Chapter 13: The Battle for Ranking, Another Blow to the Top Scholar

After absorbing the energy from the crystal stone, Mao Yu felt an exhilarating surge throughout his body, strength coursing through every nerve. Stepping out of the secret chamber, he saw Feng Yao still standing by the door, her eyes filled with complex emotions. Mao Yu approached her gently and asked softly, “Have you been waiting here for me all this time?”

Feng Yao, flustered, replied, “Waiting for you? No, I just happened to be here.” Yet, she dared not meet his gaze directly.

“It seems your recent breakthrough is quite significant,” Feng Yao remarked, a subtle hint of envy barely concealed in her tone.

Mao Yu smiled faintly without replying, merely clenching his fist to savor the surging power within.

Returning to school, he found a crowd gathered before the bulletin board, buzzing with intense discussions as if a fire had been ignited.

“What’s going on?” Mao Yu pulled a passing classmate aside to inquire.

“The school just announced new ranking rules! This time, they’re not only considering theoretical scores but also practical combat assessments! And apparently, the practical part carries considerable weight!” the classmate said excitedly.

Mao Yu’s heart stirred. He pushed his way through the crowd to study the new announcement carefully. Indeed, the updated ranking system placed greater emphasis on combat ability—precisely his strong suit.

“This is going to be interesting!” a slight smile curved Mao Yu’s lips. It seemed he might have a chance to climb higher in the rankings, perhaps even surpass Li Yang.

Just then, a sarcastic voice sneered from behind him: “Well, well, if it isn’t our Mao Shao. Come to check out the new rules? Dream on! With your so-called skills, climbing up is impossible.”

Without turning, Mao Yu knew exactly who it was. Li Yang, the perennial second-place student, had nursed a grudge since Mao Yu humiliated him last time and was constantly provoking trouble.

Curious onlookers eagerly awaited the confrontation.

“Scared, Young Master Li?” Mao Yu turned with a half-smile, his gaze sharp as a blade, freezing the air around them. In the brief silence, Mao Yu spoke clearly enough for all to hear, “Li Yang, are you so eager to jump out because you’re afraid I’ll overtake you and snatch your eternal second place?”

His words struck like a stone tossed into a still lake, stirring a storm among the crowd. The students froze, then burst into laughter that echoed across the campus. Li Yang looked as if he had been stripped bare before everyone, his face paling and flushing in turns, trembling slightly, desperate to retort but unable to find an excuse.

Furious and humiliated, Li Yang was about to lash out when the school suddenly announced an impromptu ability test to validate the new ranking rules. The unexpected challenge forced Li Yang to swallow his anger—for now.

The test was held at the school’s martial arena, with students taking turns to showcase their powers according to rank.

When Li Yang’s turn came, he unleashed all his dazzling skills, mesmerizing the crowd and drawing cheers. He shot a provocative glance at Mao Yu, full of taunting.

Yet the real show was just beginning.

When Mao Yu stepped forward, he did not rush to display his skills. Instead, he took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and seemed to be gathering something within. His thoughts raced: “I must show everyone my true strength. This is the fruit of my hard training.”

Moments later, he opened his eyes sharply, releasing a powerful wave of energy that rippled from his body.

“What’s that?” The surrounding students were stunned, having never seen Mao Yu exude such a formidable aura.

Mao Yu formed intricate hand seals and murmured incantations. A brand-new ability began to take shape—one he had devised by integrating the system’s hints with his own powers during his secret training.

“Boom!”

A deafening explosion echoed as a massive energy vortex erupted on the arena floor, the violent force shattering nearby testing equipment.

Everyone was dumbfounded by the sudden upheaval, Li Yang included. His face drained of color, lips trembling in disbelief.

As the energy dissipated, Mao Yu reappeared before the crowd, a faint smile playing on his lips, as if the cataclysmic display had been a mere jest.

The testing instructor stepped forward excitedly, patting Mao Yu’s shoulder. “Kid, you’re a genius! That move is unheard of!”

Students gathered around, expressing admiration for Mao Yu. His ranking was undoubtedly rising, even hinting at overtaking Li Yang.

Li Yang stood aloof on the sidelines, his face dark as thunder, fists clenched so tightly his nails bit into his flesh.

“Mao Yu, just you wait!”

Mao Yu’s spectacular performance caught Feng Yao’s attention. Standing at the edge of the crowd, her eyes shimmered with a radiant light as she watched the increasingly brilliant youth.

After the crowd dispersed, Feng Yao approached Mao Yu and sincerely said, “You were truly amazing today, but don’t get arrogant. I’ll be keeping an eye on you.”

Mao Yu smiled in reply, “Alright, with you watching, I won’t slack off.”

At that moment, Feng Yao’s heart beat faster without her realizing why.

Thanks to his outstanding test results, the school rewarded Mao Yu with a bounty of cultivation resources, including precious energy crystals and advanced training manuals.

Holding the rewards, Mao Yu felt a surge of satisfaction. “Heh, leveling up and fighting monsters just got a lot faster!” He sensed he was one step closer to standing at the pinnacle of the power city.

The other students looked on enviously, eyes reddened with admiration. “Comparing yourself to others really drives you crazy!”

Yet Mao Yu remained grounded. He knew this was only the beginning. Within the school lurked many hidden masters, like dormant beasts ready to strike at any moment.

As he observed the shadows among the crowd, he felt the tense atmosphere thickening and thought, “This is just the start; the real challenges lie ahead.”

Later, Feng Yao secretly approached Mao Yu, handing him a small box containing carefully prepared tools to aid his cultivation. Blushing, she said, “This is for you. I hope it helps you grow stronger.”

Mao Yu accepted the gift, warmed by her shy expression. “Thank you, Feng Yao. This means a lot to me.”

The next day, Mao Yu arrived at the school’s power training chamber, ready to begin new exercises. Feng Yao quietly watched his back, worried he might encounter danger during training. She murmured softly, “That guy is always so reckless. It’s really nerve-wracking.”

The training room was filled with an array of high-tech equipment, each radiating intense energy fluctuations.

Mao Yu took a deep breath and approached a simulated combat device to start his session.

He infused energy into the machine and flipped the switch.

A low hum filled the room as the lights flickered suddenly. Then, a powerful energy wave erupted from the device.

“What’s happening?” Mao Yu’s expression changed, a dark premonition rising in his heart.

A cold, sinister voice echoed through the chamber: “Heh heh heh... So you’re Mao Yu? I’ve been waiting for you a long time...”