Chapter 42: Opportunity Knocks
Translated by algoo | Proofread by algoo
For the latest updates, visit: ProNovels.com
Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB
From now on, Lin Xiu had two friends at the Mystic Arts Academy.
Li Bozhang and Xue Ning’er.
However, both friendships were, more or less, tinged with ulterior motives.
Lin Xiu had designs on Li Bozhang. Xue Ning’er had designs on Lin Xiu, and Lin Xiu, in turn, had designs on her. Each harbored their own schemes. Who would ultimately gain the upper hand depended on their respective methods.
The second martial arts class was three days later.
Lin Xiu arrived at the training grounds early once again. Li Bozhang was already there, sitting under a tree, a blade of grass dangling from his lips, his eyes fixated on the female students across the field.
Seeing Lin Xiu approach, he spat out the grass and waved enthusiastically. “Brother Lin, over here!”
Lin Xiu strolled over and leaned against the tree beside him. “Brother Li, your alcohol tolerance is impressive. I’m ashamed of what happened the other day…”
Li Bozhang chuckled. “It’s nothing. Just drink less next time.”
They chatted idly, leaning against the tree. Soon, a graceful figure approached, smiling. “Young Master Lin, you’re here early.”
Seeing Xue Ning’er, Li Bozhang tactfully excused himself. “I’ll be right back.”
Xue Ning’er naturally took his place. Lin Xiu had to admit, there was a reason Xue Ning’er had the most pursuers among the Four Beauties.
Lingyin was undeniably beautiful, but her aloofness kept people at bay.
Princess Minghe’s noble status made her an object of distant admiration.
Qin Wan was charming, but her family background was ordinary, and rumors of her promiscuity, though surrounded by admirers, tarnished her reputation compared to the other three.
Xue Ning’er was different. Her grandfather was a Duke, second only to Princess Minghe in status, and she was affable, getting along with many male students. Countless people would scramble to fulfill her every whim. She neither accepted nor rejected their advances, maintaining a delicate balance between closeness and distance. This gave everyone a sliver of hope, making her the most popular of the Four Beauties.
These inexperienced young men of the Academy couldn’t differentiate between a “green tea” and a genuinely kind girl. But using these tactics on Lin Xiu was like preaching to the choir.
In front of a seasoned “sea king” of a higher caliber, the roles of hunter and prey often reversed.
Soon, Lin Xiu had Xue Ning’er giggling, playfully hitting his shoulder, her face flushed. “Hee hee, Young Master Lin, you’re so bad…”
This scene, naturally, made the male students watching from afar gnash their teeth.
Many of them had chosen this class because of Xue Ning’er. Despite their efforts, she had never been this intimate with them.
To think that on the second class, she was already flirting with that boy…
As class time approached, Xue Ning’er stood, brushing off some grass from her skirt. “Class is about to start. I’ll go over now,” she said to Lin Xiu.
Lin Xiu nodded, watching her leave, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Li Bozhang came over, sighing in admiration. “Masterful, truly masterful…”
He had observed everything clearly. Initially, Xue Ning’er had initiated the conversation, leading the discussion. But soon, Lin Xiu had taken over, and Xue Ning’er followed his lead, laughing and pouting at his teasing…
Enjoying the translation? Stay updated with the latest chapters at ProNovels.com.
This showed that they weren’t on the same level. His new friend, Brother Lin, was a true expert.
Instructor Sun entered the training grounds. Lin Xiu stood up, dusting himself off. “Class time,” he said.
Today was the second martial arts class. As soon as it began, Instructor Sun had the students run laps, except for eight individuals, including Lin Xiu and Li Bozhang.
Lin Xiu realized that these eight were those who had demonstrated the best physical condition in the previous class.
Instructor Sun looked at them. “The path of martial arts is different from mystic arts. Without a strong body, forced cultivation will only be detrimental. Three days ago, I tested you all, and your physiques are excellent, ready for initiation. I will impart a sliver of True Qi into each of you. Remember its flow within your body, and then try to guide it yourselves…”
Among the eight, Li Bozhang and another student named Wang Wei had already cultivated True Qi. Instructor Sun had them wait aside, then walked to Lin Xiu. “Extend your hand,” he instructed.
