Chapter 34

A month or so soon passed.

Everything was calm. Although, there was a small spark for a while amongst the higher ups for the genius of Nie Li and his scholary ability. Nie Li wasn't effected much and he quietly enjoyed his peaceful lifestyle with a beautiful company. Through this period he become good friends with Xiao Ninger and guided her a bit of her cultivation. Oddly enough there were days where they didn't even talk much except for the opening 'hellos' and parting 'goodbye'. They would just quietly meet and cultivate or study.

Ninger also helped him out by changing some treasures into funds and supplying some alchemy materials and herbs to him.

After a while, Nie Li started his refining experiments. He was awarded a spare alchemy room for practicing by the association and after a period of trail and error, he finally became a bit adept in the art. With the calculation and amazing analysing capabilities of A. I. Chip Nie Li had a superior advantage over others. Eventually he started to modify some elixir formula substituting them with available and easier to procure cheaper plants and create some potions with his own ability.

According to his estimation, Nie Li has ability equivalent to a Primary Alchemy Master and his knowledge almost surpassing the Master realm but still quite far away from Grandmaster.

Nevertheless Nie Li created myriad of new and different potions. He created Resistance potions, strengthening potions, Poison pills, Healing agent and his personal favorite some Cultivating Pills. Even though his mastery wasn't something off the charts and his pills can't match the effects that of the ancient and forgotten elixir formula. He still achieved quite a feat and could create Soul Nurturing Pill and the Soul Concentrating Pill with thrice the effectiveness of the Alchemy Association formula. The only reason why couldn't create better ones were because of his low realm resulting in substitutions of harder to handle procedure which inadvertently decreased the desired effects.

Nie Li also translated an old alchemy book and donated it to the Association. This act brought great pleasure to the higher ups and they were euphoric.

He translated only 20% of the content and deliberately did so for a recipe which is impossible to make due to lack of the rare ingredients. If Nie Li wanted he could have given much better formula but Nie Li knows that when you give an inch they would want a mile so, he just threw some dust which they will treat like a goldmine.

In their opinion it took around 2 months for Nie Li to achieve this, which increased his worth in their eyes but didn't paint a target on his back. With this act Nie Li established his goodwill towards the Glory City and his desire to serve them, Nie Li knows that this act isn't actually about the benefit they would reap but more about the assurance that they have him in their pocket, this was because Nie Li understood that a superior always wants their workers to be reliable and selfless.

Nie Li doesn't care about the political games but the association was making pressure on him to choose a certain senior group. For Nie Li there was no way he won't attract discontent from others if he choose one so he just shine a bit, causing the superior to ease their pressure on him and it worked like a charm.

Afterwards Nie Li and Ninger began to meet in the Holy Orchid Institute library, focusing on practicing. Inside his interspatial rings, Nie Li had almost unlimited amounts of Soul Tempering Pills and Scarlet Body Enhancing Pills. Every night, he would soak themselves in a body relaxing and nurturing bath, causing Nie Li cultivation to stabilize and soar through leaps and bounds. Xiao Ninger also advanced at a greater speed.

The year examination test was nearing.

This test will affect the futures and fates of every student in the Holy Orchid Institute. Because the results of this test will get some of the students into a whole new class. The distance between the students will gradually increase.

After this exam, every student in the Holy Orchid Institute will be able to return home. But even so, they will still be faced with their parent's questions about the results of this test. Nie Li wasn't sure about how good he should do in the exams, he knew it would be better to show greater talent but it will also become to tedious mingling with other when they start taking intrest in him not to mention the attempts on his life. Nie Li aslo doesn't want to go to Heavenly Marks Family as he would rather spend time in the wilderness and his studies than to meet some strangers and a couple of annoying condescending seniors.

According to what Nie Li has inquired about, anyone who was to be able to reach 5-star Silver rank before sixteen is considered a true genius, his future would definitely be one of the pillars within Glory City. So, if Nie Li show his talent near that feat then maybe he could reap better benefits but he would only do so when his true capabilities far surpass the surface.

Every student within the Holy Orchid Institute are all busy preparing to get an outstanding result from the test.

In the institute's martial field, flags were swaying everywhere, drum rumbles were filling the skies.

The much anticipated year examination is about to officially begin. This, to every student, means a lot.

Every student from the Fighter Apprentice class, and Demon Spiritualist Apprentice class has gathered at the martial field.

After a while almost when the exam was going to start, Nie Li also entered the place he didn't want to waste his time so he reached there at the last minute, his arrival instantly draw attention from his friends Du Ze and Lu Paio who came near to talk to him.

He nodded towards Ye Ziyun and Xiao Ninger who were waiting to start the test.

Suddenly Nie Li felt a cold gaze on his back, he turned around to gaze at Shen Yue and another figure with him, Shen Fei. Shen Yue seems to be talking about something while looking in his direction with a vicious gaze.

