C15 Special Enrollment Quota!
His gaze shifted from determination to confusion, and then to a listless glaze over the span of just five minutes.
In his past life, Chu Yi could at least grasp the gist of his teacher's words.
But now...
He was sitting through a chemistry class.
Chu Yi sadly realized he hadn't heard of any of the material being discussed.
Chemistry is fundamentally about various chemical elements, but...
With the periodic table altered, what was the point in trying to learn it?
Thus, Chu Yi's ambition to excel academically dwindled to nothingness in a mere five minutes.
Seated at his desk, overcome with ennui, all Chu Yi could do was glance up at his enthusiastic teacher, then turn to observe his earnest classmates.
"This is so dull..."
If he weren't in the classroom, Chu Yi would have wanted to shout out loud.
"Pay attention, everyone. The next topic could very well be on the college entrance exam!"
"You all need to listen closely!"
Upon hearing this, the already solemn students' eyes bulged as if they were light bulbs.
Pleased with their reaction, the teacher nodded and began to scribble energetically on the projector screen.
"With the fourth ray's impact, the ester located in the second spatial layer, once it encounters the catalytic effect of tri-phase particles, will..."
"Excuse me!"
Just as the chemistry teacher reached the peak of his excitement, a voice interrupted from the classroom door.
Chu Yi watched as the teacher's face turned an oxidized shade of black and couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the person behind the unexpected interruption.
It was well-known that the chemistry teacher loathed being interrupted during his lectures. He'd say that not even the principal could get away with it in his domain!
Yet...
Chu Yi's brow furrowed.
That voice sounded so familiar...
He strode to the door, flung it open with indignation, and the class witnessed the embodiment of both gentleness and firmness.
"Oh, it's Lee Zi!"
The classroom erupted into whispers at the mention of her name.
Chu Yi had done his homework on Lee Zi. As the undisputed belle of Seventeenth High School, she was no simpleton like him.
Not only was Lee Zi's aptitude for cultivation exceptional, but she also carried on her scholarly prowess from her previous life, remaining a top student through and through.
With her stunning beauty, it's fair to say that Lee Zi's popularity among the boys greatly surpassed Chu Yi's with the girls!
However, from the second semester of her sophomore year, Lee Zi started attending Seventeenth High School less frequently, dedicating most of her time to cultivation—a decision supported by the school. Despite this, Lee Zi remained the top student in her grade.
It seemed her reputation as a scholarly ace was here to stay.
Who wouldn't adore such a girl, blessed with both brains and beauty?
The chemistry teacher's demeanor made it clear just how much Lee Zi was adored by the faculty.
"Teacher, I need to speak with Student Chu Yi for a moment."
Lee Zi spoke softly, a blush coloring her cheeks, which threw Chu Yi into disarray, especially after witnessing her formidable mother's temper.
"Of course, of course. Chu Yi, right?"
The chemistry teacher turned to Chu Yi. "Chu Yi, be quick about it; don't keep Student Lee Zi waiting!"
Chu Yi's mouth twitched in annoyance.
Hey, hey, hey, who's holding up whom here?
But on second thought, Chu Yi realized he might have just discovered a novel excuse to skip class...
...
In the hallway of the academic building.
"Lee Zi, what do you need?"
Chu Yi was well aware of Lee Zi's character; she wouldn't seek him out during class time unless it was for something significant.
Lee Zi had reverted to her usual aloof demeanor. "I spoke with the Senior Brothers at Adirang Academy yesterday. They've agreed to offer you a special assessment."
"If you pass, you can bypass the college entrance exams and go straight into Adirang Academy."
Chu Yi was taken aback.
Adirang Academy...
He knew it well!
It was, after all, one of his top-choice institutions!
Redmarsh Academy, Adirang Academy, and Fairmoor Academy.
These are the three most prestigious academies in the Adirang Region today, holding a status akin to Tsinghua and Peking Universities of the past!
In fact, these top-tier academies enjoy an even loftier status in this world.
