Translator: CinderTL
At Jiang Ye's level, he could perceive even the slightest changes in his surroundings.
Moreover, he possessed Martial Will Perception.
Therefore, he immediately noticed the subtle emotion in Chen Zilu's eyes.
"Senior Sister," Jiang Ye said with a smile, "next time. If you want to go back to Ancheng, I'll accompany you."
Chen Zilu had mentioned that Ancheng was her mother's hometown.
Jiang Ye remembered this clearly.
"Mm, okay," Chen Zilu replied, shifting the topic. "Have you seen Old Qiu yet?"
"Not yet," Jiang Ye said, blinking. "I came to see you first. I'll visit Old Qiu later."
Chen Zilu rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed slightly.
"Go see your teacher right away," she urged, feigning impatience. "Don't keep him waiting. Get your enrollment procedures done quickly. White Dragon University students have many benefits."
"Benefits?" Jiang Ye's heart quickened.
"Alright."
"I'll head over right now," Jiang Ye said immediately. "Senior Sister, I'll talk to you later!"
Whoosh!
He turned and shot into the sky like a streak of Flowing Light.
"..."
"So excited about benefits," Chen Zilu muttered, standing alone in place, somewhat speechless.
After a moment, she sighed softly and turned to head home.
Just then,
Whoosh! A figure in a blue dress suddenly flew over from nearby.
"Zilu!"
"Discussing a date with your junior brother?" Zhao Yingluo landed beside her, grinning mischievously. "Did you two make plans?"
"What are you talking about?" Chen Zilu shot her a speechless look.
"Hmph hmph!"
"I heard everything just now," Zhao Yingluo teased with a sly grin. "He came to find you first thing, Senior Sister."
"Go die!" Chen Zilu lifted her small foot and kicked at her.
Zhao Yingluo dodged with a laugh. "If Zhou Xingkong said that, I'd be disgusted. But when that junior brother says it, for some reason, it actually feels kind of nice."
"Zilu, keep at it! The saying goes, 'A woman chasing a man is like piercing paper,'" Zhao Yingluo teased with a mischievous grin.
"Can you be serious for once?" Chen Zilu rolled her eyes. "I need to get back to my cultivation."
TL/N: The full saying goes like this… "A man chasing a woman is like climbing a mountain; a woman chasing a man is like piercing a layer of paper."
As she turned to leave, Zhao Yingluo quickly called out, "Wait! I'm not joking this time. I came here with real news."
"The Cosmic Void Passage to the Extreme Sea Star System is about to open, probably within the next few days. Are you going?" Zhao Yingluo asked.
Chen Zilu paused, considering for a moment.
"Maybe next month," she said softly, shaking her head. "I'm not feeling well."
"Not feeling well?" Zhao Yingluo frowned. "Is it that time of the month again?"
As Chen Zilu's close friend, Zhao Yingluo knew about the annual period when she needed to retreat for secluded cultivation. The exact reason remained unclear, but Zhao Yingluo understood that Chen Zilu's condition deteriorated significantly during this time.
"Mm," Chen Zilu nodded faintly, offering no further explanation.
"I'll be heading back to Ancheng in a few days," Chen Zilu said. "I need some time alone. Contact me only if it's urgent."
"Alright," Zhao Yingluo agreed with a nod.
---
After bidding farewell to Chen Zilu, Jiang Ye immediately hurried to Qiu Cang's location.
He found him in a secluded cultivation chamber within a cosmos-themed pavilion.
"Disciple Jiang Ye greets Teacher," Jiang Ye said, bowing respectfully to the elder on the platform.
"No need for such formalities," Qiu Cang replied with a smile. "Principal Bai Jing has approved your transfer to White Dragon University. From today onward, you are a member of White Dragon University."
"This is the contract the principal has drafted for you. Take a look."
With a wave of his hand, a contract projection materialized in the air.
"A contract?" Jiang Ye immediately focused his attention on it.
The first thing that caught his eye was the bold, black title:
White Dragon University · Upper A-Tier Student Contract Agreement
"Upper A-Tier?" Jiang Ye froze in shock.
An Upper A-Tier contract?!
Before coming, he had mentally prepared himself for a lower-tier contract.
As one of the top three super-universities among the ten great schools, White Dragon University maintained extremely strict standards for its students.
A perfect score of 1000 on the College Entrance Examination was merely the minimum requirement for admission.
Jiang Ye's previous performance had been commendable, but his cultivation realm was far below the average level of Class A students at White Dragon University.
