Heavenly Lotus Academy's battle training ground was located right across from the school infirmary.

The battle training ground covered a large area. From the outside, it looked much like a huge, three-level basketball gym with windows high up on its dark green exterior walls. The entrance featured two alloy steel doors that seemed like they belonged on a bank vault, looking even sturdier than the walls themselves.

Since it wasn't the designated time yet, students weren't allowed inside, and teachers stood guard at the entrance. The students who had received notifications were either chatting in small groups nearby or munching on breakfast they had just bought from the cafeteria.

When Gu Yueyan and Lin Xianyu arrived, they saw Ren Xingmei and Qin Lian from afar and went over to greet them.

Gu Yueyan looked around and couldn't help but exclaim, "There are so few people."

At a rough glance, only about eighty or ninety students were waiting outside the training ground, a number that didn't seem to reach three digits—the first-year students who hadn't received an invitation could only watch the live broadcast in the auditorium.

"Yeah," Lin Xianyu said, looking around. "This training ground seems quite big. It should fit all the first-year students, right?"

Ren Xingmei replied, "But only those of us who have entered the first turn as Cultivators are allowed into the Cultivation Ground. It's useless for other students who haven't achieved that stage to come; they don't need to undergo combat training."

Qin Lian continued, "This is to cultivate a competitive atmosphere. By differentiating treatment, it stirs up the ambition of other students. Originally, those of us who advanced to the first turn ahead of others already received extra Bracelet Points as an allowance. However, since we don't have many places to spend those points, we can mostly just eat better, buy a bit more at the campus mall, or increase our dormitory Cultivation time. It's not much different from other students. Now, with the battle training ground open, the fact that we can come and they can't subtly reflects the disparity in privileges. We can enjoy the facilities provided by the school, while they can only play with their phones in the classroom..."

After Qin Lian had said so much, Lin Xianyu seemed to have only heard the word 'phone.' "I'd also like to watch the live broadcast in the classroom so I could play with my phone, eat breakfast, and attend class all at the same time... Damn it, why did my Awakening lead me straight to the first turn?"

The other three found it amusing. Being selected as the first batch to enter the training ground was clearly a privilege, yet only Lin Xianyu would consider it a hassle.

They saw that the teachers had already arrived early and were opening the alloy steel doors. Each teacher held various weapons—it seemed the teachers were even more excited than the students!

The most noticeable among them was Teacher Zhao Huo. He had brought an Alloy Cudgel with the spearhead removed and was now idly swinging it around in an open space, displaying a powerful aura, as if he couldn't wait to enter the training ground and show off his skills.

After all, having finally obtained Transcendent powers, they now had a place where they could fully test their strength without restraint. The whole school, teachers and students alike, was looking forward to it. Aside from the true slackers, everyone wanted to rush over and have some fun.

Having been dormmates with Lin Xianyu for a few months, Gu Yueyan had started to treat her like a younger sister who never seemed to grow up. She tapped Lin Xianyu's forehead, her tone a mixture of disappointment and helpless frustration, "You have no idea how many people envy you... You didn't properly cultivate at all during the break, and now even Ren Suo is diligently practicing. Look at you!"

Lin Xianyu, covering her forehead (Gu Yueyan had just used "Clothing" to strengthen her finger), pouted in response, "Big Brother Ren was only diligent for those few days, and he's gotten lazy again. He hasn't left his house for several days now!"

"My brother is cultivating at home," Ren Xingmei immediately defended her brother's honor. "Plus, my brother is a Researcher; he's definitely poring over the details in the six-day 'Destiny' video. It's normal for him to be too busy to leave the house these days."

Lin Xianyu continued to pout. "But last night he was still playing matches with me, you, and Little Jiu, and he even messed up!"

Ren Xingmei blinked, a look of realization dawning as she pointed at Lin Xianyu. "So, that 'Secret Crush Close By' was you?!"

