Five months had passed since then. It was only two weeks until the admission exam, and Jingyi still hadn't broken through. However, it was close. Very close.

In contrast, Xuan Di broke through to Qi Condensation effortlessly, as if he could do it sleeping.

No, he could probably do it even faster if he was sleeping. Instead, what he did was something unthinkable. Xuan Di had been tattoed with Qi dispersal formation, where his Qi absorption and development reduced to two-thirds.

Who would be stupid enough to do that? Qi dispersal tattoos punish petty criminals without destroying their cultivation or the death penalty. But Xuan Di was desperate. Based on various experiments, research, and diet change. Unfortunately, this was his only choice.

Reducing the Qi absorption, Xuan Di successfully slowed his metabolic burn. At first, it was neutral, but then he gained BOTH height and weight. His proportion hadn't improved significantly, but his body regression was halted.

The bamboo stalk arms and legs are still there, albeit showing some musculature development. Fortunately, Di-er's cheek is still somewhat rounded.

Xuan Di became one cun taller. Still shorter than Jingyi, who also grows one cun taller herself. Xuan Di will not win the height race because she's practicing body cultivation. At least for men, those who practice body cultivation since teenhood will grow up to seven or eight chi when six or less is the average.

But she only laments that he'll be less cute.

Jingyi was correct. She knew that Xuan Di's Qi cultivation talent outpaced her significantly. Even with the [Ghost Jade Forge], and copious amounts of supplement in measured doses, Jingyi could barely keep up.

It made her annoyed. But far from disheartened. Xuan Di's monstrous Qi growth was also his greatest enemy. If he grows at full pace, he'll become a walking skeleton in no time. He can never do that unless he's willing to die or become physically cripple.

He had to cripple his Qi cultivation speed to be closer to Jingyi's.

Do not envy the blessed, and pity those who were cursed. Jingyi might not be a Buddhist, but she absorbed some of the teachings from her old master.

"For all evil things and all evil destiny are rooted in greed, hate, and ignorance."

Greed and envy are intrinsically linked.

Envy means you have greed in your heart, hatefully wanting to have what others have. It was the reason why Jingyi made material concessions in her contracts. Already claiming forty percent of the resources allocated to Xuan Di. She's unwilling to hoard all the treasures she found.

Granted, it's not like they went through some dungeon and secret world adventure yet. But in the future, this may happen. Nevertheless, it is time to make a breakthrough.

She sat cross-legged inside the dark cave. In front of her was a bowl of refined [Silver Tiger Lily] bulbs. It was very rich in gentle Yin energy. Something she desperately needed right now.

She put one into her mouth and began chewing. Although the taste was unremarkable, the flood of Qi into her digestive system was oddly comforting.

At least early on.

As she began stuffing herself, the flood of Yin Qi in her meridian began to affect her. It was like someone shoved worms underneath her skin, stretching and wiggling their way out. Everything under her skin was almost torn apart.

Her blood veins popped out visibly, blue and red underneath pale white skin. Her heart raced twice as fast. Each beating felt like a hammer to her chest. Her lungs inflated and deflated desperately, Yin Qi bleeding from her nose and mouth.

Jingyi had a fever and cramps when she entered the Qi-refining phase. And this felt three times as much. Jingyi felt like she would die.

But Jingyi, deep inside, knew this was normal. Her body was undergoing a significant transformation. If nothing else, her dantian and meridians reshaped themselves under the high-pressure Qi flow.

Burn, tear, regrow, reinforce. The cycle of rebirth and destruction within Jingyi's Qi circulation system.

Jingyi cried like a wailing bat in silent midnight.

Condense!

Condense!

Condense!

Psht. Jingyi felt it happened.

It started inside her upper dantian. Then the feeling spread all over her body. The pain spiked up, and she felt like her innard began to collapse. But that dreadful sensation was immediately replaced by cold numbness.

And then, relief. It was as if the emptiness under Jingyi's skin had been soothed out by a flowing stream of fresh water. Her body expelled smelly impurities and copious amounts of Yin Qi to the point where it became visible fog inside the cave.

Instead of constantly circulating gas, her Qi felt like dense vapor.

"Qi-condensation stage achieved." She sighed. "Breakthrough is never not scary."

"Are you finished, Jing-er?" Gudao's voice resounded from the mouth of the cave.

"I did it," Jingyi replied, half-shouting. "Please send the water!"

