ASER - Chapter 57
Chapter 57: Xiao Yuanbao
Qu Jiangnan remained calm and composed, saying, "It seems to be related to physique as well."
A'Diao didn't understand. "Physique is a physical entity. Could it also have self-armor and evasion capabilities?"
Qu Jiangnan said, "Naturally not. It's not like mecha armor, nor is it a virtual character. What I mean is that after numerous temperings, the flesh and bones become saturated with Spiritual Energy or Spirit Power. Just like the changes in your physique these days, it only indicates that your body's flesh and blood contain more and more energy. Energy is the best defense."
In other words, a strong person could perfectly MISS her Gaze Threads even without doing anything.
Damn, this is a bit useless then.
Seeing the disappointment on A'Diao's face, Qu Jiangnan couldn't help but chuckle.
"Still greedy? During the talent excavation period, many techniques vary in effectiveness. In the early stages, you can't just get whatever technique you want. It relies partly on systematic learning and partly on talent development and cultivation, but mainly the latter. What we can teach you is knowledge and experience related to the second type. However, the early stage is also a golden period for accumulating resources. Obtaining effective abilities first is the biggest advantage. Your technique has two advantages. First, it doesn't require hands or feet to activate; you can use your eyes, right?"
Impressive, her gaze is so sharp. She figured it out after seeing it just once.
A'Diao was certain that Yuan Shu still didn't understand how she controlled her skill, but Qu Jiangnan wasn't present; she must have figured it out just by watching the recording once.
"Yes."
"Among the three systems, the most feared is universally acknowledged to be the mental system, and this is why. It's easy for you to strike first and restrain Yuan Shu's hands, interrupting his technique. But it's very difficult to preemptively stop a mental system technique. Believe it or not, if you had attacked Song Ling just now, even if she hadn't mastered Spirit Power yet, you definitely wouldn't have won so easily, and might even have lost. Because in an instant, she could activate Psychic Frost to dull your consciousness. Then, your technique activation would be a step slower, and you'd have to consume Spiritual Energy for self-defense, while she could attack with full force."
A'Diao had noticed this from the reactions of Zhou Jiang, Cheng Zhang, and others that day. Although Song Ling's talent score was lower than hers, they were more wary of Song Ling.
"So, the mental system reigns supreme? Can we only win against them if our Spirit Power is higher?" A'Diao asked curiously.
Qu Jiangnan shook her head. "Not necessarily. Some mental system skills are quite useless. You can't generalize. It depends on how a person utilizes their abilities. At first glance, you were able to control Yuan Shu preemptively today, but next time he's prepared, this technique of yours will have limited effect on him. You need to constantly upgrade it, constantly strengthen your control, to maintain your advantage. This technique can bring you considerable benefits in the near future. And your strength amplification, is that another one of your abnormal derivative techniques? Does it also not require drawing talismans?"
No way, your eyes are too sharp.
Little Fist is a passive skill.
"Mm, it's not needed. This isn't a Daoist technique, more like a talent ability, I guess."
Qu Jiangnan's expression shifted slightly before she said, "Generally, after a Forbidden Master masters Spirit Power, all their techniques are divided into two types: talent skills and Daoist techniques. If talent skills are like a tree, very few fruits are born in the early stages. The Daoist technique school is powerful because it compensates for this, as Daoist techniques can be used to increase the number of moves. Most talented individuals can also minor in Daoist techniques, but everyone's aptitude for them varies. Just like you... your aptitude for Daoist techniques shouldn't be weak."
"Not really, I've been learning this since I was little, so I have some foundation."
Being praised too highly could lead to ruin, Teacher. A'Diao was a little afraid of this artistic head teacher. After all, her eyes were sharp. If she kept staring at her and one day decided on a whim to check her aptitude, and A'Diao hadn't hidden her other spirit cluster yet, wouldn't she be toast?
Qu Jiangnan didn't say much more. "Alright then, focus on your cultivation recently, don't get sidetracked. I'll start teaching Daoist arts in a few classes."
Before A'Diao left, Qu Jiangnan suddenly remembered, "That pickled vegetable of yours, is it fixed? Or did you do it on purpose?"
