Chapter 019: Enrolling at the Academy

Only now did Xu Xuan truly realize just how profound the changes in his body had been over these short ten days. The power of the “Nine Transformations of the Dragon and Serpent,” which challenged the limits of the human body and awakened hidden potential, far exceeded his imagination.

As its name implied, the technique was inspired by the transformation of a serpent into a dragon. The “Nine Transformations” referred to nine secret methods of change, each inducing an imperceptible metamorphosis within the body. At first, these transformations were subtle, but as Xu Xuan compared his current self to who he had been ten days ago, he could not help but draw a sharp breath.

“So, every transformation is a small rebirth. I have only reached the third transformation, and already the changes are so dramatic. If I continue and break through all nine, what kind of transformation will I undergo?”

Suddenly enlightened, his eyes flickered with an unsteady brilliance.

Standing beside him, Xu’s father regarded his son with a complicated expression. “You’ve grown taller, and more mature. But remember, don’t speak of these changes and secrets to anyone.”

“I understand, Father.”

With memories of two lifetimes fused within him, Xu Xuan’s grasp of human nature and worldly affairs far surpassed that of his peers.

“Rest early and prepare yourself. Tomorrow, you’ll register at the village school.” There was hope and affection in his father’s gaze.

“Father, remember to take the ‘Spirit Blood Powder’ and recover your leg soon.” Xu Xuan nodded, then returned to his room.

After watching his son leave, Xu’s father held the costly vial of “Spirit Blood Powder” in his hand, the light in his eyes dimming as he sighed deeply. “If only I had gotten this medicine a few years earlier…”

That night, Xu Xuan picked up brush and paper, and wrote down a body-tempering technique from his previous life in the immortal sect, handing it to his younger sister. Although this technique was not as profound or challenging as the “Nine Transformations of the Dragon and Serpent,” it was still a method handed down from the immortal sect and was well-suited for physical cultivation, complete with its own breathing and meditation technique. If it were released to the world, it would be valued as a mid-grade technique, worth a great deal.

Yet Xu Xuan understood the darkness of human nature. This precious method from his former life would be reserved only for his family. He warned his sister repeatedly not to reveal it.

Content with what he had done, Xu Xuan continued cultivating the fourth level of the breathing technique. This stage was far more difficult than the previous three; once achieved, it would allow him to reach a state of “turtle breath,” with deep and prolonged inhalations.

Even with his previous life’s insights, Xu Xuan only managed to master part of it after practicing late into the night. Some aspects of cultivation could not be achieved by understanding alone; one’s physical condition played a crucial role. Repeated practice and effort were required to meet the demands of the technique.

In his dreams, he once again found himself in the sea of memories, practicing in that realm of consciousness until weariness finally overtook him.

At dawn the next day, Xu Xuan rose immediately, ate breakfast, and under the hopeful gaze of his family, set out to register at the village academy.

The school was located near the center of Yangmu Village. After walking for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the humble courtyard, two old buildings, and a martial arts training ground came into view.

Memories from his childhood lingered here.

In this world where cultivation reigned, schools and academies were established everywhere—from the grandest cities to the smallest villages—to discover and nurture gifted youths, thereby strengthening the nation’s might.

Back when his family was better off, Xu Xuan had attended the village academy, only stopping after his father’s accident forced a pause.

Entering the training ground, he saw an instructor teaching young students simple body-tempering techniques. Xu Xuan couldn’t help but feel moved; in every corner of this world, countless ordinary folk strove to break free from lives of hard labor.

Yet, for the countless low-ranking cultivators at the bottom, this hope was so difficult to realize.

Inside the academy’s main building, on the second floor, many youths were registering, some accompanied by family.

The man in charge of registration was Elder Dong, the academy’s principal, dressed in simple scholar’s robes and radiating a kindly air. In addition to overseeing the academy, Elder Dong was the former village chief of Yangmu—a man of virtue and respect among the villagers.

Xu Xuan waited in line quietly, scanning the crowd, only to spot his old adversary, Xu Xiaohu. Not only was Xu Xiaohu there, but beside him stood a tall, burly figure, his face brutish and eyes cold, inspiring fear among those around him—Xu Dahu himself.

