Personal guidance?
Core Sequence?
Top-tier resources being allocated?
Even with his calm and collected nature, Xiao Han's breathing quickened slightly upon hearing these successive bombshells. He knew very well what this meant for a freshman who had only recently enrolled.
This is practically instant success!
Just then, that familiar system notification sounded in his mind:
[Ding! Detected that the host is facing an important decision; the God-Level Choice System has been activated!]
[Option 1: Accept Lin Qingxia's guidance and officially enter the Core Sequence Zero Class. Rewards: Lin Qingxia's favorability +10, priority access to top-tier cultivation resources (specific details depend on subsequent performance), 10,000 random academy contribution points.]
[Option Two: Politely decline Lin Qingxia's offer, expressing a preference for freedom and independent cultivation. Reward: "One Hundred Insights from a Lonely Cultivator" (a rare, low-street literature edition), System-issued "Hardness" Pill *1 (After taking it, bones become hard for three days, and walking is accompanied by background music).]
Looking at the bizarre reward of option two, Xiao Han's lips twitched involuntarily.
"One Hundred Insights from a Solitary Cultivator"? Or a rare, low-brow literary collection? A system-branded "tough love" pill? Walking with its own background music?
What is all this nonsense?!
The system still has that familiar "cheeky" feel.
Without almost any hesitation, Xiao Han made his decision immediately.
Why would someone forgo a beautiful mentor and top-tier resources to choose solitary cultivation techniques and Hard-Bone Pills? Unless he's lost his mind or been kicked by a donkey.
"Thank you for your kindness, Master!" Xiao Han raised his head, his gaze clear and firm, his tone sincere. "I was worried before that although the environment in Zero Class was good, the competitive pressure seemed insufficient... To receive your personal guidance and enter the Core Sequence to face even more severe challenges is more than I could ask for!"
Without any affectation, he frankly expressed his desire for a more competitive environment.
Seeing the undisguised anticipation and fighting spirit in Xiao Han's eyes, Lin Qingxia nodded in satisfaction, her phoenix eyes filled with even more appreciation.
She likes young people who are goal-oriented and have the courage to fight.
"Very good." Lin Qingxia's red lips curled slightly. "Since you agree, from today onwards, you are a member of the Core Sequence Zero Class."
The biggest difference between Core Sequence and regular Zero Class trainees lies in the degree of resource allocation.
"She began in detail, "First, you will gain access to an independent Grade A cultivation room, where the spiritual energy concentration is more than three times that of an ordinary cultivation room, and it is equipped with various auxiliary cultivation facilities such as gravity regulation and a simulated environment."
Xiao Han's eyes lit up. An A-level training room! This was one of the most prestigious training facilities in the Imperial Capital Academy, and it was said that only a very few core geniuses and instructors were qualified to use it.
"Secondly, you will gain access to the second level of the 'Star Pavilion'."
Lin Qingxia continued, "The Star Pavilion is the core location of our Imperial Capital Academy for collecting martial arts techniques. The first floor is open to all students, but it mainly houses martial arts techniques from the first to the fifth rank."
"The second floor houses precious cultivation techniques and martial arts skills ranging from sixth to eighth rank, and even some incomplete ninth-rank inheritances. Only Core Sequence students and instructors are qualified to access and view them, and they have one free opportunity to make a copy each month."
Ranks six through eight! A flawed rank nine!
Xiao Han's heart raced again. Although the grade of the "Creation-Heaven-Penetrating Art" he was currently cultivating was unknown, it was definitely beyond the ninth grade. However, the accompanying martial arts techniques, "A Step to the Ends of the Earth" and "Annihilation Divine Fist," were powerful, but they were both incomplete and urgently needed to be completed or replaced.
He had just acquired the "Shadow Void Scripture" and needed more high-level martial arts techniques to unleash its power. The access to the second level of the Star Pavilion was a godsend for him!
"Finally, and most importantly," Lin Qingxia emphasized slightly, "Core Sequence students have priority and greater autonomy in various secret realm explorations, resource competitions, and selection for international exchange opportunities organized by the academy."
This means more opportunities, more challenges, and... a faster pace of growth!
Xiao Han took a deep breath, trying to calm his excitement. He knew that these top-tier resources were not given away for no reason.
Sure enough, Lin Qingxia changed the subject, her eyes sharpening. "Of course, rights and obligations go hand in hand. The competition for the Core Sequence is far more brutal than you imagine."
"Currently, there are nine people in the Core Sequence Zero Class, plus you, making ten. Each of these nine people is a top-tier prodigy selected from the entire Dragon Nation and even the world. The weakest one has a cultivation level of the Martial Master Realm Fourth Level and possesses a powerful Martial Soul of at least SS rank."
"Among them are direct descendants of ancient martial arts families, possessing unique skills and profound knowledge; there are chosen ones who have had extraordinary encounters, with unpredictable and ever-evolving methods; and there are even a few whose backgrounds are so mysterious that even I can't find out anything about them, but their strength is absolutely not to be underestimated."
"Within the Core Sequence, resource allocation is not equal, but determined by strength ranking and contribution. There are monthly assessments, and those ranked at the bottom are directly kicked out of the Core Sequence and demoted to ordinary students. Ordinary Zero Class students can also challenge core students and take their place."
"Here, there is no tenderness, only the naked law of the jungle. The strong prey on the weak, and the winner takes all."
Lin Qingxia stared intently at Xiao Han: "In their eyes, Luo Bing might not even be worthy of carrying their shoes. Although you killed him with a single punch, you are still at the bottom of the Core Sequence. Are you ready?"
Brutal competition rules, formidable rivals, mysterious background...
All of this did not frighten Xiao Han; on the contrary, it made the blood in his body start to boil.
Bottom?
When has Xiao Han ever willingly been at the bottom?
"Don't worry, mentor." Xiao Han grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, his eyes sparkling like stars. "I like challenges."
Seeing the confident, fearless look in the boy's eyes, Lin Qingxia was slightly taken aback, then a more captivating smile curved her lips.
This little guy certainly didn't disappoint her.
The true circle of geniuses, the true stage...
Xiao Han felt that his magnificent life at the Imperial Capital Academy had truly begun from this moment on!
Xiao Han held the updated student card, which felt slightly heavy in his hand. The symbols representing his identity and access had subtly changed. The key to the A-level independent training room felt cool to the touch, and 10,000 academy contribution points were directly transferred to his account, instantly making his balance considerable.
"Ten thousand contribution points... I should be able to exchange for some good stuff on the second floor of the Star Pavilion." Xiao Han's heart stirred slightly, and he gained a more intuitive understanding of the top-tier resources described by Lin Qingxia. This beautiful mentor was indeed generous.