Its power was unusually great.
A'Diao looked innocent. "Huh? It just comes with it. I didn't want it either, Teacher."
Not at all. She had deliberately searched online for the pickled vegetables with the worst reputation and the most disgusting smell, the kind teeming with bacteria. When she bought it, the shopkeeper even thought she was from the quality inspection bureau trying to bait them and was reluctant to sell.
Qu Jiangnan: "..."
After A'Diao went out, before the door closed, she saw Zhongchuan Mingxiu waiting for her, while Yuan Shu was staring daggers at her, full of hatred.
Oh, beat the underling, and here comes the boss.
Zhongchuan Mingxiu was about to speak when A'Diao immediately said, "The teacher scolded me, said I was a rookie, learning to fight before even creating a spirit cluster, not afraid of embarrassing myself. So, from now on, I'll listen to the teacher, cultivate my character, and resolutely avoid any physical altercations. May I ask, Classmate Zhongchuan, what can I do for you?"
Fight Zhongchuan Mingxiu? She'd have to be crazy to fight him. Let alone not having mastered Spirit Power, even if she had, she definitely couldn't beat him recently.
Because she had just tried... Oh dear, Gaze Threads was ineffective, meaning the other party had already protected their eyes with Spirit Power.
His skill and Spirit Power level far exceeded her capabilities.
System: "You're even using this skill to test people's strength?"
A'Diao: "Well, I just figured out its special feature. For example, when I activated it, Qu Jiangnan didn't seem to notice its activation, which means the skill's startup can be almost imperceptible, since it's activated by gaze."
The door wasn't closed yet, and A'Diao's voice wasn't soft. Qu Jiangnan, who was working inside, glanced out upon hearing her. Zhongchuan Mingxiu immediately lowered his head, reining in his fighting spirit, and chuckled lightly. "It's nothing. I just think the training room stinks too much, affecting other students' cultivation. Classmate A'Diao, don't you plan on cleaning it up?"
From inside the office, Qu Jiangnan's voice suddenly came, "Chen A'Diao, clean up the training room before class ends."
A'Diao: "..."
Alright, this Zhongchuan Mingxiu was much more insidious than Yuan Shu.
A'Diao rubbed her nose and could only squat down to obediently clean. However domineering and impressive she had been when dealing with Yuan Shu earlier, that's how miserable she felt now. Ahhh, it stinks!
However, while she was cleaning, Tian Zhongxiang and the other two came over to help.
Even the usually aloof Song Ling was helping. The others watched...
A'Diao suddenly said deliberately, "Oh dear, I've troubled you all. I really shouldn't, I'm so embarrassed. We're just classmates. Besides, these pickled vegetable shreds weren't my doing; it often goes out of control... But no matter what, it would never land on my classmates. I'm not that kind of person."
Often out of control?
Cheng Zhang suddenly stood up. "We're all classmates, let me help..."
Before he could finish, he saw Rao Xueya had already brought a towel and spray, silently starting to scrub.
Impressive! This person is indeed my biggest rival in currying favor with the powerful!
Cheng Zhang looked at Rao Xueya with frustration, but then decisively took out an even larger towel...
Xu Luo's eyes flickered, and he suddenly said, "I'll go get the trash can, wait a moment."
He had long since had an epiphany: there were too many ruthless and formidable people in the world. One should bow their head when necessary and develop stealthily!
Seeing that even the proud Xu Luo had awakened to this reality, the others weren't stupid either. Among the ten exam-admitted students, everyone except Bai He sprang into action, creating a truly "Let me, let me!" scene of classmate camaraderie.
Bai He frowned and watched coldly. Zhongchuan Mingxiu also felt annoyed and, once again looking at Yuan Shu with frustration, said, "Go to the infirmary."
"I..."
"Your eyes look like light bulbs. Ugly. Get lost, quick."
Such a good situation was ruined by his impatience. He let Chen A'Diao step on him to win people over. Moreover, this person was cunning; she definitely wouldn't fight him in the short term.
Sigh, what a headache.
Yuan Shu felt he had been utterly screwed over by A'Diao, and then got scolded by his boss on top of it. He felt terrible. So, before leaving, he glared fiercely at A'Diao again.
