Chapter 009: The Pinnacle of Level Four (Second Update)

But Xin Lang would not give up so easily. No matter how great the obstacle, he would press forward, and twelve years from now, he would trample that Gate of Immortality beneath his feet.

Xin Lang turned to Fatty Gu Ge and said, “Help me ask for leave again this morning. I have some matters to attend to and can’t make it to class.”

“Oh,” Fatty Gu was already used to Xin Lang frequently requesting leave.

After sending Gu Ge away, Xin Lang began pondering how he could possibly earn ten thousand gold coins in just one month.

In truth, Xin Lang possessed many formulas for “Treasure-tier” potions—elixirs so rare that even mountains of gold could not buy them, potions that far surpassed “Common” and “Rare” grades. However, the ingredients for such potions were also exceedingly expensive; with Xin Lang’s current financial situation, gathering them was out of the question.

Throughout the morning, not only did Xin Lang purchase a large quantity of herbs, but in one go, he concocted a hundred bottles of Six-Flavor Emperor’s Elixir. Although it was unlikely he could sell fifty thousand bottles, Xin Lang was determined to give his best effort.

That afternoon’s martial arts class would be Xin Lang’s first lesson since enrolling—a class he could not afford to miss, no matter how many others he skipped, for it was his first exposure to martial skills.

He packed away his alchemical tools, ate two more steamed buns delivered by Fatty Gu, and only left his dormitory with ten minutes to spare before class.

As he pushed open the door, Xin Lang found Qian Baidu and his three lackeys waiting outside. The four of them were standing in the same spot as yesterday, but this time, their intent had shifted—yesterday they’d waited for Xin Lang to return; today, they were waiting for him to emerge.

Seeing the roguish look on Qian Baidu’s face, Xin Lang couldn’t help but find the fellow rather amusing. He really had come back for more, and had actually waited outside his dorm all afternoon. If it had been someone else, they’d likely have barged in to cause trouble by now.

On such a hot day, to wait so long—Xin Lang truly admired his patience.

“Xin Lang, you finally came out! I thought you’d gone into hiding in your dorm!” Qian Baidu still had that toothpick in his mouth.

Xin Lang ignored Qian Baidu’s taunt, focusing instead on the Upgrade Device. “Huh? Why hasn’t the mission prompt appeared yet?”

“Hey, you aren’t so scared you’ve gone dumb, are you?” Qian Baidu sneered, seeing Xin Lang lost in thought, seemingly unfazed by his presence.

Xin Lang was puzzled. “What’s going on? Why hasn’t the mission appeared?”

Qian Baidu signaled to his three lackeys, and they immediately surrounded Xin Lang again. This time, however, they were much more cautious, keeping a safe distance from him.

Disappointed that the Upgrade Device still hadn’t released a mission, Xin Lang lost interest in tangling with Qian Baidu. “I’m in a hurry for class. If you want to rob the rich to help the poor, come back tonight.”

“Not so fast!” Qian Baidu barred his way. “I’m not here to rob you today! I’m here to challenge you! Yesterday, I lost because I was careless. Today, let’s fight again. My family’s ‘Common’ martial skill is formidable!”

Xin Lang had no desire to waste effort for nothing if there was no experience to be gained. He neither had the time nor the inclination.

Just as Xin Lang was about to refuse, the Upgrade Device suddenly popped up a mission: “One-star side mission: Defeat Qian Baidu. Reward: 5 experience points! No penalty for failure.”

“Why is it only a one-star side mission? Yesterday it was two stars, and now it’s dropped to one!” Xin Lang was a bit annoyed, but experience was better than nothing.

“Perhaps the device thinks that defeating Qian Baidu is no longer much of a challenge for me, so the mission rating dropped,” Xin Lang mused.

“Xin Lang, you’re not leaving until you fight me! Take this—Common martial skill, Piercing Dragon Claw!” Qian Baidu, seeing Xin Lang ignore him, had no choice but to make the first move.

Bang!

Qian Baidu’s claws had just taken shape and hadn’t even reached Xin Lang before Xin Lang’s foot shot between them, striking him squarely in the chest. One direct kick sent Qian Baidu flying!

Now a level four martial disciple, Xin Lang’s punches were a hundred catties stronger than the day before. Qian Baidu was sent flying, skidding seven or eight meters across the ground upon landing.

Qian Baidu’s three lackeys swallowed hard, terrified by Xin Lang’s prowess, not daring to move a finger.

Meng Chuchu had waited for Xin Lang in her dorm all afternoon, hoping to orchestrate another “chance encounter” like in the morning. But she opened her door a moment too late, just in time to witness Xin Lang’s invincible kick.

“Level four martial disciple, peak stage?” Meng Chuchu was stunned. “Yesterday he was only level three. Even at the peak of level three, it’s impossible to advance a whole level overnight!”

Xin Lang glanced at the three still lingering nearby. “What now? Should I do it myself, or will you run off?”

The three, as if granted amnesty, disappeared in a flash, leaving Qian Baidu lying alone on the ground.

Xin Lang walked over to Qian Baidu, crouched down, patted his cheek, and smiled, “I know you haven’t used your family’s signature ‘Common’ martial skill yet! But don’t be discouraged. Go back and practice well. You can challenge me again tomorrow!”

He stood up and, after a few steps, turned to call back, “Qian, make sure you come find me again!”

Though the mission had dropped to one star, Xin Lang still earned 5 experience points from Qian Baidu. Even though it was far less than the 14 points from last time, some experience was better than none. In fact, under normal circumstances, he’d need to complete five daily tasks to earn that much.

Xin Lang actually hoped Qian Baidu would come challenge him every day.

As he walked, he admired the 11 experience points now showing on his Upgrade Device. He’d had 6 before, and with this new 5, the total was now 11.

Xin Lang hesitated. Should he use these 11 points to level up, or unlock the “Martial Skills and Techniques” section of the Upgrade Device?