Chapter 002: Does This Count as Betraying Myself?

After the exams, some rejoiced while others worried, and the students returned to their homes. Xu Superman invited Xiao Yang, Xu Ruqing, Chen Wanglong, and several close friends to a gathering at Happy Disco tonight, eager to finally relax after the tests.

Xiao Yang was aware he hadn't performed at his best, but at least his scores in all three subjects were above the standard line—steady enough. His parents and sister, along with her husband, were overjoyed at his results. Being admitted to the Warrior University meant he would become a warrior in the future. In this world dominated by warriors, no matter how wealthy ordinary people were, their status could never compare.

Xiao Yang's family was ordinary, but if he became a warrior, it would be like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, soaring to new heights. Years of effort had finally borne fruit, and the family returned home in high spirits.

In this household, Xiao Yang had always been especially valued; now he was practically placed on a pedestal. "Is becoming a warrior really so magical?" Xiao Yang didn't yet understand the status of warriors in this world nor the changes in his own position, and was quite surprised. On Earth, getting into university made the family happy, but it never reached such heights. The feeling was akin to suddenly becoming an official—his status transformed overnight.

Upon arriving home, Xiao Yang said, "Dad, Mom, there's a gathering with classmates tonight. I need to leave at six." His father replied, "Most of your classmates made it in, so they're celebrating. Do you want your brother-in-law to drive you?" The brother-in-law said, "No problem, I'll get you there on time!" Not wanting to trouble him, Xiao Yang insisted he'd take a taxi. But his brother-in-law brushed it off, and Xiao Yang continued to refuse. His mother reminded him to be careful and asked when he'd return, offering to have his brother-in-law pick him up if it got late. Xiao Yang said he wasn't sure yet. The brother-in-law promised, "Whenever you need me, just call—my phone's on twenty-four hours. Tonight, your sister and I are staying here, so I'm always available!" Xiao Yang thanked him, and his brother-in-law waved it off: "We're family, don't be so polite." Such warmth was a little overwhelming for Xiao Yang.

With half a day to spare, Xiao Yang retreated to his room, turned on his computer, and began frantically catching up on knowledge to familiarize himself with this world. Through constant research, he finally lifted the veil on this world. It was indeed a parallel world to Earth. This planet, called Star Terra, was about the same size as Earth, with similar continental outlines.

This world had developed hot weapons—guns, cannons, planes, rockets, satellites. But in other respects, it differed greatly from Earth. Here, there was an energy called "spiritual energy." Humans who absorbed it would continually strengthen themselves and become warriors. Beasts that absorbed it would also grow stronger, becoming demon beasts. Plants absorbing spiritual energy could evolve in two directions: if they evolved toward strength, they became demon entities; if they just accumulated spiritual energy, they became spiritual materials.

Warriors were divided into three major realms: Sensation, Internal Strength, and True Qi, each with early, middle, and late stages. Demon beasts, demon entities, and spiritual materials were divided into nine grades, corresponding to the nine stages of the three warrior realms; grade one was the lowest, grade nine the highest.

Spiritual energy was mystical—enhancing strength and healing injuries. Unless instantly fatal, all wounds could be healed gradually by spiritual energy. Hot weapons could kill weak demon beasts, but even nuclear bombs, despite their power, could only annihilate most demon beasts; some especially strong ones could absorb nuclear energy and become even more terrifying demon kings.

Thus, hot weapons were of limited use against demon beasts. Only warriors, who could absorb and refine spiritual energy into lethal techniques, were the best weapons against them.

On Star Terra, demon beasts held immense power, occupying vast wilderness and oceans. Humans built cities on land, expanding bases outward, occupying fertile agricultural regions, and always preparing for demon beast attacks. Therefore, warriors were the guardians of humanity, naturally holding a status above ordinary people.

Among humans, those with the talent to absorb spiritual energy were one in a hundred. Even fewer ultimately became warriors. Every warrior was a force against demon beasts, enjoying respect and privilege.

All afternoon, Xiao Yang crammed knowledge about warriors, watching videos of their feats. Powerful warriors could leap dozens of meters in a single stride, walk across cliffs as if on flat ground.

"Tsk tsk..." Xiao Yang clicked his tongue. This world was far more interesting than Earth. The life of a warrior was thrilling, passionate, and exciting. Deep down, Xiao Yang was hot-blooded and adventurous, yearning for a warrior's life. With a beautiful girlfriend and the prospect of becoming a warrior, he began to feel attached to this world, wondering whether he should stay instead of returning.

