Chapter 15: When Senior Sister Joins In

Jiang Changkong: Peak Stellar Qi

Low-grade, lower-tier martial arts:

Bronze Skin Iron Bone Technique: Perfected 28/32000

Tai Chi Fist Scripture: 10/32000

Essence: 13120

Looking at the data, Jiang Changkong was filled with anticipation.

Once he joined the Martial Arts School, he would undoubtedly be a top student.

As for Gu Xiaoyu, he had actually quieted down.

But that was fine—it meant he could earn a bit more.

Should he save this Essence to upgrade the Tai Chi Fist Scripture or the Bronze Skin Iron Bone Technique?

Or should he learn a new martial art?

“For now, I’ll just wait and see.”

Jiang Changkong pondered for a moment but couldn’t make a decision right away.

He slept until dawn, woke up, went out for a meal, and collected last night’s reward—1800 points.

Then he wandered around the bookstore district, choosing only small shops.

Whenever he had time these past few days, he would browse bookstores.

Not to read or gain knowledge, but purely to repay Ji Ziling and appreciate the books with her.

Luckily, he had already found two.

Like the previous one, both had yellowed pages and were quite old.

It was a pity this wasn’t his past life; otherwise, he could have gotten a whole pile.

Enough for Ji Ziling to appreciate for three years without a problem!

Returning home, he carefully stored the books he had found and continued practicing his fist techniques.

He practiced until evening, rested until the agreed-upon time, and headed to the school.

As usual, he passed easily and left alone.

Stepping out of the Martial Arts School, Jiang Changkong instinctively frowned.

His sharp senses detected someone watching him and secretly following.

Could it be Gu Xiaoyu again?

Lost in thought, he quickened his pace.

However, the person in the shadows also sped up.

It wasn’t Gu Xiaoyu.

Jiang Changkong was certain it wasn’t him. Gu Xiaoyu didn’t have the skill to keep up.

Darting into an alley, he headed for the same flower bed, but just as he was about to hide, the person in the shadows accelerated again.

Whoosh, whoosh

The rapid movement stirred the wind, unusually clear in the quiet night.

A formidable aura approached from behind.

Jiang Changkong’s expression tightened. He spun around abruptly, raising his palm.

A faint Taiji Diagram materialized, meeting the incoming strike.

Bang

Their palms collided. The Taiji Diagram rotated, deflecting a faint red glow to the side, followed by a tremendous force surging outward.

“Taiji?”

A soft exclamation of surprise echoed as the figure slid back, red light flickering in their palm before being flung aside.

Bang

Starlight descended, shattering the ground and sending debris flying.

“No, Taiji Fist doesn’t have this kind of power. What are you practicing?”

A young man looked at Jiang Changkong with curiosity.

“Attacking in the dark—what are your intentions?”

Jiang Changkong’s expression darkened. Was it him?

This person was one of the two who had chased Zhou Wen and even compensated with a Star Stone.

Now he was here—was this fate?

He couldn’t discern this person’s cultivation level.

Being able to easily deflect his Taiji Fist force, coupled with having chased Zhou Wen, this person was definitely not a Stellar Qi Martial Artist.

He was likely a Nebula Martial Artist, though not a top-tier one.

Jiang Changkong could sense a threatening aura but felt he still had a chance to win.

“My intentions? Shouldn’t I be asking you about yours?”

The young man sneered. “I’m Zhang Tao, a student of the Martial Arts School.”

“Hmm?” Jiang Changkong’s heart skipped a beat. Had his actions been exposed?

Zhang Tao said calmly, “You’ve been helping people pass the exams lately and made quite a bit, haven’t you?”

Jiang Changkong’s expression remained unchanged as he replied calmly, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You don’t understand? Then let me tell you, only three people are recorded by the school each time they pass the assessment. I wonder if you can understand that?”

Zhang Tao said coldly, “Brother, you really have great skill and even greater nerve. You can even erase the school’s network data. I’m impressed.”

Jiang Changkong: “…”

If I had that ability, I’d be rich by now.

Do you think I’m a hacker?

A hacker who can infiltrate a Martial Arts School and alter data?

Seeing him remain silent, Zhang Tao thought he had intimidated him and spoke up:

“As long as you hand over the rewards you’ve recently obtained and give me the martial skill you just used, I promise not to say a word. How about it?”

Jiang Changkong looked at him coldly: “Do you think I could infiltrate the Martial Arts School’s network without someone backing me?”

Zhang Tao’s pupils contracted. Footsteps sounded from behind again: “Senior Zhang Tao, I’m here.”

“Gu Xiaoyu, don’t come any closer. Step back for now.”

Zhang Tao’s expression turned cold, starlight glowing on his body: “In that case, I can’t let you live.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he stomped his foot, cracking the ground.