Therefore, even a B-tier contract from White Dragon University would have been reasonable.
But now? An Upper A-tier contract?
"Teacher, this contract..." Jiang Ye couldn't help but glance at Qiu Cang.
"Heh, no need to be surprised," Qiu Cang chuckled. "Principal Bai Jing and I are well aware of your improvements to the Great Sun Spear Technique."
"With such a significant achievement," Qiu Cang smiled, "you absolutely deserve to be an Upper A-tier student at White Dragon University. Besides, you're my last disciple—it would be absurd not to grant you an Upper A-tier contract."
Jiang Ye suddenly understood.
He bowed solemnly. "Thank you, Teacher."
He knew this contract was likely the result of Teacher Qiu's lobbying. Otherwise, how could a transfer student like him immediately receive an Upper A-tier contract?
Teacher Qiu must have spoken highly of him to the principal.
"Take a look at the contract details," Qiu Cang reminded him with a smile.
"Alright." Jiang Ye refocused on the contract projection.
The contract was only about twenty pages long, but it contained an immense amount of information.
"So many benefits..." Jiang Ye breathed.
The document detailed the extensive benefits available to Upper A-tier students at White Dragon University, including cultivation resources, secret cultivation techniques, and opportunities for experiential training.
Jiang Ye quickly scanned the document, identifying key benefits:
Upper A-tier students receive 50 million cultivation resources annually and may choose any cultivation technique up to High-Grade Earth-Tier. (Techniques above High-Grade Earth-Tier must be obtained from the White Dragon's Court.)
Students may customize one free Earth-Tier star weapon and one Earth-Tier Cosmic Battle Armor.
Students are granted one B-grade opportunity zone training opportunity and three C-Tier Opportunity training opportunities.
Access to the 'Heaven and Earth Spiritual Treasures' exchange space, where items can be redeemed using school points.
...
The benefits were abundant.
In addition to these major perks, there were numerous smaller benefits covering various aspects of life, such as food, clothing, housing, and transportation.
Overall, the list contained over a hundred items.
"Free customization of Earth-Tier star weapons and Cosmic Battle Armor?!" Jiang Ye's eyes lit up.
His current Black Dragon Spear was only at the Profound Tier, and his Cosmic Battle Armor was even lower, at the Yellow Tier.
Upgrading to this new equipment would give Jiang Ye's combat power a terrifying boost.
"Truly worthy of White Dragon University, the world's top institution," Jiang Ye couldn't help but marvel.
"Heh heh."
"As one of the top students at the world's premier university," Qiu Cang said with a smile, stroking his beard, "the treatment you receive is naturally different."
"Thank you, Teacher Qiu!" Jiang Ye expressed his sincere gratitude once more.
"Hmm," Qiu Cang chuckled. "Enough about that. Let's discuss your upcoming training plans, specifically regarding the life and death trials."
"Teacher Zhu and Principal Bai have already mentioned the Cosmic Void Passage training, haven't they?" Qiu Cang asked.
Jiang Ye nodded.
"I originally intended to have you test your skills in a C-grade Opportunity Zone."
"But now it seems... you're already nearing the peak-second breakthrough?" Qiu Cang's gaze turned peculiar. "Just one more cosmic tempering session should do it, right?"
"Correct," Jiang Ye confirmed.
This came as no surprise.
A powerhouse like Qiu Cang could naturally discern his cultivation level at a glance.
"Your cultivation speed is astonishingly rapid," Qiu Cang remarked, his expression odd. "Even Xiao Chen didn't progress this quickly during her second breakthrough."
"Teacher, you flatter me," Jiang Ye replied with a modest smile.
His cultivation speed was indeed remarkable.
From mid-June of the previous year to late April of the current year—less than a year—he had advanced from the mid-first breakthrough stage to the late-second breakthrough stage.
At this rate, only those with Transcendent Aptitude could barely surpass him.
"Once you reach the peak of your second breakthrough," Qiu Cang continued, "you'll go to the Cosmic Void Passage for training. As for whether you choose a C-grade or B-grade Opportunity Zone, that's up to you."
"I recommend starting with a C-grade Opportunity Zone. If you adapt well, you can move on to a B-grade zone later."
"Life and death trials may have 'life and death' in their name, but ultimately, survival is what matters most," Qiu Cang said solemnly.
"Understood," Jiang Ye nodded earnestly.
C-tier or B-tier? He hadn't made up his mind yet. But judging by Qiu Cang's words, the dangers of the B-Tier Opportunity might exceed his expectations.
