Xiao Ke stepped out into the night, his heart pounding a nervous rhythm. The clearing was empty. He still couldn't be sure if his mysterious helper had been the Eldest Princess, Jiang Youwei, or what kind of trouble this whole mess might land him in.
But if she were an instructor, the fact that she hadn't been waiting to drag him off for punishment was a good sign. Maybe she understood why he was pushing himself so hard and decided to look the other way.
Besides, quitting now wasn't an option. The gap between him and the elite class was already a chasm, and giving up his secret training would only make it wider.
So, instead of heading back to the dorms, he found a quiet pavilion and sat down, though he didn't resume his usual training. In the weeks leading up to his arrival at Glory Academy, he'd spent every spare moment on the Tiger Ben Art, and his body had stored up a significant amount of what practitioners called Origin Power Water.
He could use that energy to temper his bones, making his body physically stronger. But he'd quickly learned that here at Glory, no one cared about raw strength. It was all about Origin Power. People were biased. They saw physical power as a dead end, a road with a hard limit. Origin Power, on the other hand, was seen as limitless. He could punch with the force of 1,500 jin—enough to go toe-to-toe with a fifth-rank Battle General—but no one would ever see him that way. To them, he was just a first-rank Battle Soldier who got lucky with genetics. In a word: trash.
So, he decided tempering his bones could wait. It was time to level up his Origin Power.
He sat cross-legged, closing his eyes and turning his focus inward. He pictured the 206 bones of his skeleton, visualizing the 14 he'd already tempered along his spine, glowing with a faint inner light. The other 12 spinal bones remained dark.
Deeper within, he saw his Martial Meridian, a channel of energy running through his core with twelve distinct nodes. The very first node, at the base, was already lit—a bright, steady beacon that marked him as a first-rank Battle Soldier. Floating in his Dantian, his body's energy center, was a pool of shimmering blue liquid: the Origin Power Water he'd worked so hard to accumulate.
This was the fuel.
For the first time, he wasn't going to use it to temper bone. He was going to ignite the next node. The first had been awakened artificially by a potion. This time, it was all on him.
He quickly discovered that lighting a node was a whole different beast than strengthening bone. Focusing his will, he drew the Origin Power Water up from his Dantian. It rose like a tidal wave, surging through his Martial Meridian, blasting past the first glowing node, and crashing against the second, dormant one.
The impact slammed through him like a physical blow. His chest seized, and his heart hammered against his ribs. A grimace of pain twisted his face.
But the node held firm. The first wave wasn't enough. Again and again, he sent the torrent of energy crashing against the barrier, each wave more violent than the last. It felt like a sledgehammer was pounding on his soul. His face went pale, but he gritted his teeth and held on. He knew if he stopped now, all the energy he'd stored would dissipate into nothing, and he'd have to start all over.
Just as he felt his consciousness starting to fray, something gave. With one final, thunderous crash, the barrier of the second node shattered like a seaside cliff in a hurricane. The torrent of Origin Power Water flooded in, and the node flared to life, glowing with the same brilliant, steady light as the first.
I did it!
A jolt of pure exhilaration shot through him. He'd tempered his bones countless times, but this… this was a real breakthrough.
He could feel it instantly—a deeper well of power humming within him. It was like his body had been running on a single engine, and now a second one had just roared to life. His ability to channel Origin Power had doubled.
Xiao Ke opened his eyes, letting out a long, slow breath. The pain and pressure were gone, replaced by a thrum of newfound strength. He glanced at the time and, realizing how late it was, slipped silently back toward his dorm.
He had no idea that he was being watched. High atop the tallest tower in Glory Academy, two figures stood in the shadows: Jiang Youwei and the Chief Instructor, Di Shitian.
Di Shitian stood a respectful half-step behind her.
"So, you knew he was sneaking out to train," Jiang Youwei said softly, her eyes tracking the tiny figure vanishing into the darkness below.
"Very few students at Glory have secrets I don't know about," Di Shitian replied, his voice a low rumble. "I knew there was something different about Xiao Ke from the day he arrived. He's a veteran, a former centurion from the Orca Battalion. He has the discipline and the mental toughness of a true soldier. He's also gifted with incredible natural strength. The only puzzle is his Origin Power. It's a shame that a centurion is still just a first-rank Battle Soldier."
Jiang Youwei smiled, a faint flicker of energy from Xiao Ke's breakthrough still tingling in her senses. "Not anymore," she said. "As of tonight, he's a second-rank Battle Soldier."
