《An Immortals&#x27; Interaction with Modern Technology.》


 Chapter 1: Start of Arc 1: Arrival

    Chapter 1: Arrival

    Riku Lightshield''s consciousness gradually awakened from slumber.

    What''s happening? What is this feeling of weightlessness? Am I falling in an endless abyss? Somehow... The warmness of the sun permeates through my body... I can clearly remember that I failed to endure the last strike of the heaven''s thunderbolt, How can I still be alive?!

    Riku repeatedly closed and opened his eyes as he murmured, fatigue permeated through his body yet he wasn''t feeling even a slight discomfort.

    "So you finally woke up."

    A girl''s voice was heard and Riku turned his head to find the same girl in his line of sight.

    With a glance, the girl looked to be around 14 to 15 years of age. Her skin color was as fair as snow with snowy charming lips and a soft delicate nose. A small faint hint of surprise was being expressed through her deep brown eyes and her face exuded a deep elegance of nobility itself, At this young age, she already exhibited such charming features, who knows what kind of beauty she would be in the future.

    Looking at the nearby girl, Riku''s eyes narrowed. "Unfamiliar." He didn''t know the identity of the girl in front of her.

    "How nice, you finally woke up. You won''t imagine the things I endured through just by taking care of you. What are you doing there in a daze? Rest there for a while, I''ll call grandfather and inform him that you''re already awake."

    The girl constricted her eyes as she glanced at Riku''s dumbfounded expression, seeing that he was staring at her like looking at a reverend god, her figure flashed with embarassment as she tapped Riku''s shoulder and stood up. Slowly walking towards the door.

    When she neared the door, It automatically opened as if it was being controlled by some invisible force. Witnessing this, Riku gasped in surprise.

    "What in the? "

    Riku constricted his eyes as he tried to detect the mana undulations around the area, but his sense disappointed him since he was unable to detect anything out of ordinary, as if some unknown force made the door move by itself.

    "Strange..."

    Riku murmured as a soft searing pain came over his head, he clutched his head in response and slowly drifted his upper body on the soft futon bed.

    "Where Am I? I can clearly remember that I was dying yet I am inside this room recuperating! Perhaps..."

    "I am in heaven?"

    *Slap!

    "Ah!"

    A clear slap resounded followed by a muffled voice in pain, Riku slapped himself strongly that his cheek reddened from the force. He constricted his pupils as he realized. Pain? This is real life?!

    Riku almost exploded in tears as he realized that he was still living. Perhaps I strangely lived through the tenth day and didn''t die because I became an immortal?!

    Riku rejoiced as determination filled his eyes. If he really endured the tenth day and became and immortal, he would surely become the first man who became one in the whole Shi Huang continent!

    "Let me try, let me try..." Riku clenched his fists as pale blue light circulated. Feeling the stream current of warm energy Riku''s eyes widened.

    What?! This energy is too weak! This energy isn''t something that an Immortal should have!

    The pale blue light energy Riku emanated was the lowest of all mana force in the entire Shi Huang continent.

    Mana Force was divided into ten different colors. Pale blue, Red, Yellow, Orange, Violet, Purple, Brown, Green, Blue Red, Black Red, and the legendary Golden Colored Mana Force

    With the black red as the mana force color of an Immortal. The pale blue Mana Force was the indicator of the lowest cultivation rank. Flesh Improving Stage.

    The cultivation rank was divided into eleven ranks. Flesh Improving Stage, Soul Reinforcing Stage, Heart Improving Stage, Soul Condensing Stage, Energy Gathering Warrior, Soul Sage Warrior,  Foundation Establishment Stage, Core Establishment Stage, Eccentric Soul Stage, Severed Spirit Stage, and the Immortal Ascension Stage.

    Riku''s previous cultivation was at the Severed Spirit Stage. Cultivators at this rank only needed to endure the tenth day of heavenly tribulation and they will be able to ascend to the ranks of immortals.

    Clearly, Riku fell to the lowest cultivation rank without a specific reason. What the hell is actually happening?!

    *Creaakk~~

    The door on his side automatically opened as two figures appeared in his line of sight. One was a petite girl while the other was a bearded old man with an unconsciously slouched body. His white beard reached towards his chests as his shaking hand firmly supported the cane supporting his whole body.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    The two walked in a slow pace until they arrived at Riku''s vicinity.

