Farewell, Jianghu

If Liu Shan remembered correctly, before he left last night, Su Bei hadn't chosen any martial arts techniques yet, right?

So what happened next?

Did he master the martial arts overnight?

Heh heh heh, with average talent, and suddenly became a master overnight? Heh heh heh.

Thinking back to Su Bei's expression from last night, which didn't seem like an act at all, Liu Shan realized he had misjudged him!

What's the difference between this and killing me?!

"Well…"

Su Bei spoke seriously, "This was actually an accident, a twist of fate, you know…"

He truly hadn't expected the effect of the Intermediate Enlightenment Pill to be so exaggerated… it really was worthy of being a product from a fantasy world.

However, what he didn't know was that the Intelligence Enhancement Pill was meant for outer disciples of the Tianyan Sect, while the Enlightenment Pill was used during divination. Those who could perform divination were not weak in the fantasy world either.

In the context of the cultivation system, it was as if the Intelligence Enhancement Pill was for refining qi, while the Enlightenment Pill was typically used by Golden Core experts when handling important matters. It was also a precious item in that world.

But these were secrets he could never reveal, so he could only remain silent.

Liu Shan no longer believed him.

His resolve had shattered, and now he just wanted to finish this task quickly and return to the Military Department, back to a place where everyone was just an ordinary person.

Otherwise, being around Su Bei all the time, he feared he wouldn't be able to handle the blows.

"Your parents said you haven't come out all day, so they asked me to come check on you," Liu Shan said helplessly. "Had I known the situation was like this, I wouldn't have come."

"This is just too ridiculous."

Su Bei was taken aback and checked the time; it was already four in the afternoon. He had been practicing martial arts all day. When he was focused on training, he hadn't realized how much time had passed.

"By the way, I came to remind you that tomorrow you need to go to the association to choose your Ascension Secret Treasure. Don't forget about it," Liu Shan said.

"I know," Su Bei nodded. There was no way he could forget something like that; in fact, he had been looking forward to it for a long time. "Liu Ge, does our Military Department have detailed analyses of various types of energy? Including their components and such?"

"Why do you want to know that?"

Liu Shan instinctively questioned before answering. After thinking for a moment, he said, "We do have some information, but finding very detailed data might be difficult. The Military Department's laboratory should have relevant data. What kind of energy do you need? I have a contact who can help me ask."

Su Bei pondered, "Solar, lunar, wind, earth, water, wood… those should be about it? And cosmic energy too."

Liu Shan replied, "…Why do you need so many?"

He initially thought Su Bei only wanted solar energy since he was cultivating Great Sun Energy, but he didn't expect him to ask for so much.

"I just want to learn more," Su Bei explained sheepishly. There were only so many types of energy around, and he couldn't help it.

"Alright… I'll ask for you."

Liu Shan sighed. "But asking for so many at once might be a bit of a hassle, so you'll have to wait a while."

Since he had already agreed, it wouldn't be right to go back on his word, so he decided to find a way. Hopefully, his friend's lab would have that data.

"…"

After chatting a bit more, Liu Shan curiously asked, "Your martial arts seem about done; what's your next step?"

"I'm planning to practice archery again. I have a bow, after all," Su Bei replied. "We have a mission coming up, and any increase in strength is good."

Liu Shan glanced at him. "Your archery skills… are they also average?"

Su Bei couldn't help but laugh; he hadn't even practiced archery, so his talent was probably just average too, but he wasn't about to say that now.

When he said "average," he meant: a very fast grasp of the basics, reaching proficiency in a short time, and with a bit more effort, achieving small success could be expected. If he dedicated most of his energy to intense practice for three to four years, he might have a chance at mastery, but perfection would be left to fate.

When others said "average," they meant: three months of hard training to get started, two years to reach proficiency, seven or eight years of diligent practice for small success, and mastery? What's that? Perfection, heh heh heh.

Liu Shan soon left, and Su Bei returned to his room to eat. His parents were also out, not knowing what they were up to.

Su Bei opened his interface. He vaguely remembered that while practicing earlier, a new task seemed to have been released:

[2.7 Side Mission]

[The outer sect competition of the Seeking Immortals Sect is about to begin. Your strength is exceptional; it's time to show it to the outside world.]

[Task: Participate in the Outer Sect Competition]

[Difficulty: ★]

[Reward: Spirit Weapon*1]

A rare side mission had been released, but unfortunately, Su Bei couldn't complete it and could only watch the Spirit Weapon slip away.

However, he was somewhat used to it; such tasks had been popping up frequently during this period, and missing one was just missing one.

The daily mission had also updated, indicating that the outer sect competition was about to start, and he needed to train hard for a day. The difficulty level was half a star, and the reward returned to a Beginner Treasure Chest.

Not bad; it was like picking up another Intelligence Enhancement Pill for free.

As he was lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang.

"Xuezhi, what's up?"

Lai Xuezhi's voice came from the other end: "I haven't heard from you in a month. Are you still training? At Wuji Martial Hall?"

