Chapter 14: What a Stroke of Luck
Rustle...
Ha!
Looking at the empty bottom of the bowl, Jiang Yuan exhaled deeply and couldn't help but give Jiang Tian a thumbs-up.
"Son, your noodles are incredible! How can they be this delicious?"
"That's right! I even doubt if this is the dish I cooked." Liu Fang also marveled at it, finding it unbelievable.
Jiang Yuan looked at his wife and said, "Wife, you know what? After eating this, my whole body feels warm and comfortable."
Liu Fang nodded in agreement. "I've had back pain these past few days, but now it feels better—like it's completely gone. My bones even feel warm."
"Could it have something to do with your cooking, son?" Jiang Yuan asked as he looked at Jiang Tian, who was collecting the dishes.
Jiang Tian paused to think for a moment and then nodded. "That's probably it."
After washing the dishes, Jiang Tian packed his schoolbag and headed out to school.
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A Shocking Realization
Jiang Tian walked down the road, cold sweat forming on his forehead—his body was aching.
The bowl of noodles he had just eaten caused the blood energy in his body to surge, and his Blood Abyss Furnace Technique began to operate on its own.
Although the effect was not as intense as when he actively sat cross-legged to cultivate with all his strength, it still had an impact.
---
A single bowl of noodles had caused his body to enter another phase of strengthening, increasing his overall power.
Jiang Tian had no doubt—if he had to fight Feng Xingyu again, he wouldn't need to risk his life just to hold him down.
One punch would be enough to blow his head off.
---
More importantly, this breakfast had made Jiang Tian realize something incredible.
His blood energy transformation was truly unique.
When Chizhu's arm had been roasted by his blood flames, it had completely lost its poison, allowing him to eat and refine it effortlessly.
---
Additionally, cultivating through absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth was too slow—far inferior to eating cooked food.
His digestion ability was insane—allowing him to absorb 100% of the nutrients in any ingredient.
Just from one bowl of noodles, his body had advanced more than it did from three full cycles of cultivation yesterday.
The more Jiang Tian thought about it, the happier he became.
His natural talent and his dream were a perfect match.
It was simply meant to be.
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School Arrival
After getting on the school bus, Jiang Tian's internal self-cultivation gradually stabilized.
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In this world, Tang Kingdom placed great importance on education.
Students were transported via planned school bus routes, ensuring safety and convenience.
Jiang Tian's Sunshine Community was one of many designated pickup zones.
---
When he arrived at school, Jiang Tian got off the bus and followed the crowd onto campus.
Compared to his previous life, high school in this world was very different.
The teaching buildings were arranged around the campus, while the center featured various training facilities—both indoor and outdoor.
The campus was built to help students exercise and improve their physique.
The space-time disaster had made it mandatory for all citizens to maintain a strong body, even if they didn't pursue a career as a warrior.
---
Jiang Tian had witnessed this firsthand—his parents, who were just ordinary civilians, were as strong as athletes compared to his past life.
Even so, there was still a massive gap between ordinary people and true warriors.
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Classroom Routine
Upon entering the teaching building, Jiang Tian walked into the classroom and immediately took out his book on cooking tools.
Now that he had set his path, he was determined to study hard.
After all, what's the point of getting top-tier ingredients if I don't know how to cook them?
---
Jiang Tian focused seriously on his book, while his classmates occasionally glanced at him before looking away.
To them, this was normal behavior.
---
"Looks like Jiang Tian has finally found his path—he wants to be a chef?"
"Yeah, chefs actually have great career prospects. They make good money."
"Well, what else can he do? His grades are okay, but his martial arts ranking is always in the bottom four. He's one of the 'Four Kings of the Bottom.' If he doesn't find another path, what's left?"
"That's true..."
Before the student could finish his sentence, the entire classroom suddenly fell silent.
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All eyes turned toward the door.
Jiang Tian, noticing the sudden quiet, put down his book and looked up—
His homeroom teacher, Xu Lijun, had entered the classroom.
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The Awakening Test Announcement
Xu Lijun stepped onto the podium and waved his hand.
Behind him, the large screen lit up, displaying an important announcement.
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As soon as the students saw the contents, they began breathing heavily—
Yue City High School Awakening Joint Assessment!
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Xu Lijun tapped the desk lightly and spoke:
"According to official records, all of you have now reached adulthood."
"As you know, before the Warrior College Entrance Examination, you must take the Awakening Test."
"This test not only determines your career path but also helps you understand your own abilities."
"Should you continue pursuing the Warrior College path, or should you start planning for another future?"
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While speaking, Xu Lijun's gaze momentarily landed on Jiang Tian's desk.
Seeing the cooking book, he nodded slightly before continuing.
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"Many of you have probably researched this online, but I will explain it again."
"The Awakening Test will allow you to discover your talent."
"Most combat professions fall into two main categories."
1. Warriors – Those who strengthen themselves or enhance weapons.
2. Mind Masters – Those who control objects, influence minds, and use mystical abilities.
"There are also hybrid professions, known as 'Qi Refiners,' who excel in both."
"Additionally, some will awaken talents for special professions."
---
As Xu Lijun spoke, the screen behind him changed again.
He pointed at the new information.
"Read the rules of this year's Awakening Assessment carefully."
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Since Jiang Tian had decided to take Teacher Zhou Shang's advice, he naturally had to take the upcoming test seriously.
The rules indicated that this was a city-wide joint exam, meaning all students would enter the testing grounds simultaneously.
And—there were rewards for high rankings.
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A Surprise Teammate
Most previous Awakening Tests required students to work in groups of ten.
But this year—
It would be a two-person team.
The moment this rule was displayed—
The entire classroom erupted in conversation.
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As the screen randomized the teams, students held their breath.
One by one, teams were finalized—until only one name remained.
Jiang Tian's.
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The screen slowed down, and the final result appeared—
Jiang Tian's teammate: Xue Ruyan
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The room exploded.
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"Fk!**
"Oh my god!!!"
Crash!
Desks and chairs slammed as students stood up in disbelief.
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"What kind of ridiculous luck is this?!"
"Jiang Tian, swap places with me!"
"Damn it! Jiang Tian, you must have a lifelong reserve of good fortune!"
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Amidst the chaos, Jiang Tian stared at the screen.
His teammate was none other than—
Xue Ruyan—the strongest student and the undisputed school belle of Yue City No. 14 High School.
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"Huh... well, that's unexpected."