He shook his head, dismissing the thought. The Dimensional Tome still had thirty days of cooldown; he'd have to stay here at least a month, and see how things went. Whether to stay or go, he'd decide then.

...

He arrived ten minutes early at Happy Disco KTV on Yueqing Road. Seeing the KTV, Xiao Yang realized he might not know the songs of this world. He hoped there would be familiar singers and songs from Earth; otherwise, he'd simply be an audience member, listening to others sing.

Just as Xiao Yang arrived, Xu Ruqing followed, the two being the earliest. Seeing Xiao Yang, Xu Ruqing's eyes lit up as she walked over boldly and wrapped her arm around his. Tonight, Xu Ruqing was especially dressed up; already beautiful, she was now stunning, enchanting.

Waking up in the warrior world, with such a beautiful girlfriend and the talent for martial arts, Xiao Yang wondered if the goddess of luck had favored him, granting such fortune.

Soon, Xu Superman and Chen Wanglong arrived, followed by several other classmates. No one was late; at seven sharp, all nine classmates were present. They entered their reserved room, drinks were served, and the singing began.

Luckily, though some songs were unique to this world, there were also songs from Earth. The worlds overlapped. There was even a "Jay Chou" here, and Xiao Yang sang several of his hits.

Three years at First Martial School, everyone had trained hard for the exams. Now, finally finished, everyone relaxed—drinking, singing, the atmosphere lively.

Seven out of nine had scores above the standard line, making them happy. The two who didn't pass, though heartbroken, were still glad for their friends, their spirits high at first. But as time passed and the alcohol flowed, drunkenness set in, and the two who had failed suddenly burst into tears.

One was Chen Wanglong, the other Lin Meifang, a girl. Both were heartbroken, drinking the most and getting drunk first, holding each other and crying loudly.

The other seven, Xiao Yang included, had also drunk quite a bit. Xiao Yang and Xu Ruqing cuddled together; two others sang, three chatted and drank. The sudden crying stunned everyone—singing stopped, drinking paused, and Xiao Yang and Xu Ruqing held each other tighter.

"Luckily, we both passed," Xu Ruqing murmured, resting her head on Xiao Yang's chest.

The seven who passed couldn't really comfort Chen Wanglong and Lin Meifang; all they could do was let them cry and vent their sorrow.

...

This batch of students had all been found to have martial arts talent at age six, and began training—twelve years of relentless practice! After twelve years, their fate was truly decided. Those who passed would become warriors, leaping to new heights. Those who didn't would likely never become warriors; twelve years of hard work, almost for nothing—a truly sorrowful thing.

Xiao Yang felt deeply for them. In this martial world, if you couldn't become a warrior, you were naturally inferior, missing out on much joy and passion.

Fortunately, his own scores were steady. Otherwise...thinking of his family's expectations, he too might have cried.

After the tears, the sadness abated, and Chen Wanglong and Lin Meifang resumed drinking and singing. Tonight, they would indulge themselves.

Singing, drinking, chatting—it was already midnight before anyone noticed. Finally, it was time to disperse, everyone a little drunk. Some took taxis home, some chose to stay up all night, and others...

Xiao Yang and Chen Wanglong were desk mates and close friends. Chen Wanglong was happy for Xiao Yang, while Xiao Yang was sad for Chen Wanglong. They drank even more together, and Xiao Yang's drunkenness deepened.

Leaving Happy Disco, Xiao Yang was muddled, unable to tell directions. When he regained his senses—

Wait...how did he end up in a hotel?

Xiao Yang sat up, surveying the room. It was indeed a hotel: white sheets, white quilt, white bathrobe.

When did he change into a bathrobe?

Water was running in the bathroom. Through the frosted glass, he could see a curvaceous silhouette, seductive beyond measure.

Still dazed, Xiao Yang instinctively swallowed.

A certain part of him suddenly reacted.

Thump, thump, thump...

His heart raced, blood warmed.

Checking his body, he found nothing under the bathrobe; his hair was damp, and his body clean, as if he'd already bathed.

Had something happened already? Or not yet?

His memory was hazy, with gaps.

The water stopped.

Soon, Xu Ruqing stepped out wrapped in a bathrobe.

The bathrobe hung on her ample curves, with nothing underneath—a visual explosion.

Xiao Yang swallowed again. "How...how did we get up here?"