Xu Xiaohu was the first to spot Xu Xuan, gritting his teeth in a mix of hatred and fear. Twice beaten down by Xu Xuan, he now bore a psychological shadow. Especially after that recent kick, which swept away all opposition, Xu Xiaohu felt powerless before the boy he once bullied.

“Hm?” Xu Dahu noticed his son’s reaction and turned his fierce gaze towards Xu Xuan.

A chill crept over Xu Xuan’s heart; facing Xu Dahu, he felt a coldness seep into his bones. Ten days ago, this brute had sent him flying with a flick of his finger. Now, standing before him again, Xu Xuan found the shadow of fear had yet to fully disperse.

That day, both he and his father had suffered under Xu Dahu’s whip at the mines.

Thinking of the various humiliations Xu Dahu had inflicted on his family, Xu Xuan could not help but glare back, meeting the man’s gaze without flinching.

Xu Dahu’s face darkened, his eyes flashing with murderous intent.

Xu Xuan felt a wave of icy killing intent wash over him.

Murderous… killing intent!

His expression hardened. Silently invoking the breathing method, he met Xu Dahu’s gaze with a calm, unruffled demeanor.

“Hmph, no matter how strong Xu Dahu is, he’s still just another body-tempering fighter. Does he really dare lay hands on me here in the village?”

Xu Xuan sneered inwardly.

“Xu Xiaohu, it’s your turn,” Elder Dong called gently.

“Yes, Elder Dong.” Xu Xiaohu hurried forward to register, paying ten spirit coins. Even Xu Dahu showed a hint of respect before Elder Dong.

As the former village chief and the academy’s principal, Elder Dong was rumored to have reached the fifth or sixth stage of body-tempering. Even the three great families of the village treated him with utmost deference.

Not until Xu Dahu had finished registering and left did Xu Xuan finally breathe easy. The man’s murderous aura was truly terrifying, and his strength at the fourth stage of body-tempering far exceeded Xu Xuan’s expectations.

After another short wait, it was finally Xu Xuan’s turn.

“Little Xuan, you’ve grown taller. I’ve heard you’ve made great progress lately,” Elder Dong said kindly.

“Thank you for your praise, Elder Dong. Since leaving the academy, I have worked hard in my studies and hope not to disappoint my teachers.”

Xu Xuan’s reply was calm and courteous.

Elder Dong looked at him with approval, inwardly amazed. The boy’s bearing and conversation were far beyond what one would expect from a poor farming family. Xu Xuan’s household was well-known for its poverty, and his father had become disabled three years ago. These changes were truly surprising.

He did not press further and allowed Xu Xuan to register smoothly, collecting ten spirit coins as the fee.

The registration required only basic information: name, age, cultivation level, and family background. Xu Xuan wrote his age as fifteen, which was accurate, since the limit for new students was eighteen. He listed his cultivation as the third stage of body-tempering.

This surprised him—his progress over the last few days was evidently no secret to the observant.

After registering, Xu Xuan hurried home to continue his training. This year, many were registering for the town’s academy, but only six spots were available, three of which were already promised to certain individuals. With no influential connections, his only hope was strength; otherwise, he could not be certain of earning one of the remaining spots.

At home, Xu Xuan first recorded information about body-tempering and formation techniques from his past life in a notebook. Habit now, he wrote a little every day, telling his sister to keep it safe for the family’s use.

His main focus remained the “Nine Transformations of the Dragon and Serpent.” Though the fourth level of the breathing technique was difficult, with the insights of his past life, this was like beginning anew—it was just a matter of time.

Four or five days passed in a flash, and Xu Xuan finally mastered the fourth level of the breathing technique. Its effect was remarkable: his inner energy now lasted twice as long, and his stamina greatly increased.

Now, he was ready to attempt the fourth transformation of the dragon-serpent technique. Once mastered, it would mean rising above the ranks of low-level cultivators to become a mid-level fighter, with a significant leap in strength and status.

“There are still a few days left. I must strive to reach the fourth stage of body-tempering.”

Xu Xuan took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination and anticipation.