First in Overall, Special Recruitment into the Class

Lin Fan woke amid a burst of agonizing pain.

When he opened his eyes, all he saw was a white ceiling, while the faint scent of medicinal herbs lingered beneath his nose. He tried to move, and tearing pain immediately shot through his entire body. His chest hurt most of all—every breath felt like knives slicing into him.

"Brother! You're awake!"

A familiar voice came from beside the bed.

Lin Fan turned his head with difficulty and saw his sister, Lin Xiaoyu, her little face flushed red. Her eyes were swollen like peaches; she had clearly been crying for a long time.

"Xiaoyu..." Lin Fan tried to speak, only to find his throat dry and his voice hoarse.

"Don't move. Don't talk." A gentle female voice spoke up.

Only then did Lin Fan notice the young woman in a white coat standing beside the bed. She looked around twenty-five or twenty-six and had a mild, graceful air about her. Holding a bowl of medicine, she gently stirred it with a spoon.

"I'm one of the academy's physicians, Bai Susu." The woman smiled. "You were unconscious for two days. Three broken ribs, internal bleeding, fractures in the bones of your right fingers, a bruised left shoulder... It's a miracle you survived."

Lin Fan remembered.

The combat room, the puppet, that all-or-nothing punch.

"The assessment..." he asked with difficulty.

"The assessment is already over." Bai Susu handed him the bowl of medicine. "Drink this first. The Vice Principal will come see you later and tell you the specific results."

Lin Fan took the bowl and drained it in one gulp. The medicine was bitter, but the moment it entered his stomach, it turned into a warm current that eased the pain in his chest.

"Brother, you scared me to death..." Lin Xiaoyu clutched Lin Fan's uninjured left hand as tears began falling again. "When they carried you out, you were covered in blood. I thought..."

"It's all right now." Lin Fan wiped away his sister's tears with his thumb. "Aren't I perfectly fine?"

In truth, he was anything but fine.

The status prompts on the Status Panel were a shocking sight:

[Health Points: 31/100]

[Status: Recovering from Severe Injuries (Estimated Time to Full Recovery: 15 days)]

[Internal Injury: Moderate (Origin Energy circulation efficiency -30%)]

[Fractures: Ribs (3 locations), right middle finger, ring finger]

[Contusions: Left shoulder, multiple areas on the back]

And this was after two days of treatment. Without the academy's medical resources, the internal bleeding alone would have been enough to kill him.

"Lin Fan is awake?"

The ward door was pushed open, and Liu Batian walked in.

The Vice Principal was not wearing his instructor's robe today, but a simple set of fitted black clothes. He walked to the bedside and carefully looked Lin Fan over, a trace of approval flashing through his eyes.

"Surviving is a skill in itself." Liu Batian pulled over a chair and sat down. "Let me tell you the assessment results first."

Lin Fan's spirits lifted.

"The third stage, the practical combat test, was suspended after a serious accident occurred—the protection mechanism in Combat Room 9 failed, while the puppet in Combat Room 7 was abnormally enhanced. The academy has halted all subsequent tests and launched a full inspection of every combat room."

Liu Batian's voice turned grave. "The problems uncovered so far include: the combat rooms' defensive formations were deliberately tampered with, some puppets were replaced with models exceeding the specifications, and Zhou Ming, the examiner in charge of the practical combat test, accepted bribes from the Wang Family... Everyone involved has been taken into custody, and the Wang Family is under investigation by the Alliance Enforcement Team."

Lin Fan listened quietly.

Just as expected, it had all been Wang Hao and his family's handiwork.

"As for your score." Liu Batian paused. "Combined score for all three stages: strength test, 2,187 jin, 100 points; speed test, 9.7 seconds, 100 points; practical combat test... defeating an abnormal puppet estimated to possess the strength of peak Rank 2 to early Rank 3, 150 points."

"Total score: 350 points. First in the entire academy."

Even though he had been mentally prepared, Lin Fan could not help clenching his fist upon hearing the result.

First place!

Born in the Slum District, with no resources and no background, he had fought his way to first among more than three thousand candidates through his own efforts and the system!

