C1 The Era of Spirit Qi

"Luo Ke, are you serious about pursuing a college education? I get that you're juggling multiple jobs every day and it's exhausting. But you've got to carve out some time to consider your future. Working odd jobs isn't a lifelong plan. Only a solid university degree can pave the way for a standout future."

"And yet, what are you actually doing?"

"With the college entrance exam just a month away, you're fixated on working non-stop to make money. What's going through your mind? Teacher Yang from pharmacology has called you out several times already. Are you willing to let slip the one chance that could alter your destiny?"

Inside Class 6 of Shanhai High School's senior year, Lin Jing stared down at Luo Ke, who was sprawled across his desk, bleary-eyed with sleep. She was trying her best to help him weigh his options, hoping he'd heed even a fraction of her advice and pull himself back from the brink at this pivotal moment before the exams, to set his sights on a better path.

"Relax, Lin Jing, I've got my own strategy," Luo Ke assured her.

"Don't worry about me. I'm meant to make something of myself, and I won't drop the ball when it matters most. My jobs are part of a bigger plan."

Unmoved by Lin Jing's pleas, Luo Ke nonchalantly waved her off.

He adjusted his stiff neck from sneaking in naps and settled into a new position on the desk to resume his slumber more comfortably.

Lin Jing was fuming—if it weren't for the classroom setting and her reputation to uphold, she would've given Luo Ke a piece of her mind and maybe knocked some sense into him.

You're still thinking about sleep?

Did you even listen to my heartfelt advice? At this crucial time, when others are desperate to stretch every minute, you're complaining about not being cozy enough?

Do you think this classroom is your personal bed?

"Luo Ke, what on earth are you thinking? It's like you're trying to provoke me. Can't you grasp the significance of the college entrance exam? It's your one shot at changing your life."

Lin Jing's voice rose to a piercing pitch, her frustration palpable.

She shot Luo Ke a withering look, but upon seeing his sheepish grin, her anger softened. "I know you've set your sights on the Martial Arts University. But let's be realistic, shall we?"

"Becoming a martial artist hinges on your Spiritual Qi matching degree. The average person starts at 50%, and only those who reach an 85% matching degree by age seventeen qualify for the Martial Arts University."

"If I'm not mistaken, your matching degree doesn't even hit the average mark. It's rare for someone from Shanhai High School to boost their degree to 85% by seventeen."

"Focus on your academics, give it your all, and even if you don't land a spot at a top-tier martial arts institution, mastering a single subject could still lead to distinction."

Lin Jing's words carried weight.

Luo Ke shrugged, taking her words to heart.

Martial artists, with their ability to soar and scale walls, are impervious to bullets. Their agility, strength, and reflexes far surpass those of ordinary people.

In this era, not becoming a martial artist means no hope of rising above, let alone making a name for yourself.

The Spiritual Qi matching degree is the sole criterion for assessing a martial artist's potential.

The greater the matching degree, the more intense the resonance between humans and Spiritual Qi, resulting in less leakage of Spiritual Qi. Additionally, the transformation speed of storing Spiritual Qi within the body through cultivation becomes faster.

A comet's impact on Earth a millennium ago radically transformed the global landscape. Within the massive crater left by the comet, a substance later named Spiritual Qi was discovered.

The world, like a roused beast, began to rejuvenate in all aspects.

The common sense and knowledge that humanity had amassed over millennia were suddenly upended, and the world's development accelerated at a dizzying pace.

This marked a profound chapter in human history.

It signaled the dawn of 'evolution'.

The Era of Spiritual Qi.

In this new age, it was clear that the heavens did not intend for humans to be the sole protagonists of the world.

Species across the globe were mutating at an alarming rate, their ferocity unprecedented. The once-reliable weapons of humanity proved futile against these monstrous mutations.

Humanity was now faced with its most formidable adversaries.

To confront this crisis, martial artists capable of battling these fierce beasts rose to prominence. Their valor was like a tempest sweeping across the world, and those with extraordinary martial prowess were held in high esteem.

As a result, a thousand years later, the admission criteria for major universities shifted from scientific knowledge to martial arts supremacy. Fields supporting martial arts, such as medicine and alchemy, surged in popularity. In contrast, the once-dominant scientific era was relegated to obscurity, garnering little interest.

"Alright, Lin Jing, you win."

Luo Ke massaged his sore ear, pinched by Lin Jing, and offered a resigned smile. "I concede, you're right. With a matching degree lower than the average person, I lack the potential to pursue the Martial Arts Exam. Perhaps focusing on medicine might give me a shot at getting into a regular university and providing for my grandaunt. That's actually what I've been considering. I'm not foolish; I recognize the reality that can't be ignored."

"But..."

Luo Ke hesitated, gesturing to his weary face, and added,

"Could I get a bit more sleep? I worked all night yesterday and I'm exhausted."

"…"

Lin Jing was utterly exasperated.

She shot Luo Ke a frustrated look before reluctantly returning to her seat, feeling powerless to change her wayward childhood friend.

Ding dong. A notification from Shanhai Bank chimed in. His bank card had just received a deposit of 2000 yuan.

YES!

Last month's paycheck had finally arrived.

Luo Ke sprang from his seat, startling his classmates. He hurried out of the classroom and darted into the school restroom.

Once inside, Luo Ke checked to ensure privacy.

Narrowing his eyes, he summoned a transparent virtual interface resembling an online game.

The Scholar System 1.0:

User: Luo Ke

Identity: Student (Underachiever)

Spiritual Qi Matching Degree: 46%

Wealth: 800 points

Basic Alchemy + (Upgradeable, requires 1000 Wealth points)

Basic Alchemy + (Upgradeable, requires 1000 Wealth points)

World History + (Upgradeable, requires 100 Wealth points)

Music + (Upgradeable, requires 100 Wealth points)

Prehistoric Science + (Upgradeable, requires 100 Wealth Points).

"Detected incoming funds. Would you like to convert them to Wealth Points?"

A voice echoed in Luo Ke's mind.

"Confirm!"

Luo Ke winced for a brief moment.

Then, without any hesitation, he pressed confirm.

The clinking of gold coins filled the air. As the bank account dwindled to zero, the display numbers transformed, now showing a balance of 1000 Wealth Points.