Third-Order Demonic Beast, New Mission

The beast's roar was low and distant, the rustling of disturbed vegetation approaching from afar.

Sensing the increasingly close demonic beast aura, Shi Yan couldn't help but feel excited.

Gripping the blade in his hand tightly, his eyes grew redder.

Just then, a sound of wind breaking through the air rang out, and a gust of foul wind arrived in an instant.

It was a huge gray wolf, seizing the moment and leaping out quickly from behind Shi Yan.

Its mouth, full of sharp teeth, lunged fiercely towards Shi Yan's neck.

The wolf's nose was very sensitive; it had already smelled the rich, spirit-infused scent of flesh and blood on Shi Yan.

"Kill!"

A fiery red blade shadow flashed, and the lunging gray wolf was instantly decapitated.

It was too fast, so fast that even Shi Yan almost couldn't react.

His own massive improvement left him feeling a bit unaccustomed.

[Killed Second-Order Gray Wolf Demon, Martial Virtue Points +37]

Thirty-seven points meant the wolf demon was not weak, roughly a mid-tier Second-Order demonic beast.

Yet it was still slain with a single strike, and Shi Yan didn't feel like he expended much effort.

"Second-Order isn't enough."

Shi Yan licked his lips, his killing intent intensifying.

Without waiting for the demonic beasts to attack, he charged out himself, heading towards the approaching demonic beasts.

Thus, a slaughter feast began.

[Killed Second-Order Gray Wolf Demon, Martial Virtue Points +41]

[Killed Second-Order Iron Claw Monkey Demon, Martial Virtue Points +42]

[Killed First-Order Magic Emerald Bird, Martial Virtue Points +9]

Shi Yan gradually became bloodthirsty as he killed, and the system's notifications kept appearing.

After an unknown amount of time, as he thrust the blade in his hand, his abdomen felt a slight chill, and the redness in his eyes faded considerably.

[Killed Third-Order Shadow Cat, Killed Above Level, Martial Virtue Points +100]

The system's notification brought Shi Yan back to his senses.

Glancing around, he realized he had long since left the hill where the Fire Scale Python was, arriving in an unknown forest.

Giant trees were still abundant here, but they were mostly shrubs, with countless thorns and weeds, making the place appear more secluded.

However, from an indistinguishable distance, a messy path extended to his feet. The surroundings were filled with the corpses of demonic beasts lying haphazardly, no less than a hundred of them.

At this moment, his blade was piercing the skull of a black cat weighing about eighty pounds.

Several claw marks on his abdomen were clearly visible, and blood gushed out as if it were free.

"As expected of a Third-Order demonic beast."

A trace of pain flashed across Shi Yan's face as he withdrew his blade.

He hadn't expected to have killed his way into the territory of a Third-Order demonic beast.

Fortunately, Third-Order demonic beasts did not appear in large groups like the First and Second Orders, giving him time to breathe.

Without hesitation, Shi Yan quickly took out ointment from his storage ring and applied it to his wound.

After a cool sensation, the wound quickly stopped bleeding and began to scab over.

"Amazing!"

Shi Yan was slightly surprised. This kind of medicine was used on him by Zhang Yunya before he came to Magic Martial University, and its effect was less than half of what it was now.

The fact that it healed so quickly now should be attributed to his soaking in lava.

"I still need to continue."

After resting for a while, Shi Yan muttered helplessly.

The "cooling down" was only about half complete; it could only temporarily clear his mind for now.

To completely eliminate the influence, it would likely take a lot more effort.

He opened his wristband to check the time and let out a wry smile.

He hadn't expected that a "bath" would take a whole month.

In this case, his promise to his roommates to "see them in a month" was definitely off.

There was no other way; he was a ticking time bomb now. If he didn't eliminate the negative effects, he could harm others if he returned.

He might as well take this time to harvest some Martial Virtue Points.

He opened his status panel.

[Name: Shi Yan]

[Realm: Second Tier Martial Artist]

[Supernatural Abilities: Southern Bright Blazing Fire (SSS-Class), Mad Python Earth Core Flame (A-Class)]

[Blood Essence: 478 Cards (+)]

[Spirit: 101 Hertz (+)]

[Martial Arts: Thrusting Punch (Mastered), Explosive Flame Eighteen Sabers (Mastered), Flowing Fire Thousand Jin Fist (Beginner+), Eighteen Paths Fire Shadow (Beginner+)]

[Cultivation Method: Boundless Sea of Fire (SS-Class, Second Level)]

[Martial Virtue Points: 3886]

With over three thousand Martial Virtue Points, it was simply too little. The movement technique he needed to improve the most probably wouldn't even get two upgrades.

About half an hour later.

The rustling sounds finally reached Shi Yan's ears.

The aura of the Demonic Beasts grew closer, and his eyes began to turn red.