"I'll decide after Federal Memorial Day," Jiang Ye thought, not in a hurry.
Next, Qiu Cang introduced Jiang Ye to various aspects of White Dragon University and arranged a new cultivation plan for him. Before they knew it, several hours had passed.
"Alright, that's enough for today. You should head back now," Qiu Cang said with a smile. "I've already arranged your accommodation: Star Garden No. 11, right next to your senior sister's." His smile carried a deeper meaning. "You saw her before coming here, didn't you?"
"Ahem." Jiang Ye coughed, quickly adding, "I mainly came to deliver the Extreme Sea Primordial Liquid to my senior sister."
"Don't be nervous. I'm not upset," Qiu Cang said with a faint smile. "Keep in touch with your senior sister. She can be a great help to you."
"Okay," Jiang Ye nodded.
"Alright, you can go now."
"Yes, sir."
Jiang Ye turned and left.
Qiu Cang gazed out the window, watching the figure soar into the distance.
"That boy seems to possess a spatial treasure."
"Did Xiao Chen give him another one of her treasures?" Qiu Cang chuckled softly. "What a foolish girl."
"If she keeps giving away treasures like this, she might end up giving herself away too."
Qiu Cang sighed.
He wasn't angry, but rather felt a pang of sympathy.
"I hope he'll spend more time talking with her," Qiu Cang murmured inwardly. "There aren't many people she can truly confide in."
He understood Chen Zilu better than anyone else.
That's why Qiu Cang knew better than anyone that beneath her public persona as a rising star at White Dragon University and throughout Donghai Province lay a lonely, uncertain, and vulnerable young woman.
She carried too many burdens she couldn't share.
Jiang Ye, of course, had no idea about Qiu Cang's musings.
By this time, he had already flown back to the Star Garden district.
Star Garden No. 11.
As an Upper A-tier student at White Dragon University, Jiang Ye enjoyed exclusive access to a sprawling Star Garden estate covering over a million square meters—equivalent to a luxurious villa complex.
Upon entering, he found numerous lavish cultivation chambers, bathhouses, and massage rooms, all equipped with lifelike AI robots.
After briefly trying out the massage room, Jiang Ye settled into a cross-legged position in the cultivation chamber.
"Exchange interface," he commanded, projecting the interface from his smart wristband.
Beep!
Converging beams of light formed a blue holographic screen.
The screen displayed a vast array of resources available for exchange at White Dragon University.
Jiang Ye first exchanged for a set of earth-rank Cosmic Battle Armor.
"Preferred color?"
"Jet black," Jiang Ye replied, still favoring the color.
Next came the star weapon.
Jiang Ye navigated directly to the "Long Spear" section and began browsing.
After a moment,
His gaze fell upon one of the long spears.
Long Spear - Cold Sun (Earth-Rank)
The spear's shaft is as black as the deepest night, yet it is inlaid with fragments of scorching starlight. When wielded, it unleashes a violent aura akin to a 'Cold Sun,' creating a field of oppressive force.
"The Cold Sun Spear?" Jiang Ye's eyes lit up slightly.
It perfectly matched the essence of the Cold Sun Spear Technique.
"This is the one," Jiang Ye decided instantly.
Next, he navigated to the bow and arrow section.
Since mastering the Star-Piercing Arrow Technique, he hadn't yet acquired a suitable bow and arrows.
The quality of the bow and arrows directly influenced the power of the arrow technique, provided they were compatible with the technique itself.
Jiang Ye browsed the page for a while.
Finally, his gaze flickered.
Falling Star Bow (Earth-Rank)
Forged from Meteorite Cold Iron, the bow radiates stellar radiance. When drawn, phantom images of shattered stars materialize, and arrows fly like meteors chasing the moon, delivering explosive power.
Price: 130 million federal currency / 13 million merit points
The description of the Falling Star Bow perfectly matched the Star-Piercing Arrow Technique.
"130 million," Jiang Ye muttered, clicking his tongue. "That's really expensive."
Just two months ago, even if he had emptied his entire savings, he wouldn't have been able to afford such a sum.
But now?
"Open Personal Wealth," Jiang Ye commanded.
Ding! Another projection materialized.
Jiang Ye
Bank Account Balance: 431 million
Merit Points: 0
"130 million? Pocket change," Jiang Ye said without hesitation, clicking the purchase button.
Whoosh!
Your account xxxxx5679 has been debited 130,000,000 federal currency. Remaining balance: 301,000,000.
