n

n

n

nIn the study hall, students were brimming with excitement and anticipation. There were students who could not resist squealing with delight.

nIt was the Spirit Pagoda after all!

nIt was a cultivation resource every academy coveted. On paper, each academy was allowed to apply for the usage once every five years, but in reality, some academies had been applying for ten years without success!

nThe fact that Luojiang Academy’s application for the Spirit Pagoda was approved this year presented a golden opportunity for the students!

nThe students from peasantry backgrounds were especially riled up. They clenched their fists excitedly, ready to give their all in the internal examination taking place three days later.

nThey treated the internal exam as if it was the actual Imperial Examination!

nAfter all, cultivation resources were difficult to come by for them—even spirit crystals were not easily accessible. The only way they could obtain spirit crystals was through the academy’s cultivation assistance program that occurred once every six months. Thus, they treasured and looked forward to this golden opportunity more than anyone!

nAmong the crowd, Liu Hao, who once had a fallout with Fang Lang, clenched his fists tightly. Flames raged within his eyes.

nThis was his chance to soar to the top!

nA distance away, Yang Zhengyi was staring at Liu Hao. He flipped the hair that covered his forehead and mocked, “What are y’all so excited about? You’re acting as if all of you here can become the academy’s top fifty.”

nYang Zhengyi’s voice was not loud, yet the enthusiastic crowd in the study hall instantly turned silent.

nLiu Hao’s chest heaved heavily, his eyes bloodshot. Like a plant withered by the harsh winter, he slumped down onto his desk dejectedly.

nThe students from peasantry backgrounds and disciples from rich families all felt a sudden dullness in the air.

nLiu Zhengyi’s words were not overly hurtful, but they sure were humiliating.

nHis words did not sit well with the other students.

nFang Lang could not help but smile when he heard Yang Zhengyi’s words. Old Yang had a point.

nFang Lang smiled and stood up from his desk. Deep in thoughts, he looked as if he had seen through the meaning behind Mentor Wen’s gaze before he left the study block.

n‘Perhaps the Jiang family had a role to play in the academy’s success in applying for the Spirit Pagoda…’

nFang Lang felt that there was a high chance his theory was right.

n‘Is that why Mentor Wen hinted at me to not hold back? Is that why he wants me to be greedy?’ he wondered.

nThe Spirit Pagoda was a spirit crystal jackpot. Coincidentally, Fang Lang was just worrying about not having enough spirit crystals!

nJust then, a ring sounded in Fang Lang’s head.

n‘Ding!

n‘Challenge mission unlocked.

n‘Challenge mission: Cultivation is not all about going with the flow; it is more important to challenge one’s limits! To crash and burn at one’s limit, then rise from the ashes to surpass that limit! When you successfully break through your limits in the Spirit Pagoda, you shall be rewarded with Instant Reward and Dividend Reward.

n‘Instant Reward: Spiritual energy absorbed in the Spirit Pagoda can be directly converted into System experience points.

n‘Dividend Reward: Ten percent of all spiritual energy absorbed by a binding partner in the Spirit Pagoda will be awarded to the host as dividend.

n‘Would you like to accept the mission?’

nFang Lang raised his brows as he learned about the mission.

n‘Challenging my own limits?’ he thought.

n‘Interesting.’

nOf course, the attractive Instant Reward and Dividend Reward was not what roped Fang Lang in.

nHe genuinely wanted to challenge himself.

nThere was no doubt Fang Lang would accept this mission. Only men with no balls would back down from a challenge!

nEven without a mission prompt from the System, Fang Lang would never miss this opportunity. After all, his goal was the highest achievement in the Imperial Examination. If he did not seize an opportunity like this, why would he deserve the highest distinction?

n‘Ding! The challenge mission has been accepted. The mission will begin when the host sets foot in the Spirit Pagoda.’

nEnthusiasm filled Fang Lang’s heart. He quickly stood and went to look for Little Wen.

nWith the Dividend Reward at stake, Fang Lang had to give Little Wen and Liu Bubai some motivation. He could not afford to let them fall behind!

nFang Lang did not expect to get such a beneficial mission right after he bound Liu Bubai. He did not even have to work for it.

nCould it be that the greatest reward from binding with Liu Bubai was actually gaining his ability to win without putting in any effort?

nFang Lang came to Ni Wen’s desk and made himself comfortable on the floor as if they were best friends. She was not as shy as she used to be—she even had the courage to meet his eyes.

n“Little Wen, show some spirit! Let’s go to the Spirit Pagoda together and drain the entire tower!

n“This is a chance for you to change your fate! I’ve told you this before: your future is to lie among the stars. This is where you take off!”

nFang Lang’s eyes twinkled as he spoke.

nHearing that, Ni Wen’s long lashes fluttered gently. Filled with excitement, a tinge of red appeared on her pale face.

nShe clenched her little fists, pressed her lips together and nodded hard. “Okay! Let’s… Let’s go there together!”

nNot far away.

nLiu Hao’s disgruntlement was evident in his expression. He scoffed when he heard Fang Lang’s words.

n“You? You’re speaking as if a measly fifth-grade sword disciple can get into the top fifty honor roll.”

nLiu Hao’s words were clearly meant to throw a damper on Fang Lang’s enthusiasm.

nHe thought, ‘Fine, I may not be able to get to the Spirit Pagoda, but what makes Fang Lang think he can?

n‘Sure, his sword mastery triumphs over mine a little, and sure, he was even rewarded for it, but his cultivation abilities are too weak!

n‘Gaining extra points for the Imperial Examination doesn’t mean anything for the internal exam!’

nNonetheless, Fang Lang chose to ignore Liu Hao’s mockery. With his current abilities, getting into the top 50 in Luojiang academy was a piece of cake.