"By the rules, the top ten overall scorers enter the Genius Class." Liu Batian continued. "But after discussion among the academy's upper ranks, it was decided that you would be specially admitted into the 'Regular Class.'"

Lin Fan froze.

The Regular Class?

"Why?" Lin Xiaoyu could not help asking. "Isn't my brother first place? Why can't he enter the Genius Class?"

Liu Batian glanced at the little girl. Rather than getting angry, he patiently explained, "Because the Genius Class is not judged solely by talent and grades. Background, resources, and... whether one can withstand the pressure of that class also matter."

He turned to Lin Fan. "Of the ten spots in the Genius Class, apart from you, the other nine all come from Jiangnan City's major families. The Wang Family, the Liu Family, the Li Family... these families have roots and branches intertwined throughout the academy. If we put you in the Genius Class, what do you think will happen?"

Lin Fan understood.

Isolation, exclusion, perhaps even... more direct targeting.

"Though the Regular Class has fewer resources than the Genius Class, it is at least relatively fair," Liu Batian said. "And the academy will give you special treatment: all tuition waived, a single dorm room, and an additional monthly allowance of 100 Academic Credits. This is the best treatment a Regular Class student can receive."

Lin Fan fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "I accept."

He had never been the kind of person who had to fight over a point of pride. Being practical was his style.

The Genius Class title sounded impressive, but if he was targeted every day after entering it, that would only hinder his cultivation. The Regular Class had fewer resources, but at least it was peaceful, and he could quietly grind proficiency.

"A wise choice." Approval deepened in Liu Batian's eyes. "Also, as the reward for placing first in the assessment, you may receive a 'Basic Resource Pack': 100 Academic Credits, along with the right to choose one Mortal Tier Mid Grade technique or martial skill from the first floor of the Library Pavilion."

Mortal Tier Mid Grade?

Lin Fan remembered Teacher Zhang mentioning before that after enrolling, Regular Class students could only choose Mortal Tier Low Grade techniques from the first floor of the Library Pavilion. Mid Grade was treatment reserved for the Elite Class.

"Thank you, Vice Principal." Lin Fan thanked him sincerely.

"No need to thank me. You earned it." Liu Batian rose to his feet. "Recover properly. Three days from now is new student registration day. Someone will take you to complete your enrollment procedures then."

He reached the door, then turned back to add, "Oh, right. Teacher Zhang—the instructor who helped you when you registered—voluntarily applied to be the homeroom teacher of a Regular Class. He asked me to tell you this: recover well. He'll be waiting for you at the academy."

With that, Liu Batian left the hospital room.

Leaning against the headboard, Lin Fan felt a warm current rise in his heart.

Teacher Zhang...

That young instructor with Gold-rimmed Glasses, somewhat old-fashioned but deeply protective of his students.

"Big Brother, you're incredible!" Lin Xiaoyu's little face flushed red with excitement. "First in the entire academy! You're going to be a Martial Artist now!"

"Mm." Lin Fan rubbed his sister's hair. "Xiaoyu, your medicine..."

"Doctor Bai said the academy will provide me with medical coverage!" Lin Xiaoyu's eyes sparkled. "She said my illness isn't serious. As long as I take my medicine on time and recuperate properly, I'll be fully recovered within half a year!"

Lin Fan finally let out a complete sigh of relief.

His greatest worry had finally been resolved.

"But..." Lin Xiaoyu's voice dropped. "Big Brother, your injuries are so serious. Won't they affect your future cultivation?"

"They won't." Lin Fan smiled.

He summoned his Status Panel and checked what he had gained over the past two days:

[Basic Fist Technique: Mastery Level (1756/5000)] +756

[Basic Footwork: Mastery Level (1324/5000)] +724

[Basic Breathing Technique: Mastery Level (988/5000)] +488

[New Skill: Sacrificial Strike (Prototype)]

[Combat Experience: 47]

Though he had been severely injured, his gains were enormous.

Especially during that final life-and-death battle in the combat test—the proficiency gains it brought far surpassed ordinary Hard Training. And he had comprehended the prototype of the skill "Sacrificial Strike." Though he could not use it yet, it had at least pointed him in the right direction.

More importantly, he had touched the threshold of "Minor Accomplishment."

