Chapter Index

    Nobody applauded.

    Everyone was terrified.

    Chou Wan-shu had no choice but to clear her throat and explain:

    “Classmates, this is a cold joke—actually, Comrade Demon King can’t get out, and can’t eat everyone—he said that just to make sure you don’t doze off in class.”

    The voice sounded again from inside the alchemy furnace:

    “Exactly, if you are late three times or fail to answer questions three times, you will come into the alchemy furnace, and I will personally tutor you.”

    Everyone was silent for a while.

    Even Nangong Sirui shrank back.

    That voice did not sound Human at all.

    —Who would dare to go into the alchemy furnace for private tutoring!

    The alchemy furnace was taken down.

    “Now, please welcome the teacher of the Science and Mecha Operation class to say a few words to everyone—”

    “Please welcome Professor Situ!”

    An old man in a work uniform walked onto the stage.

    The new students were full of anticipation.

    —Finally, a normal teacher!

    “Hello everyone, I am Situ Yu, you can just call me Professor Situ.”

    “I don’t have too many requirements for you.”

    “In the first year, it’s enough for everyone to be able to operate mechas for military maneuvers and combat.”

    “Students with excellent performance will be offered exclusive technological combat positions here, to face various invading monsters on the front lines and experience the thrill and madness of live-fire combat.”

    “Please don’t worry.”

    “The treatment for mercenaries is very generous; even if you die in battle, your families will receive a pension.”

    Professor Situ smiled and waved, then walked off the stage.

    “I suddenly regret studying at Xirang… What about you?” Xiao Mengyu whispered.

    “…I’m not afraid, by the way, can we take sick leave at our school?” Shen Ye asked.

    “Dream on.”

    Xiao Mengyu rolled her eyes at him.

    On the high platform.

    Chou Wan-shu cleared his throat and spoke again:

    “Many of our teachers are busy with work, so they are not at school temporarily and cannot meet with you.”

    “But please rest assured, all teachers will be on duty when the new semester begins.”

    “Next, the Dean—His Majesty the Southern King—will speak!”

    Two soldiers came onto the stage and unfurled a huge painting, five meters long and seven meters high.

    On the painting stood an Emperor, in full ceremonial robes and a crown, holding a ritual tablet, with a majestic appearance.

    “I am the Southern King.”

    “New students, remember this, you must pay your tuition on time—every plant, every building, and even every tile here belongs to me.”

    “I rented it to you, which doesn’t mean you own it, understand?”

    “Those troublemakers, mischief-makers, and naughty brats listen up: in these palaces and pavilions, my eyes and ears are everywhere.”

    “Trouble-making is asking for trouble!”

    “Remember my words!”

    The scroll closed.

    —The Emperor had finished speaking.

    Chou Wan-shu clapped his hands and smiled:

    “Finally, your cards have been cleared, and you are no longer newcomers.”

    “Welcome to the three school-exclusive rankings—”

    “The Hidden Dragon List.”

    “The higher your ranking, the better the Tarot blessings you can receive.”

    “Rankings require points. Specifically, points can be obtained in the following three ways:”

    “1. Improve your strength and achieve various accomplishments to earn points.”

    “2. Participate in various tasks to earn points.”

    “3. Any other contributions to human civilization can earn points!”

    “It all starts now!”

    As he spoke, the new students all looked at their cards.

    Indeed, all the previous evaluations on the cards had disappeared.

    The stars had also disappeared.

    A few lines of small text appeared on everyone’s cards:

    “Hidden Dragon List Ranking: ?”

    “Description: Ten points can be exchanged for one star, and each star has different enhancing powers.”

    Shen Ye saw Guo Yunye, who was standing in the front row, raise his hand.

    “This student, do you have any questions?” Chou Wan-shu asked.

    “Hello, Principal, I just want to know why it’s the opening ceremony. We just finished the entrance exam, so we should have summer vacation,” Guo Yunye said.

    “Ah, summer vacation used to be a thing, but now we hope all students can grow up earlier—”

    “So we have summer vacation make-up classes.”

    Chou Wan-shu said with a smile, “You still have the right to choose whether to rest well for two months or come to class early.”

    “—Please make your decision and contact Ms. Yang Yingzhen, your guide.”

    He waved his hand and addressed everyone:

    “This afternoon, the entire Xirang High School is open to everyone. You can use your cards to collect free dinner vouchers at the cafeteria, and also claim entrance souvenirs. I hope you like them.”

    “The entrance ceremony concludes here.”

    As soon as he finished speaking, he cast a spell with one hand.

    The entire magnificent auditorium, along with all the staff, soldiers, and teachers, disappeared without a trace.

    The new students found themselves back on the outdoor playground.

    “Free dinner vouchers!”

    Guo Yunye shouted and ran towards the cafeteria.

    Zhang Xiaoyi chased after him.

    Many new students slowly followed, while more people stood discussing.

    “Hey, Shen Ye, I have something to ask you.”

    Nangong Sirui said.

    Shen Ye turned to look at him, only to see dissatisfaction all over his face.

    “I just broke the record for the 30-minute treasure hunt mission, but then someone broke my record again very quickly. Was it you?”

    Nangong Sirui’s voice rose.

    Shen Ye was about to speak, but Xiao Mengyu’s voice came from behind him:

    “It wasn’t him.”