    "Young man, you finally woke up. " With small hoarse voice and a faint smile, the old man greeted Riku. The wrinkles on his face distinctively faded away.

    "Sir..." Riku could only reply in a murmur.

    "Hahaha, Don''t worry. I''m sure that you''re still confused by now right?" The old man said.

    "Yes, I don''t know where I am and sir... May I know who you are?" Riku slowly murmured.

    "This old one''s name is Lin, surnamed Fang." The Fang Lin murmured with a smile. Riku smiled in return as his gaze drifted to the lady beside him, this lady was the one he first met upon waking up.

    "I am Xue, surnamed Fang. " Fang Xue rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms on her chest, clearly exuding a feeling of hate.

    ''Hahaha, Looks like I am hated.'' Riku could only inwardly sigh.

    "Sir Fang, My name is Riku Lightshield. I would like to thank you for taking care of me for the past days. " Riku smiled as he clasped his hands together and bowed his upper body.

    "Hahaha, don''t worry about that. Those who are in need, needs to be helped. That''s my only principle in life." Fang Lin appealed with a smile full of mirth. The lady beside him was still expressionless, seemingly cold as ever.

    "But sir, Where on Shi Huang continent is this place?" Riku slowly said, Shi Huang continent was the continent he lived.

    "Shi Huang continent? What''s that?" Fang Lin''s expression became filled with doubt. His face clearly exuded a feeling of not knowing the word that Riku previously said.

    "Hmm? Isn''t this the Shi Huang continent? " Riku''s eyebrows frowned as he continued.

    "No, This isn''t the Shi Huang continent, this is the Solari Continent, I don''t know what you''re talking about." Fang Lin casually said.

    Unbeknownst to him, the words the Fang Lin casually said resounded through Riku''s head like a thunderbolt. Riku''s vision spinned as countless images of the ten days of heavenly tribulation resurfaced in his mind.

    Enduring nine days of tribulation... Dying in the tenth day... Cursing the heavens... Don''t tell me...

    Riku gulped a mouthful of saliva as a feeling of realization came unto his mind. Dying by the hands of the heavens, yet waking up inside a room filled with tranquility, the pain from the previous slap confirms that I''m not dreaming... This only mean one thing, perhaps I reincarnated?!!!

    Booming sounds filled his mind as revelation surfaced unto his very consciousness.

    If one were to hear this, It would sound like one of the stories in wuxiaworld, but that was the only reasoning that Riku could ascertain!

    "What''s happening to you? young man?"

    "Ah!"

    Seeing that Riku fell into a daze, Fang Lin murmured in concerned but was replied by a panicked voice. Riku clutched his head as he lowered it down to his chest. Beaded sweats formed unto his forehead.

    No... This could not be... Did I actually receive a second chance?! If so, What happened? Why did the heavens that I cursed gave me a chance? This is almost impossible to imagine!

    Unknown to Riku, a mist of blue sneakily covered his body. Because he fell into a trance like state, and his mind in disorder. He was unable to realize that a spell had already surrounded him.

    By the time he realized, Fatigue already permeated through his body as his eyelids became as heavy as a mountain. And he fell to the futon bed like a puppet.

    "Whew..." Fang Lin led out a small relieved voice. Earlier when he realized that Riku fell into an isolated state, he had already signaled to Fang Xue to cast a calming spell. Fearing that Riku would run and do anything unreasonable.

    Now that Riku fell asleep, Fang Lin finally moved his upper body and slowly stood up. A small light of concern flashed in his eyes.

    "Xue''er, Let''s go." Fang Xue who was still controlling the blue mist with her right hand, replied by retracting her small hands. The blue mist immediately dissipated in response.

    A trace of concern also flashed in her eyes as she followed her grandfather towards the door.

    As the door automatically opened, little did the two understood that the supposed to be asleep Riku was actually awake.

    A cold light flashed on his eyes as he inwardly murmured. "Let''s see what your plots are!"

 Chapter 2: Struck by Ten Thousand Thunderbolts!

    Riku''s gaze turned icy cold as he murmured. "Let''s see what your plots are!" However, as the words left his mouth. A feeling of intense fatigue again permeated through his body.

    "Ughh..." Riku couldn''t help but murmur in pain as he felt numbing sensations searing across. Riku struggled his whole body to seat cross legged. He closed his eyes as he tried to enter the selfless meditation state.

