Yan Li said before that every person must have a ritual in their life. Only then would they be able to become successful.
But how to do so?
For example, one should eat a sumptuous meal every Monday, or one should change a girlfriend every three months. If one’s girlfriend was good enough, one could keep her for two more months, but not more than half a year. After all, no matter how beautiful a woman was, one would grow sick of sleeping with her too much.
Every time Yan Li bragged about these concepts in the dorm, many people would surround him and listen. After all, Yan Li was good-looking and was from a wealthy clan. He was also a glib talker and an expert in courting girls.
The majority of single male students would feel satisfied just by hearing him speak a little.
Qi Shengjia had never been interested in it. What kind of shitty ritual was that? He didn’t need it. Even if today was the Battle Hall’s test, he was still the same as he had always been.
“Old Qi, the test of the Battle Hall is today, right?”
Wang Hao stretched himself and curled deeper into his blanket as he asked.
“Mn!”
Qi Shengjia nodded. “In that case, we will head there later to cheer for you!”
Although they were friends, Wang Hao definitely wouldn’t have gone over to cheer for Qi Shengjia before this. Other than the fact that Qi Shengjia wouldn’t have been able to win, he hadn’t been important in terms of connections.
But things were different now. Not only had Qi Shengjia defeated Peng Wanli and joined the Battle Hall, but he had also steadily passed the test the second time around and had been in the Battle Hall for half a year.
This was truly impressive then!
When Wang Hao went out, he would say that his friend was from the Battle Hall and he would immediately gain face.
Naturally, the most important reason was that Qi Shengjia was close to Sun Mo. Speaking of which, he had been put under a special training program by the latter. The Ancient Dragon Capturing Hands which everyone wished to experience but was unable to, Qi Shengjia could enjoy it once every two to three days.
This truly inspired envy in the hearts of everyone. “Wait for me!”
Zhou Xu turned and got off his bed. He started to dress up. “I will go as well!”
“Let’s go together. It isn’t easy for our dorm to have a member of the Battle Hall. Qi Shengjia, you have to win today!”
The other dorm mates also got out of their beds when they heard the commotion.
Yan Li lay on the bed, his head was covered by the blanket as he pretended to sleep. However, he was extremely infuriated in his heart. (A country bumpkin that has no money nor looks and talents, why is he more famous than me?)
In the past, Yan Li was the most popular person in this dorm. But now, Qi Shengjia took over his position. “Sun Mo must be blind!” Yan Li mumbled to himself, having a heart filled with envy. He felt that if Sun Mo guided him instead, his achievements would be even higher than Qi Shengjia’s. Boom! Boom! The sound of knocking rang out.
“Who is it?”
Wang Hao opened the door.
“Can I ask if Qi Shengjia is here?”
A young man walked in. When everyone saw that he was wearing the Central Province Academy’s uniform with six silver lining at his collar, they knew that he was a senior from the sixth-year. Hence, they hurriedly got up.
This was the respect shown to a senior.
“I’m Shengjia!”
Qi Shengjia stood out.
“Hello, my name is Tang Ming.”
Tang Ming spoke. After hearing this name, the people in the dorm were all stunned. Even Yan Li who was covered in his blanket couldn’t help but reveal his head and peered over.
Tang Ming, a sixth-year student, #13 in the Battle Hall. Although his ranking wasn’t in the top ten, he was extremely famous. This was because Tang Ming was extremely good with a swift blade. In terms of blade arts, it was said that his standard was among the top three in school.
Why was such a legendary character looking for Qi Shengjia?
“Sorry for the abrupt visit. I seek your forgiveness!”
Tang Ming smiled. “I heard that you have a potted plant given by Teacher Sun Mo as a reward. I wonder if you are willing to part with it?”
Potted plant?
Everyone glanced at the side of Qi Shengjia’s bed.
Everyone had seen the potted plant before. Ever since Qi Shengjia had obtained it, he had been keeping it around him. Be it meal times or latrine times, he would make sure it was close to him every day. “I apologize!”
Qi Shengjia shook his head. “Don’t be in a hurry to reject. I’m willing to pay 10,000 taels of silver for it!”
Tang Ming gave a price.
Si
Upon hearing this price, everyone in the dorm took in a cold gasp of air and revealed a look of disbelief. After that, their eyes widened as they looked at the potted plant. This was just an ordinary plant. With a single tael of silver, one could purchase ten pots of it from a flower shop. “Is Tang Ming crazy?” Wang Xu guessed.
Yan Li immediately felt jealous. Qi Shengjia was about to strike it rich. How damnable. (Why don’t you just fall over and die?) “I’m sorry. This is something Teacher Sun has given me. I won’t sell it!” Qi Shengjia rejected him with no hesitation. “Hehe, this fellow is a fool indeed!”
Yan Li was immediately joyful. “15,000 taels!”
Tang Ming gave another price. “Classmate Qi, I really wish to purchase the potted plant.” Qi Shengjia continued to shake his head. “20,000!” Tang Ming gritted his teeth. This was the highest price he could afford. “Classmate Qi, in the future, you can look for me no matter what trouble you run into. I can also spar with you and provide guidance for you!” His dorm mates instantly grew envious. Although an expert like Tang Ming wasn’t a teacher, having him as a sparring partner and getting guidance from him would surely be of help to one’s cultivation.
