Space Ring

Linjiang City.

Warrior Building.

Ma Shan shut off the livestream and scrambled off his leather chair without a moment's pause.

"Hurry, get me a few bottles of Spirit Gathering Liquid. I'm going to the exam site myself to welcome our city's first-ever Top Scholar!"

Linjiang City Government.

"Draft a notice: all laborers get three days off, primary and secondary schools suspend classes for a week."

"Xiao Liu, grab the prepared stuff and come with me."

The exam had barely ended, and these big shots of Linjiang City were already gearing up to throw a welcome banquet for Jiang Yan.

Reporters from all over had been waiting for ages. The moment Jiang Yan stepped out of the exam hall, they'd swarm him for exclusive interviews.

Southeast Province, Provincial Capital, Changchuan City.

"Old Shen, you've built a good rapport with that kid. This time, you'll represent our Southeast Province to greet Jiang Yan. Make sure we show our sincerity."

"Hahaha, now do you see how sharp my eye is, Shen Donglin?"

"Get lost, don't you dare gloat here. If it'd been me back then, I'd have brought Jiang Yan to Changchuan long ago. He might've even broken through to the Fourth Tier by now."

"Bullshit. I invited him to the training camp and he didn't come. Turns out Jiang Yan's choice was spot on—what could those small-time punks in the camp possibly teach him?"

"Hahaha, I'm done with you."

"Get out."

Shen Donglin walked out of the meeting room.

Above the sky, a streak of light shot toward Linjiang City.

Jiang Yan was teleported out of the alternate space.

The venue was nearly empty. Most of Linjiang City's examinees hadn't survived to the final circle and were eliminated, sent out days ago.

Jiang Yan sensed the crowd outside would be packed. He glanced around, looking for some kind of back exit.

"Jiang Yan?"

A voice came from behind.

He turned and saw a portly middle-aged man.

"You are?"

"My name is Lin Yuanshan. Just call me Uncle Lin."

Lin Yuanshan flashed a warm smile.

Lin Yuanshan, mayor of Linjiang City—Jiang Yan, being a local, naturally knew who he was.

He smiled back. "Good to see you, Uncle Lin."

Using a title at work felt stiff; using a familiar address in casual settings felt close.

Clearly, Lin Yuanshan was pleased with Jiang Yan's friendly "Uncle Lin." He walked up with a grin.

"The front of the exam hall is swarmed. There's a back door here—come with me first."

Jiang Yan followed Lin Yuanshan out of the exam grounds.

"Heh, Lin, I knew you'd head this way."

Ma Shan stood at the door, cheerfully ribbing Mayor Lin Yuanshan.

Then, ignoring Lin Yuanshan, he sidled up to Jiang Yan with a fawning smile.

"Brother Jiang, remember me? I'm Xiao Ma."

Lin Yuanshan shot Ma Shan a disdainful look but said nothing.

Not far off, a black sedan was parked. The three of them got in together.

"Brother Jiang, how about coming over to my place for a chat? I happen to have a daughter a year behind you—maybe you two will hit it off."

"No thanks. I haven't been home in a while. I'll head back first."

"Speaking of which, Brother Jiang, my daughter is really good-looking. Take your time..."

Ma Shan chatted idly with Jiang Yan, constantly steering the conversation toward his daughter. The implication was obvious to anyone.

"She's still a minor, right?"

One sentence from Jiang Yan killed the conversation.

Knock knock—

Jiang Yan rapped on the door.

A few seconds later, the doorknob turned.

Wang Zhong appeared before them with a perfectly normal expression.

"Yo, kid, how'd the exam go? I've been busy these past few days, haven't even had time to watch the livestream."

Wang Zhong was calm, as if he couldn't care less about Jiang Yan's exam results—but the thick dark circles under his eyes told a different story.

Ma Shan, a shrewd old fox, played along and stated what everyone already knew.

"Hahaha, your Jiang Yan's made it big—he took the Top Scholar spot in this year's College Entrance Exam."

"Oh yeah? That's a real surprise. Come on in, have a seat." Wang Zhong tried to keep his tone casual, but the corners of his mouth were practically curling up to the sky, leaving Jiang Yan and the other two speechless.

Jiang Yan patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder. "Uncle, just laugh if you want to."

"Tch, what nonsense are you spouting, kid?"

Jiang Yan walked into the living room and touched the tablet on the coffee table.

"Uncle Wang, this computer's really hot~"

"Get lost, you little brat. Don't think being Top Scholar makes you hot stuff—no matter how great you are, you still call me Uncle!" Wang Zhong said, a bit embarrassed.

Ma Shan and the other man didn't overstay their welcome. They left their gifts, exchanged a few pleasantries, and took off.

Sometimes, you can't push too hard to get close. Those two old hands knew the game well.

After they left.

Wang Zhong's grin finally broke free. He'd burst out laughing for no reason, baffling Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan said earnestly, "Old Wang, you gotta stay calm. Titles like College Entrance Exam Top Scholar are just another day at the office for me."

Wang Zhong shot back, unimpressed. "Heh, I raised you with my own sweat and tears. What's wrong with me being happy?"

At lunch, another big shot graced Jiang Yan's place.

Shen Donglin sat on the living room sofa, chatting and laughing with Jiang Yan, while Wang Zhong beside them looked stiff, not knowing where to put his hands or feet.

Wang Zhong was just a retired soldier and high school teacher. The highest-ranking official he'd ever met was someone like Lin Yuanshan—he'd never seen a heavyweight like Shen Donglin before.

"Kid, you're famous now. Within a day, those universities will be sending you enrollment offers. When they do, keep your cool and negotiate for better terms."

"Don't worry, Uncle Shen. I know what I'm doing."

Shen Donglin smiled approvingly, pulled a ring from his clothes, and handed it to Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan: "This... isn't that too much?"

Then he took the ring.

No reward without merit—but becoming Top Scholar and bringing glory to the province? That's a huge merit.

This reward? Well deserved.

"Good kid, nice and decisive."

Shen Donglin praised him.

Sure enough, everything a genius did was reasonable and praiseworthy.

"This Space Ring is one cubic meter in size, crafted by a spatial-type powerhouse."

"Inside the Space Ring, there's a basic Martial Artist Privilege Upgrade Card. Take that card to the Warrior Building to activate it, and your martial artist account will unlock more privileges. You'll even be able to buy things there that aren't available on the open market."

"Besides the privilege card, there are ten bottles of Spirit Gathering Liquid. After taking it, your qi absorption speed will roughly double. That should last you until school starts."

"And also..."

"All of this is our Southeast Province's reward for you becoming Top Scholar."

"If any universities come to you tomorrow, don't get carried away and sign anything on the spot. Those old foxes are all tricky."