13: Chapter 13 S-Rank Combat Skill: Dragon Soul Codex

Currently possessing only the Secret Tome of Light, Chen Xing felt it wasn't enough; his Moves were somewhat fixed, so he consulted his teacher.

Ye Jianxing told him that if he could handle the workload, he could find another S-Rank Combat Technique to practice; after all, the more, the better.

"The Academy Network has a dedicated combat technique section. You can apply for one for free," Ye Jianxing said.

Chen Xing did as he was told and indeed found a website.

After verifying his student identity, the page layout instantly turned golden, as if to reflect his gold-medal status.

Here, various combat techniques emerged one after another.

However, as expected of the Alliance Academy, resources were abundant; all D-Rank Combat Techniques provided were free with unlimited access, essentially open to everyone.

As for C-Rank and B-Rank, they required payment for borrowing; the minimum rental period was one month, and the prices were high.

As for A-Rank and S-Rank, these basically required additional permissions; applications and purchases were indispensable.

"To prevent accidents where students spend their hard-earned money on a combat technique that doesn't suit their cultivation, the school has opened a [Preview Mode]."

"Every student can borrow combat techniques for free three times, for three days each time. The count refreshes automatically after a month, allowing for better filtering of techniques that aren't suitable."

If a chosen combat technique is found to be unsuitable, it can be exchanged.

From this perspective, the Alliance Academy's System is quite humane.

Chen Xing looked around and found that his permissions seemed quite high; he could actually browse techniques of A-Rank and above directly, so he began exploring.

"Hmm?"

Soon, he was attracted by a combat technique called the "Dragon Soul Secret Tome." The cover featured a long red dragon with a majestic and domineering appearance.

This was an S-Rank Combat Technique that Chen Xing had heard of because it was the one Qin Feng's teacher had specifically chosen for him. Old Qin had mentioned it during a previous phone call.

"System, can I Cultivate this?" Chen Xing asked in his mind.

"There is no Art that does not match your attributes!" The System remained silent, only displaying text that blocked his vision.

Hearing this, the corners of Chen Xing's mouth curled up slightly.

Then what was there to worry about?

Immediately, Chen Xing chose to borrow it, trying it out for three days to see how it worked.

...

The next day.

"You're saying that kid borrowed the 'Dragon Soul Secret Tome'?"

Inside the Dean's office, the new Dean, Yue Shanhai, was talking with Ye Jianxing, his expression one of surprise.

Ye Jianxing reclined carelessly and said, "What's the problem? Why such a big reaction?"

Yue Shanhai's expression was odd as he said, "I can't see any connection between the Light System and the Dragon Soul category. How can their attributes match? Isn't this just reckless cultivation?"

It was Ye Jianxing's turn to look odd. "Is there something wrong with you? Since becoming Dean, you've picked up the habits of those old fogies and become pedantic. Who says the Light System can't practice Dragon Soul combat techniques?"

Yue Shanhai opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, unable to find a rebuttal.

Recalling how much he used to be annoyed by his teachers' pedantic ideas when he was a student, and how he had argued against them relentlessly, he found it quite amusing.

"I recall there's a Light System within the Dragon Soul category as well. Maybe this kid's attributes match?" Ye Jianxing continued.

"What if they don't?" Yue Shanhai countered.

"If they don't, then just change it. What's the trouble? I think this is actually quite good," Ye Jianxing said with a chuckle.

"Taking the wrong path is good?" Yue Shanhai was surprised.

Ye Jianxing clapped his hands and said, "Look, this kid is just too outstanding. Mastering an S-Rank Combat Technique in a few days and breaking records—if word gets out, won't he become incredibly arrogant?"

"A person can be confident, but they shouldn't be overly proud; that's a cardinal sin. A bit of failure can actually help him see reality and realize his mistakes."

"Why do I get the feeling that this kid broke your record, and you, as his teacher, are disgruntled and want to mess with him?" Yue Shanhai's expression was peculiar.

"Am I that petty in your eyes?" Ye Jianxing's eyes widened.

"Otherwise? Are you trying to be a damn Saint?" Yue Shanhai said.

"Fuck, you're the damn Dean now. Watch your mouth! Believe it or not, I'll file a complaint against you," Ye Jianxing said fiercely.

Their relationship was excellent, like brothers, and they spoke very casually. It was just that since Yue Shanhai became the new Dean, he had started putting on some of the airs of the position.

But as they chatted, they forgot their roles and reverted to their brotherly bickering; as Dean, he had let the profanity slip out naturally.

Facing Ye Jianxing's threat, Yue Shanhai acted as if he had heard a huge joke.

He spread his hands, looking quite smug: "Sure, go ahead and complain. As soon as I'm out of a job, the next Dean will be you. Old Ye, you'll have to do a good job!"

Hearing this, Ye Jianxing's face darkened: "Get lost!"

Back when they personally saw off the Old Dean, the higher-ups of the Esper Alliance had issued an order for one of the two of them to be elected as the new Dean.

But who were they? Peerless Prodigies. How could they be willing to stay here? They both kept declining.

Finally, the higher-ups grew impatient and demanded they take a stand, or else both would be made acting Deans, and neither would escape.

So, Ye Jianxing and Yue Shanhai agreed to a duel.

The winner would be a Teaching Assistant, and the loser would become the Dean.

"Hehe... it's no use refusing," Yue Shanhai laughed mischievously.

"I've already designated you. If anything happens to me or after I retire, you're the next Dean. This is Alliance law; you can't escape."

"Fuck, Yue you old dog, are you even human?!"

"..."

A moment later, Ye Jianxing sat down again, looking like he'd lost all hope.

"Look at you, acting like being the Dean is some kind of curse," Yue Shanhai said, speechless.

"Forget about me. How about that new student you took in?" Ye Jianxing asked.

"Qin Feng? That kid is great. He's serious about everything he does and can handle hardship. He has much more perseverance than I expected," Yue Shanhai said.

"Handling hardship isn't necessarily a good thing," Ye Jianxing remarked.

"I know what you're worried about, but don't you trust me? How could I let my student only taste bitterness without any sweetness? Hardship without reward is just suffering; it won't lead to anything great," Yue Shanhai chuckled.

"That's good then." Ye Jianxing nodded.

Yue Shanhai said, "However, I did notice one thing. That kid has a special Physique. His Dragon Soul Body could be considered A+ rank, but it seems to be incomplete."

Ye Jianxing was surprised: "So he's also a potential high-flyer? Not bad. Two top-tier Prodigies from such a small place—have we struck luck?"

Yue Shanhai shook his head: "It's both a blessing and a curse. I'm afraid his Physique might bring huge trouble, so I didn't tell him. I don't want to put pressure on him."

"As long as you don't regret taking him," Ye Jianxing shrugged.

"Regret? Impossible!" Yue Shanhai's gaze was firm.