Xu Ruqing had just showered, her face flushed, especially alluring. She blinked and replied, "You dragged me up here."

Xiao Yang exclaimed, "Impossible! I don't remember a thing!"

Xu Ruqing cast him a plaintive look: "You were so bold just now—don't you remember?"

Xiao Yang said, "No, I really was drunk."

He felt cheated—something happened, but he had no memory? Was this self-sabotage?

Seeing his bewildered expression, Xu Ruqing smiled sweetly: "I'm teasing you. I just helped you shower—we haven't started yet!"

She walked to the bed, bent over, and pressed Xiao Yang down, her expression sultry: "Now...we're starting!"

Xiao Yang was taken by surprise.

It felt wonderful.

Afterward, they slept in each other's arms.

Already deeply drunk, and after intense activity, they soon fell into a deep sleep.

In his dreams, Xiao Yang's lips curled in a faint smile.

The next morning, Xu Ruqing was watching him.

Their eyes met.

Xu Ruqing smiled, her lips forming a deep arc, her smooth palm caressing Xiao Yang's chest: "From now on, you're mine. No flirting outside, no mixing with other women. I love only you, and you love only me."

Xiao Yang nodded dumbly.

Xu Ruqing's hand slid downward, her eyes narrowed: "So restless, even in the morning."

Xiao Yang replied, "You're just too tempting."

Xu Ruqing kissed him: "You're tempting too."

Xiao Yang was stunned. Was he really that attractive? Though he was handsome, was it enough for such a gorgeous woman to make the first move? Just because he saved her once, did she love him so deeply?

He dared not ask.

Young people, passionate and fiery, like dry wood and flame.

They indulged once more before checking out and going their separate ways.

Young love, tasting forbidden fruit and mutual affection—naturally, they couldn't resist.

During the three days waiting for the results, they chatted on their phones or met at hotels, living carefree, passionate days.

In these three days, Xiao Yang continued to study this world's knowledge, striving to fit in completely and avoid exposing himself.

Three passionate days passed.

On the day the admission list was published, all the students returned to school.

On the playground, eight boards displayed the results for each senior class.

Xiao Yang eagerly approached the board for Class One.

The board was divided into two sections: the admitted list, with 41 names, and the rejected list, with 19.

His eyes scanned the admitted section.

Forty-one names, one by one.

His heart sank—his name wasn't there.

He quickly looked at the rejected section.

Xiao Yang!

He saw his name.

"How is this possible?"

Xiao Yang couldn't believe it.

He looked again at the admitted section, focusing on one name—You Wenhao.

You Wenhao had lower scores in all three subjects, yet was admitted while Xiao Yang was not!

Anger surged within Xiao Yang—was there foul play?

Chen Wanglong came over, patting Xiao Yang's shoulder and sighing: "Hey...your usual scores are way above the standard. Why did you perform poorly in the most crucial exam?"

Xu Superman and Xu Ruqing also came, both admitted, surprised at Xiao Yang's failure.

Xu Superman sighed, "This year's candidates did well; those above the standard line exceeded the admission quota, so those just meeting the standard were eliminated. Xiao Yang, if you'd performed as usual, you'd have passed. But this time...you did too poorly."

Xiao Yang's face was stormy: "You Wenhao's scores are worse, yet he's admitted—is there foul...!"

Before he could finish, Xu Superman covered his mouth and whispered, "Don't say such things. The You family is not to be offended. Warrior families can use their merit to add points for their descendants in exams. The You family is one of the top warrior families in Dongzhou—you know this. Don't shout nonsense!"

Chen Wanglong added, "Yes, many warrior family descendants got admitted through extra points, which squeezed you out."

Xiao Yang was stunned—so that's how it worked?

Warrior families could use merit to add points for their children?

His heart chilled!

No foul play!

It was simply his poor performance that cost him admission.

Thinking of his family's hopes, Xiao Yang felt bitter and miserable.

Becoming a true warrior was extremely difficult, requiring resources his family couldn't provide.

Failing to get into Warrior University meant he had little hope of ever becoming a warrior.

If he couldn't become a warrior, why stay in this world?

Ordinary people were inferior; Xiao Yang felt life would be dull—he'd rather return to Earth.

A warm, soft feeling came from his palm.

Xu Ruqing had taken his hand, speaking gently: "Don't be sad, Xiao Yang. I still like you even if you didn't get in. When I graduate from Warrior University, I'll be a real warrior. Then we'll get married and live a good life, not beneath anyone."