Zhang Tao’s body shot forward, leaving an afterimage in his original spot.

Red light shimmered, the temperature rose, and Star Power gathered in his palm, forming a small fireball.

“Just the chance to learn from a senior!”

Jiang Changkong snorted coldly, showing no fear in the face of Star Cloud Level Zhang Tao.

Taiji opening stance, a faint Taiji Diagram manifested.

Hum

The fireball descended, the Taiji Diagram trembled slightly and began spinning rapidly. A force of utmost softness radiated, causing the fireball to veer to the side.

His steps were light, showing no visible exertion, but the Power Runes and Star Power within his body were boiling.

“Die!”

Zhang Tao’s face darkened, the red light in his palm intensifying.

The Taiji Diagram trembled violently, showing signs of cracking.

Crack

The sound of shattering echoed as the Taiji Diagram finally gave way, dissipating into the night sky.

Jiang Changkong’s expression remained unchanged. Allowing the palm strike to land on him, he threw a punch.

Zhang Tao’s palm strike continued unabated, striking Jiang Changkong squarely on the chest.

Clang

It felt as if he had struck steel, a tremendous force rebounding outward.

At that moment, Jiang Changkong’s punch also landed on Zhang Tao.

“This is…”

Zhang Tao’s face changed drastically, a faint unease stirring in his heart.

Boom

A force of utmost hardness erupted—a punch that combined Power Runes and Star Power.

Thud

Splat

Blood sprayed. Under the impact of the immense force, Zhang Tao flew backward like a tattered sandbag.

Crashing heavily to the ground, Zhang Tao vomited another mouthful of blood but sprang back to his feet.

Wiping the blood away, Zhang Tao’s face turned as pale as paper: “Did you hide an alloy steel plate on your body?”

It was no wonder Zhang Tao suspected this. Even the school’s Iron Shirt technique, which uses Star Power circulation, couldn’t have blocked his palm strike.

Martial skills were ruled out immediately.

That left an alloy steel plate hidden on his body.

“Since I’m doing this, I have to be fully prepared, right?”

Jiang Changkong’s chest burned with pain, but he endured it, acting as if nothing was wrong: “Now it’s my turn, senior.”

With that, Jiang Changkong stepped with an arcane footwork, Taiji manifesting.

Each step, a Taiji!

Yin-yang fish swirled around his palm. Outwardly, it appeared supremely soft, but inside, it was incomparably hard.

“Let’s go.”

Zhang Tao’s expression turned cold. Grabbing Gu Xiaoyu, he leaped away.

“Senior?” Gu Xiaoyu was stunned. Were they running away already?

“He’s carrying an alloy steel plate. Once I retrieve my weapon, I’ll come back to kill him.”

Zhang Tao whispered.

If it were just the steel plate, it might be manageable, but with Taiji dispersing the force, he couldn’t penetrate the alloy.

Unless he used a weapon.

Jiang Changkong, however, was unwilling to let him go. He dashed forward in pursuit. Having taken a punch from him while carrying a burden, did he still think he could escape?

He wouldn’t kill Zhang Tao, but he had to deliver a heavy blow, one that would leave him bedridden for half a month.

This could also be considered avenging Senior Zhou Wen.

“How dare you…”

Seeing Jiang Changkong give chase, Zhang Tao’s expression darkened, and he couldn’t help but roar in anger.

“Why wouldn’t I dare?” Jiang Changkong sneered. At full speed, he had already surpassed the severely injured Zhang Tao.

He advanced and threw a punch. The fist wind remained gentle, like a spring breeze.

“Get lost!”

Zhang Tao roared angrily, releasing Gu Xiaoyu and striking out with a palm.

“Senior, I’ll help you.” Seizing the opportunity, Gu Xiaoyu threw a punch toward Jiang Changkong’s abdomen.

As the fist landed, the Taiji rotated, and the red light was gradually worn away, scattering countless sparks.

Unfortunately, the Taiji Diagram was too weak and couldn’t completely dissipate the force, shattering once again.

However, the explosive power of its fierce strength was unleashed.

Boom!

Zhang Tao staggered backward, retreating repeatedly.

Thud!

Splat!

Gu Xiaoyu’s punch landed, and the recoil sent him flying sideways. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he was already injured.

Jiang Changkong paused briefly but remained unharmed. He ignored Gu Xiaoyu entirely and strode toward Zhang Tao.

Gu Xiaoyu was such a weakling that even without fighting back, he couldn’t harm Jiang Changkong.

Jiang Changkong quickly closed in on Zhang Tao.

No words, only fists.

Hand Strums the Lute!

A faint Taiji Diagram reappeared, leaving Zhang Tao with no choice but to face it.

Bang!

Blood sprayed once again as Zhang Tao staggered back several steps.