    Inside his energy sea, his Dan Tian floated like a cloud, inside it was a distinct pale blue light flashing by. With Riku''s intensified concentration. The pale blue light turned to a pale blue thread and surged towards his body.

    Every veins, meridians, muscles, tissues and even arteries were being cleaned out by this pale blue thread.

    A feeling of euphoria came on Riku''s body. But even though it was pleasant. His hands were clearly shaking, and beaded sweats formed on his forehead as he tried his best in concentration.

    The pale blue thread cycled around his body for about the time it takes for a water to boil. It finally dispersed to nothingness as the remnant energies flew towards his Dan Tian.

    ''Whew..." Riku sighed in relief as he wiped his sweaty forehead. A feeling of relaxation and tranquility came to his mind, enabling him to calmly perceive the situation he was currently in.

    "Tenth day of tribulation... Sudden decrease in cultivation base, and this strange place where elemental essence is so thin! Did I really reincarnate? But if that''s the reason, why the hell that I am not an infant?!" Riku inwardly thought as he slowly moved his body to stand up.

    Looking around the room, Riku slightly frowned his eyebrows, the walls and even the ceiling are colored white, and strangely, even if there wasn''t even a window opened, the atmosphere inside this locked room was cold.

    Riku could only sigh as he walked towards the door.

    "Ah!"

    Riku gasped in surprise as the door automatically opened when he tried to stretched his hands and open it.

    "What kind of sorcery is this...?" Riku doubtfully looked, as he stretched his head looking on the gaps between the door and the ground. He even concentrated his condensed energy in his eyes just to look for anything strange, but mysteriously. He found nothing out of place.

    "The hell?" With frowned eyebrows, Riku got a small idea and moved back three paces.

    ~chii

    The door automatically closed.

    "What sorcery?!" Riku''s eyes widened to the point that you can easily pluck the eyeballs within. With the same simple idea, Riku moved forward three paces.

    The door automatically opened.

    "Waaa..." Riku sucked a cold breath of air. Just now, when he moved back and forward for three paces, he carefully observed the door with his condensed energy concentrated in his eyes to find anything suspicious, but unfortunately. He found nothing out of place and the door in front of him seemed to move out of its own will!

    After five breaths of standing still and thinking. Riku finally concluded in his mind. "Holy demonic beast it is!" Holy demonic beast are of course, beasts. The only differences was they were tamed to be obedient to their masters, and supreme experts or even paragons would use them as maids or even doorways just for the sake of the element of surprise.

    With that in mind, Riku moved forward and finally exited the door. Just as he thought. After he moved for about three paces forward from the exit. The door automatically closed.

    With a sighing motion, Riku turned to the right.

    The hallway''s design was the same as the room. Everything was clad in white and after Riku observed the texture of the wall and its earthly veins. He concluded that the room around him wasn''t made of bricks. Something unique was specially added but he was unable to determine what exactly it was.

    With slow and alarmed steps. Riku unknowingly made his way towards the lobby. On the way, he reminisced about why he was called a young man. He perfectly recalled that old man Fang Lin called him a young man despite the age gap between the two.

    It may not be obvious at glance but Riku''s true age was 2368 years old. He spent those years in quiet cultivation. Despite of no supports from manmade resources like pills, medicinal baths and etc. He was still able to enter the realm of Severed Spirit just by relying on intuitive enlightenment.

    Just now, Riku became dumbfounded once again. When he looked to the right. He found a transparent wall of something that reflects one''s image. It felt like a wall to him but at the same time it wasn''t.

    There he found his true visage. With his slightly disheveled black hair and his deep brown eyes. Paired with a delicate nose, that was too delicate for someone his age. He was able to call himself a young man that was particularly handsome. His mouth was a bit small but it was quite understandable because of his current age.

    At a glance, one would think that his age was fourteen years old to fifteen, but in reality. It was two thousand three hundred sixty eight. Quite a downer right?

    After complementing his handsome face for awhile. Our narcissistic Riku finally made his way towards the long hallway. His goal was to reach the end where voices of young women and young men were concentrated.

    Thundering sounds filled his mind as his mouth and eyes widened to the point that they would burst. The warm heat of the sunlight struck through his dumbfounded face as he saw the tall skyscrapers all over the place. There were even small oval ships floating in the wind while a huge screen displayed something of an advertisement.

    When Riku looked around. His mind almost reeled in as he found that myriads of people are concentrated below him. There he found young people, about the same age as him. Wearing the same type of clothing. The youths were filled with unique vigor and the young women gave off a feeling of one of a kind.

