Chapter 135: Kilan

Alright, that's enough for today.

Tomorrow at nine a. ., all new students gather at the square in front of the main building to enter the Demon Cavern and collect rare flowers and herbs.

After speaking for over ten minutes about the special precautions needed for the next half-month, the vice principal of Jing University immediately announced the disbanding of the team.

This research trip competition ended with Mo University claiming first place, achieving a historic fifth consecutive championship.

Xu Jingming's brilliant performance inside the Demon Cavern was still being eagerly discussed by everyone even after the team disbanded.

How do you plan to arrange your mentor's teaching hours for the next half-month?

In the mentor zone,

Mo University's vice principal, Ling Shuang, regarded Xu Jingming with curious eyes and asked.

Enter the Demon Cavern and continue hunting ferocious beasts.

Xu Jingming did not conceal his answer; he replied honestly.

You've been fighting nonstop for nearly a month—aren't you tired?

As an eighth-rank Grand Master, Ling Shuang had seen plenty of geniuses who awakened S-rank abilities,

but she had never encountered an S-rank talent as relentless, as willing to risk his life, as Xu Jingming.

Thus, a hint of curiosity surfaced on her delicate, fair face.

Tired.

Xu Jingming made no denial.

His roommate Liu Wentao often said he seemed like a robot programmed with fixed routines.

Attending classes, training, entering the wilderness zone—all on schedule.

But he wasn't a robot—he was a living human being!

He got hungry, he got exhausted...

Especially inside the Demon Cavern, where he had to remain mentally tense at all times, ready for any sudden threat.

To say he wasn't tired was impossible.

After a pause, Xu Jingming added: "But only by doing this can my strength continue to rise rapidly."

He spoke the truth—after all, the Deep Blue System required ability points to allocate stats.

If he didn't hunt ferocious beasts, his growth rate would slow dramatically.

Crisis in life and death truly hones a person.

Ling Shuang didn't overthink it: "But a balance of tension and relaxation is necessary for longevity—you must understand this."

Every entry into the Demon Cavern carries great risk.

In the era when ferocious beasts were most rampant, such behavior wouldn't have been an issue.

But now, humans and ferocious beasts are roughly evenly matched.

Human geniuses have ample time to develop—they don't need to gamble their lives.

"I understand, Professor. After the research trip ends and we return to school, I'll rest." Xu Jingming said seriously.

Good.

Ling Shuang nodded, then smiled faintly:

"You performed excellently in this competition; the school will reward you according to your results.

Don't worry—you won't be shortchanged.

Also, once Jing University delivers the promised S-rank cultivation resources, I'll notify you."

"Thank you, Principal. Also, while I was in the Demon Cavern, I encountered..."

Xu Jingming briefly described to Ling Shuang what he had seen beside the pond.

Divine Blood—yes, it is indeed the essence of a ninth-rank Beast Emperor, classified as SSS-rank cultivation resource.

Of course, the portion you absorbed was likely diluted.

Otherwise, a full vial of Beast Emperor essence would be impossible for you to absorb.

Ling Shuang first confirmed the origin of the Divine Blood: "As for why you could directly absorb the Beast Emperor essence, it must relate to the body-strengthening combat technique you've learned—you should ask your teacher."

"I have no strong impression of the Blood Moon Cult—it's probably not a major sect; no need to pay it special attention."

"Understood." Xu Jingming gave a slight nod.

If it had been a common sect, he might not have given it a second thought.

But the man's expression before death was too bizarre to ignore.

"Alright, go rest—you're tired."

Seeing Vice Principal Ling Shuang and the mentors rise to leave, Song Qiuyun, who had been waiting nearby, hurried forward.

Her aunt Zhou Ying, watching from the side, shook her head and followed.

"400, 00 points—congratulations, Jingming, you won first place," Song Qiuyun said with a bright smile.

"Not bad—the difficulty wasn't too high."

In truth, compared to this first-place finish, what truly delighted Xu Jingming was the S-rank cultivation resource he'd acquired for free from Jing University.