(You must not agree!)
Yan Li prayed silently. He didn’t want to see Qi Shengjia becoming rich.
“I’m sorry.”
Qi Shengjia didn’t care about all of this. Leaving aside the powerful effect of the spirit gathering potted plants, even if it was just an ordinary potted plant, this was still something Teacher Sun gave him. Qi Shengjia would never sell it.
“Classmate Qi, given your relationship with Teacher Sun, you can just ask him to give you another one. It will be as simple as drinking water. Why don’t you just sell this to me and earn 20,000 taels? Your family wouldn’t be able to earn it even if they work their entire lives.”
Tang Ming persuaded.
He didn’t expect that Qi Shengjia could still endure it even when facing such a great temptation. Those who knew about the spirit gathering potted plants were all students who had gone for the tour to the Darkness Continent. After they returned, they didn’t spread the word and made irresponsible remarks.
Naturally, they had their own selfish motives. And that was because they wanted to try and see if they could obtain a spirit gathering potted plant from Sun Mo or one of his students. If the number of people who knew about this increased, wouldn’t that mean that there would be more competitors?
Tang Ming’s cousin was in the group who had visited the Darkness Continent. In one of their meetings, he had accidentally revealed it. This was why Tang Ming came here today to look for Qi Shengjia.
“I can’t sell it to you. Why don’t you try and ask Teacher Sun for one? He is a very good person!” Qi Shengjia suggested an idea. Tang Ming smiled bitterly. (Do you think that Sun Mo is still an insignificant intern teacher? Right now, he is extremely famous and will always be surrounded by a group of students.)
Tang Ming basically wasn’t able to find a chance to speak with Sun Mo alone. With so many people around Sun Mo, it wasn’t convenient for him to speak. Moreover, he was also worried that he might annoy Sun Mo. Hence, Tang Ming chose to do things in a roundabout way. “If you change your mind, you can look for me at any time!”
Tang Ming left helplessly.
“Old Qi, what’s up with this potted plant?”
Wang Hao’s curiosity was so great now that it could kill a tiger.
The other dorm mates also looked over in curiosity.
“Teacher Sun drew spirit gathering runes on the leaves of this potted plant.”
Qi Shengjia was an honest man. He had never thought about lying to his dorm mates before. Besides, he felt that it was a good thing and could help to spread Sun Mo’s fame. Hence, when he spoke, his voice was filled with respect and worship.
“Ah? Spirit gathering runes on the leaves?”
“Are you joking? Is this feat something that can be accomplished by a human?” “Where? Let me take a look!”
A bunch of dorm mates immediately crowded over. Even Yan Li jumped off his bed and craned his neck for a look.
Indeed, on the fingernail-sized leaves of this plant, there were spirit runes inscribed on each of them.
“My heavens, it is true!”
The students were all shocked. “Didn’t you all discover that the spirit qi in the dorm has been much denser recently compared to before? And that you guys could also sleep better?”
Qi Shengjia laughed. “Even Old Zhou stopped snoring these days!” “Ah? Is that so?”
A male student was surprised. “Yeah, didn’t you realize that we have always been trying to fall asleep earlier than you? If we woke up accidentally during the night, we would almost certainly not be able to go back to sleep.”
Zhou Xu complained tearfully.
Old Zhou’s snoring was so loud that even those next door could hear it.
“Sorry!”
Old Zhou felt very embarrassed.
“Speaking of which, no wonder I felt that my condition is very good these days. I even feel that my strength has improved. So, this is the reason!”
Wang Hao was enlightened as a look of envy appeared in his eyes. If he had such a potted plant, his strength would surely increase even faster, right?
(Ai, it’s truly a lifelong regret that I missed out on taking Teacher Sun as my personal teacher!)
“Based on what? In which aspects am I inferior to Qi Shengjia?” Yan Li was so jealous that his countenance turned hideous. “I’m leaving first!”
Qi Shengjia packed his things. He then carried the potted plant and prepared to leave.
“Wait, let us go with you!” A bunch of dorm mates hurriedly wore their clothes and crowded around Qi Shengjia, escorting him over. In the dorm, Yan Li was the only one left. Since everyone knew that his relationship with Qi Shengjia wasn’t good, they naturally wouldn’t ask him to come along.
“Damn you!”
Yan Li was very angry. He grabbed a pillow and tossed it onto the ground. (In the past, when I treated you guys to meals, you guys would never show me such expressions!)
(This can’t do. I have to find a chance to offer my services to Teacher Sun.)
Ding!
Favorable impression points from Yan Li +50. Friendly (170/1,000). Qi Shengjia felt emotionally moved when he heard the compliments of his fellow dorm mates. Teacher Sun was the person who had made this happen. (Luckily, I took the initiative to look for Teacher Sun for guidance that night. That’s the turning point of my life.)
“A potted plant that’s worth 20,000!”
Qi Shengjia touched the leaves of the little plant. His heart was filled with gratitude and worship for Sun Mo. Ding! Favorable impression points from Qi Shengjia +100. Reverence (1,902/10,000).
