“Upgrade Yin Yang Attraction to Level One,” Lu Sheng called out silently.
At once, the Modifier trembled faintly. The entry for Yin Yang Attraction blurred, shifting from Uninitiated to Initiated, and then once more to Level One.
In that instant, a faint transformation coursed through Lu Sheng. The thread of inner Qi in his abdomen became sharper, more tangible, like a living current stirring within him. Beyond that, his body showed no obvious change.
“Upgrade Yin Yang Attraction to the highest level—Level Two!”
The Modifier pulsed again, the light flickering almost imperceptibly. The Yin Yang Attraction column leapt directly from Level One to its pinnacle, Level Two.
A surge followed. The Black Tiger Jade Crane inner Qi within him plummeted—half of it drained in mere seconds. Yet in its wake came a soft, tranquil sensation spreading through his limbs, weaving along a newly formed path within his body.
Now, three streams of inner force flowed inside him—three Qi pathways intertwining in motion, forming a sphere-like circulation. Each moved at its own rhythm, yet all harmonized in unending flow. When Yin Yang Attraction fully integrated, the change in Lu Sheng’s body was unmistakable.
The dryness that often scratched his throat had vanished. The faint heat in his chest had dissipated completely. His whole being now felt balanced—steady, whole, and calm.
So, Yin Yang Attraction can neutralize the side effects of the Black Fury Skill… This technique truly lives up to its reputation, he mused, narrowing his eyes. Perhaps Yin Yang Attraction should serve as the foundation, with the Black Tiger Jade Crane Skill as its support.
Once that thought took hold, Lu Sheng immediately began his next move. He steadied his breathing, focusing inward. His Yin Qi reserves remained abundant, and the recent upgrades had placed little strain on his body.
“Extrapolate the next level of Yin Yang Attraction,” he ordered in his mind.
At once, the world within the Modifier flared violently, dissolving into a storm of blinding light and blur.
Very soon—after no more than a few breaths—the hazy world within the Modifier came back into focus. The Yin Yang Attraction column flickered once, its display shifting from Level Two to Level Three.
The moment it advanced, Lu Sheng sensed a subtle change ripple through him. The flow of Black Fury Skill within his body gradually slowed, its once-scorching current cooling into a steady, composed rhythm. The inner Qi no longer burned like fire; instead, it flowed evenly—neither rushed nor sluggish, balanced like calm water beneath still winds.
Lu Sheng exhaled softly, his breath faint and controlled. His gaze settled upon Black Fury Skill.
With the inner Qi of Black Tiger Jade Crane and Yin Yang Attraction as my foundation… next time, I should extrapolate Black Fury Skill, he thought.
Just as his eyes drifted to the Modifier’s interface, they widened slightly in surprise. The button behind Black Fury Skill—the one for extrapolation—was still lit.
What’s this?
He frowned, thinking deeply. A moment later, realization dawned.
It must be that the Yin Qi from the jade hairpin far exceeds that of the powder. Even after extrapolating one low-level martial skill, there’s still enough energy left to extrapolate another. Yes… that must be it.
His spirits lifted instantly. Though his losses had been heavy—his hair singed away and his money pouch gone—none of it could compare to the gains he now held in his hands.
“Begin extrapolating Black Fury Skill!”
He pressed the mental command.
A sharp hiss—“Szzzz…”—filled his mind as the Modifier flickered violently, blurring into indistinct light.
After about ten breaths, the haze cleared. The status of Black Fury Skill had transformed—from Level Three straight to Level Four. Its name had shifted as well: Unknown Fire Poison Skill: Level Four.
A surge of blazing energy erupted from his lower abdomen, racing upward through his chest, neck, and into his head. The instant it entered his brain, the fire burst apart into countless streams of soothing warmth, spreading gently like spring breeze across his mind.
“Wuu…”
Lu Sheng exhaled in deep relief, the sound slipping unconsciously from his lips as comfort washed through him.
Lu Sheng gently pulled open the front of his robe and lowered his gaze. Across his chest, a faint line glimmered beneath the skin—a vein so vividly crimson it looked as though molten blood had been drawn across his body, cleanly dividing it into two halves. It pulsed faintly, alive and menacing.