"Hold on a second. I have to try and cast the [Azure Dragon Dance]!"

Shortly after, a strange dragon-shaped cloud began to fly all over the cave's upper section before blasting Jingyi with high-pressure water. It didn't hurt much. Still, it has a lot of power.

If Jingyi didn't brace herself, she'd be pushed around.

[Azure Dragon Dance] is not an offensive spell. It was a low-grade water spell used for firefighting or other mundane utilities. Not as efficient for watering fields compared to rain cloud spells, though.

Since their departure from Zhongsu, Gudao began to study low-level water element spells. Gudao had never done this before, seeing as [Rebellion Blade] wasn't an elemental sword art.

For non-elemental sword practitioners, studying spells is a distraction at best. And an outright corrupting influence at worst.

However, [Turbulent Sea Blade] is a water element sword art. Furthermore, when seen from mechanical movement, a lot of [Rebellion Blade] movements also had a resemblance to it. Without a doubt, the mythical [Divine Wave Blade] was also a water element sword art.

It has been six months since him reaching Foundation Establishment. As predicted, his Qi cultivation advances as he refined the [Rebellion Blade] to a new stage. Right now, he is already on the third level of Foundation Establishment.

From an objective point of view, he was advancing faster than his daughter. Even faster than Xuan Di without restriction tattoo. But this was to be expected. His bottleneck was caused by the incomplete sword scripture.

According to Duanmu Yu's prediction, Gudao's Qi cultivation growth will slow down drastically as he achieves the fourth level of Foundation. From this point onward, cultivating with [Rebellion Blade] alone would be difficult. The blade art is too simple and not profound enough.

If Gudao was twenty years younger, perhaps he could push through. Alas, cultivators cannot escape aging. The higher the stage, the longer they preserve their youth. The current Gudao has the fitness level of a late-thirties mortal man.

"As expected, the finesse of [Ghost Jade Forge] is almost unmatched." Duanmu Yu said, a hint of pride in her voice. "While most body cultivation inevitably piles layers upon layers of hardened muscles, this one doesn't. Instead, each muscle strand is larger and stronger, acting as a Qi pump. Achieving the same action with a smaller body."

"The evident weakness of [Ghost Jade Forge] is you're nowhere as resilient as people who practiced using Earth Energy. Even if your strength is equal, volume still matters when taking hits." Duanmu Yu instructed. "Instead, your agility is phenomenal."

Of course, Jingyi needs that agility to get close to the opponent without taking hits.

"I noticed."

"Now that you achieved the Qi-condensation stage, you wouldn't have to fear losing strength and pressure in your meridians in your second form." Duanmu Yu finalized. "Also, there are a lot of tricks you can do with the current strength of Qi cultivation. Make sure to practice well."

"Thank you, Doctor," Jingyi said.

"We owe you a debt we can't pay." Gudao humbly bowed. "My life is yours to decide."

Duanmu Yu said. "Constitution like Jingyi is rare, so I gained a lot of insight from her. She is truly blessed."

"I beg to differ." Jingyi thought. Until she met Xuan Di and received the unique body cultivation technique, her constitution haunted her to the point of nightmares. It was an actual curse.

Indeed. Not just cultivation resources, Jingyi also got an incredibly generous treatment of meticulous physical observation by Divine physician Duanmu Yu.

People would KILL for the luxury, literally. Xuan Di paid for her service, though Duanmu Yu was interested in his condition in the first place. Jingyi's treatment was a happy addition for both sides of the business.

"I think they are ready for the admission exam." The Doctor said. "Words come out that the exam is significantly more difficult this time. Complacency is the enemy, no matter how overqualified you were to the previous standard."

"YES, DOCTOR!"

"Mr. Tang Gudao, I have a favor to ask."

"Yes?"

"I need you to hunt some devil beast cores." Duanmu Yu said. "But it might be a hard and long trip."

Gudao looked at Jingyi, who assuredly nodded. Earning favors from someone like her and missing out would be idiotic.

"I have no reason to refuse if it is within my abilities to do so."

"[Four-eyed Giant Squid]." Duanmu Yu said. "Whether an adult or a juvenile doesn't matter. Sex also doesn't matter. No need to rush, for I need five of them."

