Chapter 289: Black Iron Rank

When Xiao Lin opened his eyes, he discovered that he was already lying in Department Head Song’s room. He shook his aching head vigorously in an attempt to recall his fragmented memory. Song Junlang had already brought the water glass over and gave it to him while lamenting guiltily, “it’s my fault for causing you so much trouble this time. I’m really sorry.”

“Could you at least start by telling me what happened? I remember practising with Cheng Ming at the time, and then I felt a murderous intent surging into my heart. I think that’s the way to describe it, but anyway, I suddenly wanted to destroy everyone in my sight. I was really scared at the time, so I quickly told the others to leave. I don’t know what happened after that.”

Xiao Lin frowned and asked, “Is it the dragon blood’s side effects acting up again?”

“Yes, the original dragons in the Planet Norma were violent and had tons of murderous intent. Although they were later equipped with sufficient intelligence, the nature of their genes still remained unchanged. It’s unfortunate that you still cannot completely restrain these side effects.”

“But Department Head Song, didn’t you say that there won’t be any more trouble after experiencing the side effects of dragon blood during the monthly exam?”

“Oh, I lied to you.”

“...”

“Ahem, just kidding. ”

Song Junlang pondered for some time before putting on a more serious expression. He once again explained the theories he brought up with the student union president earlier, and also recounted how the president finally had to interfere. Finally, he comforted Xiao Lin, “You don’t have to worry too much about it.”

Xiao Lin could not even be bothered to roll his eyes when he asked, “You mean to say there’s a time bomb in my body now? How do you expect me not to worry?”

“On the bright side, even though there’s been a bit of a situation this time, it’s still very surprising for me. You said that you already felt something before the dragon blood’s side effects took over. Is that right?”

“Yes, is there something wrong with that?” Xiao Lin asked strangely.

“But I remember you saying that you didn’t feel anything when it happened during your monthly exam.”

Xiao Lin thought for a while, then nodded and asked, “Maybe I was seriously injured at that time?”

“No, it means that your body is completely integrating the dragon blood. This is amazing.”

Xiao Lin appeared confused. “Don’t marvel at it. Tell me if this side effect can be eliminated.”

“Of course! If it’s you, it can definitely be done.”

“How?”

“By drinking more dragon blood.”

“Why do I feel like you’re tricking me again...”

Song Junlang ignored Xiao Lin’s doubts for the time being, and continued to mutter, “In any case, dragon blood isn’t some shabby street product. It’s priceless. I’ll help you figure out how to collect it, but you also have to look out for yourself at all times in the future. Right then, enough about this, go ahead and take a look at your current attribute values!”

“Huh? Attribute values?”

“You didn’t forget the purpose of taking the Super Tonic Pills, did you? This has everything to do with my money-making—ah—I mean, our money-making plan.”

Despite many doubts, Xiao Lin opened his personal file on the computer that Department Head Song slid over. His pupils then contracted rapidly.

[Name: Xiao Lin]

[Student ID: 201235]

[Attributes: Strength 24, Agility 26, Intelligence 25, Physique 26]

“How’s the effect?” Song Junlang appeared even more anxious.

Xiao Lin replied, “My average attribute value has increased by ten points, and the total attribute value is already a hundred and one.”

“It actually increased the total attribute value by forty? The effect of this Super Tonic Pill is better than I thought!” Song Junlang did not forget to record the data in his notebook.

“Uh, this is considered Black Iron-rank, right?”

“Yes, the total attribute value is a direct manifestation of your overall physical fitness. There will be a qualitative effect once a certain standard is reached, but don’t rush to register with the student union though. We have to place our bets first.”

Things were much simpler after that. There were no deadlines for the bet, be it on the forum or in New World’s casinos. Anyone could bet before the first freshman reached Black Iron-rank and obtained the registration certificate from the student union.

Thanks to Song Junlang’s department head position, entering and leaving the New World was easy as pie, so he reminded Xiao Lin to place bets on the forum using the redemption points. He then brought Xiao Lin’s New Dollars to Dawn City.

Before leaving, Department Head Song did not forget to repeatedly urge Xiao Lin not to disclose even the smallest rumor. It was best not to go to practice with anyone in the training hall either.

“They can tell?”

“Of course. Anyone with the slightest bit of experience can tell whether you’ve reached Black Iron-rank just from one swing of your sword. You’ll understand this after you fully appreciate the significance of this level.”

In fact, Xiao Lin did not intend to continue with further practice. Song Junlang told him that he had been in a coma for more than half a day, but once he woke up, he found it surprising that his fatigue was more than usual. It was if he had just gone through a tragic battle, and the fatigue he was experiencing encompassed all aspects, from his mind to his body.

Xiao Lin therefore decided to head back to the dormitory for the time being and take a look at the necromantic meditation technique he borrowed from the library. He had already reached Black Iron-rank anyway, and although he was feeling a little weird, he was satisfied with the overall result.

Xiao Lin paused as he walked out of the logistics department and cocked his brows in surprise. He then closed his eyes slightly and focused his energy, as if he was feeling nature. After some time, he opened his eyes and exclaimed, “This feeling is really magical. No wonder Department Head Song mentioned that Black Iron-rank is a qualitative change. Is this what he meant by that?”

In his eyes, the world had become completely different from before. The blue sky, the fresh air, and the plants at the beginning of spring. Aside from that however, he could already feel that indescribable yet distinct free-flowing layer of energy that clearly existed in his surroundings.

The meditation tutor said that everything in Planet Norma was filled with four basic elements. It was what formed Planet Norma’s foundation. One must first enter into a deeper state of meditation to perceive those elements, buy Xiao Lin could vaguely sense them even in his normal state.

If he continued to meditate, it would mean that he could perceive more and more of the majestic elements, which would undoubtedly be a great leap in improving mental strength.

Aside from that, simply closing his eyes allowed him to clearly feel his body’s silk-like energy coursing through his internal organs. Such energy was not foreign to him. Regardless of whether a person chose to learn saber techniques, swordsmanship, or other weapons, it was an aspect of learning that they would soon have to go through. For melee fighters, it was the nimble mastery of such energy that enabled them to display their strength to the fullest.

That was no doubt a great feeling, so much so that Xiao Lin vaguely felt as though he had been reborn. He remembered that Song Junlang once mentioned the inferiority of an Earthling’s foundation compared to a Norman; he was probably referring to the threshold of Black Iron-rank. Indeed, the difference between before and after the threshold was very big.

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