“This… could this be the special effect of the fourth level of Black Fury Skill?”
He steadied his breath and guided his senses inward, tracing the movement of the new skill’s inner Qi. The routes of Black Fury Skill Level Four coursed through him in intricate harmony.
It feels somewhat like Yin Yang Attraction… yet there are hints of the Heart-Shattering Palm’s techniques as well, he mused. This shouldn’t be the same skill anymore. It has absorbed the essence of other inner force arts and fused them into one—creating something entirely new. It shouldn’t be called Black Fury Skill… I should rename it.
His gaze returned to the line on his chest—the deep, blood-red mark that symbolized the transformation within him.
This hue… crimson like blood. Since it evolved from Black Fury Skill, let it be called Blood Fury Skill.
The moment the thought formed, the Modifier’s display shifted. The Black Fury Skill column blurred and instantly reformed into a new entry: Blood Fury Skill.
Lu Sheng scanned the other martial arts selections. None showed the familiar button for extrapolation. It was clear that the Yin Qi reserves from before had been completely exhausted.
Let’s test its strength.
He raised his hand. At once, the inner Qi of Blood Fury Skill surged through his meridians, racing into his palm. With a swift motion, he struck at the branch of a nearby tree.
“Szzz…”
A hiss erupted. White smoke spiraled upward from the bark, followed by sharp crackles and the acrid stench of burning wood. When the smoke cleared, a pitch-black palm print had been seared deep into the trunk.
Even Lu Sheng was momentarily stunned.
This… this might already surpass the boundaries of ordinary martial arts, he thought, his heart pounding. No matter how strong one’s body is, how could they endure a strike like this? A single touch would scorch them alive… this hand—it’s no different from a brand of iron.
Lu Sheng slowly drew back his inner Qi, his breath steadying as the heat faded from his palm. He examined the tree branch closely. The charred black imprint wasn’t just the mark of searing heat—it carried faint traces of corrosion, as though some toxic energy had eaten through the bark itself, burning and rotting it at once.
Even with that realization, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of satisfaction. The sight of that single palm print spoke volumes of his newfound strength.
I wonder how my current skill measures against the renowned masters, he mused, his lips tightening slightly. He had no frame of reference—no true measure to gauge his own power.
And… there’s barely any money left at home. I’ve already asked for quite a bit, and with the family relocating, I can’t add to Father’s worries. I’ll have to figure things out myself.
He stood still for a while, thinking it through. After assessing his current situation, a plan gradually took shape in his mind. But it wasn’t something he could act on right away—it would have to wait until after the Annual Examinations.
The exams were only three days away.
Three days. Once the Annual Examinations are over, I’ll begin my plan, he resolved silently. Without funds, I can’t even afford proper supplements or medicine. Lately, even the nourishing tonics haven’t been enough. Though my life-force inner Qi helps me recover, it’s taking longer than before. If this keeps up, it might start hindering my martial training.
And then there’s the matter of Yin Qi… His brow furrowed. Am I really going to have to stir up trouble just to get some?
Suddenly, an image surfaced in his mind—the jade piece Chen Jiaorong had carried on him. Lu Sheng’s eyes narrowed slightly as quiet thoughts began to form, shaping into potential plans.
“Forget it, I’ll go back and revise first,” he murmured to himself. “I’ll think about all that after the Annual Examinations. Even if I don’t care much about becoming an official, Father and Second Mother have pinned their hopes on me.”
…………
Three days later, at the Eastern Mountain Institution.
The morning sky was pale and smooth as marble, the faint light washing the courtyard in a soft, muted glow. Groups of scholars clustered before the grand entrance—waves of grayish-white, pale green, and ivory robes rippling in the breeze. Their murmurs blended into a low, constant hum as they speculated about the topics that might appear in the upcoming Examinations.
Horse carriages were scattered throughout the area, some parked neatly by the roadside, others tucked into shaded corners. Through parted curtains, faces young and old could be seen—some anxious, others calm. A few belonged to family members waiting to lend support, but most of the carriages housed the sons of wealthy households, men who found it beneath their dignity to stand shoulder to shoulder with the poorer scholars. They sat within, idly revising or resting in comfort.