Nie Li looked at the duo with indifference and immediately turned out, 'This guy, I guess he is Ninger's fiance and Sacred Family heir. He seems to have a problem with me, is it because of his brother vendetta against me or because of Ninger. Well It doesn't matter, he is just a silver rank Demon Spiritualist himself. The only thing I should worry about is his shady tactics but this is exactly why I turned the attention of Alchemist Association towards me too, they can't do anything to me. I should be careful anyways cause you never know. '

Although Nie Li isn't some big shot super genius with great experts protecting him, he is also not a snob nobody. As long as he takes cautious steps it is very difficult to get a hit on him.

Shen Fei turned around and left. Shen Yue, who was not far away from his brother, also fiercely stared at Nie Li, then he walked towards the training field

After a moment, Shen Xiu walked over, swinging her hips. Her gaze swept passed the group of students and said in a poor tone, "The year examination for our class is starting, everyone follow me!"

Under Shen Xiu's lead, the Fighter Apprentice class entered into the test hall. On the stage far away, the school's higher ups are up there overlooking the whole test.

"First round, the strength test. Who will be first?" One of the teachers asked towards Shen Xiu.

Shen Xiu looked at all the students in the Fighter Apprentice class. Shen Yue walked out, looking at Nie Li trying to provoke him and proudly said, "I'll be first!"

After speaking, he walked towards the towering Strength Testing Stone.

The Strength Test Stone is a huge stone that emitted a metallic luster from it. Fighters can punch the Strength Test Stone with their full strength. The Strength Test Stone will dent to a certain degree from the punch. Through the dent, they can tell one's strength.

Boom!

Shen Yue's bombarded his fist onto the Strength Test Stone. A faint dent appeared on the Strength Test Stone.

Several teachers-in-charge walked over.

"Test result: 1-star Bronze rank, 105 strength!"

Everyone has three tries on the strength test. As for this value of strength, Shen Yue is not quite happy with it. Repositioning himself, he utilized his full strength and blasted a punch out.

Boom!

Shen Yue once again landed his fist onto the Strength Test Stone.

"Test result: 1-star Bronze rank, 110 strength!"

"Test result: 1-star Bronze rank, 115 strength!"

After seeing the results, Shen Yue showed a satisfied expression and continued over to the soul force test. Very soon, Shen Yue's soul force test came out: 105 soul force. Under normal circumstances, those who have talent as both a Fighter and Demon Spiritualist would usually pick to become a Demon Spiritualist. Soul force is way more important than strength.

"Shen Yue's soul force has passed 100. He's already a 1-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualist!"

Hearing the discussion of the onlookers, the corner of Shen Yue's mouth raised. Proudly looking at Nie Li trying to showcase his ability.

On the stage, a good distance away, several of the institute's higher ups expressed a satisfied smile. For a Demon Spiritualist to appear in the Fighter Apprentice class is quite rare.

Shen Yue crossed his arms and stood far away, surrounded by his lackeys. He proudly swept his gaze passed all the students in the Fighter Apprentice class.

"Who's next?" The teacher-in-charge looked to the crowd beside and asked.

One by one, students went and give their best to achieve highest record possible and turn their life around. Out of all the students only 3 have been tested to become Bronze Rank Demon Spiritualist so far excluding Shen Yue.

These three are Du Ze, Xiao Ninger and Ye Ziyun with Du Ze barely passing the mark and entering successfully into the ranks of 1-Star Bronze Rank Demon Spiritualist. Ye Ziyun also passed with her strength at 1-Star Bronze Rank at bit away from the verge of breaking through to next realm. Xiao Ninger had the best performance with a record setting 3-Star Bronze Rank Demon Spiritualist.

As for Lu Piao, because of his laziness he couldn't quite get there, still he had the best record of 92 which is also very good.

Ninger performance shocked various Higher ups and her test results attracted a lot of attention towards herself. So far she has achieved the best results and her talent shone brightly as innumerable looks from many guys were hopelessly turned towards her with awe and admiration.

The reason she could do so good was obviously related to Nie Li, after he received help from Ninger in the matter of discreetly selling his items. He paid her with some modified Elixir and he guided her personally in her cultivation, with the help of all the books and data in his disposal it wouldn't be wrong to say that no one in Glory City can guide someone in cultivation better than Nie Li.

After a moment of discussion, Xiao Ninger was promoted to Genius class being the first one so far and probably the last one. Except for her all other who reached Bronze Rank were promoted to Demon Spiritualist Apprentice class. This year's results have been unexpectedly very good and surpassed many people expectations.

Ye Ziyun looked at Xiao Ninger with a complicated gaze as she looked at her amazing rise. According to her, Talent wise Ye Ziyun has an advantage as she has a cyan soul realm while Ninger has only green soul realm and it is very easy to distinguished who got the better resources but despite that Ninger still surpassed her completely. Although Ye Ziyun was happy for her, she couldn't suppress a certain bitterness either because this was the first time, she had been surpassed by her peers.