    When Riku concentrated his condensed energy to his eyes. He found out that the bodies of those youths were filled with a special type of Mana Force undulations. It was quite violent but at the same time, stably controlled.

    "Hey." A small familiar feminine voice rang from behind.

    When Riku turned around. The same girl came in his line of sight. Fang Xue.

    "Miss Fang." Riku turned around and clasped his hands. Despite her lethal attitude. This girl still saved him despite of them being strangers. Now that she was here, all of Riku''s questions maybe answered.

    "What are you doing here, Riku?" Miss Fang frowned her eyebrows as he looked at Riku. Her gaze seemed to penetrate unto the depths of Riku''s soul. Making him quiver all over.

    "Errr... Miss Fang, I was quite interested around here and before I knew, I wandered all over the place until I came here." Riku swiftly said, but deep inside. He was silently cursing himself for giving such a lame excuse. ''The hell was that jack of all trades?!''

    "I see, Even I would be bored by that place. And it seems like... You have a lot of questions deep in your mind." Miss Fang purposely lengthened the intonation of ''It seems like'' making Riku wait in suspense. Not until she said the last words did Riku calmed down.

    This girl before him was able to cast a purifying calming mist. A spell that only Core Formation powerhouses would be able to do. So Riku didn''t even let his guard down the slightest.

    "Enough chit chat, I''ll take you to grandfather. He''s currently in the principal''s office and its quite a long way from here. But don''t worry, I will take you in a long tour." Miss Fang''s figure beamed in joy as she snatched Riku''s hand and made her way towards the elevator.

    ''This girl... What is she thinking? Previously her attitude was quite lethal but now she is too friendly. Something strange definitely is going on!!'' Riku inwardly thought as the two approached the elevator.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Riku didn''t flinch anymore when he noticed that the door automatically opened. Only when he went inside that he was unable to keep his calm.

    ''What the hell? Enclosed space? Maybe this is an artificial realm! No please... '' Riku''s forehead became drenched with sweat as he imagined. Ever since he was small, Riku hated small spaces like this one, and even though he became a very formidable expert. He still would become endlessly nervous just by entering inside small rooms.

    Feeling Riku''s trembling hand. Miss Fang said. "What''s happening?"

    "Nothing..." Riku replied in his best tone, But he still can''t feel but lengthen the intonation.

    "Is that so?" Miss Fang said while pressing the button in the elevator that was numbered four. While inside the elevator. Riku clearly felt the space around him moving and he tightly clenched his fists. Not wanting to fall in any spatial rifts as he thought that he was being teleported.

    ~Bing...

    A soft sound came out and the door in front of the two automatically opened. Hand in hand. The pair moved forward with steady steps, like a newly wed couple.

    Riku wasn''t able to keep his calm. Unlike Miss Fang who was smiling all over. He was sweating nonstop. The gazes of the men that they meet on the way pierced through Riku''s heart.

    Those gazes carried envy, hate and killing intents. If gazes could kill. Riku would have died countless times already.

    After about a hundred paces, The two finally stopped moving. Miss Fang entered his thumb inside a green colored light and a monotone voice resounded.

    "Identity Confirmed. Fang Xue. Access Granted."

    Riku wasn''t even as surprised as before as the door automatically opened. But what greeted him inside struck his mind like ten thousand thunderbolts!

    Roaring sounds that only Riku could hear filled the air as he noticed that strange flowery plants were scattered all over. But to Riku, who cultivated for about two thousand odd years. These plants weren''t a stranger to him.

    On the left row. A yellow colored flower with a brownish circle in the middle bloomed in full force. The undulations around them were very familiar to Riku, and the scent of the warm sun piercing through the fertile lands came over his nose.

    ''Nine Aurora Sunlight Flower!!!!''

    Riku was once again dumbfounded. On the right row. A crimson red flower with a strange pattern of inward curves and an alluring scent struck Riku''s mind and completely made his body stiff.

    "Blood Crimson Scorching Flower!!!!''

    On the outermost row. A pink blooming flower with a pillar in the middle gave off a reverend aura as it fully showed its glory. A strange scent of medicine came over his head and at the same time. Seeing the plant''s visage. and their large numbers. Riku almost spat out blood and stumble on the spot.

    "Hibiscus Pillar Flower!!!!"

