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nTranslator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

nJackpot!

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nFang Lang had anticipated it.

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nThe passive ability granted him rewards when he had meaningful interactions with Ni Wen.

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nThe duel was counted as a meaningful interaction.

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nIf Ni Wen had not used her ninth-grade power, Fang Lang would have followed up with an attack that would take her down after the spiritual energy barrier was disabled.

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nUnfortunately, the girl did not practice proper etiquette.

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nFang Lang did not dwell on the issue. There was a gap in power between them. Ni Wen was a ninth-grader while he was only recently elevated to the fifth grade.

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nRegardless, the duel had improved Fang Lang’s control over his fifth-grade sword skills. His physical body adapted to his newfound power.

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nMost importantly, he had gained real life combat experience and another technique.

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nFang Lang shut his eyes—countless scenes of himself practicing the Spirit Step flashed through his mind.

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nMoments later, the memory transfer stopped. Fang Lang felt changes in his legs.

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nFang Lang let out a heavy sigh and switched back to his own cultivation mode. Being in his binding partner’s cultivation mode consumed a lot of Fang Lang’s determination and focus. Hence, he did not maintain that state for long.

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n“I’m sorry!” Ni Wen said sincerely after snapping out from the trance induced by Fang Lang’s smile.

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nFang Lang acknowledged her apology with a smile and nod.

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nMentor Wen walked over to the pair, a broad smile on his face.

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n“Master.”

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nFang Lang and Ni Wen greeted their mentor with a bow.

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nMentor Wen patted Fang Lang on the shoulder. “Good job. Your foundation is somewhat lacking but if you can achieve the seventh or eighth grade, you might stand a chance in the Imperial Examination with your theoretical assessment score.”

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nMentor Wen thought it was a pity.

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nWith only one month to the Imperial Examination, it was impossible for a person with Fang Lang’s core to reach the seventh or eighth grade, even with the help of spirit crystals.

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nClimbing the higher grades required more spirit crystals.

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nFang Lang replied with a smile, “To succeed will be my luck, to fail will be my fate.”

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nMentor Wen chuckled. “That’s a good mentality to have at your age. You’re not without hope…”

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nHe looked Fang Lang up and down as he pondered.

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nThen, his expression hardened. “Two weeks later, the Sword Guild will host the Gathering of Swords. Sword disciples from all 200 academies1 are encouraged to participate. Earning a spot in the top three will give you a 20 points head start in the Imperial Examination. That should compensate for your grade.”

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nThe Gathering of Swords?

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nFang Lang took a deep breath. His eyes glimmered at the opportunity. Unknown to his mentor, it was possible for Fang Lang to reach the seventh or eighth rank within one month.

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nHowever, the additional 20 points were interesting.

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nThe event sounded like the International Mathematical Olympiad of the modern world—a win would be beneficial.

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nMentor Wen smiled. “Don’t feel too pressured. The Gathering of Swords only focuses on technique, not the cultivation grade but it will still be difficult to make it into the top three. All the academies are invited, including the well-established ones like Changan Academy. Luojiang Academy’s performance for the past few years have been disappointing so our chances are slim.”

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nHe clapped Fang Lang on the back. “Luojiang Academy has little expectation for this year’s competition. Headmaster Cui has handpicked someone and gave me the remaining two slots. I’ll put your name in. This is your opportunity to shine, seize it! What do you say?” Mentor Wen asked Fang Lang.

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nIt was an opportunity.

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nFang Lang had nothing to lose.

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nHe could switch cultivation speed and cultivation inspiration with the System’s help but the higher he scored for the Imperial Examination, the better.

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n“Thank you, Master. I’m willing to try,” Fang Lang answered sincerely.

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nIt was a rare opportunity.

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nMentor Wen was glad to hear that. His expression softened and he nodded. “Come to the Mentors’ Office tomorrow. I’ll introduce you to the two other students who will be joining the Gathering of Swords.”

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nFang Lang nodded in response. Mentor Wen lectured Ni Wen about the inappropriateness of her combat practice etiquette then walked away with his arms folded.

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nNi Wen resumed apologizing to Fang Lang.

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nThe agreement was to maintain her cultivation at the fifth grade during battle. The sudden burst of ninth-grade power could have badly injured Fang Lang. The mistake was wholly on her part.

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nFang Lang stared at the girl, speechless.

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nIt was water under the bridge, yet this dummy was still apologizing.

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nFear struck Ni Wen’s heart. Her mother had told her many stories about vengeful plots executed by the rich. What if Fang Lang held a grudge? A commoner like Ni Wen would not be able to pacify him.

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nNi Wen would be conscience-stricken if the issue caused trouble for her mother.

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nAs the girl’s apologies carried on, a System notification rang in Fang Lang’s head.

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n‘Ding! Guide mission: Perform your first cultivation-related transaction with the provided resource. You will receive a random reward.’

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nFang Lang was surprised by the sudden pop-out.

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nAnother guide mission to complete. The first mission encouraged him to interact with Ni Wen—this one prompted him to use the gold coins he received.

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nCultivation-related transaction…

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nFang Lang’s eyebrows furrowed. The task was simple enough—spend money on something related to cultivation.

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nThe System’s provisions were mainly meant for improving his cultivation.

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nHistorically, the poor went into academia while the rich trained in martial arts. The practice of cultivation was akin to martial arts—a costly endeavor.

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nThere were many ways to spend money on cultivation. One could purchase some high-grade medicinal pills, weapons or cultivation tools.

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nAll the items required money but money did not guarantee accessibility to the items.

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nThe mission was easy. Money was easy to spend.

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nThe edge of Fang Lang’s lips twitched—he had a plan.

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nHe placed his hand on the apologizing Ni Wen’s head. The girl stiffened as a blush crept up her face. She stood motionless.

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n“Little Wen, if you wish to make amends, come with me on a shopping trip after class,” Fang Lang said with a smile. He wondered if shopping for cultivation items would be considered as a meaningful interaction.

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nThere was no harm in trying.

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n“Shopping?” Ni Wen was concerned.

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nShe had to literally pay for her mistake?

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n‘I don’t have money,’ she thought.

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nShe was just a commoner.

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nNevertheless, Ni Wen took her tattered coin purse out from her green robe. Her eyes reddened as she opened her purse. Fingers trembling, she retrieved three copper coins.

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nIt was all she had to her name.

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nShe offered the three copper coins to Fang Lang.

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n“I… That’s all I have.”

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nNi Wen was near tears when she spoke. ‘I can’t afford to compensate you.’

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nFang Lang was silent.

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n‘What is this?’

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nThen, realization struck him. He frowned.

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nFang Lang was not a scammer. He was not about to take her money over a silly accident.

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n“Keep your money. Use it to buy food for yourself. We’ll meet later at the academy gates,” Fang Lang said with finality and left with his battered wooden sword.

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nWith the three copper coins in hand, Ni Wen pursed her lips as she watched Fang Lang’s silhouette disappear.

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