When Ren Xingmei was teaming up with Ren Suo and Little Jiu for ranked games the previous day, Ren Suo had mentioned that a friend was also coming to play. Ren Xingmei had thought it was one of Ren Suo's questionable friends, never imagining it was Lin Xianyu!

Seeing that she had been exposed, Lin Xianyu showed no embarrassment, speaking confidently, "If it wasn't for my timely support in the mid-lane, you wouldn't have had the chance to CARRY the game. Little Star, you played well; let's duo next time."

Knowing she could no longer uphold her brother's pristine image, Ren Xingmei silently closed her mouth, her mind racing. Lin Xianyu's ID, 'Secret Crush Close By'… could there be a deeper meaning? Close by… close by… 'Within Reach, Yet Worlds Apart'… Space Teleportation! Is Lin Xianyu also silently supporting Teacher Dong?

Lin Xianyu, however, patted Gu Yueyan's shoulder and clenched her fist. "Class Rep, I will continue to work hard at playing games with Big Brother Ren!"

Gu Yueyan poked her with a finger. "Forget about playing; you should focus on Cultivation. We made a deal before: if I advance to the second turn and you're still lingering in the first turn, you can forget about me lending you my homework... unless you catch up."

"Class Rep, you can't do this! I play games for you!" Lin Xianyu cried with an exasperated look. The reason she played games with Ren Suo was partly because she wanted to, but also because she was using her ID, 'Secret Crush Close By,' to remind Ren Suo to pay attention to the Class Rep! The Class Rep and Big Brother Ren see each other at meals almost every day; that's 'close by.' And I'm the only one who knows about the Class Rep's feelings—it's such a well-kept secret it feels like eternal darkness! Naturally, it's a 'secret crush'!

"If you want to play games, play games, but don't blame me for it!" Gu Yueyan said irritably, then turned her head. "Hmph, he's here too."

Ren Suo was walking from the main road toward the battle training ground, drawing the attention of many students along the way. Unlike usual, he seemed to have put some thought into his outfit today: fitted black jeans, a blue shirt, a black windbreaker, and even a navy blue fisherman hat, which actually made him look rather stylishly rakish.

"Big Brother Ren didn't bring his headphones today," Lin Xianyu keenly observed.

"I've never seen him use headphones; I don't even know why he brings them," Gu Yueyan commented.

"Maybe it's an accessory," Qin Lian calmly speculated. "Hanging headphones around your neck and then using music as an excuse to approach naive little girls."

Zhao Huo seemed very excited to see Ren Suo arrive. He strode over, pulled him to the entrance to wait, and then stood behind Ren Suo as if afraid he would run away.

However, Ren Suo seemed either sick or possibly suffering from heatstroke today, as he was very aloof and didn't talk much. He just nodded to Zhao Huo, then stood straight, looking directly ahead at the battle training ground, appearing to take the upcoming activity very seriously.

"Look, Ren Suo is also looking forward to entering the battle training ground. You're the only one in the school who doesn't want to come." Gu Yueyan tapped Lin Xianyu's head. "Even he, a Healing Cultivator, wants to go in and show off his skills. You, an Awakening Monk with destructive awakened spells, better not think about leaving until you've expended all your Spiritual Qi."

"AY, AY, AY—" Lin Xianyu looked at Ren Suo, her face filled with disbelief. She rubbed her eyes, confirming she hadn't mistaken him for someone else. Was this person, radiating Vital Energy and Spirit like the noon sun, really the Big Brother Ren who, just last night, had accidentally spilled cola on his bed, lost control of his character, and given away first blood?

Ren Xingmei and Qin Lian were also somewhat surprised. Qin Lian glanced around and narrowed her eyes. "Come to think of it, it doesn't seem like many people in the school know Brother Ren, do they?"

"Yeah, school only started a month ago. Not many people have been injured, and I think my brother hasn't had a single call-out last month," Ren Xingmei said, divulging evidence of Ren Suo being a tax evader.