"Kill!"

This year's special training at Magic Martial University was very successful, arguably the most successful in its history.

Because right after the special training ended, five people completed their first transformation. In the following ten days, another twenty-four people completed their transformation.

Even Qi Ziyue completed hers in twenty-five days, directly breaking a long-standing record at Magic Martial University.

Of course, this was only on the surface. The vast majority of people didn't know that Shi Yan had already broken the record.

After the special training, the new students' strength saw a significant surge. Then, they consolidated their strength and began new missions.

The curriculum for the first academic year at Magic Martial University was very packed, aiming to ensure everyone completed their transformation.

After the special training, there were only ten days for consolidation, followed by missions to hunt and kill Demonic Beasts.

Fighting Demonic Beasts was the best way to stimulate the body's potential!

"The new students are all ready, and the support work has been completed in advance."

Vice Principal Liu Xiuyuan, dressed in a blue robe, appeared in the Principal's office at some point.

Bai Xuanling, standing by the window, nodded. His gaze swept through the glass towards the entrance of Magic Martial University, where heavy buses were driving in one after another.

"Old Liu, who do you think will have the highest score this time?"

This mission was scored, and the top one hundred would directly enter the preliminary rounds of the New Student Competition.

As a national competition, the preliminary rounds were held within each school. Only after determining the top ten would they advance to compete with students from other universities nationwide.

"Do I even need to say? If Shi Yan can make it back, he'll naturally have the highest score. If not, it'll be one of Qi Ziyue, Lei Gang, or Lu Xingzhou."

Liu Xiuyuan looked puzzled. Weren't these things obvious? Then he understood the Principal's underlying meaning.

"Old Bai, are you trying to ask if Magic Martial University can defeat Jingwu this time?"

"What else? We've been the eternal second for too long."

Bai Xuanling gave a wry smile. Among the Four Great Famous Schools of Huaxia, Jingwu had won the New Student Competition the most times, Lingnan and Tianfu had each won once, but Magic Martial University had always remained second.

Liu Xiuyuan's expression also turned bitter upon hearing this.

It was as if Magic Martial University was under a curse. Whenever a prodigy emerged at Magic Martial University, one of the other three great schools would always produce an even stronger prodigy to suppress them.

For example, this time, Magic Martial University had Shi Yan, but Jingwu also had an SSS-Class prodigy.

Coincidentally, Shi Yan might be suppressed this time.

It was only because Shi Yan's foundation was too weak. Look at the new students who had already transformed at Magic Martial University.

Only ten days after the special training ended, these individuals had all stepped into the Second Tier.

This was because they had consumed heavenly treasures since childhood, leading to explosive improvements after their bodies transformed.

As for Shi Yan, he transformed after the Martial Arts Examination and only became a Second Tier Martial Artist when school started.

It was precisely because of his weak foundation that Fang Ziwei personally intervened to "lay the groundwork" for him.

"Old Bai, aren't you good at calculating? Can't you see if Magic Martial University will win this time?"

"What do you mean 'good at calculating'? That's intuition! Besides, no matter how good a person is at calculating, can they calculate all the affairs in the world?" Bai Xuanling was speechless. "By the way, Old Liu, there are quite a few promising talents this year. Do you want to take on a disciple?"

"No, don't try to rope me in." Liu Xiuyuan looked wary. Then, as if he thought of something, he added:

"Old Bai, you're being unfair. You let Wang Changfu take Qi Ziyue as a disciple. Aren't you rubbing salt in his wounds!"

Wang Changfu's disciples had all died in battle more than three years ago, at the same time and the same place. Such a blow was unimaginable for an ordinary person.

Asking him to take on a disciple now was like reopening a wound.

"Vice Principal Fang sent news ten days ago that Shi Yan successfully activated his second Supernatural Ability."

Bai Xuanling clasped his hands behind his back, a mysterious and unfathomable glint in his eyes.

These words, which didn't answer the question, made Liu Xiuyuan anxious.

"Look, you're forcing a connection again. I was talking about Dean Wang, why are you bringing Shi Yan into it... But activating a second Supernatural Ability is indeed quite shocking. There's hope of competing with Jingwu."

"Old Liu, you don't know this, but Dean Wang has come to me every semester to resign for over three years," Bai Xuanling said with a troubled expression, uttering words that shocked Vice Principal Liu.

"Resign? Could it be..."

"Yes, he's resolved to die and wants to avenge his disciple."

"This... so you want him to teach Qi Ziyue to extinguish his desire for revenge?"

"Not entirely," Bai Xuanling shook his head slightly. "I see Qi Ziyue is quite close to Shi Yan. It's hard to extinguish the desire for revenge in one person. If something happens to Dean Wang in the future, perhaps through Qi Ziyue's connection, Shi Yan might be willing to help. Shi Yan should have grown by then."

