.
"You won't let me check in?"
"What do you mean? I arrived on time. Are you targeting me?"
A man wearing a robe, his hair in a samurai-style topknot, slammed his sword onto the desk. "You'd better explain!"
The two reception staff quickly replied, "It's not like that, Mr. Takeshi Musashi. Your Deerfield City team has only you—no team leader. By the rules, you can't check in."
"The Hundred Cities Championship—where does it say that everyone must arrive or that a leader is required?"
"Point it out, and I'll withdraw immediately."
Faced with Musashi's assertiveness, the staff exchanged helpless glances. According to the rules, teams could only compete after completing check-in within the designated time. Could a single person really count as a team?
"So much sword intent!" Ethan squinted as he studied him.
"You sensed it?" Ryan Ling asked, surprised, looking at Ethan.
Ethan nodded seriously. "His martial skill level is probably no lower than mine."
Liu Bo and Moret both showed surprise. Ethan's skill was evident to them, yet this seemingly crude man was so formidable?
"He's Takeshi Musashi, Deerfield No. 1 High School's top student. His sword mastery reached (Tier 1) Mastery Level in the first semester of senior year!" Ryan Ling said sternly.
"Mastery level in the first semester?" Ethan was slightly stunned. Indeed, it was time to open his eyes to the world. He had thought his martial skills were secure, but here he was, facing a genuine rival.
"Musashi, huh…" Ethan mentally noted the name. Though the sword intent was strong, something about it felt unusual—he couldn't tell which sword technique was used.
Tap, tap, tap… footsteps suddenly echoed from the second floor. A girl in a white T-shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers, and a neat high ponytail appeared, her youthful style accentuated by a stunningly beautiful face.
"It's the Sea Princess!""Oh my, she's even more beautiful in person than in photos!""I saw online that she isn't photogenic—turns out that's true!"
She glanced calmly at Musashi. "Let him check in. As for his teammates, they are considered forfeited."
"Crazy Musashi, you don't need teammates, right?"
Musashi didn't look up, smirking coldly. "Indeed. Those two (Tier 1) Advanced Level opponents are useless anyway."
He signed his name, glanced toward the stairs, and said, "Thanks, Sea Princess," leaving without another word.
"Insane! Absolutely insane!""Who is this Musashi, calling Advanced Level fighters useless?"
His words stirred discontent, with some even demanding his withdrawal.
"Sea Princess?" Ethan stared at the beautiful girl, feeling an indescribable familiarity.
"Caught your eye?" Moret teased, noticing Ethan zoning out.
"I'd advise giving up. Her name is Kathy Zhou, the only child of Harbor City No. 1 High School's principal. Nicknamed the Sea Princess, her family power, wealth, prestige, and personal aptitude are all top-tier. A true golden girl. You don't stand a chance."
Ethan ignored Moret, frowning as he searched his memory. He knew he had seen that face before. His spiritual power flared, aiding his mental search, and finally he recalled—this face was identical to the Little Nuclear Girl from virtual battles, the one who sold nuclear bombs!