Chapter 4 Dream Martial Arts: Learn Killing Techniques in a Second

The first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the gaps in the worn-out curtains like light swords, stabbing at Jiang Chen's eyelids.

Jiang Chen woke up with a start. He didn't feel refreshed after a good sleep; instead, his brain felt like it had been stirred by a blender, throbbing painfully.

"Hiss... my head hurts so much."

He rubbed his temples and glanced at his younger sister, Jiang Xiaoyu, who was curled up on the other end of the sofa, sleeping soundly under his jacket. The ferocity in his eyes instantly vanished, replaced by a touch of tenderness.

Last night was the first time he had used "Dreamland Martial Arts Training" to kill enemies in reality.

[Ding! host has awakened.]

[Battle review and settlement in progress...]

[Defeated 3 thugs at the first level of the Qi and Blood Realm. Combat experience +50.]

[Acquired combat technique: Bone-Displacing Hand (Proficient).]

[Warning: Forced activation of "Dreamland Martial Arts Training" last night consumed 90% of your Mental Energy. The host's current Mental Energy container (Sea of Consciousness) is too small, like running a AAA masterpiece on a flip phone; it easily leads to overheating and crashing.]

Jiang Chen gave a bitter smile.

The System was right. Although "getting stronger while sleeping" was great, a cheat like "Dreamland Martial Arts Training" burned through his mana bar.

Without enough Mental Energy, trying to act cool would only make him look like a fool.

"System, how do I expand my Mental Energy capacity?"

[It is suggested that the host find higher-quality "sleep companions" for close-range charging, or go to places rich in Qi and blood to sleep.]

[Hint: The aura of high-level Martial Artists and the spiritual resonance of special Physiques are the best nutrients for nourishing Mental Energy.]

"High-quality sleep companion..."

The image of Mu Qingxue's long legs clad in black stockings immediately surfaced in Jiang Chen's mind.

Although Teacher Mu was a top-tier "power bank," she was a teacher after all, and her strength was too great. The difficulty of trying to stay by her side to sleep for long periods was comparable to taking the Imperial Capital Martial Arts University entrance exam without studying.

He had to find a way to get a long-term, stable, and legal "mobile power source."

Just then, Jiang Xiaoyu rolled over and woke up dazed. "Brother... you're awake? You scared me to death last night."

"It's okay, I'm here." Jiang Chen stood up, his lazy demeanor returning. "Go wash your face quickly, I'll fry some eggs for you. I have to go back to school after breakfast; today is a big day."

"What big day?"

"Going to restock," Jiang Chen smiled mysteriously. "Oh no, I mean going to participate in the field trial."

After taking down Zhao Feng's men last night, a wealthy family like the Zhao family, who sought revenge for the smallest grievance, would definitely not let it slide.

There was no hiding; only by becoming stronger could he make the Zhao family wary and strong enough to ignore all rules!

As for today's field trial, not only were there Demonic Beasts to kill (to earn experience), but more importantly... he heard that this time it would be a mixed group of all third-year students.

If he could be paired with a "high-quality" teammate, wouldn't his sleep quality be guaranteed throughout the journey?

...

9:00 AM, Jianghai Third Middle School playground.

Hundreds of third-year martial arts students had gathered.

The atmosphere was grim. Everyone carried heavy tactical backpacks filled with compressed biscuits, hemostatic agents, and detoxification pills; some even brought small entrenching shovels. Each of them looked tense, like soldiers about to head to the battlefield.

Only Jiang Chen stood out with a peculiar style.

He carried a round, bulging hiking bag that was half a head taller than him, and in his hand, he held a pink... U-shaped pillow?

"Jiang Chen, you're going on vacation?" The class monitor's mouth twitched uncontrollably as he looked at Jiang Chen's gear. "Is that... a Simmons portable mattress?"

"The field environment is harsh, so sleep quality is very important." Jiang Chen seriously hung the U-shaped pillow around his neck. "How can I have the strength to fight monsters if I don't sleep well? You Mortals don't understand; this is called 'sharpening the axe before cutting the wood'."

A burst of laughter erupted from the surroundings.

"Haha, I think he just wants to find a place to slack off!"

"True, a level two Qi and Blood Realm Trash like him is just going in to be a delivery service for the Demonic Beasts."

"Ignore him, stay away from him so you don't catch his poverty."

"Alright, quiet!"

The Dean of Students stood on the rostrum and announced the rules loudly: "The location for this trial is the edge of the 'Mist Forest' outside the city. It will last for three days! Form teams of two freely. Hunt Demonic Beasts to earn points; the one with the highest points will receive a generous reward! Now, start teaming up!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the playground immediately turned into a chaotic mess.

Those powerful students instantly became highly sought after, surrounded by crowds.

