Chapter 30
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Chapter 30: Palm Force Showdown and the Dao Heart Examination
The Minor Heavenly Star Palm was a martial art without any set moves. It was a technique purely for channeling Magic Power and transforming it into a frigid palm force.
Unleashing the Minor Heavenly Star Palm’s power, He Dayou was confident he could severely injure Zhang Yu, freezing his internal organs.
He believed that given Zhang Yu’s financial situation, he would certainly not be able to afford medical treatment and would have to endure the injury.
Poor bastard, at least this will keep you out of school for a week, He Dayou thought coldly.
Boom!
As their palms collided violently, their magic power clashed within them, creating what felt like a resounding explosion that seemed to echo inside their bodies.
Although He Dayou’s Minor Heavenly Star Palm was powerful, he had only just recently mastered it.
Zhang Yu’s technique was ordinary Freehand Combat, but he had already trained it to level 3, allowing him to unleash a considerable palm force of his own.
As their palm forces collided and their magic power surged, He Dayou realized his advantage was not as great as he had imagined. His Minor Heavenly Star Palm force could only push back Zhang Yu’s power bit by bit, slowly invading his body.
What surprised him even more was that Zhang Yu was like a tumbler doll. Each time He Dayou’s palm force managed to invade a little, Zhang Yu would quickly force it back out. Despite being at a disadvantage, he stubbornly held on without collapsing.
Meanwhile, the circulation of power within Zhang Yu’s body continued unabated, constantly replenishing his reserves and allowing him to withstand He Dayou’s Minor Heavenly Star Palm strikes time and again.
The Assistant Teacher watching from the side was startled by this scene. “Are they competing with their magic power?”
Seeing their grim expressions, the Assistant Teacher feared something might happen. If either of the student was injured, his performance review for the year would be ruined. He especially could not afford any mishaps when he recalled that one of them was the school board director’s son.
He quickly reminded them, “Students, if either of you can’t hold on any longer, you must concede immediately. The other must also withdraw their magic power right away.”
“You must not risk serious injury and jeopardize your future for a simple Monthly Exam.”
Neither student spoke. He Dayou glared at Zhang Yu, furiously channeling his power into continuous waves of Minor Heavenly Star Palm force that he blasted toward his opponent.
Zhang Yu, however, remained calm and focused. He actively employed the Cosmic Orbit Energy Gathering Method, simultaneously replenishing his Magic Power while countering He Dayou’s Minor Heavenly Star Palm force.
In an instant, both of their foreheads were beaded with sweat, and their bodies radiated intense heat like two massive furnaces.
Yet Zhang Yu’s complexion remained rosy, and he appeared increasingly relaxed.
In contrast, He Dayou’s face had turned ashen, and he was clearly showing signs of faltering.
He could no longer control his emotions and stared at Zhang Yu with a mixture of shock and fury.
The assistant coach glanced at the time. The two had been locked in a Magic Power duel for over a minute. Seeing He Dayou’s condition, he had to remind them again, “You two, if you can’t hold on, concede immediately. This is just a Monthly Exam.”
He Dayou opened his mouth several times with great difficulty. Watching Zhang Yu, who looked increasingly relaxed, he finally managed to squeeze a few words through his gritted teeth. “I… concede.”
As both sides slowly withdrew their magic power, He Dayou slumped to the ground.
His face was ashen, and the magic power within his Dantian was all but empty.
He glared at Zhang Yu, unwilling to accept defeat, and asked, “How much magic power do you have left?”
Seeing his opponent’s weakened, half-dead state, Zhang Yu immediately replied modestly, “Maybe 10 or 20 %.”
He Dayou snorted. He could tell from Zhang Yu’s appearance that he had far more than that left. He slowly stood up, gave Zhang Yu a deep look, and said, “You’re very good.”
“We’ll spar again next time.”
With that, He Dayou turned and left.
As he walked away, he replayed the battle in his mind and was forced to admit one thing to himself.
Zhang Yu… is strong. But… it’s a pity. As a member of The Poor, he is destined to become our dog. I hope you can hold out until the next time I defeat you fairly. I don’t want to have any regrets.
On the other side, watching He Dayou’s shaky retreat, Zhang Yu thought to himself, Another sparring match? You shouldn’t even dream about it, buddy. This was the closest you’ll ever get to my level, so cherish this as your fondest memory. If we fight again, I’m afraid you’ll be the one apologizing for not being able to make me use my full strength.
Zhang Yu walked out of the Examination Field and immediately spotted Bai Zhenzhen leaning against the wall.
“Yo, A-Zhen, that was quick.”
“Yeah, it was over in a few moves,” Bai Zhenzhen replied, glancing at him curiously. “Who did you draw?”
Zhang Yu said, “He Dayou.”
“Damn it!” Bai Zhenzhen stomped her foot in frustration. “He got to show off during the Dao Arts exam, and now he’s humiliated you again. That bastard must be having the time of his life today.”
“But don’t worry. I’ll challenge him in the next practical class and humiliate him for you.”
Zhang Yu looked at Bai Zhenzhen speechlessly and said, “I won.”
Feeling Bai Zhenzhen’s astonished gaze, Zhang Yu decided to demonstrate.
He threw a punch, which Bai Zhenzhen immediately blocked with her palm.
Their fists and palms collided repeatedly. Their four arms blurred into afterimages in the air, accompanied by dull thuds like the striking of heavy hammers.
Bang!
After exchanging several moves, the two finally broke apart.
“Your Freehand Combat is Level 3?” Bai Zhenzhen asked.