nThere was no point in boasting. After all, actions spoke louder than words—Fang Lang chose to let reality slap Liu Hao across his face when their results were released.

nFang Lang ignored Liu Hao and took out his textbooks to engage in an exchange of cultivation knowledge with Ni Wen.

nNi Wen enjoyed these interactions very much. The shy little lady instantly turned vivacious. Even her words were filled with spirit.

nCompletely ignored, Liu Hao’s face flashed green and red. He scoffed coldly and left the study hall.

n‘Ding! You have completed a modest interaction with your binding partner, Ni Wen. You have obtained one Grade-Rush Card Fragment.’

nAnother Grade-Rush Card Fragment. Fang Lang did not chat with Ni Wen for too long. She packed up her stuff soon and hurriedly left the study hall. She had to help her mother sell tofu pudding.

nFang Lang left the study block and came to the practice grounds where Liu Bubai was training in a corner.

nLiu Bubai’s eyes sparkled when he saw Fang Lang. He called out to him immediately. “Come, Fang Lang! Let’s duel!”

nNaturally, Fang Lang did not reject his invitation. He put on a kind smile as he unsheathed his Blooming Lotus Sword. It shone magnificently.

nA short while later.

nLiu Bubai’s four limbs turned to mush. He leaned against his sword, breathing heavily. In his eyes, one could see that he had gained insights about sword mastery.

n‘Ding! You have enlightened your binding partner, Liu Bubai, about sword mastery, thus, completing a meaningful interaction with him. Passive ability triggered. You are rewarded with one Physical Buff Card.’

nThe System’s notification appeared.

nFang Lang’s eyes twinkled with joy. ‘A new card!’

n‘Physical Buff Card: Single-use card. After activation, the host’s physical abilities will be buffed as if the host’s body has gone through a whole year of rigorous training. (The training process involves pain and suffering. Please use the card at your own discretion.)’

n‘Amazing!’ Fang Lang thought.

nThe Physical Buff Card could strengthen the body. Usually, only martial arts disciples would train their bodies.

nFang Lang focused mainly on sword mastery and had no time to dabble in the alternatives.

nAfter all, cultivation through martial arts required too much time and commitment. Nonetheless, Luojiang Academy still had its fair share of martial arts disciples. Every day, Fang Lang could see them beating themselves up with weapons on the practice grounds in an effort to train their bodies.

nWith this Physical Buff Card, Fang Lang could become strong just by lying on the ground!

nFang Lang shot a glance at Liu Bubai. The ability to win without effort…perhaps it was contagious?

n“The internal exam is three days from now and the top fifty students will get to enter the Spirit Pagoda. You know about this, right?” Fang Lang asked.

nLeaning against his sword, Liu Bubai held his chin high. Of course he knew about this.

n“I’m not far away from breaking through, so I don’t know if it’ll actually benefit me,” Liu Bubai replied.

nHearing that, Fang Lang quickly seized the opportunity and advised, “Then you must hold back these two days and focus on preparing for the exam! Use the Spirit Pagoda to break through the barrier and become a sword master! You’ll be able to accomplish it in one go and not leave any regrets!”

nThat way, Liu Bubai would gain more spiritual energy.

nIn turn, Fang Lang could earn more dividends.

nLiu Bubai pondered on Fang Lang’s words for a moment and decided he was right.

nBreaking through in the Spirit Pagoda was the safest option. Furthermore, he could build a stronger foundation for the next stage of cultivation!

nLiu Bubai raised his chin and nodded.

nHe admitted Fang Lang had successfully persuaded him.

nLiu Bubai was about to break through into second-class sword mastery. Soon, the two would part ways.

nFang Lang kept thinking about the Physical Buff Card on his journey back to the Fang Manor. The moment he reached home, he went to his room and worked hard on his cultivation.

nOld Fang appeared in the courtyard for a while but quickly left. He did not disturb Fang Lang but simply instructed the servant girl to prepare some food for Fang Lang and to reheat it every hour.

n…

nIn the house.

nFang Lang had switched to Triple Binding Mode. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he took out his spirit crystals and began to absorb the spiritual energy within.

nAfter four hours of tedious absorption, Fang Lang found himself surrounded by piles of empty crystal husks.

nHe opened his eyes and exhaled a puff of air.

n“System, activate Physical Buff Card.”

nFang Lang had the sudden urge to try out the card.

nResources were meant to be used; Fang Lang was trying to earn the highest distinction in the Imperial Examination, so there was no point in hoarding resources.

n‘Ding! Binding mode cannot be maintained while Physical Buff Card is being activated. Activating the card will bring about excruciating pain to the host. Would you like to proceed?’ the System notified.

nFang Lang did not hesitate to proceed.

nFor the highest distinction, he would endure any pain.

n‘Ding! Physical Buff Card activated. Training will begin in three seconds. Training lasts for ten breaths.’

nBoom!

nThe moment the countdown ended, Fang Lang belatedly realized he had greatly underestimated the amount of pain the System had warned him about.

nIn an instant, he felt excruciating pain consuming every inch of his body!

nHis veins, his bones, his skin…

nEvery part of him—every organ—felt as if they were being sliced open by a million blades!

nHuff!

nHuff!

nAfter merely two breaths, Fang Lang was already drenched in sweat from top to toe.

nHe needed to rely on his spiritual sense and sheer will to endure the pain.

nTen breaths felt like twenty hours.

nNevertheless, Fang Lang did not give up!

nFor the highest achievement!

nHe would endure it!

nFang Lang’s eyes were bloodshot, his breathing heavy and his jaw tightly clenched. Sweat coated his skin and a low, hoarse growl sounded within his throat.

nHis body shook violently and he curled up into a ball.

n