Four-eyed Giant Squids. Depending on their maturity, they sit between top rank-4 to bottom rank-5 devil beasts. In other words, the strongest squids of this species are on par with Core Formation cultivators. For Gudao, the juvenile shouldn't be a problem. But for the adults, it would be dangerous.

Four-eyed Giant Squids are deep-blue creatures but would attack shipping or fishing boats under a storm.

"Doctor is generous. I will come back safely with a satisfactory result." Gudao said. "Children, be careful until your exam. If I haven't returned, don't wait or search for me. I won't be reckless and will take my time to accomplish this request."

"Yes, Father." The two kids nodded.

Though this town is entirely on the academy's doorstep, it is still good to exercise caution and not get lax.

"They will stay with me for the time being." The Doctor said.

Gudao cupped his hand, bowed, then disappeared into water vapor.

"Thank you, Doctor." Jingyi kowtowed.

"Nonsense. Tang Gudao is too meek and needs beating and tempering." Duanmu Yu coldly replied. "You stay here. I'll have to visit a few patients. Don't go out without informing me."

"Yes, Doctor." Xuan Di nodded.

And so, Duanmu Yu left the leisure room.

"Hmm, Doctor Duanmu Yu seems to have a plan with my Father-in-law." Xuan Di mischievously grinned. "She's always like this. Cold as ice outside and soft as snow inside."

"Indeed she did."

Duanmu Yu sent Gudao on this hunting mission for his own good.

"Father, in his sixty-five years of life, had never ventured beyond the shoreline. Occasional beaches, bays, or rocky cliffs. He never ventured the sea." Jingyi said.

"Ah." Xuan Di finally understood. "[Turbulent Sea Blade]!"

Five-element swords are peculiar in that there are many variations, but each is inspired and transformative. Five-element is pervasive in nature, and to comprehend the elements, one has to look at the world.

"Looking at rivers and lakes is useless. A few water spells, they teach nothing but the very basics." Jingyi smiled. "Looking at the sea, to see the waves and disturbance. Father can then understand the soul of [Turbulent Sea Blade]."

Jingyi doesn't know how long this task would take. Maybe weeks. Maybe months. If Gudao wasn't strong enough, a year. Either way, he wouldn't be here for the admission exam.

Jingyi wasn't worried. Gudao still had the same patience and temperament to avoid troubles if he had the opportunity.

"But I apologize. Father could not fulfill his side of the bargain in our contract." Jingyi profusely bowed. "Even though he should protect you."

"This is a request from Doctor Duanmu Yu. Naturally, her order takes precedence." Xuan Di shook his head. "Without her, even waking up from my coma might not be possible. I owed her my life. Jingyi-jie, please protect me."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

----------------------------------------

CHAPTER 05 - THE ADMISSION EXAM, PART 1

----------------------------------------

"It is a shame that Xing siblings cannot join us," Jingyi remarked.

"They might look like rascals. But they are a filial son and daughter." Xuan Di said, somewhat regretful. "They went to the [Universal Love School] due to their father's order."

Whereas Northern Comet was a Dao science academy, Universal Love is a Mohist engineering and science school. There is a divide between martial and philosophical ideology. However, due to sharing research results, similarities in some fundamental scientific theories could be achieved.

Aside from these two, the [Central Peak Martial School], [Western Front Military Academy], and [the Southern School of Order]. In fact, the five schools and academies could be considered an entire family of academic brothers. Competing for influence yet working together to protect humanity and the region's political stability.

Without the four academies, neither small sects nor clans would survive the onslaught from the devil beast tide or pressure from foreign powers.

"Not representing the Xuans, you're here as [Blue Saint Peak] sect member, yes?"

"Yeah. There are Disciples stronger and more talented than me, but most went for Western Front." Xuan Di winced. "Had to fly sect banner alone in this academy. I feel pressured."

"If people like that exist, then [Blue Saint Peak] would rise tremendously in five years." Jingyi smiled. "I'm here to help you survive until then."

They felt a sense of impending doom, but it was not killing intent. Even full of anger, killing intent is always cold-kind of oppressive. This one doesn't feel that way.

"Bothering me like this, my thin meat will get roasted!" Xuan Di said.

Jingyi looked aside to see a seething Xuan Lian. "Nonsense! You have true fire spirit root!"

"Crazy talk! What fire spirit root?! Not a match for your godly constitution!" Xuan Di pointed.

