When Zhang Yu saw the intricate energy circulation diagram, he was slightly taken aback.
However, once he actually tried it, he realized it was much simpler than the daily Zhou Tian Qi Absorption Technique he practiced.
Compared to the full-body energy circulation of the Zhou Tian Qi Absorption Technique, the method of converting energy into sharp sword qi was straightforward.
Zhang Yu had already mastered the Zhou Tian Qi Absorption Technique to level 10, having practiced it countless times.
Practicing this new technique felt like a college student effortlessly solving elementary math problems.
As he followed the energy circulation diagram projected before him, Zhang Yu directed his energy to his right arm.
With a slight effort, he felt a sharp energy burst from his fingertips.
It wasn’t exactly sword qi, and its power was only slightly stronger than a craft knife, but it still excited him.
"Ah Zhen, look! I did it!" Zhang Yu exclaimed.
Bai Zhenzhen rolled her eyes.
"Ugh, Zhang Yu, you're so annoying!"
Teacher Yan immediately looked over, surprised.
"Have you learned this before?"
When Zhang Yu shook his head, she sighed in admiration.
"It seems you have a natural talent for this."
Seeing Zhang Yu's potential, Teacher Yan became even more dedicated in her teaching.
She went on to teach him several basic energy conversion techniques, such as heating, cooling, and generating electricity.
Zhang Yu quickly grasped all of them, earning continuous praise from Teacher Yan.
"That's all for today. Practice more when you get back," Teacher Yan said.
"Don’t forget, we’ll have two more sessions tomorrow and the day after. I’ll teach you how to dissolve and invade with energy."
As Zhang Yu left, Teacher Yan thought to herself, "I hope you can crush those eight students who didn’t come for extra lessons in the magic competition."
As for Zhang Yu actually placing in the top ten and earning a scholarship or university interview points? Teacher Yan didn’t even consider it.
While Songyang High School had some competitiveness in sports, academic competitions were dominated by the top three elite schools.
At best, she hoped Zhang Yu would outperform the other nine participants from Songyang High, making those who skipped her lessons regret their decision and beg her for tutoring.
After leaving the classroom, Zhang Yu received a message from Zhou Chechen, agreeing to continue the loan contract and allowing him to make monthly payments.
Although Zhou Chechen had bought Zhang Yu’s 700,000 yuan debt and became his new creditor, he had initially offered leniency, allowing Zhang Yu to delay payments.
However, after several discussions, Zhou Chechen finally agreed to Zhang Yu’s request to continue monthly payments, understanding his desire to avoid debt.
"Agreed?" Zhang Yu muttered, reluctantly transferring 15,000 yuan for this month’s payment.
Though it hurt, he didn’t want to risk falling behind on payments, especially since his goal of breaking into the top ten universities could be jeopardized if his financial situation became a liability.
After the 15,000 yuan payment and an additional 3,000 yuan for tutoring, Zhang Yu’s savings dropped to 43,000 yuan.
"Money really doesn’t last long," he sighed.
"I hope this magic competition will help me earn more."
Meanwhile, as Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen left the classroom for tutoring, Liang Qin, who had just returned from the restroom, noticed Zhang Yu’s empty seat.
Frowning, he searched the entire floor but couldn’t find Zhang Yu.
"He was just here. Where did he go? Is he avoiding me?" Liang Qin muttered angrily.
"Just because he got lucky and became a Golden Core disciple, he thinks he’s better than everyone else. Without that, he’s no better than me."
As he left the building, Liang Qin received a phone call.
"Yeah, he’s already gone home," he said vaguely.
"Nothing happened today. Ever since he became a Golden Core disciple, he’s been acting all high and mighty, like he’s guarding some secret to his success. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him. Just don’t forget to send the money."
After hanging up, Liang Qin looked distracted until he received a transfer notification.
A smile finally appeared on his face.
Lately, he had been particularly short on money.
While most students and teachers at Songyang High were struggling financially, Liang Qin was in an even worse situation.
His family had once been relatively well-off, living in an apartment on the outskirts of the city.
His mother was a housewife, and his father was a low-level office worker.
Though they struggled to support his education, they managed to get by.
However, things changed a month after he entered Songyang High.
Perhaps it was the overwhelming academic pressure, the constant decline in his rankings, the pressure from top students, or the unintentional displays of wealth from richer classmates, but Liang Qin found himself losing focus.
He would open his eyes mid-meditation to check his phone, feel lethargic during physical training, and zone out during talisman studies.
He was beginning to hate school.
At this point, a senior student introduced him to a way to relax and relieve stress: a platform where one could gamble with energy.
"It’s just a small bet," the senior said.
"If you win, you can relax for a few days. If you lose, it’ll motivate you to study harder."
Liang Qin hesitated but eventually gave in, thinking his self-discipline would protect him.
The platform allowed users to bet energy or money.
Winning meant receiving energy from others, while losing meant either helping others cultivate energy or paying off debts with money.
At first, Liang Qin lost a few bets, but then he won 0.3 units of energy.
The thrill of suddenly gaining energy was unforgettable.
Over time, he began gambling more frequently, convincing himself it was harmless as long as he controlled his greed.
But now, four months into the school year, Liang Qin was drowning in regret.
He had secretly used his parents’ bank cards and accumulated massive debts.
Every night, he woke up in a panic, fearing someone would come to take his dantian, organs, or flesh.
Yet, standing at the school gate, holding the 500 yuan he had just received, Liang Qin felt the itch to gamble again.
Moments later, the money was gone, and he was once again filled with regret.
"It’s fine," he comforted himself.
"I’ll keep following Zhang Yu and earn more money. Next time, I’ll stop after winning 300. With enough willpower, I can slowly pay off my debts."
As he walked home, Liang Qin continued to plan his way out of this mess.
In the Songyang High office, Su Haifeng watched as the man across from him hung up the phone.
"So Liang Qin is your informant? But he’s a gambling addict now. Can you trust his words?"
The man smiled faintly.
"He’s just a pawn to keep an eye on Zhang Yu. I don’t expect much from him."
Su Haifeng shook his head.
"Zhang Yu has already met with the student council. He’ll probably sign the contract soon. Are you still not giving up?"
The man’s expression turned cold.
"Zhang Yu was my recruit. Even if things didn’t go as planned, I won’t let go so easily. Don’t worry, I’ve received word that Zhang Yu and the student council will sign the contract after the next monthly exam. I’ll make sure everything is settled before then."
Over the next few days, Zhang Yu happily practiced the Desolate Bull Soul-Calming Technique, feeling his Dao Heart level gradually improve.
He also continued his daily studies and practiced the techniques Teacher Yan had taught him in preparation for the magic competition.
Ten days later, the day of the magic competition finally arrived.
Thanks to the Desolate Bull Soul-Calming Technique, Zhang Yu’s Dao Heart level had reached level 2 (42%).
He felt he could reach level 3 around the time of the next monthly exam.
His energy had also steadily increased to 15.4 units through continuous practice of the Zhou Tian Qi Absorption Technique.
Zhang Yu’s rapid progress surprised his classmates, but when they noticed his physical strength hadn’t improved, they assumed he was focusing entirely on energy cultivation to prepare for the competition.
On the day of the competition, Teacher Yan led Zhang Yu, Bai Zhenzhen, Qian Shen, He Dayou, and others onto a bus heading to the Songyang City first-year magic competition venue.
(End of Chapter)