A'Diao saw it.
Oh my, still daring to glare at me.
The cleanup was quite fast. Soon, everyone re-entered a state of cultivation.
One class session lasted the whole day, ending at 4:30 PM. Students could come and go as they pleased in between, even leaving early wasn't an issue; it was their freedom. But no one was willing to leave because Zhongchuan Mingxiu and others who had already mastered Spirit Power had seized the initiative, taking turns using the gravity room and the consciousness reaction room.
They had points first and queued up in groups to use them. Four rooms were still enough for now, but once the remaining 40 people gradually mastered Spirit Power, dozens would be queuing, and the wait would be tiring.
However, those outside could sense the changes in Zhongchuan Mingxiu and his group each time they went in and came out.
Drenched in sweat, but their vitality and spirit had clearly changed.
The effect was so obvious? Then they had to master Spirit Power sooner. Or perhaps exchange spirit cores for points?
When Zhou Jiang came to deliver five spirit cores, A'Diao was still struggling to create her spirit cluster. Seeing him arrive, she went out to get the spirit cores.
"Looks like Song Ling and the others have successfully created their spirit clusters?" Zhou Jiang asked tentatively.
He had just caught a glimpse—good heavens, several of the 40 people were already compressing Spiritual Energy.
But Chen A'Diao was clearly not among them.
This shouldn't be the case.
"Yeah, Song Ling and Bai He are almost done with the second step. Visually, they should be able to force out Spirit Power before class ends."
"Then you..."
"My tuberculosis is acting up, my efficiency is poor."
Zhou Jiang: "..."
I'd be a fool to believe you. Yuan Shu was just sent to the infirmary; the whole school knows you hammered him into a pulp.
However, this Chen A'Diao truly had a good mentality. He could tell she genuinely didn't care if others were faster than her.
After Zhou Jiang left, the people in the training room didn't even leave for lunch, continuing to cultivate until class ended.
However, even before class ended, Song Ling and her group couldn't directly condense Spirit Power. None of the other 30 internally selected students managed it either. A total of twelve people were stuck on the third step, while Tian Zhongxiang and her group were stuck on the second.
Actually, this efficiency was normal. Only Tuoba, Zhongchuan Mingxiu, and those other three (total five) succeeded on the first day, according to the equipment test data.
All the others succeeded either that night or the next day.
But A'Diao remained calmly stuck on the first step, like an old ox pulling a plow, unhurried and unperturbed. This mentality was truly impressive.
Given her track record of brutally defeating Yuan Shu in seconds, no one dared to be foolish and underestimate her again. No one looked down on her; instead, they suspected this "malignant tumor" was holding back a big move.
Ding-ling-ling, class dismissed!
As soon as class was over, A'Diao bolted like a wild horse, making it impossible for Rao Xueya to even talk to her. But... Ding-dong, a friend request arrived.
Once confirmed, snap, five hundred thousand star coins were transferred over.
Not a single other word.
Rao Xueya: "!!!"
No, was I doing it for the money? I wanted to join your team!
But it really was a lot of money... She gave too much.
Rao Xueya appeared calm on the surface, but as soon as she left the classroom, she quickly called her parents.
"Mom, Dad, I earned money! I earned five hundred thousand!"
Five hundred thousand was their combined income for three years. She felt like crying.
"Really, I earned it with my own abilities!"
She said this with particular confidence and righteousness.
Bai He left the classroom and saw someone blocking his path at the corner. To deal with him?
Zhongchuan Mingxiu smiled at him.
"Wanting to beat Chen A'Diao will likely be very difficult. She has Chen Xun behind her, and Chen Xun is the principal's prized student. Even if the principal is fair, Chen Xun at the Central Academy of Sciences can provide her with immense help. Besides, she is, after all, the Cishi's daughter. Chen Ran, leveraging the advantages of his children, plus his 'superior-superior' rating in this official performance assessment, will very likely be promoted to a key high-ranking official in Jinling soon, truly becoming a provincial-level official with real power, situated at the center of Jinling's authority. Even if not comparable to the Song, Wang, and Cui families, he'll be second only to them. Do you know how much privilege an official-ranked family has?"
