C26 – Powerful People
“This academy must be rolling in cash to deploy so many helicopters just for a Martial Exam!” Qin Hongyu murmured, eyeing the long rows of helicopters before him.
“You think that’s impressive? The richest organization around these days is the Battle Spirit Alliance, and the Battle Spirit Academy is their pet project. Of course, they’ve got money to burn,” Fu Tian said, chuckling.
“I see. But isn’t the exam duration a bit excessive? A whole 24 hours?” Bo Miaojiao said, her lips pursed in dismay.
Teacher Hai, overhearing their conversation, chimed in, “The second round isn’t as easy as you might think. Securing a Gray Iron Rank Spiritual Card within 24 hours is a tough challenge for the candidates. You’ll need to use your time wisely.”
“Thanks for the heads-up, Teacher Hai. We’ll be sure to do just that,” Bo Miaojiao replied, her smile tinged with embarrassment.
“Don’t lose heart just because you’ve been placed in Class D. With determination, you can still pass the Martial Exam. Becoming a Battle Spirit Fighter is within reach,” Teacher Hai encouraged, aware of their class assignments.
“Thank you, Teacher. We’re committed to passing the Martial Exam,” Qin Hongyu responded earnestly.
“Okay, the helicopters are ready to depart. Everyone, follow me,” Teacher Hai instructed as he gestured for his students to come along.
The group of examinees following Teacher Hai then boarded a large helicopter, gearing up for their journey to the Iron Woods.
As the helicopter was about to lift off, Ji Buyu made a last-minute dash aboard. Spotting Qin Hongyu and the others, he settled into a seat and sneered, “Never thought a country bumpkin like you would make it past the first round. What a surprise!”
“If someone like you can awaken a battle spirit, what’s stopping me?” retorted Qin Hongyu with a sneer of his own.
“But from what I hear, you’re only a low-level battle spirit and got stuck in Class D. Even if you scrape through this round and land a spot at Sacred Heart Academy, you’ll just be bottom of the barrel. Not like me—I’m a middle class battle spirit and got placed in Class B!” Fu Tian boasted with a mocking air.
“You seem to be quite well-informed!” Qin Hongyu couldn’t help but feel uneasy at the sound of that voice, responding with a half-hearted attempt at conversation.
“Yet, with that pathetic battle spirit of yours, I doubt you’ll ever make it as a student at Sacred Heart Academy. I can’t even picture a pet snake taking on a Demon Beast—your little serpent wouldn’t even make a decent snack for one. How do you plan to get your hands on a Spiritual Card?” Fu Tian’s voice was unrelenting and icy.
“There’s no need for you to fret over us; we’ll pass the exam, no doubt about it,” Bo Miaojiao retorted, her face dark with resolve.
“Oh, I almost forgot you had someone in your corner. But it looks like you ended up in Class D too! And this big oaf next to you probably woke up to a worthless battle spirit as well! Haha!” Ji Buyu couldn’t contain his laughter.
“Damn, I’ve had enough of this!”
Unable to tolerate it any longer, Fu Tian grabbed Ji Buyu by the collar and shoved him right out of the helicopter, leaving him dangling precariously.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Please, pull me back in!” Ji Buyu pleaded, his bravado gone in an instant, nearly wetting himself in fear.
Qin Hongyu and Bo Miaojiao were taken aback, but they couldn’t help but raise their thumbs in approval. “That’s my big brother for you—few words, but when he speaks, it’s with a heavy hand!”