"But that's going to change soon. There are a lot of female students here today. Once students get injured, Brother Ren can fully showcase his skills and deepen his relationships with them through the physical contact involved in Healing."

Qin Lian's words were spoken with intent, and the listeners, Ren Xingmei and Gu Yueyan, understood immediately. They shot Ren Suo disapproving looks. So that's why he dressed so flamboyantly today and acted like a proper Cultivator—he had this scheme in mind!

Soon it was nine in the morning. After a simple check at the entrance, the teachers and students waiting outside finally got a full view of the training ground.

The interior of the training ground wasn't divided into levels; the ceiling was extremely high. The venue itself was split into three major areas: a forest zone, an architecture zone, and a biology zone.

The forest zone contained trees of varying heights and thicknesses, with many stones scattered among them, and even a small lake.

The architecture zone consisted of common structures like houses, bridges, and tall buildings.

The most astonishing was the biology zone. It featured template-like adult men, grandmothers and grandfathers who looked ready for square dancing, and even medieval warriors in full Iron Armor. There were also modern soldiers with guns and bulletproof vests, giants, lions, tigers, deer, crocodiles, and more.

However, whether it was the forests, buildings, or creatures, everything was uniformly green. Even the floor was green. It all looked as if it were made of Slime, resembling modeling clay, seemingly easy to crush.

But a student immediately ran to the nearest building in the architecture zone and knocked on a wall, only to find that its hardness was the same as a real wall, as if the bricks had simply been coated with green cement.

Meanwhile, Ren Suo stood in the rest area at a corner of the venue. The rest area was far from all three major zones and had chairs, but three different styles of stretchers hung on the wall. Considering the infirmary was only a minute's walk away, the school was indeed very thoughtful.

"Welcome, teachers and students, to the battle training ground."

As the voice echoed through the venue, the teachers and students immediately noticed Bai Ji standing on a three-story building in the architecture zone.

Today, Bai Ji was still dressed in his idol-style winter attire, complete with a scarf. He swept a gentle gaze over the teachers and students at the entrance, instantly making the hearts of female students and teachers flutter. Bai Ji seemed to spot something and blinked, offering a subtle signal.

"Teacher Bai was just sending sparks my way!"

"No, he was clearly giving me 'the look'!"

Two girls in front of Ren Suo started arguing. Ren Suo silently raised his head to look at Bai Ji, his spine straight, his gaze unwavering and direct, which made Bai Ji quickly avert his eyes.

"The battle training ground is a special facility constructed by the Ministry of Education. Currently, only ten such grounds in Superhuman Academies are open to the public. Please cherish this opportunity, teachers and students. In the battle training ground, all green objects are destructible. Furthermore, all green objects, whether in terms of weight, hardness, or structure, are nearly indistinguishable from real objects."

As he spoke, Bai Ji stamped his right foot, and a frost nova exploded beneath him, blowing a small chunk off the rooftop of the three-story building.

BOOM!

With a burst of green dust, rubble mixed with frost scattered across the ground. Ignoring the color, the effect made it seem as if Bai Ji had genuinely blown up the roof of a small building.

Bai Ji said indifferently, "Trees and stones, armor and human bodies, houses and bridges—most things you can destroy in reality are here. Due to height limits and safety concerns, there are no buildings over three stories here, but I don't suggest you destroy buildings over three stories in the future either. It's not just a matter of your own safety; more importantly, it's about the safety of other non-Cultivators.

"You signed various agreements when you enrolled; you're here to learn Cultivation, not for destruction, but for protection.

"Combat training is merely the means required for protection. If possible, I hope you never have to use the skills you practice here.

"However, if you must train, do it thoroughly. During training, you needn't hesitate; everything here can restore itself after being destroyed.

"The purpose of the battle training ground is to let you know your true destructive power, to let you know when you should give it your all and when you can hold back.