Lin Xiu extended his palm. Instructor Sun placed his large hand against Lin Xiu’s. The power within Lin Xiu remained dormant, indicating that Instructor Sun was a pure martial artist.
The next moment, Lin Xiu felt a fierce, overbearing power enter his body through his palm. The power was so violent that it caused him physical pain.
No wonder cultivating martial arts required a strong physique. Even he felt this way. Those with weaker constitutions wouldn’t be able to withstand such power, likely suffering permanent damage.
After entering Lin Xiu’s body, the power circulated along a specific path. “Remember this path, and try to retain this True Qi,” Instructor Sun said.
Lin Xiu nodded, attempting to guide the power within him. The True Qi was so violent that he had to focus all his effort. Even so, he only managed to circulate it for half a cycle before it dissipated.
Instructor Sun nodded approvingly. “For a first attempt, retaining it for that long is quite good. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, you should be able to enter the gates of martial arts within three months.”
Lin Xiu cupped his hands. “Thank you, Instructor Sun.”
Instructor Sun continued to the next student. Of the remaining five, three couldn’t withstand the influx of True Qi, failing immediately and being sent to run laps. The other two, like Lin Xiu, managed to circulate the True Qi for a full cycle but failed to control it.
During the break, a figure approached Lin Xiu.
Lin Xiu remembered him. He was one of the two students who had already cultivated True Qi. His name seemed to be Wang Wei.
Wang Wei patted Lin Xiu’s shoulder, lowering his voice. “I’m warning you, stay away from Miss Ning’er. You’re not worthy of her.”
With that, he walked away.
Xue Ning’er had many admirers in the Academy. Lin Xiu wasn’t surprised by Wang Wei’s warning. Then, Li Bozhang came over. “Did he threaten you?” he asked.
Lin Xiu chuckled. “Youthful impetuosity. Understandable.”
Li Bozhang shook his head. “Poor fellow. He actually thinks he has a chance with her. The granddaughter of a Third Rank Duke, marry the son of a Third Rank Marquis? There are too many delusional people like him…”
Lin Xiu suddenly asked, “What ability has he awakened?”
Li Bozhang thought for a moment. “Spatial ability, I think. A low-grade Xuan Realm ability. Miss Ning’er would never look at him…”
Lin Xiu’s heart stirred. Spatial ability. Sounded powerful, but in reality, it wasn’t very useful. Mainly because it couldn’t be cultivated, relying solely on luck for awakening. Records showed that decades ago, someone had awakened this ability three times.
That person was later recruited by the military, using his ability to transport supplies during wartime. He alone was worth half a logistics unit.
Lin Xiu realized he was truly greedy. Truth be told, he wanted that spatial ability too.
Even if it couldn’t be used for combat, it would be excellent for storage. Creating a personal space was even more convenient than storage bags or spatial rings from novels.
But this person was clearly hostile towards him. Getting him drunk was out of the question. What other methods were there?
Soon, Lin Xiu’s eyes lit up. An idea came to mind.
The female students had just finished their physical training. Lin Xiu sauntered over to Xue Ning’er, engaging her in lighthearted conversation.
This pleased Xue Ning’er. It seemed her plan was proceeding smoothly.
Lin Xiu had taken the initiative to approach her.
Some were happy, others, not so much.
Lin Xiu glanced at Wang Wei from the corner of his eye, noticing his livid face and murderous glare.
Lin Xiu chatted with Xue Ning’er for a while, making her giggle and earning himself a few playful punches before returning.
Wang Wei had warned him simply for talking to Xue Ning’er, indicating a lack of composure and a tendency for jealousy. In that case, he would give him a little more…stimulation.
Lin Xiu had expected things to be more complicated, but as soon as he returned, a figure strode towards him.
Wang Wei, chest heaving, glared at Lin Xiu, gritting his teeth. “Lin, I challenge you! Do you dare accept?!”
A smile played on Lin Xiu’s lips.
Oh ho, opportunity knocks…
For the latest updates, visit ProNovels.com. Join our Discord for release updates: https://discord.gg/Eh2ayfR4FB.