[Basic Fist Technique] was still more than three thousand proficiency points away from Minor Accomplishment Level (5001 points). At his current rate, if he went all out and "ground" for it, supplemented by the system's Cultivation Acceleration function, he could break through in a month at most.

Minor Accomplishment Level, a 50% bonus.

By then, his strength would break through three thousand jin. His speed would become even faster, and his defense even stronger.

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the door.

A thin young man wearing glasses poked his head in, a professional smile on his face. "You're Lin Fan, right? I'm Zhou Ming from the academy's logistics department—not that Examiner Zhou, just the same name. I'm here to deliver your things."

He walked in carrying an exquisite wooden box.

"This is your 'Basic Resource Pack.'" Zhou Ming opened the box. "A crystal card containing 100 Academic Credits, plus a voucher to select a technique from the first floor of the Library Pavilion. And this is your dorm key—Building 7, Room 203, East District. A single room."

Inside the wooden box lay a Light Blue crystal card, a voucher bearing the academy's emblem, and a bronze key.

Lin Fan accepted them, feeling their weight in his hands.

They were not merely a few items. They were the starting point of his new life.

"And this." Zhou Ming pulled out a small booklet. "The New Student Enrollment Guide. It has the academy map, rules and regulations, course schedules, and so on. I suggest you read it carefully, so you don't step on any landmines."

"Thank you." Lin Fan nodded.

"No problem. We'll all be fellow students from now on." Zhou Ming smiled. "I'm in the Regular Class too. I enrolled a year before you. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me—though consultation fees are separate. I, Zhou Ming, deal in information. Fair prices for young and old alike."

Only then did Lin Fan remember that there was an information broker named Zhou Ming in the character settings. It should be the man standing before him.

"Oh, right, one reminder." Zhou Ming lowered his voice. "Although the Wang Family is under investigation, a centipede may die but never fall over. That kid Wang Hao still got into the Genius Class—his father threw money around and settled most of the problems. You'd better be careful around the academy from now on."

"I understand." Lin Fan spoke calmly.

He had never expected a single assessment to bring down a colossus like the Wang Family. Making them rein themselves in for the time being was already the best possible outcome.

As for Wang Hao...

So long as that guy still dared to come looking for trouble, Lin Fan would not mind letting him experience another "surprise."

"Alright, I'll be going, then." Zhou Ming waved. "See you in three days."

After he left, the hospital room fell quiet once more.

Lin Xiaoyu curiously picked up the crystal card and held it to the light. "Big Brother, what can these 100 Academic Credits buy?"

"They can buy a lot." Lin Fan recalled the prices he had seen earlier at the mission hall. "A First-order Demonic Core costs around 10 Academic Credits each, Mortal Tier Low Grade Pills cost 5 to 20 Academic Credits, and even the cheapest Mortal Tier Low Grade techniques cost 50 Academic Credits..."

100 Academic Credits sounded like a lot, but in truth, it was very limited.

This was the reality ordinary martial artists had to face: there were never enough resources.

"But it's alright." Lin Fan clenched the crystal card. "I'll earn more."

With the system, and with the traits of a "grind king," he believed he could carve out a place for himself in the academy.

"Student Lin Fan, it's time to change your dressing." Bai Susu pushed a medical cart into the room.

She carefully undid the bandages around Lin Fan's chest, exposing the savage wound beneath—though it had already been stitched, the purplish bruising and swelling were still visible.

"You're recovering faster than expected." Bai Susu spoke as she applied the ointment. "Your physical condition is excellent, and your Origin Energy circulates smoothly. At this rate, you should be able to Get Out of Bed and move around in about ten days."

"Thank you, Doctor Bai," Lin Fan said.

"No need to thank me. It's my job." Bai Susu smiled. "But as a doctor, I have to remind you: don't push yourself so hard in your training from now on. You damaged your foundation this time. There may not be any obvious problems now, but if you don't take care to recuperate, it could leave hidden dangers when you break through to higher realms in the future."

"I'll remember that." Lin Fan nodded.

But he knew clearly that sometimes, he had no choice but to risk everything.

This world would not treat you gently just because you were a commoner. If he wanted to protect his sister, if he wanted to take control of his own fate, then he had to stake his life on the line.