"And you are just the child of ordinary farmers. Wanting to surpass her is as difficult as ascending to heaven. Even if you have mastered Spirit Power now, you've seen it yourself: Song Ling and Cheng Zhang, who also mastered Spirit Power today, don't dare to underestimate Chen A'Diao. That's because they too belong to official-ranked families and know how great their advantages are."
"Only you have no advantages whatsoever."
"By the way, let me also tell you, the backing I have is no weaker than the Song, Wang, or Cui families, perhaps even stronger."
Bai He stared at him.
The other party was recruiting him, and it was very difficult for him to refuse.
After Bai He agreed, watching his departing figure, Zhongchuan Mingxiu's face, hidden beneath the flowering branches, held little trace of a smile. Instead, he pondered deeply and reservedly for a moment. But when he glanced at a private chat invitation from Cui Liang on his phone, a hint of nonchalance appeared in his eyes.
This Senior Cui Liang was indeed formidable, having already entered Kyoto University. The resources there would naturally be more abundant, and his growth faster than theirs. So, he wanted to recruit these junior brothers and sisters from Jinling Academy from a position of superiority... But he had misjudged one thing.
"How could I, Zhongchuan Mingxiu, be content to be subordinate to others?"
If the eldest direct son of the declining Cui family could cling to the central powers in Kyoto to ensure his family's survival, how could the once-renowned millennium-old Zhongchuan clan of Danzhou let go of this opportunity to rise again?
The Song, Wang, and Cui families—in the future, they would all have to bow their heads to Zhongchuan.
And the current excellent situation at Jinling Academy was this: the most outstanding talents from the Song and Wang families were all in the previous cohort and would leave Jinling Academy after the college entrance exams. At that time, Jinling Academy would undergo a reshuffle.
Tuoba was isolated and uninvolved, and those two lovebirds were obsessed with romance. This was his opportunity.
Winning over these potential classmates and building the best team would be equivalent to weakening Tuoba's team. Of course, suppressing Chen A'Diao was just incidental for now.
Of course, she herself was not enough of a threat to him; it was just that his family also coveted the position Chen Ran was about to be promoted to.
Rao Xueya was a local and didn't board at school for the time being, so she went straight home. But A'Diao and the Tian siblings were boarders, so they... eventually met in the cafeteria.
Good heavens, she ran so fast just to eat.
The three of them arrived at the cafeteria one after another and had another round of feasting. By the time Song Ling arrived leisurely, they were already halfway through their meal.
However, they would basically finish eating around the same time because Song Ling ate little, while the three of them still needed extra servings.
Enthusiastic eaters are just that unpretentious.
While eating, drinking, and chatting, they learned that Song Ling also boarded at the school.
"You don't go back to the Song family?" A'Diao asked curiously.
Song Ling denied it. "The school has more resources. As for family resources, going home on rest days is enough. It's best to stay at school during term time."
So, after the Spiritual Energy cultivation courses were introduced, there were a ton of boarders. Besides students from out of town who were assigned dorms, many locals couldn't even apply for a dorm room. As a second best, they bought or rented school district housing nearby, just to save time.
Just as A'Diao and the other two were about to get more food, an announcement suddenly appeared on the cafeteria screen.
The college entrance exam notice had arrived.
Seven days later.
Everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks, quietly watching the content displayed on the screen.
Besides announcing the college entrance exam date, the Ministry of Education also announced the general exam content.
Academic Exam (30% of the score, seven subjects) + Martial Exam (70% of the score, testing potential + combat record).
The content wasn't much, but as for what was key, the higher-ups in the education sector would analyze and coordinate. A'Diao and the others just had to wait for their teachers' guidance, so they didn't think much about it, and there was very little discussion.
After all, the three enthusiastic eaters didn't want to spoil their appetites, and Song Ling was an ice block; what could she say?
After dinner, the four headed to the dormitory area. On the way, the three of them saw A'Diao take out her phone and, in the leisurely tone of a well-fed old man walking his dog, complain to Zhou Jiang about something: "Report! That Yuan Shu didn't go clean the toilets! According to school rules, even if he's seriously injured now, he should have reported it, informed the head teacher and me, the victim. But he didn't, so he broke the rules. I suggest the security department deal with him strictly!"
