The beastly roars were low and far-reaching, while the rustling of disturbed grass and trees drew closer from afar.
Sensing the demonic beast's aura approaching, Shi Yan could not help growing excited.
He gripped the saber in his hand tightly, and his eyes grew increasingly red.
Just then, the sound of something tearing through the air rang out, and a gust of bloody wind closed in within an instant.
A massive gray wolf had actually seized the moment and shot out swiftly from behind Shi Yan.
Its maw full of sharp fangs bit viciously toward Shi Yan's neck.
A wolf's nose was extremely sensitive. It had already caught the rich scent of blood and flesh brimming with spiritual energy from Shi Yan.
"Kill!"
A fiery-red saber shadow flashed past, and the pouncing gray wolf was instantly severed from head to body.
It had been too fast—so fast that even Shi Yan had nearly failed to react.
The tremendous improvement in his own strength left him somewhat unaccustomed to it.
[Second-Order Gray Wolf Demon killed, Martial Virtue Points +37]
Thirty-seven points meant that the wolf demon was no weakling, roughly a mid-level Second-Order Demonic Beast.
Yet it had still been cleaved apart with a single slash, and Shi Yan did not feel that it had cost him much effort.
"Second Order still isn't enough."
Shi Yan licked the corner of his lips, and the killing intent in his eyes intensified.
Rather than waiting for the demonic beasts to come at him, he charged out himself, meeting the beasts rushing toward him.
Thus, a feast of slaughter began.
[Second-Order Gray Wolf Demon killed, Martial Virtue Points +41] [Second-Order Iron Claw Monkey Demon killed, Martial Virtue Points +42] [First-Order Magic Emerald Bird killed, Martial Virtue Points +9]
Shi Yan gradually killed until his eyes ran red, while system notifications continued to appear.
Who knew how long had passed? When he thrust out the saber in his hand, a slight chill spread across his abdomen, and much of the crimson in his eyes finally faded.
[Third-Order Shadow Cat killed. Killed across tiers. Martial Virtue Points +100]
The system notification brought Shi Yan back to his senses.
Looking around, he discovered that he had long since left the hill where the Fire Scale Python was located and reached an unknown forest.
There were still many Giant Trees here, but most of the vegetation consisted of shrubs, with countless thorny brambles and weeds, making the place seem even more shadowy and secluded.
Yet from somewhere far beyond sight, a disorderly trail stretched all the way to his feet. Demonic beast corpses lay scattered in every direction, no fewer than a hundred of them.
At that moment, his saber had pierced through the head of a black cat weighing roughly eighty jin.
Several claw marks were clearly visible across his abdomen, blood pouring from them as though it cost nothing.
"As expected of a Third-Order Demonic Beast."
Pain flashed across Shi Yan's face as he pulled back his saber.
He had not expected to kill his way into the territory of Third-Order Demonic Beasts.
Fortunately, Third-Order Demonic Beasts did not appear in packs like first- and second-order ones, giving him time to catch his breath.
Without hesitation, Shi Yan quickly took out a medicinal ointment from his Storage Ring and applied it to his wounds.
After a wave of coolness passed through him, the wounds quickly stopped bleeding and began to scab over.
"Remarkable!"
Shi Yan was slightly startled. Zhang Yunya had used this medicine on him before he came to Magic Martial University, but its effect then had not even been half as strong as it was now.
The reason he was recovering so quickly now was probably because he had soaked in magma.
"I still have to continue."
After resting for a while, Shi Yan muttered helplessly.
His "venting" was only about halfway complete. At most, it could temporarily keep his mind clear.
If he wanted to completely eliminate the effects, he would likely have to put in a great deal more effort.
He tapped open his wristwatch and checked the time, then gave a bitter smile.
He had never expected a "bath" to take an entire month.
That meant his promise to his roommates that they would meet again in a month had gone down the drain.
There was no helping it. He was a ticking time bomb right now. If he did not eliminate the negative effects, he might hurt someone after returning.
He could also use this time to harvest some Martial Virtue Points.
He opened his panel.
[Name: Shi Yan] [Realm: Second Tier Martial Artist] [Ability: Southern Bright Blazing Fire (SSS-Class), Mad Python Earth Core Flame (A-Class)] [Blood Vitality: 478 cal (+)] [Mental Power: 101 Hz (+)] [Martial Arts: Thrusting Punch (perfection), Explosive Flame Eighteen Sabers (perfection), Flowing Fire Thousand Jin Fist (Not Started +), Eighteen Paths Fire Shadow (Not Started +)] [Cultivation Method: Boundless Sea of Fire (SS-Class, Second Layer)] [Martial Virtue Points: 3886]
Over three thousand Martial Virtue Points was truly too little. He probably could not even upgrade the movement technique he needed most more than twice.
About half an hour later.
A faint rustling finally reached Shi Yan's ears.
The aura of demonic beasts drew ever closer, and his eyes gradually began to redden again.
"Kill!"
This year's special training at Magic Martial University had been extremely successful—calling it the most successful in its history would not have been an exaggeration.