“Your Freehand Combat is Level 3?” Zhang Yu asked back.
Bai Zhenzhen exclaimed in shock, “Weren’t you only Level 1 before? How did you suddenly reach Level 3? Could it be you’ve actually been training Freehand Combat to Level 3 all along, just waiting for an opportunity like today’s match against He Dayou to make a big show? You little rascal, you’ve been reading a lot of power fantasy novels, haven’t you?”
Zhang Yu looked at Bai Zhenzhen with equal suspicion. “A-Zhen, are you just projecting your own thoughts? You clearly said your Freehand Combat was at Level 2. You little vixen, you’ll do anything to be in the spotlight.”
Bai Zhenzhen’s face flushed red as she explained, “I’m not trying to be in the spotlight.”
“Having a higher Freehand Combat level doesn’t earn you any extra points.”
“Instead, holding a technique back in actual combat is more effective for catching an opponent off guard and scoring higher in the practical combat exams.”
“Haven’t you heard the teacher say it? Information warfare is also part of real combat.”
Zhang Yu suddenly thought of his fight with He Dayou earlier that day.
His opponent’s sudden, chilling palm technique had nearly done him in.
Hearing Bai Zhenzhen’s words now, Zhang Yu found himself in complete agreement. “It’s true,” he thought. I need to hold something back and not reveal all my trump cards.
After Zhou Tianyi finished his exam, the three of them went to the cafeteria for dinner. Then they went their separate ways. Some went home while others went to tutoring.
Tomorrow would be the examinations for Dao Heart, Magic Power, and Physical Strength.
But after returning home today, Zhang Yu went back to the abandoned building.
The 24-hour cooldown for switching his Feather Book’s specialization had not yet passed.
Since he was still specializing in Freehand Combat, he decided to continue practicing it and raise its level even further.
“Heh,” he thought. Even though I revealed my Level 3 Freehand Combat trump card to A-Zhen, if I can raise it to Level 5 or 6 today, I’ll have a whole new card to play.
Just imagining Bai Zhenzhen’s shocked expression the next time they met made Zhang Yu feel like his punches were landing with even more power.
Thus, Zhang Yu began practicing Freehand Combat in earnest. When he grew tired, he would rest while circulating the Breathing Technique. Once his stamina recovered, he would stand up and continue practicing Freehand Combat. Before he knew it, an entire night had passed.
The next morning, as sunlight slowly streamed through the empty window frames of the abandoned building and bathed Zhang Yu in its glow, he slowly opened his eyes while still seated cross-legged on the ground.
After a night of intense cultivation, his Freehand Combat had reached Level 5 (3/50), and his understanding of this fundamental martial art had deepened considerably.
His Magic Power had also increased from 11.7 to 11.8.
Zhang Yu mused to himself, With the passive breathing effect of the Cosmic Orbit Energy Gathering Method, my Magic Power is still growing steadily each day, even though I’ve only practiced the Breathing Technique during my breaks.
Feeling the constant increase in his Magic Power, Zhang Yu’s mood improved significantly.
This made him even more eager for the cooldown on his specialization switch to end, so he could upgrade the Cosmic Orbit Energy Gathering Method to Level 10 and experience its full effects.
***
Squeezing onto the bus to school, Zhang Yu made his way to school. Songyang High School was still shrouded in a serious atmosphere today.
Many students wore visibly grim expressions, clearly disappointed with their luck on yesterday’s exams.
After breakfast, Zhang Yu headed to the Examination venue for the Dao Heart Examination, the first test of the day.
With its pristine white walls and neatly arranged bed-like stations, the room resembled a hospital ward.
However, connected to the back of each bed was not an oxygen machine but a device resembling a face mask.
Zhang Yu had barely settled into his station when he heard the countdown in his mind begin again.
He pursed his lips and simply crossed his legs to practice his Breathing Technique.
As Zhang Yu cultivated, more and more students entered the Examination venue, and the stations gradually filled up without him noticing.
The sound of a bell rang out. The students’ expressions tensed, knowing the exam was about to begin.
Simultaneously, lighthearted music began playing over the broadcast system.
Once the music ended, a female voice came over the broadcast.
“This is the Songyang City High School Unified Monthly Dao Heart Examination. The exam will last for 60 minutes.”
Hearing the announcement, Zhang Yu remained completely unfazed.
After all, his memories already contained the experiences of several previous monthly exams.
Unlike yesterday’s General Knowledge, Martial Arts, and Dao Arts Examinations, the Dao Heart Examination for each Monthly Exam was a unified test for all high schools in Songyang City.
This was inextricably linked to the unique nature of the Dao Heart and the examination itself.
Meanwhile, the female voice on the broadcast continued.
“Attention, please ensure your Spirit Interface Mask is properly worn on your face throughout the entire examination.”
“The Device inspection and donning period is now beginning.”
All the students present immediately picked up the masks from their beds to inspect them.
Zhang Yu did the same. He first confirmed the cable on the back of the mask was plugged into the socket, then turned on the power to check that the mask was not damaged.
After confirming everything was in order, Zhang Yu placed the mask on his face.
He felt it immediately deform and mold perfectly to his features, as if a second layer of skin had been added to his face.
However, since the mask covered his eyes, Zhang Yu’s vision was now plunged into complete darkness.
A moment later, the female voice on the broadcast spoke again.
“The Device inspection and donning period is now over.”
“The Dao Heart Examination officially begins now.”
The darkness before Zhang Yu’s eyes suddenly vibrated. As countless particles of light emerged, he found himself transported to another world in the next instant.