"Don't be too angry, Di-er," Jingyi said. "Lian-Jie is angry because Yao-jie isn't here, but at least I'm here with you. Of course, she is jealous."

Of course, Jingyi lied. She knew why Xuan Lian was angry and jealous, but she wanted to give her face for now.

"Oh, right. Sorry to hear that. But I'm also disheartened Mo-ge isn't here." Xuan Di sighed. "I don't want to antagonize you, so don't be angry for no reason."

"Hmph." Xuan Lian indignantly looked away, though Jingyi noticed her smile. "You might represent your sect. But you're still a precious member of the Xuan family. So I'll make sure you're not troubled."

"So annoying." Xuan Di frowned.

The first phase of the test was the Qi cultivation measurement and cellular biological age. After all, everyone has to be in the Qi-condensation stage and sixteen or under.

The few people who skirted under three months got a special pass, but four months older than sixteen, they could only cry and leave. Age tests cannot be fooled no matter what elixir of youth or the cultivation technique you practiced.

Jingyi and Xuan Lian have both already turned fifteen. Xuan Di was, apparently, the youngest participant in this batch, only hair above fourteen.

The second phase of the test is a literary and arithmetic test. In theory, this test is supposed to be more of a formality because how could you properly practice martial arts or cultivation script without being able to read. Nevertheless, arithmetic skills can be a bit tricky.

People who failed this test were allowed to retake it in two weeks. If they fail the second time, then they're out of luck.

"This third exam was originally an individual martial assessment, but we have decided to raise the difficulty." The assessing teacher said aloud. "Instead, we will open a secret world intended for end-of-year examinations."

"Crazy talk." Xuan Di hissed. "They wanted to test us using the standard of second-year students!"

"Really?" Jingyi raised her eyebrows.

"Worry not. We still lowered the difficulty." The teacher clarified. "You are to enter and hunt devil beasts, daemonic plants, or all sorts of hostile creatures. Each kill will be rewarded with points, and you may form a team or go alone. If you form a team, the kill points will be distributed equally."

Those who are either confident or arrogant have no need to form teams. In fact, by the rules of the Pugilistic world, the weak always wanted to follow the strong. However, the cunning ones are willing to form a team. Disregard if they're weak or strong.

"Remember that Northern Comet Academy tolerates no treachery among human beings. If you hurt or sabotage other people, you will be penalized. Enough violations, and you're disqualified or even punished." The teacher sternly said. "Also, the formations and talisman will protect you from death. However, injuries and damaged cultivation is still a possibility. For those unwilling to take the risk may leave now."

Immediately, two-tenth of the participants backed down and left.

"The academy realized that many more people qualified for the previous year's standard. They weed out those who are still uncertain about themselves," Jingyi remarked. "Harsh."

There was part of Jingyi's memories of the other world. She graduated a school only to fail the standardized exam to enter the place known as the university. At that time, her parents were ashamed of her.

It was why Jingyi left her home and went to work, maybe around seventeen or eighteen. Unsure of the details, the feeling of sadness and humiliation somehow persisted.

Never again.

"But this is to be expected." Xuan Lian slammed her fists. She was fired up. "The four corner great academies strive to recruit the most talented youth. If they raised their standard, no one could complain."

"It might be late to ask, but does Northern Comet has an engineering department?" Jingyi asked.

"If it has one, it's probably poorly developed and funded." Xuan Lian shrugged. "The Western Front and Universal Love dominate the research of iron and wood-bronze machinery. Northern Comet is specialized in medical and scientific research."

"Oh."

Jingyi might look calm, but part of her feels somewhat regretful. Why did she have to remember so late?

Oh well.

"Should we cancel our admission?" Xuan Di asked.

"That would be improper. We worked hard to reach this point, and I can't be selfish." Jingyi said. "Ruining our plan and future, even for our age, that's too childish and whimsical."

Forget the contract! Her conscience can't stand it.

"None of the five academies are inferior to each other. No matter where I go, as long as we work hard, we can achieve my goal." Xuan Di assured her. "On the other hand, this matter seems urgent to you."

"Northern Comet does have an engineering department." An adult's voice said. "We're specialized in scientific research. Naturally, the precision instrument necessary had to be built by someone qualified."

"Is that true, teacher?" Xuan Lian asked.

"Yes. It is small but not underfunded. However, the requirement is strict." The teacher said. "You can think about it after you successfully enroll."