Di Shitian's brow furrowed. "It's only been eight days since the term started. To light up a node that fast… his talent for cultivation can't be that bad. So what was he doing before? Where did all his Origin Power Water go?"
Neither of them could imagine the truth: that he'd been using it to temper his bones.
"Perhaps he's a frontline grunt who clawed his way up to centurion on pure strength alone," Jiang Youwei mused. "Maybe he only recently got his hands on an Awakening Potion. That would explain why his Origin Power level is so far behind."
Di Shitian's eyes lit up. "That would make sense."
"Well then, Chief Instructor," Jiang Youwei said, turning to him with a knowing look. "Congratulations. It seems you've found yourself a diamond in the rough."
Di Shitian, like any good teacher, dreamed of finding a prodigy, of molding a student who could become a pillar of the Empire. The thought of Xiao Ke's potential sent a thrill of excitement through him, but he kept his composure in front of the princess. "I am simply doing my duty for the Empire, Your Highness," he said with a slight bow. "Cultivating talent is the mission."
The next day started like any other. Xiao Ke was up at six, washed up, and fell into formation with the rest of the student body for the morning flag-raising ceremony on Glory Plaza. After a quick breakfast, it was time for training.
His class, Class 10, was the bottom of the barrel, and their instructor, a man they called Vulture, seemed to know it. He taught with all the enthusiasm of a man waiting for his shift to end. For the past week, the routine had been the same: sparring in the morning, Tiger Ben Art practice in the afternoon, and lectures on loyalty in the evening.
Today was no different. Vulture lazily paired them off for combat drills.
And just like every other day, Xiao Ke's opponent was Chen Ziming, the strongest student in their class and a third-rank Battle Soldier. In a class of rejects, Chen Ziming was king.
At least, when it came to Origin Power.
The reality was that Xiao Ke's physical strength could rival a fifth-rank Battle General. If he ever cut loose, he was, without a doubt, the most dangerous person in Class 10. But since discovering the academy's obsession with Origin Power over raw strength, he'd kept his true power under wraps.
For the past week, he'd even made a point of not using his strength during sparring. He fought Chen Ziming and the others using only his Origin Power. As a first-rank Battle Soldier, even a talented one, going up against a third-rank meant he lost far more than he won. Over time, his classmates had forgotten the raw power he'd shown at the entrance trials. They'd started to see him as he appeared on paper: a weakling.
"Well, well," Chen Ziming sneered, cracking his knuckles. "Looks like it's your turn for a beating again, kid."
Xiao Ke had been holding back because one-shotting his classmates with his monstrous strength felt cheap. But listening to Chen Ziming's smug tone, he realized his opponent actually believed his own hype.
He narrowed his eyes. "Oh, really? I hit second-rank last night. I wouldn't be so sure you're walking away with a win today."
Chen Ziming just laughed. "Second-rank? I've been third-rank for ages. You think you can impress me? I'm going to enjoy putting you in your place."
"Bring it on," Xiao Ke said with a half-smile.
Chen Ziming didn't waste any time. He lunged forward, his fist glowing with Origin Power as he threw a straight punch at Xiao Ke's chest. Xiao Ke mirrored the move, channeling his own newfound power into his fist and meeting the attack head-on.
BAM!
Their fists collided. Chen Ziming stood firm. Xiao Ke stumbled back two steps.
Even with the upgrade, he was still slightly outmatched. A typical second-rank soldier had about 200 Kahe of Origin Power; Xiao Ke now had 300. But Chen Ziming was at the peak of the third rank, pushing close to 400 Kahe and nearing the breakthrough to Battle General. In a raw power-on-power exchange, Chen Ziming still had the edge.
Surprised but confident, Chen Ziming pressed his advantage, unleashing a furious barrage of strikes. Xiao Ke shifted to a defensive stance, blocking and parrying. It was a huge improvement from the past week, where all he could do was take a beating. He was even starting to land a few counter-attacks of his own.
"Not bad, kid! You've actually gotten stronger," Chen Ziming grunted, preparing to unleash his final, decisive blow. "But I'm still gonna break you!"
Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air.
Every student on the training ground froze, turning toward the sound. Standing there, with Instructor Vulture scrambling to greet him, was the Chief Instructor himself, Di Shitian.
Di Shitian's cold gaze swept over the class, his expression one of clear disapproval for Vulture's lazy methods. "I'm here to see if there's anyone worth salvaging from this… group," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You don't mind if I poach one, do you?"
"Not at all, sir!" Vulture stammered.