Meanwhile, a bottom-feeder like Jiang Chen was naturally ignored. Some even deliberately avoided him when they saw him approaching, as if he carried a plague.

"Team up with me? Don't joke around. How can I get a ranking if I bring a burden along?"

"Jiang Chen, go cool off over there. Don't waste my time finding a teammate."

Jiang Chen wasn't upset. He was currently using the System's "Detection Radar" to search the crowd for the best "sleep companion."

[Target: Zhang San, level three Qi and Blood Realm, appearance score 3, no special Physique. Evaluation: Low-quality battery, pass.]

[Target: Li Si, level four Qi and Blood Realm, appearance score 5, smelly feet. Evaluation: Biochemical weapon, hard pass.]

Just then, the System suddenly emitted a rapid and pleasant notification sound.

[Ding! Found a top-tier sleep companion!]

[Direction: 2 o'clock, 30 meters away.]

[Appearance: 98+ (The Peak of the cool and elegant type)!]

[Special Bloodline: Diluted phoenix blood (unawakened, in a restless phase).]

[Suggestion: Approach immediately! Sleeping next to her allows you to absorb a trace of phoenix blood power, significantly strengthening the host's Physical Body and expanding the Mental Energy limit!]

phoenix blood?!

Jiang Chen suddenly turned his head to look.

At the edge of the crowd stood a young girl alone.

She wore a snow-white training suit, her long hair was like ink, and her skin was as fair as snow.

Her features were as delicate as a Fairy from a painting, but her eyes were as cold as ice, exuding a chilling aura that kept people at a distance.

Su Qingyue.

The school belle of Jianghai Third Middle School and also Teacher Mu's niece.

It was said she came from a prominent family and her talent was a Prodigy. She had already reached the eighth level of the Qi and Blood Realm in her third year and was the favorite to win this trial.

However, precisely because she was too outstanding and cold, coupled with her intimidating background, no one dared to step forward to team up with her.

No one wanted to lose face in front of this favored daughter of heaven, and even more, they feared being resented for holding her back.

At this moment, Su Qingyue was not in a good state.

She frowned slightly, her slender fingers gently massaging her temples.

The noisy voices around her made the phoenix blood in her body restless. It felt like thousands of needles were pricking her brain. The neurasthenia caused by long-term, deep insomnia made her just want to kill someone right now.

"She's the one!"

A sharp light flashed in Jiang Chen's eyes. Carrying his U-shaped pillow, he strode towards Su Qingyue.

"Is that... Jiang Chen? What is he doing?"

"Heavens, he wouldn't be trying to team up with Goddess Su, would he?"

"Is he crazy? Even a toad wanting to eat swan meat shouldn't go about it like this!"

Under a multitude of astonished gazes, Jiang Chen stopped three meters in front of Su Qingyue.

Su Qingyue felt someone approaching and slowly opened her eyes.

Those cold eyes held a hint of irritation and killing intent as they coldly swept over Jiang Chen.

"Get lost."

Her voice was crisp and pleasant, yet it was laced with ice shards.

Anyone else would have been scared away long ago.

But who was Jiang Chen? He was someone who even dared to cling to Teacher Mu's legs.

Not only did Jiang Chen not get lost, but he also revealed what he thought was his most sincere smile. "Classmate Su, I see your forehead is dark and there are dark circles under your eyes. This is... a lack of sleep, isn't it?"

Su Qingyue's gaze sharpened, her hand already resting on the hilt of the sword at her waist. "Are you provoking me?"

"No, no, no." Jiang Chen waved his hands and leaned in a step closer mysteriously. "I know you want to take first place. But not only can I help you get first, I can also let you... get a good night's sleep during the trial."

"Get a good night's sleep?" Su Qingyue was stunned for a moment, her hand gripping the sword pausing slightly.

If any other boy had said this, she would have slashed him with her sword already.

But strangely, as Jiang Chen approached, she actually felt a peculiar, minty cool breeze blowing towards her.

That aura instantly smoothed the restless Qi and blood in her body, and even the tense nerves in her brain relaxed.

So comfortable...

It was like taking a sip of ice-cold Sprite in a hot desert.

[Ding! Triggered passive skill: Tranquility Aura (Only effective on the opposite sex with specific Physiques).]

"I do have insomnia," Su Qingyue suddenly spoke, saying the truth as if possessed. "Do you really have a way to help me sleep peacefully?"

This was indeed the biggest problem troubling Su Qingyue.

Her Mental Energy was too powerful and sensitive; the slightest movement around her would wake her up.

"What a coincidence, I'm an expert in treating insomnia." Jiang Chen patted his chest and pointed at his backpack. "See that? Professional sleep equipment. Moreover, I have an ancestral 'Human Magnetic Field Soothing Method.' As long as I'm guarding you at night, I guarantee you'll sleep more soundly than a baby."

