The system categorizes scores into multiple percentile brackets: F-grade accounts for only 78%, C-grade 56%, B-grade 32%, A+ grade 6%, while A+++ grade constitutes a mere 0.1%.
These brackets were designed to separate ordinary students from exceptional talents. Most participants would cluster around F or C grades, making A and A+ results rare, and A+++ nearly impossible. The system itself was precise, using data from previous tests to set benchmarks and ensure fairness.
The system upgraded to latest version: v7.901.45 Dimension Construction-Σ.
This update was the most advanced yet. It integrated faster calculations, improved spatial rendering, and more refined control over virtual entities. The test now simulated realistic combat scenarios with higher accuracy than any previous version. Students could feel resistance, momentum, and force as though it were real, while the system monitored their responses in full detail.
...
Ling Xian felt certain he had seen this dragon before.
The recognition was immediate, instinctive. Something about the aura, the way the scales reflected light, triggered a memory deep within his mind.
Star-Eradicating Dragon: "..." F**k, why me?!
The dragon, for its part, seemed equally frustrated, thrashing and roaring, sensing the unusual presence before it. Judging by its drenched-in-sweat appearance, it certainly had experienced intense situations in the past.
...
The demon beast uprising seven years prior stands as one of the most devastating crises in Chinese history.
Records described the event in grim detail. Entire cities had been overrun, and countless cultivators had sacrificed their lives to stem the invasion. Scholars later estimated that the economic and spiritual loss was unprecedented, leaving scars that persisted for decades.
Spatial scientists misinterpreted the spatial waves emitted by Earth's colossal structures, inadvertently creating pathways for the monstrous creatures to invade and ravage the land.
What had started as a minor miscalculation escalated rapidly. Ancient artifacts and energy nodes, once used for cultivation and defense, suddenly became unstable, weakening the planetary barriers. Monstrous creatures exploited the instability, appearing in urban areas without warning.
He remembered that day: sunshine bright, clouds drifting.
The weather had seemed ordinary, peaceful even. People went about their lives unaware of the approaching catastrophe. Ling Xian had been no exception.
He was leisurely strolling along the sidewalk, listening to music.
The melody from his personal audio device filled his ears. A light breeze brushed past him, and the city felt normal, quiet, and safe.
His home—a modernized wooden villa—sat on the outskirts of Feilong City, roughly sixty thousand li away.
It was modest by some standards, yet comfortable, designed for both convenience and security. The surrounding area had gardens, small trees, and a clear path leading to the main road.
He'd stepped out to buy snacks...
It was a mundane errand, the kind most children would take for granted. Yet it would place him directly in the path of chaos.
These custard bun snacks weren't your ordinary street-side pastries.
They were specially produced, highly sought after, and known throughout the city as a premium treat.
They were... the Strawberry Flavor Deluxe Edition! Limited Release!
Only a small batch had been made, making them extremely rare. Fans queued for hours to purchase even one packet, and resale prices often doubled within days.
Containing specially formulated seasoning, packaged in pouches (similar to instant noodle packets).
The seasoning enhanced the flavor and texture, providing a consistent taste experience that ordinary snacks could not match.
This was precisely Ling Xian's favorite flavor.
It had been a personal favorite since early childhood, forming a small but meaningful tradition in his life.
Developed by the Little Panda™ Company and launched in 3287, these custard-filled snacks entered official circulation after rigorous regulatory oversight.
Each batch was inspected for quality and flavor consistency. Only the perfect products reached consumers, making them highly prized among collectors.
Ling Xian recalled first tasting them at just three years old...
From that day on, he had been hooked. The taste, the texture, and even the packaging became associated with comfort and happiness.
From that day on, he never stopped collecting them~
A hobby that had begun innocently soon grew into an obsession. Any new limited release automatically became a must-have item for him.
The newly released card collection series sent Xian dashing straight to the convenience store beside the bus stop at the entrance to Feilong City.
His excitement had been palpable, his pace quick and determined. Nothing else mattered in that moment.
Just as he reached the shop, he suddenly sensed an unusual aura stirring in the sky.
A ripple in the air, a distortion he could feel, indicated something unnatural. The hairs on his neck stood up instinctively.
In an instant, a massive vortex portal materialized out of thin air, flattening the entire store!
The building collapsed almost instantly, debris scattering in all directions. People screamed, fleeing in panic as the vortex continued to expand.