A ripple of excitement went through the students. The Chief Instructor was here to recruit for the elite class! This was it. This was their chance.
"No need to line up," Di Shitian said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just keep fighting. I'll pick one."
The training ground erupted. Everyone attacked their partner with renewed ferocity, hoping a spectacular takedown would catch the Chief Instructor's eye.
But Di Shitian's gaze was fixed on only two people: Xiao Ke and Chen Ziming.
Chen Ziming's heart soared. Of course! He was the strongest in the class. The Chief Instructor had to be looking at him. Fueled by a surge of adrenaline, he turned to Xiao Ke with a vicious grin. "Sorry, kid, but I can't hold back anymore. I've got to show the Chief Instructor what I'm really made of. Here it comes!"
He wound up for a devastating punch.
For a split second, Xiao Ke considered ending it. He could unleash his true strength, a single punch with 1,500 jin of force. It would be over before Chen Ziming even knew what happened.
Then he remembered the entrance trial. Di Shitian had seen his strength and had still slapped him with a D-grade and tossed him in this class. Clearly, raw power wasn't the answer. The only way to impress this man was to show him progress in what he truly valued: Origin Power.
So, he held his strength in check and met Chen Ziming's attack with his own Origin Power.
It was an even match. Chen Ziming had more raw energy, but Xiao Ke had superior skill and the cold calm of a battlefield veteran. They were locked in a dead heat.
Watching from the sidelines, Di Shitian scowled. He had come specifically for Xiao Ke. But watching the boy deliberately fight with one hand tied behind his back was infuriating. Was he trying to show off? Proving he could win even without his greatest weapon?
Di Shitian had no patience for games. He blew his whistle again, silencing the field. He pointed vaguely at the two of them. "Alright, that's enough. You're both garbage. But if I have to pick the best of the worst… It's you."
Chen Ziming's face lit up. "Yes, sir!" he yelled, breaking into a run toward the Chief Instructor, ready for his new life in the elite class.
"Not you," Di Shitian snapped, his voice cracking like a whip. "Him."
His finger was pointed directly at Xiao Ke.
Chen Ziming froze, his face a mask of disbelief. "Xiao Ke?" he sputtered, unable to contain himself. "But… I don't accept it!"
Di Shitian's eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"
A jolt of fear shot through Chen Ziming, but he stood his ground. "I said I don't accept it, sir!" he shouted, his voice cracking. "I beat him every single day this week! He's never won! You said this academy is about strength, and I'm stronger than he is. This isn't fair!"
"Stronger?" Di Shitian let out a cold, humorless laugh. "He was toying with you, and you were too stupid to even realize it. Your ignorance is astounding."
Chen Ziming just stared, completely bewildered. Toying with him? But he'd been winning!
Di Shitian ignored him, turning his full attention to Xiao Ke. "Xiao Ke!"
Xiao Ke snapped to attention, executing a perfect military salute. "Sir!"
"I'm going to give you one chance," Di Shitian said, his voice low and dangerous. "Defeat this arrogant fool in a single move. You do it, you're in my class. You fail, you're expelled from this academy, and he takes your place."
"Yes, Chief Instructor!"
Xiao Ke turned and walked toward Chen Ziming. A confident smirk spread across Chen Ziming's face. One move? Impossible.
But as Xiao Ke approached, his entire demeanor shifted. The casual student was gone, replaced by the hardened centurion. A wave of killing intent—an aura forged in real battles—rolled off him. For the first time, Chen Ziming felt a primal stab of fear. It was as if an entire army was marching behind Xiao Ke, their eyes fixed on him.
Shaking it off, he steeled himself and lunged. "I'll kill you!" he screamed, throwing a wild punch.
Xiao Ke didn't even bother to block. In a blur of motion, his leg shot up in a devastatingly high kick.
CRACK!
The kick connected squarely with Chen Ziming's head. He sprayed a mouthful of blood, his body flying back nearly ten meters before hitting the ground, out cold.
The entire class stared in stunned silence. He had been taken out. Instantly.
And then, they all remembered. The entrance trial. The monstrous strength. It all clicked into place. For the last week, Xiao Ke hadn't been losing. He'd been playing with them.
Di Shitian had expected nothing less. He even knew Xiao Ke had held back. A full-power kick would have done more than just knock Chen Ziming out; it would have caved his skull in.
He swept his gaze across the silent, awestruck students.
"Any more objections?" he asked the quiet field. "Good. Xiao Ke, you're with me."