A lot had happened in the past week. It was already late March and the national college entrance examination would be held in June.
The college entrance examination was just around the corner and the students were destined to part ways.
However, none of the students realized this tragic truth during the intense revision period.
Maybe they would only realize that they had parted ways with the friends who had accompanied them for three years on the 8th of June, which was the day that the examinations ended. Perhaps some would only realize it only after they went to university or joined the workforce.
The ambiance wasn’t too somber and none of the students were too devastated about having to part ways because they were all engrossed in studying. Even the “notorious” students who had long given up and behaved themselves.
The morning paper was the Math examination. Jiang Xiao executed his plan in an orderly manner, allowing his score to be increased again and again.
Unlike others, he had undergone the national college entrance examination once. Hence, he felt much more emotional.
He tried to recall the faces of his high school classmates whom he had parted with several years ago, only to realize that their faces were blurry as he couldn’t quite remember what they looked like anymore.
Fortunately, he did not have such a strong bond with his classmates this time.
He was just a transfer student and he spent most of his time with his teammates. The only people he usually interacted with were Li Weiyi, Xia Yan, and Han Jiangxue.
Although he and Xia Yan often bickered with each other, Jiang Xiao would really miss her if she were to further her studies abroad.
This world had never changed or shifted because of someone’s will. Perhaps Xia Yan would have better opportunities to develop abroad. Perhaps she would fall in love with a certain place and decide to settle down there. Perhaps…
If the two of them did not go to the same university, they would be destined to meet each other less frequently after graduating.
The more terrifying thing was that the four of them would no longer have to stay in the same team after the national college entrance examination ended.
In other words, the national education system would lead them to become collectivists and realize the importance of teamwork during the period where they were growing and forming their outlooks on life.
The teachers and authorities had already outstandingly accomplished their tasks to teach the students with the help of the national college entrance examination. Now that they had already developed values and a clear outlook on life, it was up to them to take charge of their lives in university or society.
What did that mean?
In other words, it meant that they were left alone now.
Yes, they had helped the students establish proper concepts of life and adapt to living with a team. However, they couldn’t equip the students with three permanent teammates.
Because they had developed habits and their concepts of life had been established, most of the students would still choose to live in teams.
In some top-level competitions in the world such as university leagues, the societal teams and national corps were all presented in the form of small teams. Hence, the faith of the graduated students would not collapse and the world would still seem familiar to them.
However, the students had parted with their former teammates and had to look for new companions.
The period of agony at this stage was inevitable, but that was how the world worked.
Their thoughts and beliefs were deeply ingrained within them. If it weren’t for the fact that Jiang Xiao had seen all kinds of news, he wouldn’t have been able to imagine the “despair and hunger” that the students felt when looking for new teammates.
A simple example would be the exciting battle that would happen during the selection of teammates for the freshmen every year.
There were friendly competitions, as well as malicious ones.
Jiang Xiao initially thought that he was mischievous, frivolous, and heartless. Hence, he wouldn’t have too many emotions. However, he had been through a departure before and knew clearly how things would unfold in the end.
The subtle somber feelings reached their peak during the practical class in the afternoon. Li Weiyi and the rest reached the pinnacle at this moment.
Li Weiyi had been looking for a good opportunity, but Jiang Xiao and Xia Yan were having an intense sword battle where their swords glowed with sparks. He waited for a long while before saying, “We’re going to Liaolian City next.”
Jiang Xiao and Xia Yan stopped at the same time before turning around to look at him.
Han Jiangxue was initially trying her best to control the current flowing through her fingertips and getting close to the Chain Lightning. Upon hearing Li Weiyi’s words, she asked softly, “Huh?”
With a solemn expression on his face, Li Weiyi said sternly, “My father has agreed to let me join the Northern National Technological University of Defense’s Star Study interview.”
“Oh,” Han Jiangxue said calmly before lowering her head to look at the current in her hand.
The buzzing current was like tiny snakes slipping through and crawling along Han Jiangxue’s fingers.
There was an old Chinese saying that goes: “The bird will soar high and fly far with the phoenix.”
Li Weiyi had 25 star slots in his shield-shaped Star Map. Hence, he was considered a talent.
He was a calm and stable person, with the demeanor and composure of a general. He had good judgments in terms of advancing and retreating. However, his performance had never been as amazing as Han Jiangxue and the rest.
He managed to attract the attention of key universities after competing together with his team in various competitions in Beijiang Province.
In the entire Beijiang Province, Li Weiyi may not be the best Shield Warrior, but unlike the others, he received the invitation letter. His team definitely deserved credit for it.
During the Second Wasteland Reclamation Competition, Li Weiyi and Han Jiangxue performed very well and had attracted a lot of attention. Although Li Weiyi was outshone by Han Jiangxue, he, as a Shield Warrior, managed to protect her and ensure that she remained unharmed. That was actually one of the important reasons why he received the invitation letter.
Li Weiyi continued, “Of course, no matter whether I succeed or not, I will come back to accompany you guys through the national college entrance examination. I’ll give it my all and never slack off.”
“Liaolian City?” Xia Yan asked as she wiped her sweat. Panting heavily, she said, “It’s a military school, we might not be able to see you easily in the future.”
Li Youyi smiled and said, “There will be many opportunities.”
Xia Yan pursed her lips and said, “What about Qingmei? Is she going to try aiming for the school in Liaolian City too?”