Ling Xian couldn't recall what flashed through his mind then.
Time seemed to slow for him as his senses heightened. He barely had a moment to react, yet his instincts immediately took over.
But one thing was certain—he was pissed!
Anger flared at the destruction of something trivial but precious: his limited-edition snacks. A sense of personal violation rose quickly, blending with the instinct to defend.
A colossal beast descended from the heavens. It possessed blazing eyes, scales like golden threads, and a star embedded in its forehead...
Its size dwarfed buildings, and its presence radiated immense energy. The air itself trembled under its weight.
This was undoubtedly the largest monster Ling Xian had ever witnessed in his life.
He had never encountered anything so massive, so threatening, and so immediate in terms of danger.
He had believed dragons would be extinct in this era—how terribly wrong he had been...
Yet, as terrifying as it appeared, Ling Xian's determination did not waver.
But... TT atTt dare you disturb my peaceful existence!
The thought was simple but resolute. He would not allow chaos to disrupt his ordinary, everyday life.
Just as the dragon rampaged through the city, Ling Xian charged forward with superhuman speed, punching the dragon's head clean off...t
The force was immense, crushing part of its skull, leaving a massiv54e impact that shook the surrounding area. People watched in disbelief.
Holy shit! That was brutal!
Even by modern standards, such a strike would be considered catastrophic.
Ling Xian landed on the dusty ground and exhaled deeply.
Soon after, the Eight-Star Squad arrived at the scene.
They assessed the aftermath, noting the damage and the efficiency of the intervention.
So he was the one...
Ling Xian nodded subtly to himself. The realization of his own role in that crisis reinforced his awareness of his power and responsibility.
✮⋆˙ ✮⋆˙ ✮⋆˙
Gazing at the shattered Star Dragon before him, he felt a whirlwind of emotions.
Part irritation, part curiosity, and part wonder mingled within him as he processed the scene.
This creature had ruined his limited-edition snack plan!
Yet, on the other hand, he couldn't bring himself to harm it.
Ling Xian understood instinctively that the test required cooperation and restraint. Acting impulsively could have had serious consequences.
Thus, he found himself in a dilemma.
Either cooperate with the test, or stand idly by and face elimination...
The choice was clear, yet restraint was not effortless.
As his thoughts churned, a storm raged within the dragon's mind.
"Oh my god! It really is him! What the hell is he doing here?! If he hits me, I'll vanish completely!"
The creature panicked, recognizing the unique presence and influence Ling Xian carried.
Just as a purple glow flared from Ling Xian's clenched palm—the dragon suddenly collapsed sideways, dissolving into a swirling dust cloud...
The motion was effortless, precise, and immediate.
Ling Xian: "..." What...
The system instantly displayed the result: A+++!
What?!
The students who witnessed this were stunned!
They could not believe a single gesture, a mere clasp of hands, could register such overwhelming power.
"What the hell! He just clasped his hands!" someone exclaimed in disbelief.
The examiners were utterly shocked. How could he possibly shake the Dragon King with just a clasped hands gesture?!
"Is the system malfunctioning? Maybe we haven't updated to the latest version?"
The female examiner immediately corrected: "No, sir. We're using the latest system. We checked for errors yesterday and today—nothing wrong..."
"Then how else can we explain it? This kid must have used some trick!"
A cunning examiner pushed his glasses up. "In the Cultivation Encyclopedia, there are many cases of cultivators making animals or beasts tremble in fear and submit. Perhaps this Ling fellow is a prodigy with extraordinary talent!"
The examiners suddenly understood, exchanging glances. Though not entirely convinced, they ruled it an accidental error.
Even Su Xinyi was startled. She silently exclaimed: "Don't worry, Ling. Even if you're a weakling, I'll help you!"
Ling Xian: "..." I'm good...
I clearly just struck a combat pose—how did you all misinterpret it?!
Ling Xian was instantly teleported back to the main interface and removed his VR headset.
"Student Ling Xian. As this attempt is deemed an error, you are hereby assigned to the Prodigy Class—which currently has open enrollment slots."
Ling Xian: "..."
Not only was his plan f**ked, it was pissed on too!
✮⋆˙ ✮⋆˙ ✮⋆˙
After the interview that day, Ling Xian set off alone on his way home.
As he walked, he kept replaying his performance and that letter of acceptance to the Prodigy class...
Sigh... I really want to curse the principal, but will it be worth it?