As soon as the special training ended, five people completed their First Metamorphosis. Over the following ten days, another twenty-four completed theirs.
Qi Ziyue had even completed it in just twenty-five days, directly breaking Magic Martial University's record that had been sealed away for many years.
Of course, that was only what was known openly. Most people did not know that Shi Yan had already broken the record.
After the special training ended, the freshmen experienced a major surge in strength. They then consolidated their gains and began their new mission.
Magic Martial University's first-year curriculum for freshmen was packed tightly, with the aim of ensuring that everyone completed their metamorphosis.
After the special training, they only had ten days to consolidate their strength before heading out to carry out missions to kill demonic beasts.
Only by fighting demonic beasts to the death could they better stimulate their bodies' potential!
"The freshmen are all ready, and all security measures have been completed in advance."
Vice Principal Liu Xiuyuan, dressed in a green robe, had arrived at the principal's office at some unknown time.
Bai Xuanling, standing by the window, nodded. His gaze swept through the glass toward Magic Martial University's gates, where one heavy bus after another was driving in.
"Old Liu, who do you think will earn the highest points this time?"
This mission was scored by points. The top hundred would directly enter the preliminary round of the Freshman Grand Competition.
As a nationwide competition, the preliminary rounds were held within each school. Only after deciding the top ten would they go out and compete with students from universities across the nation for rankings.
"Is there even a question? If Shi Yan makes it back in time, he'll naturally score the highest. If he doesn't, it'll be one of Qi Ziyue, Lei Gang, and Lu Xingzhou."
Liu Xiuyuan was somewhat puzzled. Was this not plain for all to see? Then he understood the meaning behind the principal's words.
"Old Bai, are you asking whether Magic Martial University can defeat Jingwu this time?"
"What else? We've carried the title of Perennial Second Place for far too long."
Bai Xuanling gave a bitter smile. Among Huaxia's Four Great Famous Schools, Jingwu had won the Freshman Grand Competition the most times. Lingnan and Tianfu had each won once as well. Only Magic Martial University had remained the unchanging second place.
At those words, Liu Xiuyuan's expression turned bitter as well.
Magic Martial University seemed to be burdened by some kind of curse. Whenever a peerless genius rose among its ranks, an even stronger peerless genius would always emerge from one of the other three great schools to suppress Magic Martial University.
For example, this time Magic Martial University had Shi Yan, but Jingwu also had an SS-Class genius.
The irony was that Shi Yan was very likely to be suppressed this time.
It was simply because Shi Yan's foundation was too weak. One only had to look at the freshmen at Magic Martial University who had already undergone metamorphosis.
Only ten days had passed since the special training ended, yet all of them had already stepped into the Second Order.
That was because they had consumed heavenly treasures and earthly herbs since childhood. Once their bodies underwent metamorphosis, they experienced explosive improvement.
But what about Shi Yan? He had undergone metamorphosis after the Martial Arts Examination ended, yet only became a Second Tier Martial Artist by the time school began.
It was precisely because his foundation was weak that Fang Ziwei had personally stepped in to "lay his foundation."
"Old Bai, aren't you supposed to be good at calculating? Can't you tell whether Magic Martial University can win this time?"
"What do you mean, I'm good at calculating? That's called intuition! Besides, no matter how capable someone is at calculating, can they really calculate every matter under heaven?" Bai Xuanling said speechlessly. "By the way, Old Liu, there are quite a few promising seedlings this year. Do you want to take one as a disciple?"
"I'm not taking one. Don't set your sights on me." Liu Xiuyuan looked wary. Then, as if recalling something, he added:
"Old Bai, that's not decent of you. You had Wang Changfu take Qi Ziyue as his disciple—aren't you rubbing salt into his wounds?"
All of Wang Changfu's disciples had died in battle more than three years ago, at the same time and in the same place. Such a blow was beyond what ordinary people could imagine.
Asking him to take another disciple now—was that not tearing open his scars?
"Vice Principal Fang sent word ten days ago. Shi Yan successfully activated his second ability."
Bai Xuanling clasped his hands behind his back, an unfathomable glint flashing through his eyes.
This completely unrelated response made Liu Xiuyuan anxious.
"Look at you, forcing connections again. I was talking about Dean Wang, so why did you drag Shi Yan into it... Still, activating a second ability really is astonishing. He has hope of crossing swords with Jingwu's genius."
"Old Liu, what you don't know is that for more than three years, Dean Wang has come to me after every semester ends to tender his resignation." Bai Xuanling wore a worried expression as he revealed something that stunned Vice Principal Liu.
"Resign? Could it be..."
"Yes. He has already resolved to die. He wants to avenge his disciples."
"This... So you want him to teach Qi Ziyue and extinguish his thoughts of revenge?"
"Not entirely." Bai Xuanling shook his head slightly. "I see that Qi Ziyue is rather close to Shi Yan. A person's desire for revenge is difficult to extinguish. If something happens to Dean Wang in the future, perhaps through Qi Ziyue's connection, Shi Yan may help out a little. By then, Shi Yan should have grown up, right?"