    Seeing the large numbers of this strange and extremely rare flowers around him. Riku, who was once a venerable grandmaster in pill making and medicine. Almost died on the spot as a feeling of fulfillness engulfed him wholly.

    "Haaah... Haahh..." Riku gulped large breaths of air as he tried to calm his inner self. Inside his energy sea, pale blue light streaks of light sparkled all over. A sign of a current violent undulations.

    "What''s happening to you? Riku..." Of course, all of this takes time to describe but actually happened in the space of ten breaths. Miss Fang who was calmly observing the scene, found a dumbfounded and ecstatic Riku. She tapped his shoulder and the latter shook in response.

    "Ah! Miss Fang!" Riku replied in a hurried way.

    "Seriously, what is going on to you. Are you struck speechless by this beautiful flowers?" Miss Fang replied in a teasing way.

    "Hmmh! Miss Fang, Why do you have myriads of this extremely strange and rare plants like they''re for design?!" Riku couldn''t hold himself anymore and said.

    "Extremely strange and rare plants? What are you saying? They''re just for design here, they don''t have much use other than that." Miss Fang gave Riku a puzzled look.

    "Woo..." Riku gasped for breath as he heard Miss Fang''s words. ''This rare plants are just for display?! How wasteful!'' If someone other than Riku was here, who was also a grandmaster in alchemy would hear the words that she just said. He would cough out blood and collapse on the spot.

    She actually dared to treat this rare plants like it was nothing and even used them to decorate the room! In his previous life, Riku had only acquired one of these three plants. Which was the Nine Aurora Sunlight Flower. He made it into a miraculous Scorching Soul Pill of which he used to acquire an Immortal beast Core!

    "Seriously? You''re dumbstruck just by looking at these common plants?" Miss Fang continued.

    "Common plants..." Riku murmured as his heart ached. If he could, he wanted to kill himself on the spot for his previous life''s bad luck.

    "Grandfather? Grandfather? This is Xue''er, Where are you?" Miss Fang didn''t bother him anymore and shouted while walking around the myriads of plants.

    In the middle of this principal''s office was a wooden table with name plate saying ''Hon. Fang Lin.'' and an empty chair of which her grandfather used to seat.

    "Snap... Grandfather isn''t here, Let''s go back." Miss Fang murmured as she turned around and clutched Riku''s hand. But she immediately stopped because of Riku''s resistance.

    "Hmm? " Seeing the dumbstruck and admiring Riku. Miss Fang said. "Could it be that you want those plants?"

    When he heard Miss Fang''s words. Riku immediately resurfaced from his state of trance and nodded like a chicken.

    "Okay then, I''ll let you have one. " With a wave of her shoulder, A surge of Mana Force swept each of the three plants. They flew towards the itching Riku.

    When Riku clutched the plants. He hugged them tight like they were his long lost relatives. Seeing the sight before her. She couldn''t help but giggle.

    "Ahahaha, You''re quite weird." She slapped Riku''s shoulder and murmured. "It''s about the time I go to the class. I will go now or else I will be scolded." Miss Fang waved her hands as she moved outside the room. Leaving the dumbstruck Riku behind.

    ''Hahaha! With these rare and exotic plants, I would be able to create an Infernal Devouring Talisman! Given that I have the ingredients inside my spatial ring. Creating it should be quite easy... Ku ku ku ku.'' Riku inwardly laughed as he grimly smiled, his laugh resounding like a villainous vile man.

    "Miss Fang, I think we should go..." Riku wasn''t able to finish the sentence as he noticed that Miss Fang wasn''t around him anymore. And then he recalled the last words she said to him.

    "It''s about time I go to class. I will go now or else I will be scolded."

    "Ah!" Riku suddenly felt a surge of realization. He slapped his right palm towards his face as he thought.

    "How the hell should I go back?"

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: HI! This is CodexofImmortals!  If you have any inquiries comments or anything you want to say, may it be harsh or gentle. Please voice it in the comments! Compliments and pointers are highly appreciated!

    This is the second guaranteed chapter of the week!

    The guaranteed chapters every week varies, but I should be able to make at least three chapters a week, so stay tuned and buckle your seatbelts!

    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 3: Well, Its quite turbulent.

    Riku contemplated as to how he could get out of the room. He turned his head side by side and observed carefully. Wooden tables, stools and a mirror was the only thing he could understand inside this room. The rows of extremely rare plants and the strange coolness of the room was something that was out of Riku''s imagination.

