Encounter

As Lu Shen entered the class for elite students, he observed that there were about 15 to 20 students already present. Without drawing much attention to himself, he made his way towards the back of the classroom, selecting a desk by the window.

"Have you heard? They say the academy's test this time will be held in the wilderness"

"Yeah, I heard the same rumor"

"What's there to be afraid of? We're all in the refinement realm already, and you know we'll only be facing low level monsters"

The students in the room buzzed with excitement, discussing the upcoming test.

"It will be dangerous, but I'm already more powerful than normal beasts and monsters" Lu Shen thought.

suddenly, the classroom door suddenly swung open, and Teacher Tang emerged.

"All students"

"As you know, the graduation test is fast approaching. It is best that you choose your cultivation techniques wisely and some of you might have heard rumors, and what you've heard is somewhat correct. Our academy has decided to conduct trials in the wilderness, where even rank one beasts can be found."

"Teacher, isn't it dangerous for us?" a student asked.

"Don't worry, it won't be too dangerous for you. Even if you encounter rank one monsters, rank 2 are not commonly found. Additionally, you'll be able to form groups of four" Teacher Tang reassured.

"There's also a ranking system in place. If you achieve a high rank, you'll receive rewards, with the top ten performers receiving the highest rewards, Additionally, your performance will be tracked by a Void Watch, which will record the monsters you kill"

"Rewards will be distributed based on rankings. Those ranked from tenth to seventh will receive ten low level Qi Gathering Pills each. Those ranked from sixth to fourth will receive ten mid level Qi Gathering Pills, and the third place contestant will receive ten mid level and one top level Qi Gathering Pill."

"The second place contestant will receive ten mid-level and five top level Pills. As for the first place contestant, they will receive a reward directly from the principal himself" 

As Teacher Tang's voice faded.

"What kind of reward do you think we'll get if we rank at the top for monster kills?"

"I'm going to be the one to claim first place, just you wait and see!"

"Come on, be realistic! With three superior grade bloodlines in the mix, we'll never stand a chance at cracking the top three"

Some were filled with determination, eager to prove themselves, while others voiced doubts and concerns about the formidable competition they faced.

"I agree with you on the top three spots, but what about fourth place? Don't we have a shot at that?"

"No chance. I heard Tangsu Ming, with his top grade bloodline, he has already reached the Intermediate Refinement Warrior Realm and the top four spots are as good as taken"

"Damn it, are you talking about that rich kid? Man, I envy him. He's probably taking qi gathering pills like they're water"

"Yeah, we better set our sights on the other spots. The competition for the top ranks is going to be fierce this time"

"Quiet, all of you! That's enough for today. I have meeting to attend to. In two days, you must all arrive at the academy gate at 7 am sharp. You must select your cultivation techniques from the library if you don't already have them. If you do, you can go home to prepare for the test" Teacher Tang said hastily before exiting the class.

so, they began to leave the classroom, they engaged in conversations with each other, discussing their plans and strategies for the upcoming graduation test. Among them, Tangsu Ming and his lackey were engaged in a hushed conversation at the back of the classroom.

"Boss, I think the wilderness training will be intense this time and we can get rich rewards if we secure a top place" Chu Chu asked Tangsu Ming, his voice tinged with excitement.

Tangsu Ming nodded thoughtfully.

"Yes, but it's also an opportunity for us to prove ourselves and grow stronger and making a notable record could help me gain admission to a top university and that's what I aim for"

"Boss, do you have a plan?"

 "I do, and I'll need all of your help. If you assist me in securing the top position, I'll share the rewards with you all. How does that sound?"

Chu Chu replied greedily "Boss, we'd do anything for you. We're lucky to have a wise leader like you."

"Hmm, you know how to please me. Let's go to the nightclub and celebrate" Tangsu Ming said with satisfaction.

"Thank you, boss, you're so generous. But what about the girls with superior grade bloodlines in our class? And what about Wang Wei from Class A and others?"

"Don't worry about the boy, he's not going to participate in this trial because he's already secured a place in a top university. As for the girl, she's just an abandoned girl, nothing more. And even if she is powerful, we can deal with her easily, as for others they are not strong as me" Tangsu Ming said with an evil grin.

After their conversation, they left the classroom and headed out.

.....

Lu Shen entered the library, he was greeted by the sight of rows upon rows of books, which stretching out like a vast sea of knowledge. he went to the library to obtain cultivation techniques because he was cautious about drawing suspicion if his strength were to increase without proper source techniques.

"Hello, sir. Can I get my cultivation techniques?" Lu Shen asked the old looking middle aged man.

"Give me your ID"

Lu Shen took out his ID from his pocket and handed it to the librarian.

The librarian scanned the ID using a scanner and after checking Lu Shen's information, he took out a chip and handed it to Lu Shen.

"You can select from techniques from this stored information in this chip"

However, Lu Shen only needed a for technique disguise only. So he politely suggested cultivation techniques instead.