"If 400, 00 points is 'not too hard,' then my 12, 00 points must be kindergarten level?"

Song Qiuyun marveled, then dropped the topic and introduced her aunt:

"By the way, let me introduce you—this is my aunt, Zhou Ying. She's the chief administrator of Shunan Supply Base."

Xu Jingming had already noticed the woman beside her—her figure as graceful as Song Qiuyun's—but he hadn't realized she was Song Qiuyun's aunt.

"Good day, Chief Zhou." Xu Jingming bowed politely.

"You're Xiao Yun's friend—no need to be so formal. Just call me Aunt Zhou." Zhou Ying nodded slightly.

The Song family would never use their own descendants for political marriages to gain support.

But as the clan leader's daughter, Song Qiuyun's spouse must be exceptionally outstanding.

In terms of physique, appearance, and strength, Xu Jingming utterly dominated his peers.

Especially that bolt of heavenly lightning he summoned just now—it revealed the immense potential hidden within him.

"By the way, here's something for you."

A faint shimmer from Zhou Ying's space ring materialized a black card, which she extended toward him:

"This is the Song family's Black Gold Card. With it, you'll receive a 20% discount on all products under Song family enterprises."

The Song family's Black Gold Card?

Xu Jingming's eyebrows lifted slightly, but he didn't immediately accept it.

Families like the Song family of Sichuan, with their long histories, typically controlled industries spanning combat armor, rare flowers and herbs, pills, and elixirs.

The value of such a card granting 20% off was obvious.

Yet he understood the principle: no reward without merit. So he remained calm and said:

"Aunt Zhou, if you need any help, just say so."

Xu Jingming's response won Zhou Ying's approval once again.

She smiled lightly:

"I don't need you to help me. A month ago, I made a bet with Xiao Yun over whether you'd win first place.

I lost—and this Black Gold Card is my wager."

You two bet—and the prize goes to me?

Is this even possible?

Xu Jingming froze for a moment, speechless.

Before he could respond, Song Qiuyun snatched the card from her aunt's hand and forcibly pressed it into his:

"I don't even use this card anyway. You should take it—you upgrade your gear so fast."

"I don't need this Black Gold Card anyway; you take it—it suits you better since you upgrade your gear faster."

Xu Jingming's head instantly filled with question marks.

This gesture from Song Qiuyun somehow made him feel like he'd been taken under the wing of a wealthy woman.

But since she insisted, he couldn't refuse further.

After politely thanking her, he accepted the Black Gold Card.

"Alright, I'll head up then. Xiao Yun, if you need anything, just contact me."

After Aunt Zhou Ying departed with a swaying gait, Liu Wentao and Qi Dongxia appeared as if from nowhere.

"Holy shit! Ming-ge, you're forever the god!"

"Incredible—you surpassed Jing University's S-rank talents."

Liu Wentao gave a thumbs-up; Qi Dongxia's face flushed with excitement.

Xu Jingming's dramatic comeback with 400, 00 points had been truly thrilling to witness.

"Perfect timing—let's go eat." Xu Jingming smiled.

By tradition, after returning to the supply base, everyone celebrated with a big meal—perfect chance to go now.

After dinner, Xu Jingming planned to return to his dorm.

But unexpectedly, he received a message from Vice Principal Ling Shuang, instructing him to visit the supply base's temporary office.

"Did Jing University's S-rank cultivation resources arrive this quickly?"

After informing Song Qiuyun and the others, Xu Jingming hurried toward the supply base.

As he neared Ling Shuang's temporary office, he saw Lan from Jing University and his mentor walking out.

As he was about to reach Ling Shuang's temporary office, he saw Jingda's S-class Jilan and her mentor walking out of the office.

Seeing Xu Jingming, Jilan narrowed his eyes and said gravely:

"Xu Jingming, in hunting ferocious beasts, I truly am no match for you. But I hope you won't refuse the challenge coming up."