In Qin Feng's room, the only light came from the faint blue screen projected by his personal terminal, illuminating his calm face.
Without the slightest hesitation, he twisted open the vial of Primary Spiritual Energy Potion, worth ten thousand Imperial Coins.
A delicate fragrance instantly filled the small space.
He tilted his head back and drank the milky white liquid, which shimmered like molten starlight, in a single gulp.
BOOM!
A violent torrent of energy, like a bursting dam, instantly surged from his esophagus into his stomach. It then erupted, transforming into countless streams of scorching air that brutally charged toward every corner of his body.
In stark contrast to the gentle, water-like nature of the potion from Sun Chan Hall, this standard-issue Primary Spiritual Energy Potion was filled with a primal, untamed wildness.
It was like a ferocious beast, imprisoned for ages, that began to rampage through his body the moment it was freed.
On the surface of Qin Feng's body, his skin instantly turned beet-red. Blue veins bulged like gnarled tree roots, and fine beads of sweat were forced from every pore, only to be instantly evaporated into white mist by his high body temperature.
He sat cross-legged on his bed, his eyes shut tight and his brow slightly furrowed.
The breathing method of the "Imperial Basic Body Refining Technique" activated on its own, guiding the violent energy along predetermined meridian pathways, washing over his physical body again and again.
The muscle fibers, fascia, and even bones that had been pushed to their limits during the day's training, suffering countless micro-tears, were now being repaired, strengthened, and reshaped at an astonishing rate under the wash and nourishment of this immense Spiritual Energy.
The process was a blend of agony and soothing relief.
The night passed without event.
...
As the first rays of morning sun struggled through the gaps between buildings to shine into his room, Qin Feng opened his eyes.
Deep within his eyes, a flicker of electricity seemed to flash and vanish. His entire aura felt more condensed and stable than the day before.
He leaped from the bed, his feet landing silently, as light as a falling leaf.
He threw a casual punch. His fist sliced through the air, creating a low, clearly audible pop.
A night of absorption and refinement had raised his life force index by a fair amount.
The residual effects of the potion would remain in his body and take at least another half a month to be fully consumed, which would be just in time for the high school entrance exams.
He walked into the living room. His father, Qin Dahai, had already prepared breakfast, and it was more lavish than usual.
Besides the usual rice porridge and energy bars, there was also a plate of appetizingly colored, high-protein synthetic meat on the table.
Qin Dahai sat at the table, looking at his son, the joy and relief in his eyes nearly overflowing.
He didn't ask many questions, simply pushing a small stack of Imperial Coins in front of Qin Feng.
"Take it. Don't skimp on food at the Martial Arts Hall's nutrition canteen. You're burning a lot of energy, so you need to eat well. If it's not enough, tell me."
"Dad, this is enough."
Qin Feng took the money.
The father and son finished their breakfast in silence.
As Qin Feng changed into his training clothes and walked out the door, Qin Dahai's voice came from behind him.
"Son, go all out."
Qin Feng's steps faltered for a moment. He didn't turn back, but simply gave a firm nod.
...
「Extreme Martial Arts Hall, 9:00 AM.」
The training hall was already a scene of feverish activity.
Just as Qin Feng walked into the hall, Zhou Heyuan, his face flushed with excitement, hurried over to greet him.
He was holding a brand-new personal data-slate, showing it off like a new toy.
"Qin Feng, you're finally here! Quick, look at this!"
He shoved the data-slate in front of Qin Feng and Liu Xiaoli, who had just finished a set of exercises and was catching his breath.
"I went home last night and took another Class-C medicated bath. And, following Teacher Li's advice, I even drank a vial of 'Tiger Bone' Nutrient Liquid that my dad had been saving. I tested myself this morning, and guess what?"
Without waiting for them to answer, Zhou Heyuan tapped the data-slate firmly with his finger.
Lines of data clearly appeared.
[Name: Zhou Heyuan]
[Life Force Index: 0.80]
[Punching Power (Right Hand): 432 KG]
[100-Meter Dash: 11.5 seconds]
"See that? 0.80! That's another 0.01 up from yesterday! And my punching power broke the 400-kilogram mark! My dad says I've now solidly met the admission standards for a regular Martial Arts High School. As long as nothing goes wrong, the entrance exam will be no problem."
Zhou Heyuan's voice was loud and full of unrestrained excitement, drawing the attention of many other students nearby.
Beside him, Liu Xiaoli looked at the string of data, and his expression dimmed. He silently turned away and went back to practicing his own Body Refining Technique, which looked somewhat clumsy.
"Let me tell you."
Zhou Heyuan lowered his voice, but his boastful energy didn't diminish in the slightest.
"On the entire planet of Qiming, there are seventy-two major Martial Arts High Schools. If your life force index reaches 1.0, you have a high chance of getting in. Graduates from these schools are at least Second Level Martial Artists. They can apply directly to join the Imperial Guard as officers, or they can test into Starry University to continue their development."
"But those aren't even the best of the best."
He held up a finger and traced the number '7' in the air.
"Above those seventy-two major high schools, there are seven more, known as the 'Top-Tier Martial Arts High Schools.' Qiming First Martial High School, Star River Military Affiliated High School... Tsk tsk, even their names sound different. My dad says that money and connections are useless for getting into those seven. You have to be a real genius. During the entrance exams, your life force index has to be at least 1.2 just to be considered."
"And students from Qiming Seventh High School can basically all get into Starry University."
After he finished, Zhou Heyuan clapped Qin Feng on the shoulder, his tone carrying the advisory air of someone with more experience.