Xiao Ninger didn't react much to any appreciation and congratulations as she only give a side glace to Nie Li, who sensed her gaze and slightly smiled at her. Ninger immediately turned her eyes as her cheeks became pink from blushing. She knows that all of this only possible because of Nie Li, even though he insists on taking about some 'equivalent exchange' She still admires and feels indebted to him.

At long last Nie Li turned came, He calmly walked towards the Strength Test Stone. No one was really paying any attention to him because he is simply a guy who is a bookworm in many cultivator prospective. His actions simply doesn't attract any attention from his peers, the higher ups on the other hand were slightly interested to see his results.

Nie Li's expression was calm as he launched a punch towards the Strength Test Stone.

Boom!

The Strength Test Stone released a slight sound.

"Test results: 2-star Bronze rank, strength 200!" The teacher-in-charge looked at the results and announced loudly. His tone carried a hint of excitement. Except for Xiao Ninger who is completely at a whole different level, Nei Li was the highest even including the Noble students such as the like of Shen Yue and Ye Ziyun.

"Second try, strength result 200!"

"Third try, strength result 200!"

After finishing the strength test, Nie Li moved forward a few steps, taking the primary soul crystal from the teacher-in-charge. Thereafter, he injected his soul force into the soul crystal. Gradually, light dots appeared from within the soul crystal.

"Soul force of 200, 2-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualist!" The teacher-in-charge's face flashed with surprise and announced. Heart thinking, 'This student is too weird, no matter if it's his strength or soul force, it's all exactly 200.'

2-star Bronze rank Demon Spiritualist!

Nie Li looked at the results with complete indifference. He believes in the mantra that either it is a wager of life or a game of cards, only show your Ace when the opposition thrown their Kings!

"Send this Nie Li to the Genius class!" Ye Sheng said, after contemplating for a while, 'He has amazing control over his strength, if Ninger and Nie Li were to clash I have a gut feeling that he can completely crush her. His other talents also worth considering, he is a talent worth protecting and investing in.'

"Vice Principal, this! Although his results is good, He's still at only 2 -star Bronze rank! Even Ye Ziyun was just a bit away from that, don't you think there will be some problems with this development. '

"What is there to think about? I have great expectations of him, don't worry about anything else! " Ye Sheng's brow raised as he spoke in a deep voice.

Seeing the changes in Ye Sheng's attitude, the people beside him looked at each other, thought awhile and did not say anything else. In the absence of the Principal, the Vice Principal has the most authority. They can't go against their boss.

In the test onwards, there was no one in the Fighter Apprentice class whose results made anyone else's eyes light up. All of them did not reach 1-star Bronze rank. Although everyone felt a little disappointed, after thinking it over, Ye Sheng and the rest were still satisfied. A Fighter Apprentice class popping out three 1-Star Bronze Rank Demon spiritualist as well one 2-Star Bronze Rank Demon spiritualist and one 3- Star Bronze Rank Demon spiritualist is already way out of their expectations.

The year examination of the Fighter Apprentice class caused a sensation throughout the school. The usually not noticeable Fighter Apprentice class instantly became the focus of attention.

After the exams, the notice for entry into the Genius class has also been dispatched. Nie Li inhaled a mouthful of air. It's time for him to decide what to do. Although it would be very suspicious to not go back, he still feels it is a waste of time.

'Why should I care about some strangers, since I have this body belonging to your child, I will make sure you are not bullied and suppressed but I won't waste my time trying to be someone I am not either. ' Nie Li has decided that he would make sure the original Nie Li parents would have a better living conditions as a form of tribute on his part but anything other than that no could expect from him. The only reason he is even doing this is because it would be a breeze for him to increase their standards of life.

It's finally the Holy Orchid Institute's holiday!

Nie Li's gaze fell afar. A contemplating glit in his eyes, he has a few things he would like to do and this free time could be very helpful.

The holiday of the Holy Orchid Institute is a big event for Glory City. The amount of students attending the Holy Orchid Institute is quite a lot. Therefore, many students all can finally reunite with their families.

Groups of students were leaving the institute one after another.

Nie Li immediately retreated away from all this glamour, he isn't in the mood to mingle with anybody so he didn't bother with goodbyes and all that to anybody, simply walking away like a lone wolf without any care.

Nie Li roamed the streets of the busy bazar looking around the bustling crowd, he could see kids playing around, adults talking, women gossiping, vendors shouting about their products. Walking around aimlessly Nie Li bought a serving of some sort of snacks and reached an isolated alley while munching on.

After a while he stopped and slightly stretched his neck to look behind him with calm eyes, throwing the last piece into his mouth.