With a peculiar expression, Li Weiyi said, “She does want to go to the same school as me, but neither her nor my parents want her to go to a military school.”
Jiang Xiao blinked and thought to himself, Yeah, ordinary students can choose to enroll in the Northern National Technological University of Defense too. It’s a military school. This couple can also stick together like they do in high school.
Wow. Indeed, she goes wherever he does.
Jiang Xiao smiled and said, “You’re really lucky to have met such a good girlfriend who’s not only devoted to you but is also capable. She can get admitted to any university that you go to so that she can accompany you.”
Li Weiyi scratched his head and said modestly with an awkward smile, “I don’t know what Qingmei sees in me either. Hehe.”
Xia Yan leaped out and said, “Maybe it’s because you’re handsome.”
How heartbreaking.
What else could Jiang Xiao say?
All he could do was change the subject and ask her, “Have you decided which school you want to go to?”
Xia Yan was all flushed because of the vigorous exercise. With sweat on the tip of her nose, she said with a gorgeous smile, “We got so many bonus points. Beijing Star Warriors University it is~”
Jiang Xiao didn’t want to admit how thrilled and elated he was when he heard those words.
However, he swore that he had never seen Xia Yan smiling so adorably before.
…
After receiving the blessings and well wishes from his teammates, Li Weiyi applied for leave from the school and boarded the train to Liaolian City.
There were no upcoming competitions, but the team of three trained in a disciplined manner.
Jiang Xiao was thinking about a lot of things, such as increasing the quality of Bell and Imprint, as well as the Sound of Silence.
He just needed three more Star Beads to upgrade the qualities of Bell and Imprint, and four more to upgrade Sound of Silence. Jiang Xiao was extremely tempted.
He asked around and found out that the cheapest entrance ticket to the volcanic Dimensional Space would cost 100,000 yuan.
Damn it, one Lava Ghoul Witch Star Bead is only worth a little more than 100,000 yuan, eh? Although I can’t buy them, uh…
Jiang Xiao thought about it again and again and decided to plead with Xia Yan in a thick-skinned manner, hoping that she could help him acquire a few Lava Ghoul Witch Star Beads.
Unless it was his last resort, he wouldn’t use his Skill Points to upgrade his Star Techniques. Besides, even if he were to do so, he would go for the Star Techniques from previous Star Beads.
Compared to Bell and Imprint, Sound of Silence was definitely more suitable for being upgraded by Skill Points.
Of course, Xia Yan knew how capable Jiang Xiao was. Money was not an issue, but connections were required for one to be able to purchase the Star Beads. Xia Yan immediately expressed her decision to give it a try.
As for the Star Bead of the Fallen Shadow Witch, Jiang Xiao knew that Xia Yan definitely wouldn’t have a solution and hence didn’t ask her for it. After thinking about it for a long time, he went directly to Principal Yan.
Yes, Jiang Xiao simply knocked on the door of Principal Yan’s office and proceeded to ask for the Fallen Shadow Witch Star Bead.
Besides, his reason was that Han Jiangxue needed Sound of Silence…
Jiang Xiao looked like he was extremely sincere, and as soon as he sat down, he tried his best to persuade Principal Yan.
We’re not being unreasonable.
Look, we clinched the championship for the Beijiang Provincial High School League, right?
We won some glory for the school, didn’t we?
We brought about actual benefits for the school, didn’t we?
We brought about honor, a good reputation, and provided educational resources. We also won sponsorships from people from all walks of life… all these are real, right?
What about the rewards from the school?
Yes, yes, I managed to clinch the first place and the organizers have indeed given us some rewards. However, the school ought to express some sincerity too, eh?
Didn’t I also win the first place in the Second Wasteland Reclamation Competition?
Didn’t I bring glory to the school again?
Didn’t I bring actual benefits to the school again?
Honor, fame, national education resources… Okay, okay, I won’t repeat it, don’t kick me…
Let me tell you, if you can’t bear to take the risks, you won’t win!
If you want your stallion to run, you have to feed it grass.
If Han Jiangxue gets Sound of Silence, our team will be able to get a good ranking in the National League.
What? You mean all eight of her star slots are filled?
You’re making it sound so exaggerated.
She’s going to reach the Galaxy Stage tomorrow, you don’t have to worry.
Ah, speaking of which, when Han Jiangxue reaches the Galaxy Stage, she will have eight more star slots available. The school should reward us with some precious Rules Awakened Star Beads!
Have you ever heard of teleporting? Appearing in a flash? Stopping time? Turning back the clock?
Abundant Sunlight, Large Snakes, Eight Wine Glasses are all mandatory for Rules Awakened! Hey, hey, don’t- don’t kick me…
…
At last, the talkative Jiang Xiao was kicked out of the office by Principal Yan.
His shriek filled the entire Teaching Block, causing all the students to be shocked.
On the following day, all sorts of rumors spread around the school.
“The kicker Principal Yan, the hope of China’s soccer team.”
“Jiangbin Crown Principal’s office, sexy Jiang Xiaopi is begging.”
“Beijiang Jiangbin and Jiangbin High School are about to close down. The bastard principal has reduced the rewards given. We have no choice, we have no choice. Pay me back my hard-earned money! Give me back my hard-earned money!”
It was said that the last rumor was spread by a young man whose surname was Jiang…