The next few months passed in a blur of study.
With Lin Ran's arc coming to an end, Feng Qi's first priority became gaining admission to Old Day Academy.
At the same time, Domain Studies played a crucial role in shaping his future plans.
In a previous war timeline, his inability to read Psionic Race's script had cost him valuable intelligence.
Such situations were bound to happen again in the future.
To prevent similar setbacks, Feng Qi dedicated himself to deepening his understanding of Domain Studies.
During these months, every day was fulfilling.
Apart from meals, nearly all his time was spent studying. Occasionally, he would contact Gu Ke for updates on the Crimson Research Institute.
He also held detailed discussions with Tiger Soul Research Institute's leadership regarding Star City's future.
Since this was not a war timeline, Star City had no need to take reckless risks—development became the top priority.
For now, the truth would not be revealed to the citizens.
However, it would not be entirely concealed either.
According to Tiger Soul's current director, they would subtly instill an awareness of looming dangers while discreetly accumulating strength for future uncertainties.
In other words, Star City was about to follow a vastly different path of growth.
Without interference from factions like the Night Shadow Clan, the Mist Lord, the Domain Weak Tribe Alliance, or the Silver Moon Clan, Star City's development would finally be under control.
Perhaps, when he returned 1,500 years into the future, Star City would still be standing.
Feng Qi looked forward to that possibility.
For now, Tiger Soul's director would handle negotiations with various forces within the city.
Feng Qi did not involve himself too much—his focus remained on studying.
At last, after six months, the entrance exam for Old Day Academy arrived.
The test was divided into three rounds, each held on separate days.
The first round was conducted remotely via video communication, where candidates answered questions under real-time monitoring.
The surveillance system tracked all behavior, while the city's regulatory system cross-referenced IP locations and set up network firewalls to prevent examinees from searching for answers online.
—
Early in the morning, after finishing breakfast, Feng Qi made his way to his study room.
Ten minutes before the exam began, he sat at his desk, activated the screen, and launched the exam software.
A countdown timer appeared at the center of the screen.
In the bottom-right corner, a red activation icon for video monitoring awaited confirmation.
Feng Qi enabled the video feed, and the red icon turned green.
Since his personal information had already been pre-registered, there was no need to resubmit any documents.
As soon as the countdown reached zero, the exam interface expanded from the center outward, revealing the first set of questions.
—
Domain Studies Entrance Exam (First Round):
Question 1 (Multiple Choice):
Every graduate of Old Day Academy receives a ceremonial sword. What does it symbolize?
A: "This sword represents the power to destroy anyone who disagrees with me!"
B: "To master knowledge is to wield the Sword of Truth."
C: "It is the academy's blessing—that each graduate may become humanity's blade, carving a path for the future."
D: "The Sword of War, bestowed upon those who will march to the frontlines."
—
Question 2 (Multiple Choice):
Why has humanity not attempted to prevent war with domain creatures through diplomacy?
A: "Differences in language, script, and customs have made it impossible to establish proper communication, so diplomacy was never an option."
B: "Humanity is actively trying to communicate with domain forces to avoid war."
C: "Between races, diplomacy means nothing—power is the only language that matters. Strengthening humanity is far more effective than building fragile communication bridges."
D: "Attempts at diplomacy were made, but history has proven that negotiation cannot solve humanity's crisis. Only through our own growth can we ensure survival."
—
Question 3 (Multiple Choice):
What is the origin of Domain Studies?
A: "During the early Great Cataclysm, conventional technological weapons failed against domain fields due to differing laws of reality. In response, humanity began imitating domain creatures, learning how to absorb Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy, which laid the foundation for Domain Studies."
B: "Humans began researching domain creatures, attempting to harness the energy crystals within their bodies to create Rune Warriors."
C: Star City, Victory City
D: Old Day City, Winter City, Future City
Before the exam, Feng Qi had already reviewed the Old Day Academy's past entrance exam questions.
Compared to the upcoming rounds, the first round was relatively easy, covering only fundamental concepts of Domain Studies.
It included questions on the birth of Domain Studies, the Father of Domain Studies, and other historical aspects.
The first round mainly tested historical knowledge, requiring candidates to understand the origins, development, and current state of Domain Studies.