After changing the dressing, Bai Susu gave him a few more instructions before leaving.

Only the siblings remained in the ward.

"Brother, are you hungry? I'll go to the cafeteria and get you some food," Lin Xiaoyu said.

"Mm, sorry to trouble you."

"It's no trouble!" Lin Xiaoyu skipped out of the ward.

Lin Fan leaned against the headboard and looked out the window.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled into the room, dyeing everything gold.

He recalled the despair when he had first transmigrated, the days he had worried over the 5,000 Credit Points needed for medicine, and the nights he had practiced the Basic Fist Technique over and over in the alleys of the Slum District.

Now, he had finally taken his first step.

Jiangnan Martial Arts Academy. The Regular Class.

This was only a starting point.

There was still a long road ahead, many powerful opponents to face, and countless unknown challenges waiting for him.

But Lin Fan was not afraid.

He had the system, the perseverance of a "grind king," and the determination to protect his sister.

More importantly, he had found his own path—a path toward the pinnacle of martial arts through infinite proficiency.

Status Panel, he murmured inwardly.

A Semi-transparent interface appeared before his eyes:

[Character: Lin Fan]

[Age: 16]

[Realm: 1st Grade Martial Disciple (1st Stage)]

[Lifespan: 100 years]

[Strength: 22 (+4.4)] → Actual: 26.4

[Defense: 19 (+3.8)] → Actual: 22.8

[Speed: 21 (+4.2)] → Actual: 25.2

[Spirit: 15]

[Comprehension: 15]

[Bone Structure: 18]

[Origin Energy: 100/100 (Recovering)]

[Health Points: 31/100 (Recovering)]

[Skill Points: 0]

[Technique: Basic Breathing Technique (Mastery Level 988/5000)]

[Martial Skills: Basic Fist Technique (Mastery Level 1756/5000), Basic Footwork (Mastery Level 1324/5000), Sacrificial Strike (Rudimentary Form)]

[Status: Recovering from Severe Injuries, Internal Injury (Origin Energy circulation -30%)]

His attributes had already improved across the board.

In particular, with the bonuses from Mastery Level skills, his actual Strength and Speed had already approached the level of an ordinary 2nd Grade Martial Artist.

And this was only Mastery Level.

If it were Minor Accomplishment Level (50% bonus), Major Accomplishment Level (100% bonus), Perfect Completion Level (200% bonus)...

Lin Fan did not dare imagine what terrifying strength he would possess once he trained all his basic skills to their utmost limits.

"Bro, dinner's here!"

Lin Xiaoyu ran in carrying a tray, piled with steaming rice, two dishes, and a bowl of soup.

It was a simple meal, but Lin Fan ate with great relish.

This was the new life he had traded his own life for.

By the time he finished eating, night had already fallen.

Lin Xiaoyu had fallen asleep beside the bed, her little hand still clutching one of Lin Fan's fingers.

Lin Fan gently slipped his hand free and tucked the blanket around her.

Then he closed his eyes and began circulating the [Basic Breathing Technique].

Although Doctor Bai had said he needed rest and recuperation, Lin Fan did not want to waste a single moment.

Origin Energy flowed laboriously through his damaged meridians, every cycle bringing stabbing pain. Yet the proficiency on the Status Panel continued to rise slowly:

[Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +1]

[Basic Breathing Technique Proficiency +1]...

As long as he could still move, he had to train.

As long as he could still breathe, he had to grow stronger.

That was Lin Fan's creed.

Deep into the night.

Faint insect chirps drifted in from outside the ward.

Immersed in cultivation, Lin Fan failed to notice that a figure had been standing silently outside the window for a long time.

It was an old man with white hair and a white beard—Old Man Li.

As he watched the youth cultivating inside the ward, a complicated expression flickered through his eyes.

"An unusual soul, exceptional bones and sinews, a heart as tough as iron..." Old Man Li murmured. "Kid, just how far can you go?"

He shook his head, and his figure melted into the night, vanishing without a trace.

Inside the ward, Lin Fan's breathing gradually steadied.

On the Status Panel, the proficiency of [Basic Breathing Technique] had broken through the thousand mark.

He was one step closer to Minor Accomplishment.