World's Condition

He leaned forward, his expression stern. "We need outstanding results this time. If we fall short, we may not secure the resources needed for the next batch of students."

"Yes, Fortunately. This time, we have many outstanding students who have awakened high-grade bloodlines and we may get great result this time" Teacher Tang said confidently.

"Among them, three have awakened superior-grade bloodlines, and five possess top-grade ones, with others having middle and low-grade bloodlines. I believe our performance will be exceptional this year."

Principal Zhang nodded, though his expression still remained serious. "It's great to see so many high-grade bloodline students this year. However, we must remain vigilant and not grow complacent. Our priority is to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for the challenges ahead."

Teacher Tang leaned forward slightly. "Sir, I believe exposing our students to real combat situations in the outer wilderness could be highly beneficial. Facing normal beasts and possibly even rank-one demon beasts would provide them with invaluable experience and a chance to test their skills in real-world conditions."

Principal Zhang stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm… an excellent suggestion, Teacher Tang. Practical combat experience is crucial for their growth. Sending them into the wild areas to battle normal beasts and low-grade demon beasts will push their limits and sharpen their abilities."

Teacher Tang nodded. "Absolutely. That sounds like a solid plan. We should held a meeting to finalize the details. Once the students have selected their cultivation techniques, we can move forward with the plan."

Principal Zhang's face broke into a satisfied smile.

"Good. Let's do it as you said."

Teacher Tang also smiled. He knew that the high-ranking bloodlines in his class had played a significant role in his recent promotion to Second Vice Principal of Northern High Academy.

At slum area Lu Shen house.....

After returning home, Lu Shen immediately immersed himself in training. He focused on practicing the Golden Body Technique, enduring the familiar burning pain as spiritual energy coursed through his skin, refining his physique with each session.

Hours passed. His body trembled from the from long practice, but finally, he achieved a minor breakthrough. His skin had toughened to the point where small weapons like knives could no longer harm him.

"Not again..." Lu Shen said in disgust, his brows furrowing as he noticed black liquid flowing from his pores. His body was expelling impurities once more.

With a sigh, he headed to the bathroom to wash away the filth.

After cleansing himself, he heard a familiar sound.

"Rumble, rumble."

His stomach growled in protest. Without hesitation, he prepared a simple meal and sat down to eat.

Once full, he resumed his training, shifting his focus to the Five Element Refinement Technique. As he guided his spiritual energy through his meridians, warmth spread throughout his body.

He concentrated on refining the fire and wood elements, channeling their energy to strengthen his bloodline before finally storing it within his dantian.

Finally, he practiced the Silent Breath Technique.

As he inhaled and exhaled in steady rhythm, a deep calm feeling wash over him. His awareness expanded, his body and mind sinking into perfect harmony.

With each breath, the world around him seemed to slow. His senses sharpened, allowing him to perceive the smallest details around him.

For the first time in a long while, Lu Shen felt a strange sense of clarity.

He was getting stronger.

And soon… the world would take notice.

----

"It's rare to find someone so hardworking and talented. Perhaps this time… we might finally have the chance to go there."

The Origin Bracelet sighed faintly as it gazed toward the sky from Lu Shen's sea of consciousness, its thoughts shrouded in mystery.

[Host: Lu Shen]

Beast Bloodline: Firewood Snake (Top Grade)

Warrior Realm: Refinement (17%) (Early Stage)

Age: 18

Race: Human

Strength: 140

Endurance: 100

Agility: 95

Luck: 30

Cultivation Techniques: Five Element Refinement Technique [Small Success] (10%), Golden Body Technique [Small Success] (6%), Silent Breath Technique [Small Success] (3%)

Skills: Stealth, Swift, Inferno Strike, Binding wood

Equipment: Origin Bracelet

---

At 9 AM, Lu Shen jolted awake, he was late!

He quickly freshened up, but as he moved, he couldn't help but feel surprised at the changes in his body.

When he first arrived on the Divine Beast Star, he had been weak and so thin that a strong wind could have blown him away.

But now…

His body was well-built, his muscles grown and mature. Most importantly, his appearance had transformed. He was now handsome, though not to an exaggerated degree, just enough to rival the idols from his previous life.

"Oh no! I'll be late if I keep standing here!"

Cursing under his breath, he hurriedly got dressed, grabbed his things, and rushed toward the academy.

"No time to visit the Origin Land today" he thought as he dashed out. "Even though time stops there, i will still feel tired… and I can't afford to be sluggish in class."

As Lu Shen stepped into the elite students' classroom, he scanned the room. Around 15 to 20 students had already arrived, chatting in small groups. Avoiding unnecessary attention, he made his way to the back, choosing a seat by the window.

The classroom buzzed with excitement.

"Have you heard? They say the academy's graduation test will be held in the wilderness!"

"Yeah, I heard the same rumor!"

"But isn't it dangerous out in the wild!!"

"What's there to be afraid of? We're all in the Refinement Realm already. We'll only be facing low-level monsters."

Lu Shen listened silently, his expression unreadable.

"It will be dangerous… but I'm already stronger than normal beasts and monsters."

Suddenly, the classroom door burst open with a loud thud!

A sharp silence fell over the students as Teacher Tang stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the room.

"Students...."

Teacher Tang stood before the students, his gaze sweeping across the class.

"As you all know, the graduation test is fast approaching. It is important that you all choose your cultivation techniques wisely."