Looking at Jiang Chen's confident (wanting to leech experience) eyes, Su Qingyue unexpectedly felt a hint of wavering in her heart.

There was an indescribable sense of relaxation about this boy.

That lazy temperament was completely different from the other boys around who were full of ambition and restlessness.

"If you can't do it, or if you dare to have any improper thoughts..." Su Qingyue's eyes narrowed slightly, and a streak of Sword Qi flashed from her fingertips. "I will throw you into a swarm of Demonic Beasts."

"Deal!"

Jiang Chen was ecstatic.

phoenix blood! Even if it was just a diluted trace, it was still the Bloodline of a legendary Divine Beast!

As long as he slept near her during these three days, his Physical Body strength and Mental Energy would definitely experience a qualitative leap!

The entire field was petrified.

No one expected that the unattainable school belle, Su Qingyue, would actually agree to the teaming request of the school's famous Trash, Jiang Chen!

In the distance, Zhao Feng saw this scene, and his face turned so dark it looked like it was about to drip ink.

Standing beside him was an outsider wearing a black windbreaker with sinister eyes.

"Young Master Zhao, is that Jiang Chen?" the man in black asked in a low voice.

"That's him." Zhao Feng gritted his teeth, took out a photo and a bottle of red potion from his pocket, and handed them to the man in black. "Once you enter the forest, find an opportunity to finish him. This bottle is 'Beast-Attracting Powder'; you know how to use it."

"Understood." The man in black took the potion, a cruel smile curling on his lips. "As for that Su Qingyue..."

"If you can create an 'accident' to make her lose her combat power, I wouldn't mind enjoying her a bit." A lewd light flashed in Zhao Feng's eyes. "The Phoenix Girl of the Su Family... tsk tsk, she must be very 'moist'."

...

"Depart!"

With the order given, the bus carried the students toward the outskirts of the city.

At the edge of the Mist Forest, ancient trees reached for the sky, and miasma filled the air. From time to time, hair-raising beast roars could be heard.

Jiang Chen followed behind Su Qingyue as they entered the depths of the jungle one after the other.

"Keep up with me, don't run around." Su Qingyue held a green longsword, warily observing the surroundings. "When we encounter Demonic Beasts, stay far away so you don't get splashed with blood."

"Alright, boss is generous." Jiang Chen was happy to be at leisure, yawning as he walked. In reality, he had already activated the System's "AFK Mode."

[High-quality sleep companion detected.]

[Current distance: 2 meters.]

[Environment: Perilous forest (Danger level: Medium).]

[AFK gain bonus: 200x!]

[Absorbing a trace of phoenix blood aura... Physical Body is being strengthened... Mental Energy capacity is expanding...]

Jiang Chen felt his bones letting out slight popping sounds with every step he took, and his muscles became tighter and more powerful. This feeling of getting stronger while just taking a stroll was simply addictive.

However, danger always comes unexpectedly.

After the two had gone a few kilometers deep into the forest, the bushes ahead suddenly shook violently.

"Hiss—!"

An Iron Wire Python, as thick as a bucket and covered in dark green scales, suddenly lunged out. It opened its bloody maw and pounced toward Su Qingyue, who was walking in front, bringing with it a foul wind!

This was a first-order Peak Demonic Beast, equivalent to the strength of a level nine Qi and Blood Realm human!

"Watch out!"

Su Qingyue reacted extremely quickly. Her longsword left its sheath, turning into a cold light to meet the attack.

Clang!

The longsword struck the snake scales, unexpectedly splashing a string of sparks and leaving only a white mark.

"Such hard scales!" Su Qingyue's expression changed. The Iron Wire Python's tail whipped around like a steel lash, sweeping across with incredible speed.

Su Qingyue was forced to retreat in a disheveled manner, her situation becoming critical.

At this moment, Jiang Chen, who had been hiding in the back "watching the show," still had his eyes half-closed as if he were sleepwalking.

But in his mind, the System notification had already sounded:

[Hostile target detected: Iron Wire Python.]

[Weakness analysis: Three inches below the seven-inch mark, there is an inverted scale; that is its fatal spot.]

[Optimal throwing angle generated.]

Jiang Chen yawned and casually picked up a pebble from the ground.

He threw it seemingly at random.

Swish!

The stone traced a perfect parabola and struck the inverted scale below the Iron Wire Python's seven-inch mark with absolute precision.

"Pfft!"

The previously menacing Iron Wire Python suddenly stiffened, as if its spine had been removed. It crashed heavily to the ground, twisting in agony.

Su Qingyue, who was preparing to fight for her life, was stunned.

She turned back to look at Jiang Chen, only to see the guy leaning against a tree, playing with another stone in his hand, looking at her with an innocent face:

"Um... I thought it looked like it wanted to sleep, so I helped it turn off the lights."