34: Lu Yuan: Am I dead??

He opened his eyes again two days later.

He had slept for a full two days, and when he woke up, he was still groggy and full of sleepiness.

Opening his bedroom door, his parents were indeed not back. It was highly likely that the factory had received a large order, leaving them no time to return home.

The original owner was used to it. Lu Yuan, thinking of the broken source card, resolved to earn a lot of money, at least to improve his family's living environment.

He changed into a clean school uniform and put on his backpack.

First, he went to the collection point at the community entrance, picked up the [Thunderbird] card, and put it away properly.

Then, he rushed to school... Lu Yuan had been missing for several days.

During these days, rumors about him had already spread throughout the school.

First, there was the conflict with Zhao Feng, then Zhao Feng's mysterious broken leg and hospitalization.

Following that, it was rumored that Zhao Feng's backer, Zhao She of the Black Water Gang, also seemed to have fallen, not showing his face for several days.

All clues subtly pointed to this previously inconspicuous student — Lu Yuan.

Everyone suspected Lu Yuan had been killed.

Wang Shanliang also thought so, and was sad for several days, even eating a few bites less.

Today, he was melancholic as usual, when suddenly, he seemed to spot a familiar figure... "Lu Yuan! You're back!"

A surprised voice rang out.

It was Wang Shanliang.

He pushed through the crowd and ran to Lu Yuan, his face full of worry.

"Where have you been these past few days? I was so worried! They said you..."

Wang Shanliang lowered his voice, "They said you were taken out by Zhao Feng..."

Lu Yuan almost choked from laughter. What the hell was this? He only took two days off, how did it turn into a rumor of his death?

"Damn, I had some family matters, so I took a few days off."

"Which idiot spread that? I'm perfectly fine, aren't I..."

The surrounding classmates looked at each other.

"Lu Yuan is still alive, but Zhao Feng has been missing... Could it be?"

"I know!"

Class monitor Cui Dapang found the blind spot, "Listen to me, it was actually Zhao Feng who was taken out!"

... "Ding-a-ling-a-ling —"

The bell for practical class rang.

Homeroom Teacher, wearing high heels, walked into the classroom on time.

Her gaze immediately fell on Lu Yuan, lingered for several seconds, then slowly moved away.

"Students, quiet down."

Homeroom Teacher's voice was clear and cold, carrying the authority of a Homeroom Teacher.

"Today's practical class, we will conduct a routine Source Power test to see everyone's cultivation progress over the past few days."

She walked to the Source Power testing crystal at the front of the classroom.

"According to student ID number, come up one by one."

Students began to line up and come forward.

They placed their palms on the crystal ball and infused Source Power.

The crystal ball would display different lights and values based on the intensity of the Source Power.

"Wang Xiaoming, 65 points, First-Tier Six-Star, good, made progress."

"Li Li, 62 points, First-Tier Six-Star, still need to work harder."

"Zhang Wei, 71 points, First-Tier Seven-Star, very good."

... Most students' Source Power hovered around the Six-Star and Seven-Star Card Master Apprentice levels.

Occasionally, a few who reached the peak of Seven-Star were already considered the top students in the class.

Soon, it was Wang Shanliang's turn.

He took a deep breath and placed his hand on the crystal ball.

Buzz!

The crystal ball lit up with a soft white light, and the value stabilized at 73.

"Wang Shanliang, 73 points, First-Tier Seven-Star, great progress!" Homeroom Teacher's eyes showed a hint of approval.

Wang Shanliang excitedly clenched his fist, returned to his seat, and gave Lu Yuan a "victory" gesture.

He had worked hard these past few days and surprisingly made significant progress, breaking through 4 points in 4 days, which was simply unheard of!

Could it be... He looked at Lu Yuan in thought, and Lu Yuan returned a smile.

Finally, it was his turn.

"Lu Yuan."

The classroom fell silent, all eyes once again focused.

They all wanted to see what kind of strength this mysterious student, who had returned from the dead, possessed.

Lu Yuan looked calm as he slowly walked to the testing crystal.

He extended his right hand and gently placed it on the surface of the crystal ball.

The Source Power within his body slowly flowed in.

Buzz —!

The crystal ball trembled, emitting a white light brighter than anyone before!

The numbers above the crystal ball jumped rapidly.

70... 80... 85... Finally, it steadily settled on a number that left everyone dumbfounded —

91!

First-Tier Card Master Apprentice (Nine-Star)!

The entire classroom was filled with exclamations!

Even Homeroom Teacher couldn't hide the shock on her face at this moment. How could this kid... be so fast!

Nine-Star Card Master Apprentice?!

Are you kidding me!

A few days ago, he was only at the peak of Seven-Star!

How many days had passed?

Even a rocket wouldn't be this fast!

Even Homeroom Teacher couldn't hide the shock on her face at this moment. How could this kid... be so fast!

Her red lips were slightly parted, and her beautiful eyes sparkled as she gazed deeply at Lu Yuan, as if trying to see through him.

What exactly happened to him during these days he was away?

The classroom erupted in a buzzing discussion.

"Ninety-one...? I didn't see wrong, did I?"

"Oh my god! Nine-Star Card Master Apprentice! Only one step away from a Second-Tier Card Master!"

"How... how did he do it?"

"No wonder Zhao Feng died..." Someone whispered, but quickly shut their mouth.

Wang Shanliang was even more excited, his face flushed, but no one knew what he was thinking.

Homeroom Teacher suppressed the turmoil in her heart and said in a deep voice:

"Quiet!"

The murmuring gradually subsided, but the students' gazes towards Lu Yuan had completely changed.

Awe, envy, jealousy... all sorts of emotions.

Strength is eternal respect; at least from today on, no one would dare spread rumors about him.

"Lu Yuan, Nine-Star Card Master Apprentice, very good."

"It seems you haven't wasted these past few days."

She paused, as if she had thought of something.

"A temporary announcement: The preliminary test, originally scheduled for the end of the month, will be moved up to three days from now!"

What?!

The news once again caused an uproar.

"So soon?"

"Three days? Not enough time to prepare!"

Homeroom Teacher ignored the students' complaints and continued:

"The results of this preliminary test will directly determine the final list for the 'Honor Class'!"

"The minimum threshold to enter the Honor Class is for Source Power to reach Eight-Star Card Master Apprentice!"

"The Honor Class will receive preferential resources from the school, including but not limited to, access to more advanced cultivation rooms, additional card knowledge lectures, and priority recommendations for various competitions and practical activities, etc.!"

"This is a rare opportunity, I hope everyone seizes it well!"

After speaking, her gaze once again turned to Lu Yuan.

"Lu Yuan, with your current strength, entering the Honor Class shouldn't be a problem. But I hope you don't settle for this; perform well and don't waste your talent."

Lu Yuan understood in his heart.

The preliminary test in three days?

Perfect.

Let this test be the stage for him to declare his existence after his return.

No more talk of dying and coming back to life; it's annoying to hear.

And, his [Guaranteed Gold Drop] talent... Lu Yuan's eyes flickered.

Perhaps, it was time to prepare his second trump card.