Volume 1, Chapter 20: Mediocre

Hou Longtao’s assessment for Gu technique manifestation did not go smoothly. A bit nervous, he ultimately failed to control his Gu insect to traverse the nine Gu patterns perfectly.

This left Zhang Kai and Fei Yue feeling somewhat regretful, but they had no better solution; the assessment had to be completed by the students themselves without any external assistance. With no other choice, Hou Longtao could only step aside to reflect and settle his thoughts.

The young monkey walked out of the examination hall looking dejected and downcast.

Teacher Fei Yue, like a caring older sister, patted his shoulder and said softly, "Although you didn't manifest it successfully, your performance was already quite stunning. Securing a spot in the elite class is practically a certainty. If you continue to work hard, you may still have a chance to use a Prime Source Origin Gu in the future."

"Teacher Fei Yue, I thought I had mastered it thoroughly, but every time I get nervous, my Gu insect refuses to obey my commands, leading to a failure in the traversal," Hou Longtao asked, filled with frustration. "Teacher Fei Yue, how do you manage to manifest your Gu techniques with such ease?"

"Practice, of course. Constant, day-after-day practice. A massive amount of practice is indispensable."

"Of course, one's state of mind is also crucial. A qualified Gu Master needs not only a solid foundation but also a composed mindset that remains unruffled by any situation."

"As the saying goes, 'The wind rises at the tip of the duckweed, and waves form amidst the ripples.' You are a Wind Gu Master; I gift these words to you, and I hope they prove helpful to your cultivation."

Hou Longtao nodded, though he only half-understood. Being young, he could not yet fully grasp the profound meaning behind those words.

"Next, Qian Duo."

"Final grade: C!"

"A B! Give me a B, teacher! A C looks too awful."

"No shouting allowed, or your score will be disqualified. Next, Zhang Si."

"Final grade: B!"

"Hahaha! I got a B! I got a B!" the student named Zhang Si jumped with excitement.

Over at Class Five:

Students were being assessed one by one. Most of the grades were C and D, with only a few B’s and A’s.

"Look, the school leadership is walking in our direction."

"They've reached the Class Five testing point. It looks like Zhou Zhen, the owner of a rare Gu, is up next."

"Zhou Zhen? The one who awakened the Lightning Gu?"

"I heard he's a lock for first place in the entire school this time!"

"That's not necessarily true; our class's Li Chengying might give him a run for his money."

Chen Tianming heard the students' discussion and turned his gaze toward Class Five. Sure enough, walking beside the school leaders was a beautiful woman with an elegant aura, dressed in crimson robes—it was Li Rouxue.

"Head of the House, look, this student is one of our academy's finest, excelling in both character and learning. His name is Zhou Zhen... he awakened a rare Lightning Gu."

The headmaster of Yunduan Academy stood beside him and said respectfully, "It just so happens to be his turn for the Gu technique manifestation test. Shall we take a look?"

"Very well. It’s a good opportunity for Rouxue to see how the top students of Jiangcheng perform."

"As you wish, Father." Li Rouxue nodded.

On the test field, Zhou Zhen stood tall in his pristine white school uniform, his muscles taut and powerful. He was adjusting his breathing rhythm, as well as managing the pressure of being watched by the entire school. From the moment he awakened the Lightning Gu, he had become the focus of the academy. While he enjoyed special treatment, he also converted that pressure into the motivation to move forward.

"Gu Technique—Palm Lightning!"

With a loud shout, purple electric arcs surged out, like a long-dormant venomous snake suddenly baring its sharp fangs at an enemy.

Rumble!!!

The purple arcs slammed into the wooden dummy, causing a violent explosion. The dummy trembled violently, large areas of its body charred black, with the same damage following the path of the electric arcs.

Crack!

With a shattering sound, the previously intact dummy instantly fell to pieces, leaving only debris scattered on the ground. The wisps of black smoke rising from the remains seemed to bear witness to its former existence.

This powerful Gu technique instantly drew the eyes of the entire school. Everyone marveled at the destructive power of that strike.

"Is this the power of the Lightning Gu? To have such destructive force with a casual strike—compared to this, Wind, Water, and Fire Gu are just pathetic."

If a person had been standing there instead of the dummy, they would likely be lining up at the Bridge of Helplessness by now.

"S!"
"A!"
"S!"

One of the examiners had actually given him an 'A', but it didn't matter; looking at the result, Zhou Zhen was still very satisfied.

Turning around, he saw a stunningly beautiful young girl staring straight at him with bright, crystalline eyes.

Is that Li Rouxue?

She must have been captivated by my formidable strength, Zhou Zhen thought, already fantasizing about becoming a CEO, marrying into wealth and beauty, and reaching the pinnacle of life.

*Heh! Woman, you have successfully caught my attention. I assume my performance just now must have caught yours as well!*

Zhou Zhen thought to himself with delight. He didn't expect her to be watching him, but he put on a front, showing no outward joy. Instead, he wore a look of mild annoyance, as if he were dissatisfied with his own performance.

"Miss, what did you think of his performance?" the headmaster asked cheerfully.

"Average," Li Rouxue replied briefly before continuing to walk forward.

The headmaster and the other school leaders stiffened. They hadn't expected Zhou Zhen, whom they had pinned their high hopes on, to be described as merely "average" by Li Rouxue.

*No way? This is considered average? Just how high are this young lady's standards?*

"Actually, this child, Zhou Zhen, performed quite well," Li Yuntian said with a smile. "After all, Xue'er attends the Kyoto Royal Gu Master Academy, where talent gathers like dragons and tigers."

"Over time, Xue'er's standards have naturally become higher. After all, that place gathers the most outstanding students in the entire country."

"Although Zhou Zhen's cultivation speed might not be the absolute best in the country, with his identity as a Lightning Gu Master and his impressive talent, I think taking first place in this assessment won't be a problem," the dean of students chimed in.

The others nodded in agreement upon hearing the dean's words.

"That's not necessarily certain. I've heard that Li Chengying from Class Six also has excellent talent; he might be able to put up a fight!" the vice-principal added.

Li Hai gave the vice-principal an appreciative look and immediately said, "Head of the House, Li Chengying is a collateral member of the Li family, but he has performed excellently at Yunduan Academy. Their class is right next door; shall we go take a look?"

Li Yuntian glanced at Li Hai and smiled. "Lead the way, then."

"This way, Head of the House..."