After hanging up, she continued the previous topic: "Have you guys bought foot-washing basins? Where can I get them cheap? Are there any 'three for ten yuan' deals?"
The three of them: "..."
Meanwhile, in the infirmary, as Yuan Shu was undergoing pharmacological treatment to clear the pickled vegetable toxins, he kept feeling like he had forgotten something. But he was consumed by anger and busy contacting his family to investigate Chen A'Diao and prepare more resources for him. He was determined to thrash Chen A'Diao after some time; otherwise, he couldn't vent his anger.
Just as everything was arranged, he saw people from the security department. They had come to collect a debt because he hadn't cleaned the toilets nor reported his situation. According to school rules, he had to be fined... After all, the school didn't have that many toilets for him to clean.
How much was the fine?
Another ten level-one spirit cores.
The security personnel looked at him as if he were a foolish, rich "wealth-bringing child." After receiving the spirit cores, one of them suddenly remembered something and said, "Oh right, the person who reported you asked me to tell you her name is Chen A'Diao. She has high expectations for you, hopes you'll mend your ways, continue to seek her out for duels in the future, and also, have your money ready."
Yuan Shu: "..."
This is too much bullying! Chen A'Diao, I swear I will not rest until one of us is destroyed!
From Yuan Shu +4444!!!
Jinling Academy occupied a vast area, and its dormitory district was also extensive. But as A'Diao looked at the name of the dormitory assigned to her, she felt it was a bit different from others'.
Shanzhu Ju.
Are mangosteens planted there? The edible kind? Are they sweet?
Song Ling glanced at her a few times and smiled. "You'll know when you get there. The school wouldn't set you up."
A'Diao always felt that she knew something.
A'Diao soon found out.
Elegant green bamboos flanked both sides, with a few plum blossoms and osmanthus trees dotted in between. Other flowers and plants were scarce. A wooden house was faintly visible among them; through the upturned tips of the bamboo, one could glimpse the Zen-like tranquility of the wooden eaves. But that was all. The rest gradually faded, a touch of refined elegance concealing a certain coldness, yet also imbued with a quietly placed ethereal quality, like the character of its inhabitant.
A'Diao pushed open the small courtyard gate and, upon entering, saw a "flowing water Zen heart" feature to the side. Water flowed through bamboo pipes into a pond, which meandered past a streamlet, nourishing the green bamboo. A few small fish darted among the stream stones and flowing water that wound around the front and back yards of the house.
Such a nice place, her dormitory?
A'Diao seemed to understand something. Sure enough, upon entering the house, she saw a room full of bookshelves and an unused training room on the left, while the right side was the living quarters.
She was still looking for someone when her trouser leg was suddenly tugged. Startled, she looked down.
She saw a robot with a round head and a chubby, anthropomorphic shell, but its color... was a golden-yellow leopard-print robot.
Its appearance was particularly like that fat leopard from a certain cartoon... the one that drinks milk tea?
"Hello, I am the butler here, Xiao Yuanbao. From now on, you are my master."
A'Diao: "?"
Jiang Chao seemed to have mentioned it jokingly that day. So, while he appeared cold and dignified on the surface, he had secretly made such a fat leopard?
And he had specifically left it for her.
"What about your original master?"
"Yuanbao has no original master. I am brand new, first-hand goods. You are my only master. My appearance and color were designed by the creator according to your preferences, Master. Do you like it?"
So fat and a golden leopard.
Damn, as if she loved money that much.
"It's alright, quite cute." A'Diao couldn't resist flicking its chubby ear. Xiao Yuanbao immediately covered its ears, its legs turned pigeon-toed, and it lowered its round, cat-like head, saying in a childish voice, "No teasing, unless you pay."
This expression and action... she seemed to have done it too when she was little.
He always liked to tease her forehead and ears with the end of his pen.
When she was in a wheelchair, she had also covered her ears like this, pretending to be cute... A'Diao promptly stopped the memory.