    “It wasn’t?” Nangong Sirui didn’t believe it.

    “That’s right, his mission was ‘just wander around’, not ’30-minute treasure hunt’,” Xiao Mengyu said.

    “Yeah,” Shen Ye agreed, “my mission was ‘just wander around’. If you don’t believe me, ask the monsters in the underground palace.”

    “It wasn’t you, could there be another master…” Nangong Sirui fell into contemplation.

    Shen Ye ignored him and turned to ask Xiao Mengyu:

    “We have to take make-up classes during the summer vacation, is this legal? Doesn’t anyone care?”

    “This is a requirement issued by the world government. It seems it’s because Xirang High School is relatively safe…”

    “Safe?”

    “Yes, something might be happening. I heard that all combat units have cancelled their vacations,” Xiao Mengyu said.

    “What happened?” Shen Ye asked, surprised.

    “I don’t know.” Xiao Mengyu shook her head.

    Shen Ye couldn’t help but frown.

    That was an entire summer vacation!

    He had originally planned to use the summer vacation to delve into the nightmare world and learn some things at the Human Empire Military Academy.

    Now all those plans were ruined.

    “Are you attending the make-up classes?” Shen Ye asked.

    “Actually, I originally planned to go home during the summer vacation to learn the secret sword art, so coming or not is fine… I’ll think about it.” Xiao Mengyu also hesitated.

    “Okay, then I’ll go see Yang Yingzhen first. We’ll keep in touch.”

    “Alright.”

    Shen Ye looked down at his card.

    The self on the card looked up at the sky, then touched his head with his hand, and sighed in frustration.

    Shen Ye couldn’t help but laugh.

    “It’s just six stars, it’s fine, there will be more sooner or later.”

    The person on the card held up a paper card with the words:

    “Entering the three major high schools means a new beginning in life. Shasha brand sneakers will escort you through your new semester.”

    “You even took on an advertisement?” Shen Ye was surprised.

    The self on the card held up another paper card: “Advertising revenue can offset part of the tuition and miscellaneous fees, and can also get me new clothes. You can cancel it anytime if you want.”

    “Forget it then, just take the advertisement.” Shen Ye, meeting his pleading gaze, immediately made a decision.

    The him on the card immediately had an extra tray, filled with fried chicken cutlets, fries, soda, and watermelon.

    He ate with relish.

    “Show me the message.”

    Shen Ye said.

    Only then did a small line of text appear on the paper card:

    “The opening ceremony has concluded.”

    “—Do you want to return to the real world?”

    “Your guide is waiting for you.”

    “Go back.” Shen Ye murmured.

    The card vibrated slightly, seemingly causing some movement.

    In an instant.

    The Dharma Realm dissipated.

    Shen Ye found himself standing inside the vast collection room of the World Museum.

    Yang Yingzhen was sitting not far away, with a computer desk in front of her, busily recording something.

    Across from her, two new students waved goodbye to her.

    After the two new students left, Yang Yingzhen had finished her recording, picked up a water glass, and took a sip.

    “Teacher Yang.”

    Shen Ye walked over and greeted her.

    “Oh, it’s Shen Ye. Have you chosen an instructor? If you have one, you need to bring your card here for me to register it.” Yang Yingzhen opened her computer and clicked on the record form with her mouse.

    “Okay.” Shen Ye handed over his card.

    Yang Yingzhen took a look, reached for the keyboard, and casually said:

    “Hmm, not bad. Your instructor is—”

    She suddenly stopped, picked up the card again, and looked at the information on it.

    A moment of silence.

    A long silence.

    “Miner? Xu Xingke?” she said in a puzzled tone, “I haven’t heard of this person.”

    Shen Ye’s eyes widened.

    —What (fourth tone)?

    After all that crawling and struggling to complete all the trials, you’re telling me he’s not an instructor?

    “Did he give you trials?” Yang Yingzhen asked.

    “Yes, there were many trials, and I finally completed them with great difficulty,” Shen Ye quickly said.

    Yang Yingzhen examined his card and mused, “Cases like this have happened in previous years, where a being from the ‘anomaly’ takes a liking to a student and is willing to teach them carefully.”

    “So, is my situation the same?” Shen Ye said nervously.

    “Not necessarily. Some people have also been played by spirits in the Dharma Realm, and it ended up being nothing. I’ll help you confirm again when school starts,” Yang Yingzhen said.

    Shen Ye became even more nervous.

    That sword-wielding lady boss wouldn’t play tricks on him, would she?

    Seeing his expression, Yang Yingzhen’s heart softened for a moment, and out of a sense of responsibility, she continued to ask:

    “Xu Xingke… this name is indeed unfamiliar. Did you know who he was before this?”

    “No.”

    “Then how did you find him? And how did you persuade him to take on students?”

    “Someone who uses a sword introduced him.”

    “Who?”

    “I don’t know.”

    “…You don’t know this either?”

    “I wouldn’t dare lie to you, Teacher. It should be the master of the sword rain over Zhongzhou City last night, but I truly don’t know who she is.”

    Yang Yingzhen stared blankly at Shen Ye.

    For a long time.

    “Is there something wrong with my instructor…?” Shen Ye was confused.

    “No!”

    Yang Yingzhen practically shrieked, as if she had received an electric shock.

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