"Now, under the guidance of their respective teachers, all students shall conduct combat training in designated areas. Those without awakened abilities are limited to training in the forest zone and the humanoid target zone, while those with destructive spell Awakenings must strictly adhere to the training areas allocated by teachers to avoid harming others."

"However," Bai Ji suddenly turned around, his back to the teachers and students, his feet at the edge of the roof, "unlike other schools, our school has a treasure that can rescue you from danger..."

With that, Bai Ji leaned back and fell from the rooftop!

Everyone screamed in horror. Although it was only three stories high and Bai Ji was a Third-turn Cultivator, if he failed to protect himself in time, he could very well end up with his brains splattered.

In that instant, just as he was falling, Bai Ji vanished in mid-air and then reappeared before the crowd, held in a princess carry by Dong Chengling.

The crowd screamed again, this time with excited, gossipy gasps.

"Exactly," Bai Ji said, jumping down and spreading his hands. "Teacher Dong will be stationed at the highest point of the training ground, constantly observing the teachers and students. If an accident occurs, Teacher Dong will do her utmost to save you.

"That concludes the introduction to the training ground. If you have any further questions, you can ask your teachers.

"Although restoration times vary by location, the training ground's recovery period is generally quite long. Therefore, it will only be open once a week, for about two hours each time. Not only do students need to train, but teachers will also train while supervising you.

"So, please proceed with your training—cautiously, yet boldly."

At this moment, Zhao Huo, holding his Alloy Cudgel, suddenly stepped forward. "Wait a moment, Teacher Bai. Is there something you haven't mentioned yet?"

Bai Ji was slightly startled. Noticing Zhao Huo glance towards the rest area, he instantly understood and silently accepted Zhao Huo's implied favor. "Right. Although the training ground is not far from the infirmary, it is still equipped with a Healing Cultivator: the virtuous and highly skilled Teacher Ren—Ren Suo!

"It's worth mentioning that our school's Healing Cultivators are considered the best in Lianjiang. Their Healing abilities are extremely outstanding. In a previous major casualty incident, they played a significant role, successfully saving the lives of more than a dozen injured people.

"If you sustain unavoidable injuries in the training ground, please seek out Teacher Ren for Healing immediately."

Bai Ji pointed in Ren Suo's direction and gestured for him to come forward.

All eyes turned to Ren Suo; even the camera broadcasting live panned to him.

Suddenly the center of attention, Ren Suo showed not the slightest discomfort. He remained calm and expressionless, nodded to Bai Ji, and walked crisply to stand before him.

Bai Ji smiled. "Would you like to introduce yourself?"

Ren Suo nodded, turned to face the teachers and students, bowed slightly, and said, "I am Ren Suo. 'Ren' as in responsibility, 'Suo' as in to ponder."

Cool, calm, meticulous, serious, and well-spoken.

Everyone was impressed. Those who knew Ren Suo thought he had completely changed after the attack incident. Those who didn't know him believed him to be as virtuous and talented as Bai Ji had praised.

Only those closest to Ren Suo felt that he was acting particularly strange today, and various speculations formed in their minds.

Then Zhao Huo spoke up, "In addition to Healing Magic, Teacher Ren also possesses exceptional skill in Movement Spells and Defensive Magic. His Movement Speed is second only to Teacher Dong, and his defensive capabilities are second only to Teacher Liao. Combined with his Healing Ability, his overall combat power is outstanding, even among Second Stage Cultivators."

Although unsure why Zhao Huo was suddenly praising Ren Suo, Bai Ji figured it was a good thing and went along with it. "Indeed, that's true."

Zhao Huo continued, "As for the other teachers, the students already have some familiarity with them, or have attended their classes. The only exception is Teacher Ren, with whom everyone is not yet well acquainted.

"Moreover, although the combat training ground is well-equipped, its one shortcoming is the lack of interactive enemies for the trainees.

"Therefore, Teacher Ren and I will now conduct a demonstration match, to show everyone the effects of a Cultivator's battle within the forest and urban zones."