Feng Qi had already studied these topics in depth before the exam, making the answering process smooth without any hesitation.
Once the multiple-choice section ended, the difficulty increased.
The first advanced question combined historical and domain knowledge:
Question: Which was the first domain language deciphered by humans? Describe this race in detail, including the total number of characters, unique racial traits, and at least one faction that shares their script.
After a moment of thought, Feng Qi began typing his response.
Over the past year, the Crimson Research Institute had crafted a detailed study plan for him, compiling key topics based on past exams.
The basic test posed no challenge—all the questions fell within his knowledge scope.
The exam had a two-hour time limit, but Feng Qi finished in under an hour.
Before submitting, he carefully reviewed his answers.
After confirming everything was correct, he clicked "Submit".
The exam interface collapsed into a single line of text:
[First round: Basic Test Passed. The next round will be held in person, with proctors assigned from each city. Specific time and location details will be announced in three days. Candidates should prepare in advance.]
The system graded the test immediately.
Feng Qi expected to pass.
Test anxiety often stemmed from self-doubt, a lack of confidence in one's knowledge.
But after a year of dedicated study, Feng Qi was certain—he would pass Old Day Academy's entrance exam.
Closing the exam window, he stood up.
Moving to his bookshelf, he selected new study materials on Domain Studies.
His journey of learning continued.
The sea of knowledge was boundless.
His body would perish, but the knowledge he acquired would remain forever imprinted in the main timeline's mind, becoming fuel for another version of himself, a source of strength.
—
By midday, after finishing his morning study session, Feng Qi decided not to eat at Tiger Soul Research Institute.
He planned to return to Star City Academy.
His next phase of planning required Mu Qing's assistance.
Aside from studying Domain Studies, this timeline's mission also included gathering intelligence on the Psionic Race.
But infiltrating the Psionic Race was far beyond his individual capabilities.
His status as a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Medal might hold influence over weaker domain factions, but it meant nothing to a powerhouse like the Psionic Race.
Even if he intentionally exposed vulnerabilities, the Psionic Race would not reach out to him.
There was only one way to draw their attention.
That was through Mist Lord.
Among the Psionic Race's recruitment targets, Mist Lord ranked at the top.
If Feng Qi could bind himself to Mist Lord, then when the Psionic Race eventually reached out, he could use his relationship with Mist Lord to infiltrate their ranks.
However, this plan was far from perfect and was riddled with uncertainties.
Building a strong bond with Mist Lord wouldn't be difficult—he had already learned from past timelines.
The real challenge was convincing Mist Lord to join the Psionic Race.
Through years of experience, Feng Qi knew Mist Lord's personality well—he would never submit to another race.
His ambitions for dominance made it impossible for him to serve under anyone, much less become someone's pawn.
Convincing him to accept the Psionic Race's offer would be extremely difficult.
The only approach was persistent persuasion.
This was why Feng Qi returned to Star City Academy—to discuss the plan with Mu Qing.
Mu Qing would play the villain, while he would act as the good guy in front of Mist Lord.
Thinking about how he was once again setting up his close friend, Feng Qi sighed internally.
This was fate.
He would have to repay this debt another time.
—
As he reminisced, another figure crossed his mind—Little Suction Cup.
He had too many unresolved debts in too many timelines.
For now, he could only let them accumulate.
At his current level, he simply had no way to repay them.
For instance, he had once promised Suction Cup that he would avenge her someday.
But now, thinking about Little Black's true strength, he realized—it was nothing more than a fantasy.
—
Lost in thought, Feng Qi's car arrived at Star City Academy's main gate.
Stepping out, he was greeted by a towering twenty-meter-high stone monument.
Four powerful words were carved in bold, flowing script:
STAR CITY ACADEMY.
Feng Qi looked around, feeling a mix of familiarity and nostalgia.
Thinking back, he realized it had been nearly a full year since he last set foot here.
Even Bai Fusheng believed he had been spending all his time at Tiger Soul Research Institute, working tirelessly on new cultivation techniques. The old man had been fully supportive of his efforts.
As he stepped toward the academy's entrance, the guards at the gate immediately recognized him, opening the door without any questions.
Beyond the gate, a marble-paved pathway led deeper into the campus, flanked on both sides by bronze statues.