"I see. But aren't you tired of always thinking so far ahead, Old Bai?"

"I am tired, which is why I want to pass the position of Principal on to you."

"Get lost, I don't want it."

"Achoo."

Wang Changfu sneezed, then looked around the large training room with suspicion.

Unfortunately, besides Qi Ziyue, there was nothing else in the training room.

"Is someone badmouthing me behind my back?"

"Teacher, you are a Martial King, who would dare to speak ill of you behind your back?"

Even though more than ten days had passed, Qi Ziyue still couldn't hide her joy.

Something she thought was hopeless had happened: Wang Changfu had personally sought her out to take her as a disciple.

"Who knows? Warriors always have some enemies," Wang Changfu's brows relaxed. "We're departing for the mission location tonight. Are you ready?"

"Don't worry, teacher. I've already mastered the Moon Wheel Profound Meaning and won't disgrace you."

Qi Ziyue slightly raised her pretty face, her gaze firm.

She was very fortunate that Wang Changfu was teaching her. In just over ten days, her strength had more than doubled.

"Good, then I'm relieved. Also, remember, no matter what, always put your own safety first."

Wang Changfu felt deeply gratified. Qi Ziyue had very high comprehension; she would likely be ready to graduate soon.

Receiving his affirmation, Qi Ziyue was also delighted and gave another assurance:

"Don't worry, teacher, I will definitely strive for second place."

"Hmm!?"

Wang Changfu stumbled, the smile on his face freezing.

"What are you saying? Why strive for second place? Is first place poisonous?"

"Teacher, I don't think I've reached Shi Yan's level yet."

Qi Ziyue said earnestly, feeling that she currently couldn't compare to Shi Yan.

Not to mention now, even his ability to unleash flames and kill Second-Order Demonic Beasts during the Martial Arts Examination was something she still found difficult to replicate.

"Shi Yan... Who knows if he can make it back," Wang Changfu was momentarily speechless but quickly said forcefully, "You must have the heart to fight for first place. Don't fear anyone who stands in your way, understand?"

"Understood."

"Alright, go back and get ready."

Night fell.

At the entrance of Magic Martial University, forty large buses slowly drove out.

The new students were unsure why the school had chosen to depart at night, only knowing that they were about to face Demonic Beasts head-on.

Many were even a little excited. After all, decades of special training and hard work had significantly improved their strength, and they were eager to show off.

But while some were happy, others were worried. At least Shi Yan's three roommates were all wearing troubled expressions.

This was because Shi Yan was not on the bus!

After the special training, they hadn't seen Shi Yan return. Ten more days passed, and Shi Yan still hadn't appeared.

They had thought Shi Yan would make a dramatic entrance just as the vehicles started moving, but he was nowhere to be seen even after they left the school gates.

"It's over. Shi Yan will regret this for his entire life."

Li Tao sighed deeply. This operation was for points, and without points, Shi Yan wouldn't be able to participate in the freshman competition.

Given Shi Yan's monstrous strength, not being able to participate in such a national-level competition would surely drive him mad upon his return.

"You really can't contact him?" Ding Le, standing nearby, frowned and looked at Li Tao.

"Of course not. I've called and texted him every day since the special training ended, but it's like throwing a stone into 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 this moment.

In such situations, he had also encountered this before. The deeper and more remote the mountain forest, the more and stronger the Demonic Beasts, the greater the signal limitations.

Who knew where Shi Yan was living like a wild man in some mountain right now.

"Don't worry, Shi Yan is a special recruit. Even without points, there's a high chance he'll represent Magic Martial University in the competition."

The buxom counselor, Jiang Cuifang, appeared within the three's line of sight.

"Put away your scattered thoughts. Shi Yan has his own opportunities. You just need to focus on what's in front of you, especially you, Lei Gang. The points for Combat Class 1 have always been the highest historically. Don't you dare tarnish that honor."

"Understood!"

The three said in unison, not daring to look at Jiang Cuifang.

After dozens of days of interaction, they knew Jiang Cuifang's personality was as fiery as her figure; she was not to be trifled with.

The bus fell silent.

Only the boys' gazes, as the vehicle bumped along, accidentally drifted towards the counselor's constantly undulating, magnificent curves.

After an unknown amount of time, the vehicle's bumps lessened, and the broadcast inside began to sound:

"Attention students, the vehicle is about to take off. Please hold on tight."

Vehicles nowadays, especially those for wilderness travel, generally had flight functions. A vehicle from a prestigious institution like Magic Martial University naturally possessed the ability to fly.

Just as the seat beneath them began to shake, Li Tao suddenly shouted, "Wait!"

Everyone's gaze turned towards him.

Li Tao promptly raised the holographic projection on his wristband and looked at the counselor.

"Counselor, Shi Yan is back!"