Behind him stood three black robed disguised figure who appeared out of nowhere. From their ominous entry and killing intent it is fairly easy to conclude their designs about him.

"Oh You were able to sense our presence, you are truly a genius, but sadly you must die. You shouldn't have offende- *gag* " One of the figure started to speak in a ridicule tone but as he was speaking suddenly he felt difficulty in breathing as he looked in horror that a sharp dagger is puncturing right through his neck. He couldn't think for much as his consciousness descended into darkness.

His two companion were shocked and suddenly become vigilant seeing how their partner died so quickly.

"Such amateurs! " Nie Li doesn't have a habit of looking down on anyone but he couldn't help but feel a sense of disgust towards the speaker. You are here to kill someone, not on a freaking tea party what's with the preface. These people are a shame to all of the assassinhood.

Nie Li quickly pounced towards the two remaining assailants. With the help of A. I. Chip scanning and his own instinct he could easily discover some people tailing him, Nie Li was able to confirm that they are a trio of Silver Rank experts that is why he decided to intercept them, If they were Gold rank he would have hightail towards the alchemy association. Nie Li isn't a coward but he isn't an idiot either. Only after confirming the risk involved did he decided to get involved.

With an amazing speed Nie Li arrived between the remaining two attackers, He threw a swift roundhouse kick towards the one on the left, producing a fierce gale of wind which the opponent blocked with his arms but the assassin underestimated Nie Li strength and was blown away, retreating a dozen steps back.

Nie Li suddenly threw a scroll in the air appearing out of nowhere and initiated the formula to release around half a dozen of fireballs enveloping the assassin from various angle barricading his retreat path.

*Boom*

Seeing how Nie Li is busy and has his back turned towards him, the last assassin. He quickly charged forward thrusting a dagger through a tricky angle right towards Nie Li heart.

As he kept inching closer to his target, the assassin felt more and more sure of his success. He tried to look towards Nie Li eyes to see despair in his eyes and enjoy the thrill of killing a genius but as he locked gaze with Nie Li, he inadvertently shivered looking at his absolutely calm and calculating look as if all of his actions were under his predictions.

[According to the target's reactions, there is a 79.98% probability that the current attack pattern is a faint and first attack will be the Host's neck. Most Effective method of combating this: Left turn 50 degrees, Jump 3 meter and attack!]

In Nie Li eyes, the opponent pattern was recorded in a swift and slow manner. Although he has not fought for a long time against his enemy, the A. I. Chip was able to faintly analyze the opponent and come up with the most effective conter measure. This calculations along with Nie Li ability to capture the opponents actions in a slower motion enabled him to completely surpass the assassin in terms of technique, not to mention Nie Li current Level is not much different from the assailant either hence, Nie Li wasn't really worried but still he kept his full focus on the situation.

Nie Li followed the A. I. Chip recommendations and after jumping he clamped the assassin wrist holding the dagger with a crushing hold with his right hand and opened his left hand slightly bending the fingers inward to the palm.

The assassin looked at the change in the scene and panic began to settle in his mind, along with pain shooting in his mind over his tightly wrapped wrist. He looked in terror as a weird black ball appeared in Nie Li's empty left hand.

"Black Mass! " Nie Li threw the ball into the chest of the assassin, and as a result the assassin was throw away in a spiral motion shooting through the air and colliding with the wall.

His body landed quite far away hitting the wall and smacking down on the ground. The last assassin was as dead as anyone could be. His chest was ripped apart and from the condition it looked like he was dead even before the thunderous fall.

Nie Li looked around once again, with the help of A.I.Chip he confirmed that everyone was dead and thought in his mind, " These people were quite weak. Is it because they are just mere lackeys with no proper martial arts availability or they are just plain weak. If this is the ability of a Silver rank then I am pretty sure I can take on a 1-Star or 2-Star Gold Rank Fighter. As for Demon spiritualist, it would be a bit difficult but escaping shouldn't be an issue. "

The last move he used, "Black Mass" is one of his application of soul force control and manipulation. He had taken around a month to develop this attack and it's still in the initial stage, a bit unstable but thankfully with the existence of A. I. Chip his controlling ability is crazy and almost perfect. All he needs is a bit more practice and it could become a great surprise move especially with the instantaneous manifestation of the attack itself. At it's current degree of destruction Nie Li could estimated that it's attack power is comparable to a move for a peak silver rank demon spiritualist special attack.

Nie Li cleared the scene by throwing the bodies into his ring, and waited for a little while to see if something happens but he was disappointed as the system didn't react to his killing at all. Nie Li was a bit motivated to see if something like a game pop up message will appear giving out reward, this is why he didn't hesitate to battle with them bit sadly he was let down as their wasn't anything different from the time he killed the apes back then, although the system is passive he could have received an award but nothing happened.

*Sigh*