Each statue represented a distinguished graduate who had made significant contributions to humanity. The inscriptions beneath their feet detailed their achievements and battlefield experiences.
Compared to his last visit, he noticed several new statues along the path.
These were the newest additions—students who had fallen on the frontlines over the past year.
Further ahead, he passed a lotus pond.
It was April, and the lotuses had yet to bloom. The pond was covered in a dense layer of green leaves, with buds swaying gently in the breeze.
Along the way, many students greeted him.
Feng Qi nodded and smiled in response.
Some of the newer students, uncertain of his identity, simply mimicked their peers, calling out:
"Hello, Professor Feng!"
The confusion in their eyes was obvious—they had no idea who he was.
As he walked deeper into the academy, he was surrounded by vibrant life and youthful energy.
Before these students would go on to fight on the frontlines or immerse themselves in grueling research, they were truly fortunate.
Here, they enjoyed free, high-quality meals, state-of-the-art research facilities, and the best instructors humanity could offer.
But with these privileges came responsibility—they carried the future of humanity on their shoulders.
Right now, they were like flowers thriving in a greenhouse.
Once they graduated, they would have to bloom in the wild.
The harsh reality awaiting them would be merciless, especially for those heading to the frontlines—where death would forever lurk beside them.
Every year, Star City Academy's major events received full external support, with organizations scrambling to be involved.
This included the academy's annual gala.
The business elite understood something important—
The students sitting in the audience today would be the pillars of humanity's future.
In an era where entertainment took a backseat to survival, heroes reigned supreme.
—
By the time Feng Qi reached the cafeteria, lunch was already halfway over.
But many students, like him, had just arrived.
Walking toward the food counter, he picked up a tray and loaded it with food before heading toward the northern corner of the cafeteria.
There, in a familiar spot, a certain someone was devouring her food with immense satisfaction.
Even after Feng Qi and Lin Ran had left, Mu Qing was clearly not alone.
Sitting with her were Lü Yue, Monk Hui Xu, Yang Xiaoxin, Xu Hongyun, and several others.
The moment they spotted Feng Qi, they all froze in surprise.
"Damn, Qi-ge! I thought you were holed up at Tiger Soul Research Institute and would never come back!"
Yan Yue immediately stood up, throwing a playful punch at Feng Qi's chest.
Amidst their excited chatter, Feng Qi sat down at the table.
At that moment, Mu Qing looked up, her gaze meeting his.
Compared to the others, Feng Qi and Mu Qing still maintained some contact over the past year—mostly regarding missions.
For example, she had participated in the attack on the Night Shadow Clan.
Sharing a knowing smile, Feng Qi turned his attention to his food, digging in.
Throughout lunch, the table was buzzing with conversation, with people constantly asking what he had been up to lately.
The lively atmosphere made him feel as if he had been pulled back into their circle.
Through multiple timelines, Feng Qi had forged deep bonds with them.
No matter which timeline he traveled, these people would always be by his side.
They were the founding members of Breaking Dawn.
—
After lunch, they stayed behind to chat for a while before finally dispersing.
When the group left, only Feng Qi and Mu Qing remained at the table.
As he watched Mu Qing stuffing her cheeks with food, Feng Qi couldn't help but think of Suction Cup.
Mu Qing's munching habits were adorably clumsy.
But her abilities were far from clumsy.
Back then, while sitting by the lake outside the dorms, he had realized—Mu Qing's mind was far more mature than her appearance suggested.
In fact, she had understood certain truths even better than he had at the time.
It was through Mu Qing's words that he truly grasped the depths of the Scavenger's hatred toward Domain Creatures.
—
"Qi-ge, whatever it is, just say it. I'll help you."
Swallowing her food, Mu Qing looked up, her expression serious.
Feng Qi took a deep breath.
"Once I pass the entrance exams and officially enter Old Day Academy, I plan to make a move on Mist Lord. I'll need your help when the time comes."
"No problem."
Mu Qing nodded without hesitation before asking curiously:
"How badly do you want him hurt? Seriously injured? Half-crippled? Completely disabled? I just don't want to overdo it and accidentally kill him."
Feng Qi smirked.
"Doesn't matter—just beat him senseless. My brother's got a freakishly strong life force. Even if he dies, he'll just come back to life. His fate is ridiculously stubborn."