Zhao Huo's words were entirely unplanned by the teaching staff. Bai Ji frowned slightly, but Zhao Huo quietly approached him and whispered, "It's mainly a friendly spar, not a real fight. Besides, Ren Suo rarely shows up; the students won't respect him otherwise."

Bai Ji considered this and agreed, but added, "A real fight is fine too, just don't get him injured."

Zhao Huo was slightly taken aback but nodded.

At that moment, Dong Chengling, looking somewhat dissatisfied, walked over. Zhao Huo quickly repeated what he had just said to Bai Ji.

After a moment's thought, Dong Chengling also said, "A real fight is fine, just don't injure him."

Wait, aren't you two supposed to be on good terms with Ren Suo? Why do you seem more eager to set him up than I am? Zhao Huo wondered.

What Zhao Huo didn't realize was that both Bai Ji and Dong Chengling were thinking further ahead—

Bai Ji: I'm currently the strongest person in the academy. If Ren Suo is defeated and wants revenge, he'll surely come to ask me how to improve his combat skills, right? Hehe.

Dong Chengling: As soon as Ren Suo is in danger, I'll go over and carry him away. If I just slightly adjust my center of gravity and don't let go, Ren Suo isn't as strong as me and will instinctively hold onto me. Heehee.

Then Zhao Huo turned to look at Ren Suo and patted him on the shoulder. He knew that the success of this plan hinged on Ren Suo. If Ren Suo didn't agree, it was all for naught. Zhao Huo couldn't very well beat up Ren Suo by force—putting others aside, for every blow he landed on Ren Suo, Dong Chengling would probably repay him in kind.

However, following Xiao Meng's plan, Zhao Huo had challenged Ren Suo to a spar in front of all the teachers and students. Even if Ren Suo didn't care about face, under such public scrutiny, he would most likely agree. After all, it was just a spar, not a life-or-death duel; he wouldn't be too cowardly.

Zhao Huo looked at Ren Suo, his eyes radiating a firm, humanistic Radiance. Little Suo, it's not Brother Huo setting you up, but look at how Bai Ji called Dong Chengling 'darling,' and Dong Chengling gave Bai Ji a princess carry. If you don't wake up now, you'll regret it when it's too late! Brother Huo is giving you a push now; you'll be grateful to Brother Huo in the future—just remember not to ask Brother Huo for gift money at the wedding!

But, just to be safe, Zhao Huo leaned in and whispered to Ren Suo, "A seafood buffet."

Ren Suo looked at him and nodded.

Zhao Huo felt quite relieved to see Ren Suo agree so readily. Since Little Suo is being so cooperative, Zhao Huo would naturally repay him with enthusiasm. He secretly decided to give him a good dozen whacks with the cudgel for fun, and then look for an opportunity to create an 'accident'! Having found a rare chance to hit Ren Suo, and only planning a dozen or so strikes, Zhao Huo felt he was being incredibly righteous!

「—」

Watching the base explode on the screen, Ren Suo muttered, "Lousy teammates," put down his phone, and scratched his head. He went to the living room, opened the refrigerator, and poured himself a glass of cola.

He checked the time. The combat training ground should be open by now, he thought, and activated his Mind Link. Ren Suo wasn't a lousy teammate; when he played games, he was fully concentrated and wouldn't split his attention to monitor his clone.

Besides, Ren Suo was quite confident about his clone. It was on campus, he had programmed its logical responses thoroughly, and before leaving, he had given it the command: 'Listen to your friends.' That should make things foolproof. It's not like friends would set him up, right?

As this thought crossed his mind, Ren Suo received information from his clone through the Mind Link. His expression gradually darkened.

After a moment of silence, Ren Suo sighed softly. "An endless cycle of vengeance... when will it ever end..."

A look of reluctance appeared on Ren Suo's face, then quickly firmed into Determination. "Alright then. Let me see... just how strong I can really be!"

He picked up the game controller from the coffee table.

"Minor World, such joy to behold~"

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