Today marks the official commencement of Ling Xian's first year at high school.
The path of cultivation has permeated the academic systems of Daxia and indeed the entire world.
Yet not everyone possesses the physical constitution for cultivation—true cultivators are born with unblocked meridians....
Ling Xian had already awakened and completed his morning preparations.
His school uniform, delivered via technological transport, lay neatly folded on his bed.
He scrutinized the design details:
First, the crew-neck shirt, adorned with black patterns and the school crest on the left chest;
Next, the uniform jacket and trousers, paired with white sneakers.
Ling Xian appreciated the school's dedication to the uniform, which embodied an indescribable level of refinement.
Finally, the word "Genius" embroidered on the back.
He fully understood the reasoning behind it.
The design originated from ancient execution robes worn by those sentenced to death, mostly for heresy or beheading.
The state thus preserved the traditional style.
Ling Xian could at least appreciate that.
...
The journey from Ling Xian's home to Academy 73 at Phoenix Ridge Taoist High School required roughly ten thousand li by spirit carriage. On foot, it would add another forty thousand li.
But Ling Xian had long grown accustomed to such distances. Having mastered long-distance running without breathlessness since childhood, a mere fifty thousand li was child's play for him.
He jogged along the route, reaching the school gates in under ten minutes, arriving just as the class bell rang.
Stepping through the open gates, he truly grasped the school's monumental scale.
A hundred-and-fifty-story edifice towered before him, while gathered students buzzed with excitement:
"Can't believe I got into this school! It's mind-blowing!"
"Absolutely!"
Near the entrance, several council members kept watch.
Among them were Director Qi and Principal Huang Ruchen.
Huang Ruchen snorted coldly: "Speaking of which... heard someone scored an A+++ on yesterday's 2D placement exam?"
A department head nodded: "Correct. Apparently a system glitch. The student's name is Ling Xian."
Principal Huang's eyes sharpened: "Ling Xian? Hmm... This freshman class is quite interesting..."
Director Qi and the other directors: "... " Is this a fucking foreshadow?!
Ling Xian overheard the conversation and sighed inwardly. Now, he had successfully caught the attention of all the directors, including the principal!
Damn it!
He activated a spell. It was the Four Thousand Eternal Power from the Galaxy Condensation series: the Invincibility Spell.
This spell was not only immensely powerful but also supremely efficient. Even the world's most advanced software couldn't detect its user, let alone leave fingerprints.
Not to mention its ability to turn danger into safety...
Thus, Ling Xian arrived at the classroom silently, unnoticed by any of the deans.
Had he been discovered, he would have become the center of everyone's attention...
...
The beginner and apprentice classes were located on the first floor, along with other classes. The genius class occupied the second floor, while higher floors housed only faculty lounges and offices.
The genius class was actually divided into two sections: Class 1-A and Class 1-B, each with its own classroom and dedicated instructor.
The men's and women's restrooms stood side by side at the end of the corridor.
The entire academy's rules and spatial layout were clearly discernible.
The courses Ling Xian and his classmates were about to study would occupy their time for four months and a half.
As they gradually transitioned into the second semester, they would progressively learn more advanced spells for practical daily use.
Though most spells were profound and difficult to master, Ling Xian had already mastered them all in his previous life.
These incantations posed no challenge to him, yet he must still attend school daily, feigning ignorance and maintaining mediocre grades until graduation.
In short: blend in.
Self-introductions were always Ling Xian's most detested task, yet this awkwardness could not be avoided.
Before the teacher entered, a boy named Hao Zhen stepped to the podium: "Hello, everyone! How about we introduce ourselves? At least get to know each other first!"
Su Xinyi chirped excitedly, "Awesome! I'm super curious about all of you!"
Deep down, she only wanted to learn more about Ling Xian.
"Alright, I'll go first."
"My name is Hao Zhen! You can call me Little Mochi too... I'm on the Cultivation Soccer Team, have tons of hobbies! I especially love reading... super love it. I also have a pet owl named Dandan!"
Applause filled the room. So adorable.
Next was Zhao Ming. He stood up and patted his chest. "My name is Zhao Ming! I'm both the school's sports representative and an athlete—born into the ancient Zhao martial arts clan, and I even spent two years as a monk!"
"Whoa! A monk?"
"Holy crap!"
Applause erupted in waves.
When it was Su Xinyi's turn,
she rose gracefully, sending nosebleeds cascading down the boys' faces.
"I'm Su Xinyi! The heiress of Qionghua Meteor River Corporation! I love writing, journaling, yoga, and studying! I'm also passionate about honing my sword skills!"
"Wow, she speaks so elegantly and beautifully!"
"Goddess!"
The crowd applauded.
Hao Zhen wiped his bleeding nose and cleared his throat: "Ahem... Next?"
Ling Xian was engrossed in reading Wang Xuandi's cultivation novel when Hao Zhen pointed at him: "You! Introduce yourself too! Let us get to know you better."
Ling Xian sighed, knowing evasion was impossible now.
He hurriedly stood up: "...My name is Ling Xian, from the Ling family. No particular hobbies... just enjoy reading..."
One person clapped, the others followed suit.
"This guy seems quiet."
"Nice to meet you Ling!"
"Probably won't have much of a reputation here."
"Agreed!"
Su Xinyi was already flushed crimson and looked away. "Waaah! That voice is way too seductive! But he seems so distant..."
Ling Xian: "..." Shouldn't have spoken up...