The classroom buzzed with chatter. Students laughed, gossiped, and scrolled on their phones.
Li Shen sat silently near the back, his sharp gaze observing everything. To them, he was just another eighteen-year-old. But within him, centuries of battle-honed instinct pulsed.
The System chimed again.
> New Quest:
Discover Qi Flow in modern environment.
Reward: +10 Cultivation Points.
Li Shen rested his palm on the desk and closed his eyes. Immediately, faint threads of Qi shimmered in the air—weak, diluted by pollution and technology, but still present.
He began to circulate it, using the ancient breathing technique from his past life. His veins heated, his dantian stirred…
> Progress: 10%… 30%… 70%… Success!
Reward Granted. Foundation Pill (System Grade) x1.
A small jade-like pill materialized in his hand.
His eyes flickered. This was no ordinary treasure. Even in his old world, a Foundation Pill was priceless.
Just as he prepared to absorb it, a mocking laugh interrupted him.
"Well, well. If it isn't the quiet loser of our class."
Li Shen opened his eyes. A tall boy with expensive clothes stood before him, flanked by lackeys. His aura was faintly unusual—barely awakened, but still stronger than mortals.
"You don't belong here," the boy sneered. "Why don't you drop out before you embarrass yourself?"
Li Shen's lips curled into a cold smile.
In his past life, he might have ignored such an insect. But now, in this modern cultivation world, even insects had claws.
"Careful," Li Shen said softly, his voice carrying the weight of killing intent. "Step too close, and you might regret it."
For the first time, the arrogant boy's smile faltered.
Li Shen slipped the pill into his pocket, eyes gleaming.
The game has begun.
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