21: Learn about the Martial Arts Academy

The scorching sun hung high in the sky, and the heavens were clear for miles.

A bus moved slowly along the winding dirt road.

Potholes were visible everywhere on the road. As the wheels passed over them, the entire bus shook violently, emitting a clattering sound as if it were about to fall apart, much like riding a mountain buggy.

"I mean... *blech*~ why did we have to take the back roads... *hurl*~"

"Didn't you say this was a chartered bus? Are you even scamming students now?"

"I can't take it, I'm going to pass out. As a dignified Second-Rank Martial Artist, am I really going to faint on a broken-down bus?"

"Let me off! I'd rather walk..."

"..."

On the bus, everyone was shaken to their core, seeing stars.

Director Liu, who was driving, laughed easily. "It *is* a chartered bus! However, conditions are limited. The common folk around Liuye Town have all been evacuated, and there are no transport vehicles left. Being able to find a decommissioned bus is already quite good."

"A decommissioned bus on the road will get points deducted from my license. I just got my driver's license, how could I bear to have points deducted?"

"Besides, the navigation shows that this route is shorter. Gaode navigation technology is advanced; there won't be any problems."

Everyone: "..."

Fang Bai leaned against the seat, his face pale, with a look of utter hopelessness.

They were afraid they would lose half their lives before even reaching the Martial Arts Academy.

Qi Tian had it the worst. As a young master, when had he ever crowded onto a bus? By now, he couldn't take it anymore and stuck his head out the window, retching uncontrollably.

The sour, pungent smell drifted into the bus, and in the next second, everyone's faces turned white.

"Damn it!"

Zhang Zifeng was the second to stick his head out!

Followed by the third... and the fourth...

Consequently, a comical scene appeared on the road: heads were sticking out of the windows on both sides of the bus, with various colors of vomit spraying out...

Don't know how much time passed...

"Turn right ahead!"

The navigation broadcast sounded.

Director Liu stared at the navigation and fell silent.

At this point, the car had stopped. The road in front was gone, replaced by two thick, sturdy trees; the car couldn't pass through at all. And to the right of the car was a cliff...

The navigation was telling them to turn right...

Generally speaking, routes planned by navigation systems are feasible.

Could it be that some sad story happened here?

Director Liu said somewhat helplessly, "There's no road left. We might have to turn back the way we came."

Everyone's faces were ashen; they didn't want to say another word.

Fortunately, there was nothing left in their stomachs.

Two hours later, the car finally entered the city. At a gas station, several luxury cars were already waiting.

"Young Master!"

Several drivers bowed slightly upon seeing Qi Tian.

Qi Tian nodded, looking like he had lost his soul, his face gaunt.

The others were the same.

They swore that they would never ride in Director Liu's car again in this lifetime!

"Oh my! It's actually a limited-edition Lamborghini! I've always wanted to drive one. Hurry up and get in; I'll take you for a spin!"

Seeing so many beloved cars, Director Liu's eyes lit up, and he became eager to try.

Everyone: "*Blech*~"

The Martial Arts Academy was located in the city center of Magic City. It was massive in scale, and the academy walls were very high, making it impossible to see inside. Above the main gate were the two gold-stamped characters "Martial Arts Academy," looking very imposing.

Surrounding the Martial Arts Academy was a normal commercial street, bustling with people.

Fang Bai and the others did not return to the academy immediately; instead, they went to a noodle shop not far away to have a meal.

However, before entering, Fang Bai and the others specifically asked Zhang Zifeng about the situation inside.

Zhang Zifeng looked troubled. "The situation at the Martial Arts Academy is complex; it can't be explained in just a few words."

Qi Tian expressionlessly pulled out a gold bar. "Senior Zhang, you must tell us the key points!"

Zhang Zifeng's eyes lit up. He snatched the gold bar, bit it, and said with a smile, "Straightforward!"

"The Martial Arts Academy is different from ordinary colleges. The competition inside is extremely cruel—the law of the jungle, where martial arts are supreme. Except for the First Year Students, other high-grade students don't have class structures; they are relatively free. However, there is a theoretical lecture every week. Remember, you must attend this class! Of course, it's okay if you don't, but after getting beaten up, you'll want to attend!"

Fang Bai and the others: "..."

"Besides theory classes, Second Year Student cadets have an assessment every month! If the assessment isn't up to standard, you will face severe punishment. Of course, those who fail more than twice will be kicked back to the first year to repeat the grade!"

"As for the Third Year Student, they don't have that many rules. They are relatively free and are rarely seen in the academy. Any high-grade student you see in the academy is a tough nut to crack. Remember, don't provoke them, or the consequences will be very serious!"

"Next is the most important point: currency circulation in the academy uses points. From small things like a bottle of water or a meal, to large things like cultivation resources—as long as you have enough points, you are the boss!"

Fang Bai suddenly interrupted, "Then how do you obtain points?"

Zhang Zifeng smiled. "That's easy. The most direct way is to kill demon beasts! You exchange points based on the strength and integrity of the demon beast. Furthermore, you can complete tasks issued by the Martial Arts Academy, or participate in competitions held by the academy, etc... As long as you are diligent, you basically won't be short on points."

Qi Tian silently raised his hand. "Then can I exchange money for them?"

Zhang Zifeng looked at him. "For martial artists, points are very precious. It's hard to exchange money for them, and not many people are willing to trade."

Qi Tian said seriously, "I'll give one hundred thousand yuan for one point!"

Zhang Zifeng's face stiffened. Then, he exaggeratedly took out a card, bowed, and offered it with both hands. "Big Brother, there are 438 points in here. Interested?"

Everyone: "..."

Fang Bai stared at him, dumbfounded.

Holy crap? Can you even do that?

"Damn it! Old Zhang! Your skin is too thick! Selling points is prohibited in the Martial Arts Academy!"

Huo Qi jumped up and pointed at Zhang Zifeng, cursing.

The latter said calmly, "If you don't say anything, and I don't say anything, who will know?"

Phoenix: "I will."

Zhang Zifeng: "..."

Huo Qi said righteously, "What you're doing is wrong! And you want me to keep it a secret! Unless..."

He decisively took out a card. "Unless you exchange mine too!"

Phoenix silently handed over her card.

Qi Tian: "..."

In the end, the transaction was successful, and Qi Tian obtained nearly a thousand points.

As for whether these points were a lot or a little, he would only know after entering the Martial Arts Academy.

"Alright, this exchange has been very pleasant. If I'm not mistaken, the Martial Arts Academy should have prepared a welcome ceremony for you. Good luck."

Zhang Zifeng and the other two stood up and said, "We still have to go back to turn in our mission, so we won't hang out with you anymore. See you if fate allows!"

After speaking, they hurried away.

"Why do I feel like they were running away in a panic?"

A Xiu watched their backs, saying thoughtfully.

Fang Bai and the others nodded in agreement.

Qi Tian, however, waved his hand dismissively and flicked the three cards in his hand. "It's fine. We have the points. Follow this Young Master, and I'll take you to eat the best food and drink the best drinks!"

...