"So that's how it is. But Old Bai, you think so far ahead every time. Aren't you tired?"
"I am. That's why I want to pass the principal's position to you."
"Get lost. I don't want it."
"Achoo."
Wang Changfu sneezed, then looked around the vast training room suspiciously.
Unfortunately, apart from Qi Ziyue, there was nothing else in the training room.
"Is someone badmouthing me behind my back?"
"Teacher, you're a Martial King. Who would dare badmouth you behind your back?"
Even after more than ten days, Qi Ziyue could still barely contain her joy.
She had thought there was no hope, yet Wang Changfu had unexpectedly come to take her as his disciple himself.
"Who knows? Martial artists always have a few enemies." Wang Changfu's brow relaxed. "We leave for the mission site tonight. Are you ready?"
"Rest assured, Teacher. I have already mastered the Moon Wheel Profound Meaning. I won't bring shame upon you."
Qi Ziyue raised her pretty face slightly, her gaze resolute.
She was very fortunate that Wang Changfu was teaching her. In just over ten days, her strength had more than doubled.
"Mm, then I'm relieved. Remember this too—no matter what happens, you must put your own safety first."
Wang Changfu felt deeply gratified. Qi Ziyue's comprehension was exceptionally high; she likely would not need much more teaching before she could graduate from his tutelage.
Receiving his approval, Qi Ziyue was delighted as well and gave another assurance:
"Rest assured, Teacher. I will definitely strive to win second place."
"Mm!?"
Wang Changfu stumbled, and the smile on his face froze.
"What kind of talk is that? What do you mean, strive for second place? Is first place poisonous?"
"Teacher, I don't think I've reached Shi Yan's level of strength yet."
Qi Ziyue spoke seriously, convinced that she was currently no match for Shi Yan.
Not merely now—even during the Martial Arts Examination, Shi Yan's ability to erupt in flames and kill Second-Order Demonic Beasts was something she still found difficult to achieve.
"Shi Yan... Who knows whether he can make it back?" Wang Changfu was briefly at a loss for words, but quickly hardened his tone. "You must have the heart to fight for first place. No matter who stands in your way, do not be afraid. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"Alright, go back and prepare."
Night fell.
At Magic Martial University's gates, forty heavy buses slowly drove out.
The freshmen did not quite understand why the school had chosen to set out at night. They only knew that they were about to come face-to-face with demonic beasts.
Many were even excited. After all, several dozen days of special training and bitter cultivation had greatly improved their strength, and they all wanted to show what they could do.
But where some rejoiced, others grieved. At the very least, all three of Shi Yan's roommates wore worried expressions at that moment.
Because Shi Yan was not on the bus!
After the special training ended, they had not seen Shi Yan return. Another ten days passed, and Shi Yan still had not appeared.
They had thought Shi Yan might make a last-second appearance as the vehicles started, but even after they left the school gates, there was still no sign of him.
"It's over. Shi Yan will regret this for the rest of his life."
Li Tao let out a long sigh. This operation was scored by points, and without points, Shi Yan would not be able to participate in the Freshman Grand Competition.
With Shi Yan's monstrous strength, being unable to participate in such a major nationwide competition would definitely make him miserable to death when he returned.
"You really can't reach him?" Ding Le frowned tightly beside him and looked toward Li Tao.
"Of course not. Since the special training ended, I've called and messaged him every day, but it's all vanished like a mud ox entering the sea." Li Tao said helplessly.
"He must have gone deep into some mountain range. It's normal that he can't receive a signal."
Lei Gang explained at that moment.
He had encountered this situation before. The deeper the mountain forest, the more and stronger the demonic beasts, the greater the signal restrictions.
For all anyone knew, Shi Yan might be living like a wild man in some mountain right now.
"Don't worry. Shi Yan is a specially recruited student. Even without points, he still has a strong chance of representing Magic Martial University in battle."
Jiang Cuifang, the curvy counselor, appeared in the trio's sight.
"Put away those messy thoughts. Shi Yan has his own fortuitous opportunity. You only need to handle what's in front of you—especially you, Lei Gang. Combat Class 1 has held the highest points every year. Don't you go and lose that honor."
"Understood!"
The three answered in unison, not quite daring to look at Jiang Cuifang.
After several dozen days of contact, they had come to understand that Jiang Cuifang's temperament was every bit as fiery as her figure. She was not someone to provoke.
The bus gradually fell silent.
Only the boys' gazes, swaying with the vehicle's jolts, occasionally and inadvertently landed on their counselor's constantly heaving, magnificent bosom.
After an unknown amount of time passed, the vehicle's jolting lessened, and the broadcast inside began to sound:
"Attention, students. The vehicle is about to take off. Please brace yourselves."
Nowadays, vehicles meant for the wilderness generally possessed flight capabilities. A vehicle from a prestigious institution like Magic Martial University naturally had the ability to fly.
Just as the seats beneath them began to shake, Li Tao suddenly shouted, "Wait!"
Everyone turned to look.
Li Tao promptly raised the holographic display on his wrist and looked toward the counselor.
"Counselor, Shi Yan is back!"
Before you continue