Jiang Changkong pressed Zhang Tao relentlessly, executing the Twenty-Four Forms of Taiji Fist, one punch seamlessly following another.

Splat!

Blood continued to spurt as Zhang Tao retreated repeatedly.

All he felt inside was humiliation—he was actually being beaten up like this.

And the person doing it hadn’t even reached the Star Cloud Level!

How could he not tell that Jiang Changkong was only at the peak stellar qi?

Moreover, he wasn’t at the extreme limit of the peak, infinitely close to the Star Cloud Level.

He had only just stepped into the peak!

But this guy was wearing alloy plates, and with Taiji dispersing the force, Zhang Tao couldn’t break through his defense!

Watching Zhang Tao spurt mouthfuls of blood, looking utterly wretched, Gu Xiaoyu panicked.

The senior he had invited was being beaten like a dog. What should he do next?

Take advantage of the distraction and run?

If he did, Zhang Tao would kill him later.

In an instant, Gu Xiaoyu made a decision and lunged directly at Jiang Changkong.

Even if he ended up half-dead, it was better than earning Zhang Tao’s hatred.

Seeing Gu Xiaoyu pounce, Jiang Changkong paid no attention.

A weakling who couldn’t break his defense—he only needed to deal with Zhang Tao.

Boom!

Another punch landed, and Zhang Tao spat blood again. He could barely stand steady now.

Just as Jiang Changkong was about to continue his assault, he felt a sudden weight as his legs were tightly clamped by another pair of legs.

His neck was also wrapped up as Gu Xiaoyu clung to him like an octopus, shouting, “Senior, attack his face!”

He might have alloy plates on his body, but not on his face, right?

“Well done, Xiaoyu! Hold him off. I’ll go get help.”

Zhang Tao’s face lit up with joy as he supported his severely injured body and swiftly fled.

Gu Xiaoyu: “…”

Senior, this isn’t how the script goes.

You’re running away?

Jiang Changkong directly grabbed Gu Xiaoyu’s wrist, exerted force, and flung him off his back.

Thud!

Like a sandbag, Gu Xiaoyu crashed to the ground, his entire body in excruciating pain.

Jiang Changkong looked down at him, his eyes indifferent and cold. “I let you off last time when you were tailing me.”

“I… I’m a student of the Martial Arts School. The school isn’t far from here. The senior has already gone to get help…”

“D-don’t come any closer.”

Gu Xiaoyu stared at him in terror, scrambling backward repeatedly.

Jiang Changkong frowned, throwing a single punch: “Then, lie down for half a month.”

Thud

The punch landed on his abdomen. The intense pain contorted his face, his eyes bulged, his mouth gaped wide, but no sound came out.

One punch left him breathless.

After delivering the punch, Jiang Changkong quickly walked away.

Just as Gu Xiaoyu had said, this place wasn’t far from the Martial Arts School.

Zhang Tao had already run off. If he stayed any longer and Zhang Tao brought reinforcements, escaping would be impossible.

Dealing with Zhang Tao and Gu Xiaoyu was manageable, but facing the Martial Arts School, even a Star Sea Martial Artist would be brought to their knees.

Besides, he planned to join the Martial Arts School in the future.

Following his previous method, he used other buildings for cover before cautiously returning home.

Once home, he first took off his clothes and examined his chest.

A fiery red palm print remained, still stinging with pain.

After tidying up, he took out his phone.

Now that he was exposed, he couldn’t act tomorrow. He needed to notify Li Qiuchuan.

Unfortunately, Li Qiuchuan hadn’t passed the college entrance exam yet. He’d help him after joining the school.

Tonight’s fight was a stroke of luck—Zhang Tao hadn’t brought a weapon.

If he had, Jiang Changkong would have been finished today.

After notifying Li Qiuchuan, Jiang Changkong finally went to sleep.

Tomorrow, he’d go find Ji Ziling. This matter had escalated.

If the Martial Arts School really investigated, they’d definitely trace it back to him.

One fewer person in the assessment records, but there were surveillance cameras inside the assessment tower.

He only knew Taiji Fist. Over a dozen people all using the same fist technique? With nearly identical strength?

Even a fool would know something was off. Moreover, the golden temporary pass in his possession was clearly unusual.

Ji Ziling had been so kind to him; he couldn’t cause trouble for her.

Early the next morning, Jiang Changkong received a message from Li Qiuchuan:

“I’ll follow your arrangements. I’ll halt all activities on my end. I’ll find a way to give you yesterday’s rewards.”

Jiang Changkong breathed a sigh of relief. Carrying the two books he’d acquired, he headed to Yingji Clinic.

The clinic was quiet, with no unexpected incidents.

Ji Ziling was once again immersed in her critical endeavors.

