Chapter 65: Bad Memories
Chapter 65: Bad Memories
Tomorrow is the martial arts college entrance examination.
Candidates from other cities around Xiang City had all arrived successfully.
For example, students from Yue City No. 14 Middle School were staying in an officially designated hotel near the test site.
This made management easier since only individual candidates were allowed to prepare on their own without participating in group activities.
Candidates like Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan were free to choose their own arrangements, as long as they arrived at the test site on time.
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Dinner Conversations
"Has Huang Xing and the others arrived?"
Jiang Yuan looked at his son while the family of three sat at the dinner table.
Since Huang Xing was Jiang Tian's best friend, their families were familiar with each other.
Jiang Tian nodded, "They arrived yesterday, but they had already chosen the school's group arrangements in advance. They can't leave the team without permission, so I'll see them tomorrow."
The freedom of choice also came with rules.
Once you chose to follow the school's plan, you couldn't just leave midway.
Otherwise, it would be chaos.
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A Mother's Worries
"The martial arts college exam has changed this year. You're going to an actual battlefield. You must be careful," Liu Fang said, grabbing her son's hand, her face full of worry.
"Mom can't help much, so I can only nag you a little."
Jiang Yuan nodded in agreement, "Grades are secondary. Staying alive is the most important thing. If you lose your life, you lose everything."
Jiang Tian reassured them, "Don't worry. Your son is very capable. If the teacher hadn't told me otherwise, I would've easily won the national championship to make you both proud."
Hearing Jiang Tian's confidence, his parents exchanged glances.
They knew their son was not weak—his teachers had even visited them to discuss his potential.
After all, he ranked first in Yue City's Awakening Assessment!
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A Father's Curiosity
"Son, just how strong are you?"
Jiang Yuan asked curiously, his voice dropping involuntarily.
Jiang Tian answered seriously, "I'm not joking. Among all the candidates taking this year's national exams, I'm unbeatable."
Liu Fang gently patted his hand, "Don't brag. There are always people better than you. You can't be too proud. Just focus on staying safe."
As a mother, she didn't care if her son was the strongest—she only wanted him to survive.
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A Father's Encouragement
Jiang Yuan nodded, "I know I'm not as capable as you, so I won't give unnecessary advice."
He patted his son's shoulder, "I just wish you all the best in your exams, son."
Liu Fang added, "Be sure to stay safe and be careful."
Jiang Tian patted his chest confidently, "Don't worry. My teacher prepared a special inner armor for me—it's not even on the market yet. I'll be completely safe."
He showed them the armor, and his parents finally felt a little more at ease.
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A Cook's Final Preparations
After dinner, Jiang Tian went to the kitchen, counting and sorting his ingredients.
With his space ring, it was much easier to carry everything he needed—including bowls, utensils, and seasonings.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yuan and Liu Fang kept reading news updates about the martial arts college entrance exam, discussing the reforms and risks.
One night passed quickly.
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The Day of the Exam
At daybreak, Jiang Tian opened his eyes, washed up, and put on his inner armor and death-substitution bracelet.
As he left the house, his parents were already awake, sending him off.
At the front door, he saw Aunt Juan waiting in the car, with Xue Ruyan sitting inside.
After saying goodbye, Jiang Tian got in.
Since the No. 1 Test Site was far away, they left early to avoid delays.
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The First Glimpse of the Battlefield
As the car approached the test site, Jiang Tian saw it from a distance.
A thick metal wall stretched across the horizon—connected like an impenetrable fortress.
Compared to the Awakening Exam base, this was on a completely different level.
This was a true battlefield.
It was no wonder Starry Sky Gate had targeted Yue City's Awakening Assessment instead.
The difference in security levels was night and day.
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Security Checks
At the drop-off point, Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan got out of the car.
Aunt Juan couldn't go any further—they had to proceed on foot.
The first security checkpoint was simple—verifying their registration.
The second security checkpoint, however, was much stricter.
This was where students taking the exam alone had to undergo thorough identity verification.
Details such as grades, age, and personal records were checked against official databases.
Finally, they reached the locker rooms, where they changed into combat uniforms.
They also received their military medals, wearing them around their necks.
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A Medal with a Purpose
The military medal wasn't just for show.
It had a built-in formation with multiple functions:
Tracking location in case of emergencies
Recording kills by detecting alien auras
Logging military merit
As Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan entered the base, they saw the sheer scale of the exam preparations.
A vast space had been cleared inside the base, making room for the battle simulation.
Looking up, they saw Star Expedition Army soldiers patrolling the thick metal walls.
On the open square, heavily armed soldiers stood guard, while examiners moved between the school groups.
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Finding Their School Group
After scanning the area, Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan found the section for Yue City No. 14 Middle School and headed toward it.
Many students noticed them immediately.
As they approached, whispers spread through the crowd.
They had everyone's attention.
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Unwelcome Attention
After all, these were the top two candidates from Yue City's Awakening Exam.
Jiang Tian's flawless performance had left a lasting impression.
As he walked past, many students turned their heads—their gazes shifting toward the Bai siblings from No. 1 Middle School.
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Bad Memories Resurface
When Bai Zunren and Bai Zunli saw Jiang Tian and Xue Ruyan, their faces went pale.
Their expressions darkened instantly.
Clearly, they were remembering something unpleasant.
Something humiliating.
Something they wished they could forget.
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Jiang Tian Smirked.
"What's wrong? You don't look too happy to see me."