After completing the equipment purchase, Jiang Ye thought, I hope these items arrive within the next two days.
The weapons and armor he had bought were all ready-made.
However, due to the unique nature of star weapons and Cosmic Battle Armor, they required an "activation" process before use, which would take approximately two days.
In two days, I'll return to Ancheng with the class monitor.
"I'll focus on cultivating for the next two days," Jiang Ye mused, then suddenly remembered something. "Maybe I should undergo cosmic tempering to see if I can break through to the peak of the second breakthrough."
"Hmm, the Primordial-Tier Cosmic Tempering isn't very effective for me anymore," he thought.
"I need to apply for second-tier stellar energy tempering," Jiang Ye concluded.
Stellar energy tiers, ranked from highest to lowest, were divided into Primordial Stellar Energy, second-tier stellar energy, third-tier stellar energy, and up to fifth-tier stellar energy.
Second-tier stellar energy was suitable for strong individuals between the second and third breakthroughs.
Of course, during cosmic tempering, higher stellar energy tiers meant enduring greater pain.
Second-tier stellar energy was often dozens of times more potent than Primordial Stellar Energy.
Correspondingly, the price was also ten times higher than Primordial Tempering, reaching five million credits per session.
However, for Jiang Ye in his current state, this sum was no longer significant.
"I'll depart tomorrow," Jiang Ye decided. After submitting his application on his phone, he closed his eyes peacefully and began his all-night cultivation session.
Time flowed like water.
In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.
Jiang Ye embarked on his cosmic tempering journey, once again entering the suspended stellar structure.
He arrived at the second-tier stellar energy tempering pool.
Significantly smaller than the Primordial Stellar Energy tempering pool, it could only accommodate a dozen participants.
"Second-tier stellar energy," Jiang Ye murmured, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he sat cross-legged in the pool. "Let's see what you've got."
He was now just one step away from the peak-second breakthrough.
Whether he could overcome this bottleneck depended entirely on the tempering process ahead.
Dong!
A bell tolled, signaling the official start of the cosmic tempering session.
Whoosh!
Crimson stellar mist, thick as water, surged rapidly to engulf the entire pool like a tidal wave.
The instant the scarlet mist touched Jiang Ye, countless strands of second-tier stellar energy, sharp as blades, pierced into his body, sweeping through his limbs and bones like a tempest.
Hiss! An indescribable pain flooded Jiang Ye's mind.
Pain!
Agonizing pain!
"This pain..." Jiang Ye's pupils constricted sharply.
For the first time, he experienced pain comparable to that of the second level of the Martial Dao Heavenly Ladder!
This was far more than mere physical pain; it felt like his very Divine Soul was being torn apart.
"Endure," Jiang Ye gritted his teeth, forcing himself to withstand the agony.
Yet this excruciating pain sparked a faint realization within him:
If I can endure this, the rewards will be immeasurable!
"Endure!" Jiang Ye silently endured, even attempting to circulate the White Dragon True God Manual amidst the torment, accelerating the absorption of stellar energy.
During this process, Jiang Ye's life level began to transform at an astonishing rate.
Buzz... Buzz... Buzz...
Stellar River Veins lit up across his body, shimmering like galaxies encircling him.
Eleven Star Meridians had already been activated.
Now, the prototype of the twelfth Star Meridian was slowly taking shape, progressing at a glacial pace but steadily evolving.
Simultaneously, every cell in his body underwent a profound metamorphosis.
This transformation defied description, even scientific explanation, yet it was undeniably occurring.
Ten minutes.
Half an hour.
Two hours.
Time flowed relentlessly.
Three hours later...
Buzz!
The twelfth Star Meridian finally completed its formation.
Boom! An endless torrent of stellar energy surged into the twelfth Star Meridian like a flood.
In an instant, it was as if an energy core had been activated.
The twelfth Star Meridian suddenly lit up, radiating a brilliant glow like a silver river, bursting with unparalleled vitality.
Immediately afterward, all twelve Star Meridians ignited.
Millions of strands of stellar energy surged ceaselessly through the twelve Star Meridians, forming a complete circulatory cycle.
During this process, Jiang Ye's life aura began to surge at an astonishing rate.
In the blink of an eye, he shattered through the bottleneck.
Boom! A peerlessly sharp Martial Dao Aura erupted from Jiang Ye's body.
This aura far surpassed his past self, exceeding anything he had ever possessed before, reaching an entirely new height!
(End of the Chapter)
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