Among the crowd, Lu Sheng stood quietly beneath the shadow of a wall. He wore moon-white robes and a tall black hat, the style reminiscent of the Brocade Guards. The hat covered his entire scalp, revealing only a faint glimpse of his bald temples when viewed from the side.
Silent and composed, he leaned against the cool stone, eyes closed, waiting patiently for the examinations to begin.
Before long, the sound of hooves approached—a white carriage rolled to a stop before the Institution gates. From within descended two figures: a rotund man in a yellow robe that strained against his belly, and beside him, a slender young woman with graceful poise.
They surveyed the scene, searching for familiar faces.
Then the fat man’s gaze landed on a solitary figure standing beneath the shade. His small eyes lit up instantly.
“Brother Sheng!!!” he bellowed, waving both arms as he charged forward through the crowd.
Lu Sheng opened his eyes, sighing lightly as he saw the familiar sight. “Zheng Xiangui… could you lower your voice a little? We’re in a public place. Let’s preserve some face.”
“Face my ass! I, Master Fatso, was born with this temper! Whoever can’t take it can just go screw themselves!” Zheng Xiangui roared without an ounce of restraint.
Lu Sheng could only shake his head in quiet resignation. In the short time since they had last met, Zheng Xiangui had not only grown fatter—but also far more shameless.
“How is it? Are you confident this time?” Lu Sheng asked, his tone light as his gaze drifted toward Zheng Xiangui.
“Not bad, not bad…” Zheng Xiangui replied with a forced laugh, scratching the back of his neck. He shuffled closer, leaned in, and whispered guiltily, “Honestly, it all depends on my little sister this round. Master Fatso… might not make it on his own.”
“Hi, Brother Sheng.” A gentle voice interrupted. Zheng Yu’er, his sister, stepped forward gracefully. Dressed in a pale blouse with flowing sleeves, she carried herself with quiet elegance, a trace of scholarly poise in her demeanor.
Lu Sheng nodded in greeting before turning back to Zheng Xiangui. “Of the three subjects—Confucian classics, Strategy, and Military Arts—which one are you most confident in?”
“Eh… I remembered a bit when I was younger, but now—hehe—I’ve forgotten everything cleanly…” Zheng Xiangui admitted, forcing another sheepish laugh.
Lu Sheng could only stare at him, speechless. To him, passing the exams was simply a matter of memorizing the essential materials, grasping their meanings, and expressing them with one’s own understanding. It wasn’t difficult to achieve a passable grade—though reaching the top ranks was another matter entirely.
For his own part, all he wanted was to pass and ease his family’s worries.
“Seems like Brother Sheng is full of confidence,” Zheng Yu’er said with a faint smile. “Why don’t you tutor my brother? From the looks of it, he’s beyond saving.”
“Oh, don’t say that,” Lu Sheng replied with a chuckle. “It’s just that I have fewer distractions. And this time, the test is being held right here at Eastern Mountain Institution—we don’t even need to travel. All we have to do is wait for it to start. It couldn’t be more convenient.”
Just then, a luxurious horse carriage rolled to a stop nearby. The curtains lifted, and a familiar figure stepped out—Chen Jiaorong. His refined attire contrasted with the fatigue visible in his eyes. Spotting them, he approached with a polite smile.
“Brother Lu, long time no see.”
“Brother Chen,” Lu Sheng greeted warmly.
Chen Jiaorong clasped his hands and smiled faintly. “It was really thanks to you that I managed to get away unscathed that day.”
“It was nothing worth mentioning,” Lu Sheng said, waving it off. “I only did what anyone would have. But tell me, why haven’t I seen Brother Zhenguo around for this year’s Annual Examinations?”
“Oh, him,” Chen Jiaorong said with a shake of his head. “He was selected for the candidates’ inspection and went in much earlier. I’m not sure what’s gotten into him lately, but it seems he’s had some sort of awakening. His grasp of the Confucian classics and strategic theory has improved tremendously. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets selected this time.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Lu Sheng raised an eyebrow, a trace of surprise flickering in his eyes. He had expected that after Jun’er’s incident, Song Zhenguo would have fallen into despair, perhaps unable to recover for a long time. Yet, against all expectations, the man had found a way to rise again.
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and then Add to home screen.