“Hey, brother, what brings you here today?”

This time, as soon as he entered, Ji Ziling noticed him, her gaze fixed intently on the old books in his hands.

“Dr. Ji…”

Ji Ziling: “Call me brother. Why so formal?”

“Alright, brother, I’m here to apologize.”

Jiang Changkong forced a smile and sat down in front of her.

“Apologize?”

Ji Ziling was taken aback, then glared at him: “Did you secretly hook up with a busty senior behind my back?”

“No…”

“A long-legged one?”

“Not that either.”

“A perky-bottomed one?”

“Not that either.” Jiang Changkong wiped his sweat. “Just listen to me first. Didn’t I take the temporary student pass you gave me?”

“What about it? If it’s not about hooking up with a senior, what could you have done to wrong me?” Ji Ziling looked at him strangely.

“I helped others clear the assessment.” Jiang Changkong said apologetically.

“I knew you’d taken the assessment. That proves you have the skills. Are you here to show off?”

“These past few days, I’ve been helping others with the assessment the whole time.”

Ji Ziling: “”

All those who passed the school’s assessment these past few days—was that all your doing?

“All of it was you?”

Ji Ziling looked at him with disbelief.

“All of it.” Jiang Changkong nodded. “Shouldn’t you have known already, senior?”

“I knew already?” Ji Ziling was stunned.

“Right, you told me about the special effect of the student ID. I discovered that I can take the simulated assessment every day.”

Jiang Changkong said, then paused before adding, “But this time, someone followed me. I’m worried it might cause trouble for you, senior.”

Ji Ziling’s expression stiffened: “…You didn’t take it to show off, act cool, or flirt with junior girls?”

Jiang Changkong: “”

The special effect you mentioned was for showing off and flirting with junior girls?

Does that mean you didn’t know about the daily assessment reset either?

Ji Ziling stared at him intently, momentarily even forgetting about her beloved items.

She extended a hand: “Come, let me see your strength. Give it your all.”

Jiang Changkong reached out his palm—good friends don’t care about gender.

As their palms touched, Jiang Changkong only used Star Power, not activating his power runes.

A surge of robust Star Power flowed out. Ji Ziling remained unmoved, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes.

“Peak stellar qi?”

“Mm.”

“Why didn’t you mention this earlier?”

“I tried to last time, but you pushed me away.”

Ji Ziling looked at him and asked, “Have you passed the Simulation College Entrance Exam?”

Jiang Changkong shook his head: “I’m not fully confident about soloing it yet.”

“You want to solo it?” Ji Ziling was taken aback. “The kind where you carry others?”

“Mm, that way I can earn more Star Stones.” A hint of embarrassment appeared on Jiang Changkong’s face.

“Promising, but you didn’t notify me, your buddy, right away. Keeping the benefits to yourself? Next time, no matter the situation, let me know first.”

Ji Ziling gave a thumbs-up: “Don’t hide it anymore from now on. Just go directly.”

“??”

Jiang Changkong stared at her in confusion.

Ji Ziling smoothed her hair and slightly raised her head: “As expected, I have a keen eye for talent. I could tell at a glance that you were extraordinary.”

Jiang Changkong: “”

When did you ever show a keen eye for talent?

“Indeed, no matter where I go, my vision remains sharp.”

What’s with this sudden narcissistic tone?

“I’ve decided, once you enroll, I’ll be your senior. My chest is big enough.” Ji Ziling straightened her posture.

“…”

Can you be serious for once?

I came to tell you I’ve caused trouble!

Weren’t we supposed to be buddies? How did you suddenly become my senior again?

Are you saying you want a piece of the action too?

“Wait, you can’t expose yourself. Not now.”

Ji Ziling stroked her chin again: “Let’s keep it like this for now.”

“Huh, no trouble?” Jiang Changkong was stunned.

“What trouble? Being able to carry seniors even before enrollment proves you’re a top student.”

Ji Ziling said seriously: “It would be even better if you could pass the three-year college entrance exams as well.

As for the temporary student ID, what does that have to do with us? The school gave it to you.

If you can become a nebula martial artist before the admissions period, there won’t be any issues at all.”

“If I have enough Star Stones, I’m somewhat confident of reaching the nebula stage.”

Jiang Changkong said, then paused before adding, “But the information about me carrying others only shows three people in the final assessment.”

“The temporary student ID must have reset, so naturally, there’s no record.”

Ji Ziling rested her chin on her hand: “There’s also surveillance during the assessment. When the time comes, we’ll reveal it ourselves.”

“Ourselves?” Jiang Changkong was puzzled.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”

Ji Ziling waved her hand: “What you need to do is gather more Star Stones. For the three-year simulation exams, aside from Li Qiuchuan’s, don’t interfere with the others.”