He paused before continuing, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "Some of you may have heard rumors. Well, they're somewhat true. This year, the academy has decided to conduct trials in the wilderness, where even rank-one beasts roam."

A murmur spread among the students.

"Teacher, isn't that dangerous for us?" one student asked nervously.

Teacher Tang chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll be in groups of four, and rank-two beasts are rarely found in those areas. As long as you're cautious, there won't be any real danger."

The class filled with students excitement.

"There will also be a ranking system" Teacher Tang continued.

"Your performance will be tracked using the Void Watch, which records the monsters you defeat. The top ten students will receive rewards based on their rankings."

He listed the prizes:

10th to 7th place: Ten Low-Level Qi Gathering Pills each.

6th to 4th place: Ten Mid-Level Qi Gathering Pills each.

3rd place: Ten Mid-Level Qi Gathering Pills and One Top-Level Qi Gathering Pill.

2nd place: Ten Mid-Level Qi Gathering Pills and Five Top-Level Qi Gathering Pills.

1st place: A special reward from the principal himself.

The class erupted into discussions.

"What kind of reward do you think first place will get?"

"I'm claiming that spot, just you wait!"

"Get real! With three superior-grade bloodlines in the mix, we don't stand a chance at the top three."

"Maybe, but what about fourth place? That's still up for grabs."

"Forget it. Tangsu Ming is already at Intermediate Refinement Realm. The top four are as good as taken."

"Damn, that rich kid? He's probably been popping Qi Gathering Pills like candy."

"Yeah… we better aim for the lower ranks. The competition will be fierce."

Teacher Tang's voice cut through the noise.

"That's enough! In two days, report to the academy gates at 7 AM sharp. If you haven't chosen your cultivation techniques, visit the library today. If you already have them, go home and prepare!"

With that, he walk out of the classroom.

---

As the students left, Tangsu Ming sat at the back, surrounded by his followers.

"Boss, the wilderness trial is going to be intense" his lackey, Chu Chu, said eagerly.

"We can get some serious rewards if we place high!"

Tangsu Ming smirked. "It's more than just about rewards. Making a name for myself here could secure my admission to a top university."

"Do you have a plan?"

"I do" Tangsu Ming said confidently. "Help me claim the top spot, and I'll share my rewards with you. What do you say?"

Chu Chu's eyes gleamed with greed. "Boss, we'd do anything for you! We're lucky to have such a wise leader."

Tangsu Ming grinned. "You know how to talk. Let's celebrate at the nightclub."

As they prepared to leave, another lackey hesitated. "Boss… what about the superior bloodline girls? And what about Wang Wei from Class A?"

Tangsu Ming waved a dismissive hand. "Forget about Wang Wei. He's already secured a place in a top university, he won't participate. As for that abandoned girl, she's nothing special. Even if she's strong, we can handle her. The rest aren't worth worrying about."

He smirked, his eyes glowing with confidence as he led his lackeys out of the academy.

---

Lu Shen entered the academy library, where countless books lined the towering shelves. Then he went to the library counter to obtain cultivation techniques because he was cautious about drawing suspicion if his strength were to increase without proper source techniques.

"Sir, I'd like to receive my cultivation technique" he said to the librarian, a middle-aged man with graying hair.

"ID" the librarian said.

Lu Shen retrieved his academy ID, handing it over. The librarian scanned it, then retrieved a data chip.

"You can select from techniques from this stored information in this chip"

However, Lu Shen only needed a for technique disguise only. So he politely asked for suggested cultivation techniques.

"Smart kid, take this chip, this chip contains techniques suited for your fire-element bloodline. Insert it into the headset, and the information will be transmitted directly to your brain. It's one-time use only, and remember, sharing it is illegal. If you do, the government will come after you."

Techniques were strictly controlled by the government, and unauthorized distribution was a crime.

Lu Shen nodded.

"Understood. Thank you, sir."

Of course, he had no intention of using the technique. He already possessed far superior ones. Instead, he stored the chip inside his Origin Bracelet, leaving it untouched.

Next, he made his way to the world history and geography section.

For three hours, Lu Shen ready many books and maps, gradually piecing together the world's current state.

The Divine beast star resemble Earth, but after the cataclysmic events of 2081 AD, continents had shifted, and civilizations had merged. His current location, Azure Cloud Stronghold, was primarily inhabited by Asian descendants.

"No wonder I haven't seen many foreigners here. But once I leave, I'm sure I'll encounter people from all over."

The planet was divided into four main continents, each dominated by different bloodline warriors:

West Continent → Wing-Type Bloodline Warriors held power.

East Continent → Dragon & Beast-Type Bloodline Warriors ruled.

North Continent → Weapon-Type Bloodline Warriors & Technology Users dominated.

South Continent → Sea & Water-Type Bloodline Warriors controlled the region.

As for universities, each continent had one top academy, making up the Top Four Universities of Divine beast star. The military operated smaller academies but remained a global force ranked fifth in power.

Despite territorial divisions, humanity remained united against demon beasts, with only 10% of the planet being habitable due to ongoing conflicts with demon beasts.

Lu Shen closed the book, deep in thought.

"So this is the world I live in now… If I can't get into one of the top four universities, I'll consider joining the military as a soldier."

---

Lu Shen wandered through the rows of books, his eyes scanning the shelves for anything useful. As he reached for a book, he noticed a girl on the other side of the library, her gaze shifting between the titles as if searching for something.