Looking at Xu Ruqing's exquisite face, memories of their recent tenderness surfaced, greatly reducing his desire to return to Earth.

Such a beautiful girlfriend was a rare treasure—he couldn't bear to leave.

Should he stay or go?

After leaving school, Xiao Yang was still undecided.

Returning home, he found his mother waiting with a sumptuous meal. His parents and sister and brother-in-law all looked at him expectantly.

Xiao Yang felt suffocated, his face pale.

"What happened?" his mother asked with concern.

"Don't tell me you didn't get in?" his brother-in-law frowned.

"Bah, don't jinx it!" his sister immediately glared at him.

His father looked at Xiao Yang anxiously, sensing bad news.

"I didn't get in," Xiao Yang said after a moment's silence.

"Why not? Weren't your scores all above the standard?" his father asked, shocked, unwilling to believe it.

So many years of effort, all wasted.

Xiao Yang explained the reason, but couldn't eat and went back to his room, shutting the door.

"So many years of hard work wasted—it's over," his brother-in-law sighed.

"It's not over! Even if he didn't get in, with his physical abilities, he can find a good job and never worry about food or shelter," his father scolded. "No one can say Xiao Yang is finished!"

Xiao Yang stayed shut in his room.

His sister and brother-in-law left after a while, and his parents consoled him from outside the door.

Even though Xiao Yang didn't get in, even though their years of effort yielded no result, he was still their beloved son. They never blamed or scolded him, only comforted and encouraged him.

But this only made Xiao Yang feel worse.

The days that followed were bleak.

Still reeling from the blow, Xiao Yang's sister returned home crying.

Because Xiao Yang didn't get in, the couple argued about the three years of subsidies given to Xiao Yang's family, leading to a quarrel. Later, the brother-in-law's parents came demanding repayment of the subsidies, causing a scene and pushing his sister toward divorce.

Fortunately, the brother-in-law arrived in time, stopped his parents, apologized to his wife, and saved the marriage.

Then, Xu Ruqing visited, sweeping away much of the gloom and bringing hope.

Xu Ruqing revealed to Xiao Yang's parents that she was his girlfriend—now and in the future, and would never leave him.

Knowing their son had such a wonderful girlfriend made his parents overjoyed.

Xiao Yang's heart warmed, and he liked Xu Ruqing more and more.

This made him even more reluctant to leave, igniting his fighting spirit.

Xiao Yang found a job; as a martial school graduate, he easily became a senior security guard at a large corporation. His salary was higher than his parents', and he worked while continuing his martial training.

Without good resources, his strength and speed barely advanced. He kept training just to maintain his physical condition.

Time flew.

A month passed since the exam.

Jiangnan Warrior University sent a special plane to Yuezhou to pick up admitted students.

Xiao Yang took a day off to see Xu Ruqing off.

At the gate of First Martial School, Xu Ruqing wrapped her arms around Xiao Yang's neck and kissed him goodbye.

"Wait for me!"

Xu Ruqing spoke only two words, but Xiao Yang heard the promise within them.

Some admitted students looked at Xiao Yang and Xu Ruqing in displeasure.

Xu Ruqing was the class beauty; many classmates secretly liked her.

Before, Xiao Yang's good scores and handsome looks made up for his ordinary background, and his prospects as a future warrior meant no one thought he wasn't worthy of Xu Ruqing.

But now, failing the exam, he was almost certainly never to be a warrior, yet Xu Ruqing remained with him—this made many jealous.

Many believed Xiao Yang was unworthy.

"A warrior and a commoner are worlds apart!"

"When Xu Ruqing becomes a real warrior and enters the warrior world, she'll never look at Xiao Yang the ordinary man!"

"At Jiangnan Warrior University, there'll be countless young talents and martial geniuses—ha...what awaits Xiao Yang is tragedy!"

...

Several admitted students snickered quietly.

...

Not long after Xu Ruqing entered the martial school, a fighter jet took off from the school grounds, heading into the distance and quickly disappearing from Xiao Yang's sight.

He withdrew his gaze, took a taxi, and returned home.

The thirty-day cooldown for the Dimensional Tome was over; now, he would see whether it could take him back to Earth, or had another function.

People say transmigrators have golden finger benefits, but after a month here, Xiao Yang had found none.

If any existed, it was most likely connected to the "Dimensional Tome."