"Smart kid, take this chip, it has a cultivation method suitable for your fire element bloodline. Insert it into the headset, and all the information will be transmitted directly to your brain. This is a one time use only, and you're not allowed to share it with others, otherwise, you'll be hunted by the government"

Techniques were controlled by the government, and selling them without permission would result in being hunted by government agents.

Lu Shen nodded his head in understanding.

"Understand, sir. Thank you"

After expressing his gratitude, Lu Shen made his way to the section of the library containing world maps and information about the current state of affairs.

As for the cultivation chip, he stored it in his origin bracelet without bothering to check its name. He already possessed numerous high-level techniques, so he saw no need to take note of every new one he acquired.

...

....

After three hours of reading, Lu Shen gained an understanding of the world's geography. It resembled that of blue planet but in 2080 AD, cataclysmic events had reshaped the planet, it leading to a blending of cultures and peoples from different countries. In the area where Lu Shen currently resided, there was a mixture of Eastern countries and Asian countries. In Azura Cloud Stronghold, manly Chinese people can be found. 

"That's why I haven't encountered people from other countries here. But during the graduation test, I'm sure we'll encounter many different individuals"

And for geography, it was divided into four continents of a planet, each inhabited by powerful bloodline warriors.

In the West continent, Wing type bloodline warriors held the power. In the East continent, dragons and beast type bloodline warriors held power. In the North continent, weapon type bloodline warriors and technology users held power. In the South continent, sea and water type bloodline warriors held power.

As for universities, the situation was similar because each of the four continent had its own university. Thus, there were the top four universities in the Nexus planet, along with some smaller ones operated by the military.

Despite the division of power, the military served as a unified force where soldiers from all parts of the planet received training. This unity was crucial in the face of the common threat posed by demon monsters.

The book Lu Shen had been reading detailed how humanity, despite being divided into different regions, was united in its fight against these creatures. Additionally, it mentioned that only a small portion, around 10%, of the planet was habitable for the present population.

Despite the division of power among the four main continent, the military played a vital role as a unified force where soldiers from all parts of the planet received training. This unity was essential in confronting the common threat posed by demon monsters. Interestingly, the military ranked fifth power house on the Nexus planet.

"This is the present condition of the world. I should strive to gain admission to one of the top four universities. If I don't succeed, I'll consider applying to the military to be a solder"

...

Lu Shen wandered through the rows of books, his eyes scanning the titles, he noticed a girl across the library. She seemed to be searching for something.

"Do you need help finding something?" Lu Shen asked her.

She glanced around and then spotted Lu Shen holding a book. Pointing at the book in his hand,

"Yes, that one"

Realizing that she was pointing in the direction of the book he was holding, Lu Shen smiled and replied,

"Oh, this one?"

Lu Shen handed her the book.

"thank you" she thanked him in sweet voice.

"It's ok"

Lu Shen replied with a smile before turning to walk toward home.

he didn't engage further with her, despite finding her beautiful and her voice enchanting. He knew she was Feng Yue, the mysterious girl and she seemed from strong background. He didn't dare approach her, fearing she might misunderstanding his intentions and he might get into trouble.

looking at Lu Shen back.

"Strange, how can this seemingly weak man become so powerful in just two days?" her curiosity piqued by Lu Shen's behavior.

"Strange enough, others try to befriend me to gain something, but he is different"

Fang Yue was intrigued by Lu Shen's behavior. With a thoughtful expression, she made her way to a nearby chair and settled down to read her book.

Early morning .....

In two days Lu Shen did go to origin land devour in search for snake type demon beasts but he was out of his luck that he didn't get the monster that he was in search but did he increase his strength to intermediate level of his warrior realm.

"In just two days, my strength has increased so much"

"With intermediate strength, it will be easier for me in this trial"

[Host: Lu Shen

Bloodline: Firewood Snake (Top)

Warrior Realm: Refinement (Intermediate) (53%)

Age: 18

Race: Human

Strength: 200

Endurance: 180

Agility: 140

Luck: 30

Cultivation Techniques: Five Element Refinement Technique[small success](60%), Golden Body Technique[small success](40%), Silent Breath Technique[small success](39%)

Skills: Stealth, Swift, Inferno Strike, Wood Bind

Equipment: Origin Bracelet]

"Still, my proficiency of techniques is still at small success level. What should I do to increase my strength?" Thinking this, Lu Shen asked the spirit.

"You should practice more and focus on mastering one technique at a time, rather than trying to learn them all simultaneously"

"So that was the case. Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Lu Shen inquired, feeling a mix of frustration.

"You fool, even common people know about that. Sometimes, I'm not even sure if you're from this place"

"Huh? What are you saying? You can read my mind" Lu Shen asked, sweating buckets.

"Yeah, I can, but do you want me to read all your dirty thoughts?" the spirit teased Lu Shen.

'So he can't read my mind if I don't give my permission to him. That's good. Who can face it if their thoughts get read by someone? And my secrets will also not be known by other people.'

"No no no, I was just saying" Lu Shen quickly added.

After their conversation, Lu Shen headed to the academy.

...