After all, they are not only the epicenter of scientific research in the Adirang Region but also the pinnacle of martial arts cultivation.
Among the thirteen War God Level powerhouses in the Adirang Region, five hail from these three prestigious institutions.
Lee Zi had already secured early admission to Adirang Academy during her junior year of high school, a feat that had caused quite a stir at the time and was promoted as an exemplary achievement by Seventeenth High School.
Adirang University was also one of Chu Yi's aspirations.
Yet, Chu Yi was well aware that his academic performance was somewhat lacking. Merely relying on his martial prowess wouldn't be enough.
Chu Yi could have never imagined that Lee Zi would secure such an opportunity for him!
Though it was merely a chance to undergo a special assessment, the difficulty of obtaining such an opportunity was comparable to receiving an invitation from a top-tier academy!
Indeed, the challenge of entering one of the top three academies through this special selection process was far less daunting than acing the entrance exams.
"Lee Zi, this..."
Despite not allowing himself to entertain certain thoughts about Lee Zi, Chu Yi couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude strong enough to make him want to go to great lengths for her.
Lee Zi, catching Chu Yi's intense stare, suddenly became evasive.
Chu Yi was taken aback to see that Lee Zi could be bashful, a revelation that completely overturned his previous perception of her as an unapproachable figure.
"What are you staring at?"
Confronted with Lee Zi's stern look, Chu Yi could only respond with a sheepish grin.
Lee Zi's cheeks flushed with a rare hint of color upon seeing Chu Yi's mischievous smile.
"Don't overthink it. I helped you this time to thank you for standing up for me that night!"
Stand up for her...
Well, that was certainly one way to put it.
"Let's just forget about that night, shall we?"
To Chu Yi's surprise, Lee Zi's response was earnest, "No, if it hadn't been for that night, I wouldn't have gone out of my way to secure this assessment spot for you."
At that moment, Chu Yi noticed a spark of light in Lee Zi's eyes.
"Chu Yi, I had no idea you had embarked on the martial path."
Chu Yi smirked. It made sense that she was unaware.
After all, not only was she in the dark, but his own parents were too!
"I tend to keep things under the radar. Everyone else might be clueless, but surely you knew?"
Confronted with Lee Zi's doubtful eyes, Chu Yi had no choice but to face the music.
Ultimately, Lee Zi didn't dwell on the issue any further.
"If I hadn't witnessed your abilities that night, I wouldn't have come to this decision."
She paused briefly before adding, "This is crucial for you because it's going to change your life."
Lee Zi's grave demeanor prompted Chu Yi to adopt a similarly earnest attitude.
Indeed, the prospect of changing his life was no trivial matter.
"You still haven't grasped my meaning," she said.
As they spoke, Lee Zi extended her hand to him.
Chu Yi hesitated.
"Take it!"
Overwhelmed by Lee Zi's serious expression, Chu Yi became slightly panicked. "Hold on, aren't we moving too fast? We're childhood friends, but to take such a step so suddenly—"
Bang!
Chu Yi found himself rubbing his head and picking himself up, feeling dejected.
I should have known I was being too naive...
He took Lee Zi's hand again, this time with a sense of purpose, and his expression turned earnest.
"Do you feel it?"
Chu Yi reflected for a moment before nodding with gravity, "Yes, it's very smooth and soft—"
Bang!
Predictably...
Sigh, I never should have let Lee Zi find out I was a practitioner. Now she hits me without a second thought!
"Is that what I asked you?"
Lee Zi's annoyance was palpable, leaving Chu Yi feeling utterly aggrieved.
"This time, really focus on the sensation. If you mess around again, do you think I'll hold back?"
She was already being far from polite...
Chu Yi silently grumbled, yet he conscientiously grasped Lee Zi's hand once more.
So tender, so silky, and—
Warm?!
Yes, Chu Yi could feel it!
Warmth!
Lee Zi's hand was far from the icy appearance it gave off; it radiated a searing heat.