Lai Xuezhi was Su Bei's only friend from high school, having been desk mates for three years. He was quite capable, and if things went well, he might have a chance to become a Martial Artist in the future. He was clever, honest, and straightforward, making their time together quite enjoyable.

They used to train together regularly, but after Lai Xuezhi moved away, he ended up too far from Wuji Martial Hall, and they stopped meeting.

"No, I'm at home."

"We graduated a month ago, right? Everyone's back from the graduation trip. They're organizing a class reunion, but you haven't replied, so I thought I'd give you a call." Lai Xuezhi continued, "I figured you wouldn't want to go. You're so focused on martial arts that you probably don't have time."

Lai Xuezhi was right; Su Bei really wasn't interested: "Just decline for me, please. I genuinely don't have time right now. When I do, I'll treat you to a meal."

It was nice to show off in front of others, but it depended on who was around. There was nothing to show off to a group of kids.

During his three years in high school, he had dedicated himself entirely to martial arts. To be honest, he probably couldn't even name some of his classmates.

"I knew it." Lai Xuezhi replied, already anticipating his answer. "I'll let them know in the group. Don't worry about it."

"By the way, did you see the results of the martial assessment? They were released yesterday." Lai Xuezhi said with interest. "The top scorer shares your name. Isn't that a coincidence? A lot of people in the group were talking about it this morning."

They chatted a bit more.

"Are you not going to check the martial assessment results?"

Lai Xuezhi's voice came through again: "You need to work hard! The top scorer is already ahead, and you're still stuck at 1000 kilograms. When you become a Martial Artist, I'll ride your coattails."

"Alright, I won't pretend anymore."

Su Bei said, "That person is actually me."

"Really? That's pretty funny." Lai Xuezhi replied, laughing a couple of times.

Su Bei felt helpless; it was hard to explain. He couldn't just send him a picture of his mansion, could he?

It wasn't necessary anyway; everyone would know soon enough.

Such news would definitely be publicized by the school and education department; it was just a matter of dealing with the Military Department. Su Bei would keep a low profile, but the news would spread.

After hanging up, Su Bei continued eating while opening a group chat he hadn't checked in a while. They hadn't even started college yet, and the atmosphere was still lively. After they entered university, this group would probably become increasingly dull.

The chat had been buzzing since morning, and the group announcement mentioned the location for the reunion. Many were discussing what to eat and drink that evening.

Just having graduated from high school, it was a time for trying new things, and coincidentally, his parents were being more lenient during this phase. It felt like one day he was still a kid, and the next he had graduated and become an adult.

The latest message was just sent by Lai Xuezhi.

[Lai Xuezhi: Breaking news! Su Bei is out of town and can't make it to the reunion. He asked me to eat a bit more on his behalf.]

Young people really were capable of handling things.

Just after Su Bei said he was at home, Lai Xuezhi arranged for him to be out of town.

[Zhang Qianqian: Ah, Su Bei isn't coming!]

[Liu Qing: The most handsome guy in class isn't coming? What's the point of the reunion?]

[Wang Linyun: What has he been busy with lately? I haven't seen him around for a while.]

[Liu Song: Did he ever show up?]

[Fang Xuwen: All you pretty boys can just die!]

[Fang Xuwen: He's probably training. Isn't that what he always does?]

[Liu Song: For us ordinary people, training doesn't lead anywhere. As long as it keeps us fit, that's enough.]

[Wang Linyun: He has great talent; he's already a Quasi-Martial Artist now.]

[Liu Song: There are countless Quasi-Martial Artists in Tianhu City. What's the use? With his looks, he might as well become a star. There's no future in martial arts.]

[Zhang Wei: Su Bei is talented, but he can't compare to the really strong ones.]

[……]

As the conversation continued, more and more people joined in.

It was the same old chatter.

Su Bei scrolled up a bit but didn't find anything interesting.

A group of people was talking away.

A link was shared by Teacher Yue, along with a comment: "Let's keep it down; Su Bei is still in the group."

[Congratulations! Our city's high school graduates have topped the Tianhu City Martial Artist Assessment!]

The group fell silent for a moment as everyone quickly opened the message. A minute later.

[Fang Xuwen: ?]

[Qian Bixuan: ?]

[Kong Jing: ?]

[Qin Jie: ?]

[Lai Xuezhi: @Su Bei, Su Bei, come out and clarify this, okay? Tell everyone that the school got it wrong, and that person isn't you at all. I'm begging you, little Lai!]

[Lai Xuezhi: @Su Bei, don't play dead! Come on, this is no different from killing me directly! I'm completely numb right now!]

Su Bei smiled.

[Su Bei: It's true.]

[Su Bei: @Everyone, I really have something going on and can't attend the class reunion. I wish all my classmates the best for the future, may your martial arts flourish, and until we meet again, farewell, Jianghu!]

[Kong Jing: Farewell, Jianghu!]

[Wang Zicheng: Farewell, Jianghu!]

[Lai Xuezhi: I'm coming to find you today!]

[Han Hui: Farewell, Jianghu!]

[……]

Yes.

Farewell, Jianghu.