If this is supposed to be me, my Eldest Brother, I'm afraid you're subtly mocking me.
Yuanbao was an intelligent simulation robot. A'Diao studied it for a while and found its intelligence level to be extremely high. Moreover, it was equipped with a weapon system capable of at least leveling this house. A'Diao immediately felt it was a higher grade than the "Fat Bee" class. Calculated this way, Chen Xun had essentially given her several million star coins at once.
"Master, I have a stored mail item here. Would you like to read it?"
"Open it."
It was a voice message from Chen Xun. The content was simple, and his tone was calm. "I've already reported to the Central Academy of Sciences, but I have too many things and can't move them all. So, I requested the academy to keep it for a year. Since you need to board, you can look after it for me. The butler has already had the house completely cleaned, and all daily necessities have been replaced with the set from home. If you really don't like it, you can tell the school and switch to another dormitory. However, this place is located in the inner district of the academy, close to Fuxiang Garden and also near the teachers' residences. The Spiritual Energy intensity is relatively high, and security is also strong. It should be quite useful for you. Also, everything in the house now belongs to you; dispose of it as you wish."
And then it ended.
A'Diao had long known that Chen Xun's status at the academy was extraordinary. At the very least, if he had been secretly included in the Central Academy of Sciences' observation scope during his first year of high school, the academy must have known and would naturally have given him the best protection and treatment. Therefore, this residence must be quite exceptional; otherwise, Chen Xun wouldn't have left it for her.
Regardless of his intentions towards her, the benefits were tangible.
Refuse?
It seemed she couldn't. A'Diao's gaze swept across, and when she saw some of the book titles, a strange feeling arose in her heart—these books all covered the knowledge points she had realized she was lacking during the written exam.
She pulled out one of them and found some of Chen Xun's notes and insights inside.
This person had always been very strong.
As A'Diao was flipping through, she suddenly received a call from Jiang Chao, who started with, "A'Diao, you've moved into your brother's house now, right? Let me tell you, no matter who it is next, whatever price they offer or if they try to coerce or tempt you, don't sell or lend the books inside. Your brother's books and notes are very useful to you."
A'Diao: "?"
Jiang Chao probably noticed her estranged relationship with Chen Xun and said with a hint of sourness, "You probably don't know yet, your brother is the most terrifying exam question predictor since the founding of Jinling Academy. I've relied on him to survive exams all these years. And Little Sister Ling also studied from the notes he gave before she got first in the written exam. For that, my family paid ten million in 'salary'. Now he's given all this to you for free."
A'Diao: "..."
Ten million, was he stealing exam questions and selling them?!
No wonder Song Ling's words had been so meaningful.
A'Diao looked at the room full of books and notes, instantly converting them into countless $$$$$...
If she had known he was so rich, she should have pretended to be obedient and called him "Big Brother" like when she was little. What a loss, what a loss!
On a spaceship heading to Kyoto, Chen Xun gazed at the starry night outside, lost in deep thought, one hand clutching a fountain pen.
The pen moved idly on the paper. Originally, the paper held a complex energy engineering design, but now a section had become a neat square, filled with small circles.
His pen was drawing circles.
If A'Diao were here, she would instantly realize that this scheming Eldest Brother was actually bewildered.
The square was a chessboard, the circles were pieces. Was he the player, or one of the pieces?
But on the phone beside him on the table, there was clearly a cursor waiting for input. The typed text read: "Xiao Diao, I promised to write to you often. I did write, but they were all returned. I went looking for you, for a long time, but every address was empty. Xiao Diao, Brother didn't lie to you... I..."
The text was stuck there, unable to be sent, as if fearing something.
In the end, it only turned into a long sigh. He deleted all the text and, gripping his pen, began to calculate complex data anew.
And in a hidden place, a slender finger snapped. Many traces in the house mysteriously vanished, but on the ground, the face of an elderly man's corpse, dressed in simple clothes, had already begun to rot. His clothes were tattered, and his body bore many marks of severe torture.
A foul stench gradually spread.
Someone would soon notice.
This person went out, but there were no footsteps, not even the silhouette a human should have. Like a ghost... he floated out.
Incomparably sinister and eerie.
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