Chapter 12 : Advancing with determination

Moments later, Zhang Yu emerged from the headquarters of Xianyun Group, his face pale and body slightly hunched, looking utterly drained.

However, after traveling a few kilometers and boarding the subway, his complexion gradually returned to normal. As he activated the Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method, the mystical energy within him surged like streams merging into a mighty river, coursing through his entire body in an instant.

The previously uncontrolled and dissipating energy swiftly stabilized, reintegrating into his body's intricate circulation of mystical power, seamlessly cycling through him once more.

Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method – Level 1 (0/20)

Seeing this entry appear in his Feathered Tome, Zhang Yu's lips curled into a faint smile.

"As expected, it worked."

"If not for mastering this Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method, the out-of-control energy would've taken at least a week or two to dissipate naturally."

His confidence in accepting the trial task had stemmed from his Feathered Tome. But back at Xianyun Group, he had deliberately refrained from revealing that he had successfully cultivated this technique.

"Though this technique is merely an introductory breathing method for beginners, once mastered, it operates autonomously day and night."

"Even when I'm not actively cultivating, it still functions at 30% efficiency compared to active practice. Just by existing, I'm accumulating over seven hours' worth of energy intake every day."

"And this is only at Level 1."

"If this technique is fully developed, it could easily become one of the most sought-after breathing techniques on the market."

Zhang Yu was well aware that aside from those taught in school, all other techniques—whether from major corporations or renowned sects—were copyrighted and required substantial financial investment. The profits involved were staggering.

It was precisely because the Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method was so exceptional that Zhang Yu believed it to be a highly confidential research project at Xianyun Group. He had no intention of exposing his mastery of it, lest he invite unnecessary trouble.

Especially considering its high cultivation difficulty—without specialized guidance equipment, even high school seniors would struggle to complete a single cycle, let alone master it. This only reinforced his decision to keep his success hidden.

To cultivate this technique, Zhang Yu had even redirected his Feathered Tome's specialization from the Thirty-Six Forms of Body Refinement to focus entirely on the Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method.

Though this meant that his progress in body refinement would temporarily slow down, his advancement in energy absorption was now on the fast track.

"A Level 3 Thirty-Six Forms of Body Refinement is sufficient for now."

"From now on, my focus will be entirely on improving the Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method."

Beyond the gains from cultivating the technique, his biggest reward from the trial task was the payment from Xianyun Group—10,000 yuan, plus an additional 3,000, bringing the total to 13,000 yuan.

His savings instantly climbed to 13,700 yuan. Unfortunately, after repaying 10,000 yuan in loans across various platforms, his balance plummeted back to 3,700 yuan.

Still, having cleared this debt, the collection agencies would likely ease their harassment, at least for the time being.

Just then, a countdown timer appeared in his mind, snapping him out of his thoughts and refocusing his attention on cultivating the Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method.

---

By the next morning, Zhang Yu was making his way to Songyang High School, reviewing the changes in his Feathered Tome as he walked.

Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method – Level 1 (0/20) → Level 1 (11/20)

Mystical Energy: 7.7 → 7.8

"So it really runs passively… Last night, I actively cultivated five cycles before sleeping."

"By the time I woke up, it had increased to eight cycles, and after practicing on my way to school, it reached eleven."

Seeing this, Zhang Yu couldn't help but feel delighted. Compared to the 13,000 yuan he had earned, the growth of the Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method was the true prize from yesterday.

Determined, he resolved to prioritize its level progression. He even kept his Feathered Tome's specialization set to it.

Unfortunately, today's morning schedule included two consecutive physical education classes.

As he walked toward the training grounds, Zhang Yu felt a twinge of regret.

"Sigh, back to the Thirty-Six Forms of Body Refinement again."

"Right now, my specialization is in Zhoutian Qi Absorption. I should be focusing on that instead."

Upon arriving at the training grounds, he saw muscular students resembling statues of bronze, injecting themselves with syringes.

Amidst the metallic clang of weights and the beast-like roars of exertion, the elite students of the special training class were already immersed in their regimen.

Just then, a student exclaimed in disbelief, "N-No way! My cousin sold me that…"

Coach Wang Hai shook his head and crushed the syringe in his hand, letting the shattered pieces fall into the trash.

"Look at your stats over the past two weeks. No increase in muscle mass or organ strength, and your physique has only improved by 0.03. You're clearly showing signs of natural conditioning—meaning you bought fake or expired supplements."

Ignoring the devastated student, Wang Hai raised his voice, "I've told you all before—always buy from reputable sources. The safest option is through the school's official channels."

"If you go for cheap alternatives and end up with fakes, you're only wasting your own time."

After the reprimand, his gaze landed on Zhang Yu, who was quietly training in a corner.

Wang Hai recalled Zhang Yu's recent physique assessment: "0.85? He gained 0.02 in just three days?"

"Even when he was regularly using injections before, he never improved this fast."

From years of coaching experience, Wang Hai was certain that Zhang Yu wasn't relying purely on natural conditioning. He must have been using potent supplements, ones strong enough to yield such rapid results—likely at the cost of severe bodily strain.

More concerning, however, was the question of where Zhang Yu was sourcing his supplements.

Would other students follow his lead and buy from the same supplier? Would this impact Wang Hai's own sales?

The competitive market for physique-enhancing drugs was ruthless, and Wang Hai's instincts flared with alarm.

"Senior students? Private tutors? Or someone outside the school trying to push their supply onto my turf?"

For him, Zhang Yu was merely a pawn. What he truly wanted to uncover was the supplier behind him.

But first, he needed to neutralize Zhang Yu's influence in the class.

A moment later, Wang Hai called over a student named Zhao Tianxing and gave him some instructions.

Soon after, Zhao Tianxing approached Zhang Yu and said, "Zhang Yu, Coach Wang asked me to check—are you still refusing to buy supplements?"

Seeing Zhang Yu nod, Zhao Tianxing hesitated before continuing, "Well… Coach Wang wants you to train separately in a private room, so you don't disrupt the others. Are you okay with that?"

Though Zhao Tianxing sympathized with Zhang Yu, he didn't hesitate to follow Wang Hai's orders. After all, Zhao Tianxing was one of the coach's top students, having faithfully used the supplements recommended by him to reach the top ten in the class.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yu agreed without hesitation and simply walked away.

Watching his departing figure, Zhao Tianxing sighed internally. "He's too stubborn. If he just apologized and followed the coach's lead, he'd have a bright future. But now… he's ruining himself."

Meanwhile, inside the secluded room, Zhang Yu chuckled and immediately sat down to continue cultivating the Zhoutian Qi Absorption Method…

(End of chapter...)

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