Outside the Battle Hall, the students were waiting in the public square.
“Quickly look, it’s Cai Tan!”
“Ah? I thought someone said that he already couldn’t make it? Why is he still here to participate in the test?” “I heard that he was defeated by a first-year student. Che, he has truly lost face for us third-year students!” “Shh, talk softer. Don’t let others hear this!”
“What are you afraid of? That person is already crippled and only has an empty reputation. Right now, I can smash his dog head with just one of my hands!”
Among the students, some people were surveying Cai Tan as they discussed.
A celebrity of the Battle Hall, a former genius…Cai Tan had been extremely famous before. But now, he was just a joke.
Those people scolding Cai Tan were all third-year students. They had once treated Cai Tan as the leading character of their year, a genius that could challenge Fang Yan. Who knew that he got crushed so miserably by a first-year student? He had simply tossed away all the face and prestige of the third-years.
Right now, all third-years had become the butt joke of the academy.
It was one thing if the other seniors laughed at them. However, even the lower-years stopped respecting them. Who could endure this?
Everyone hated Cai Tan because he was the one who damaged the prestige of the third-years. (You were a leader of the third-years, yet you couldn’t even win against a first-year student? You have completely lost all of our faces!)
“It’s all my fault!”
Upon hearing the discussion, Ruan Yuan’s expression dimmed and she was filled with self-reproach.
“No, it’s my strength that’s insufficient!”
Cai Tan consoled his girlfriend. His expression was calm, but he silently made a vow in his heart. (Today, I will get back all the glory that belonged to me in the past!)
The drawing of lots began. Zhu Ting was still the one hosting the event.
“Everyone, queue up. Move quickly, please refrain from making a commotion. Those who disobey will be dismissed and lose their qualifications to battle!”
Zhu Ting was extremely strict. The students didn’t dare to slight him. All of them joined the queue and were as obedient as his grandchildren.
Zhu Ting stood at the side. He enjoyed this type of scene very much. However, he started after seeing Cai Tan. (What’s trash like you doing here? Do you feel that the humiliation you received wasn’t enough?)
“Zhu Ting!” Cai Tan greeted.
“Mn!”
Zhu Ting grunted in response. After that, he scolded, “Those in front, please move quicker. Stop dragging your steps. What the hell are you all doing? It’s just drawing lots, why are you guys acting like you are praying to the Buddha? If you don’t have the self-confidence, why are you all here in the first place? Just scram as early as you can!” Seeing that Zhu Ting had no wish to continue conversing with him, Cai Tan had a self-mocking smile on his face. (Just wait, I will make all of you see me in a new light.)
Od
On the other side, Wang Hao’s group of people were waiting for the Battle Hall to open its door. “That fellow Old Qi has truly soared into the skies with a single step!) Wang Hao was envious. Because they weren’t people from the Battle Hall, they could only wait outside if they wanted to cheer for Qi Shengjia, coming together with the challengers.
“Do you guys think Old Qi is truly talented?”
Zhou Xu was puzzled. If Old Qi won the first time due to luck, it should be considered strength if he won twice, right?
There were roughly over 1,000 challengers, and all of them came here for the sake of joining the Battle Hall. However, Zhou Xu and the other dorm mates didn’t even have the courage to draw lots. They knew they would lose for sure if they headed up to battle. “I feel that other than Old Qi being extremely hard working, his talent is actually ordinary!” After Old Zhou spoke, everyone fell silent. (Actually, everyone is thinking of the same thing. Qi Shengjia’s talent is ordinary? Are you blind? It’s clearly extremely bad, alright?)
Qi Shengjia had once considered quitting school due to his talent being much lower than others. However, Sun Mo forcibly pulled him back up.
Speaking of which, Teacher Sun was truly impressive. He was able to nurture trash into a member of the Battle Hall.
Ding!
Favorable impression points from a bunch of students +300.
“Whether it’s ordinary or not, wouldn’t we know after watching the battle today?”
Wang Hao interrupted.
“Right. If Old Qi still wins today, I will treat everyone to a sumptuous meal at the Drunken Immortal Inn!”
Zhou Xu didn’t believe it. “Let’s go. We should check who Old Qi’s opponent is.”
There were already plenty of challengers cursing out loud in the public square, lamenting their bad luck as they tossed the wooden lot away. If they drew opponents who were ranked within the top #30 of the Battle Hall, they would surely lose for sure.
However, some were smiling happily because the opponents they drew were ranked at the bottom few.
There were a number and a name indicated on the wooden plate, so it was easy to verify which opponent they drew.
When Sun Mo arrived, it was already the 12th battle for the Battle Hall’s test.
Sun Mo swept his eyes at the surroundings. There were too many people and he didn’t see Qi Shengjia. However, Qi Shengjia had definitely arrived because Sun Mo had received several favorable impression points this morning, and the source should be Qi Shengjia’s dorm mates.
“Teacher, quickly look. It’s Cai Tan, he went up the platform!”
Lu Zhiruo called out. [1] Old Zhou and Zhou Xu are different people.