"In that case, I will be joining the third phase of the exam." Jingyi cupped her hand and bowed. "Forgive this little girl's ignorance."

"It would be a shame losing a potential student to the Militarist or Mohist School." The teacher coughed. "Even if you're not a Daoist, we still have a face to maintain."

If Jingyi cared about ideology or power, she'd go to Central Peak, predominantly Buddhist and focused on body cultivation research. She wanted to study engineering because of an unfulfilled wish from her previous life.

"In that case, let us depart." Jingyi smiled and pulled both Xuans into the portal, despite their protests.

...

The so-called secret world is a place of defined size and geography hidden and sealed through ancient magic. The art of creating such a magical place had been extinct for millennia.

However, countless secret worlds can be encountered in the wild or in the possession of powerful groups. Each has unique terrain, a living ecosystem, and sometimes ancient mechanisms. Some secret worlds may periodically generate treasures.

When the three arrived in the secret world, a glowing ethereal projection appeared on their arm. For some reason, [holographic] came to Jingyi's mind as a term. This word doesn't exist in this world, or at least in the region's language.

"[This map is projected from the safety talisman you wear for this exam. It has all the helpful information that would allow you to finish the task at hand]."

Jingyi adapted to map use faster than Xuan Di or Xuan Lian did. Her finger skilfully slid and touched the surface of the projection.

"How did you do it so quickly?" Xuan Di blinked.

"For some reason, it just feels intuitive," Jingyi said. As if it was something she had before, in the past.

"Right. Which area would have the highest concentration of devils?" Xuan Lian asked.

"Obviously there." Jingyi zoomed in on the underground cave network. "Yin fiends and devil beasts are the most concentrated in a small area due to the depth of the battleground."

Xuan Di rubbed his chin. "Very profound. But I doubt we were the only ones thinking this way."

"Indeed. If everyone went to the cave network, it would be crowded and cause tensions." Xuan Lian agreed. "Forget easy kills. Find the place where people are least likely to go."

"The poor terrain of the cliffs and deep valley." Xuan Di pointed. "At the stage of Qi-condensation, rather than a horizontal battleground, a vertical battleground like this is difficult."

"However, this is exactly where I shine." He grinned.

Xuan Di was usually humble. In the rare moment where he was prideful or arrogant, it would be when he bared his fangs and went all out.

"Right, let's form a team." Xuan Lian sighed. "Just today, I'll let you lead our way, Di-er."

"I have no objection," Jingyi said.

Jingyi wanted to laugh. Xuan Lian is way too prideful and dishonest, even if she has a righteous heart. Nevertheless, it wasn't like Jingyi didn't understand. They're both girls.

Xuan Lian is fond of Xuan Di. Far more than it is appropriate between second cousins. The contradiction between this forbidden feeling and her principles as an heir candidate is why she always behaves weirdly around him.

The three piled their right hand, and the talisman reacted appropriately and declared them a team.

"Since both of you decided, I'll watch over from the sky." Xuan Di called out a flying sword and stood on it. "Let's go."

Almost every other kid who was there stood agape in shock and disbelief. Qi-condensation cultivators who can use flying swords are considered talented.

A person who can ride on their flying sword at this stage of cultivation? Words like prodigy and monster are barely enough to describe.

But it's not like Jingyi and Xuan Lian can't match him. In fact, their running speed was unmatched. Jingyi left haze and illusion as she rushed forward to keep up, and Xuan Lian left scorched footprints wherever she stepped. Their cultivation was not inferior to Xuan Di.

Leaving others in the dust, they're monsters in their own way.

Outside, the observing teachers gasped. Raising the difficulty of the entrance exam might not be a waste, after all.

"If you're a bit more honest, I'm sure Di-er would appreciate you more," Jingyi said.

"Big talk. If I'm serious and steal Di-er away, you would cry and become a nobody."

Oh?

Xuan Lian blushed hard but still put up a strong front. "Not that it changes anything. Xuan Di is someone who I consider my own brother. And worse, we're competing for the heir position."

Seriously, this girl...

Judging from her speed and surge of energy, Xuan Lian is most likely also a body cultivator who utilized Qi to forge her body instead of Earth energy. All other sign points to the Yang element, opposite to Jingyi's pure Yin.

Heaven sure had an unfunny sense of humor.

"Alright, we're close." Xuan Di descended until he was half-a zhang from the ground. "Brace yourselves."