    Riku moved forward towards the mirror. There he became dumbstruck. Observing his face the second time still really gave him a shock. The visage of a two thousand years old cultivator wasn''t like this. Instead, his figure looked to be around fourteen to fifteen years old.

    But even though Riku''s physical appearance had changed. His soul and his knowledge didn''t. His comprehension ability was extraordinary and his ability in the path of alchemy was also unprecedented.

    But now. Riku''s eyes turned misty. Thinking of the days he lived inside that world. Loneliness surged up to his mind. Feeling him with a certain profound feeling that even Riku couldn''t understand.

    Family? Friends? Lovers? Riku threw them all away. For the sake of comprehending the true path of the heavens. He discarded all of them away. Now, who knows if they''re living. It was about two thousand years ago.

    With a long lasting sigh. Riku calmed himself. With heavy steps. He consoled himself. "Now that the heavens gave me a chance, I should enjoy this life as much as possible. " With a small smile of profoundness. Riku moved towards the door.

    ~Chii...

    The door automatically opened with a small sound.

    Riku moved out of the room. There he saw the seemingly endless hallway stretched out in his eyes. With that, Riku dived deep inside his mind. With his memorizing skills. Riku moved forward without hesitation.

    As Riku arrived to the elevator. It didn''t closed itself automatically. Riku itself found it strange, but he was afraid to push the buttons that Miss Fang pressed earlier, thinking that he may broke something because of his ignorance.

    "I really should learn more about this world" With a resigning chuckle. Riku waited for about thirty breaths until a young man came inside the elevator with him.

    The young man looked to be around the same physical age as RIku. Well I said physical age because our MC here is two thousand years old.

    His brown eyes were a bit misty and his right cheek was swollen. Judging from his appearance and the uniform that was almost identical to Miss Fang''s Riku already concluded in his mind that he was inside some school facility.

    "I swear, If I really had that item I would''ve handed it already..." The young man murmured in small pained voice. Even though it was in a voice low enough that only he could hear. Riku could clearly hear it. With a small smile, he murmured towards the young man.

    "Junior, what exactly happened? You looked like you were beaten up." Riku unconsciously flaunted his seniority towards the young man. He flinched a little after he spoke recognizing the mistake that he had done. ''Ahaha, I''m really stupid, he and my physical age is the same.'' Riku could only inwardly laugh as he thought.

    The young man moved his gaze towards Riku. And as if a bolt of thunder struck his mind. His lifeless eyes brightened up, and he hurriedly spoke.

    "Senior, I was bullied by Han Shu''s henchmen. They wanted to acquire the source code for a programmed skill that I painstakingly made. " The young man toned his voice a little, sounding a little more on the pitying side.

    The young man didn''t gave Riku the time to reply and continued. "Senior, judging from your Morrow Identification Card, you must be an employee here right? Please help me achieve justice!" The young man pleaded that he hugged Riku''s left knee.

    "That source code is very important to me! The skill programmed there should be used by me in the Crossfire Competition! Now that it is gone, my chances of winning is practically zero! Please... you must help me senior." The young man''s voice turned hoarse as he endlessly pleaded.

    Riku''s body shivered for a while when the young man started hugging his left knee. But when he listened to the word ''Source code'' and the part that without him would not give him a little bit of chance of winning. Riku dived deep to his mind to find the meaning of the word ''Source code'' but unfortunately to him. He wasn''t able to find anything relevant.

    So he concluded that this ''Source code'' object was a secret manual or something. When Riku glanced at the young man. His mind felt a little bit nostalgic. There was also a time in his life where he practically begged someone to help him. But at that time, not only he was refused. He was even thrown out and marooned.

    His previous life''s survival of the fittest law was abysmally harsh. But also because of that law itself that Riku was able to comprehend even a little of how the way of the heavens worked.

    So, Riku gave a small smile and patted the young man''s shoulder. "Lead me the way."

    The young man''s shoulders abruptly shook, and his eyes brightened up once more. With an enthusiastic voice. The young man said. "Many thanks, Senior! This junior''s name is Lin Meng." Lin Meng clasped his hands together and deeply bowed.

    "Enough with the pleasantries, Let''s go there." Riku just calmly smiled and coolly said.

    As Lin Meng pushed the sixth button of the elevator. The elevator automatically closed in response.

    "Oh... So that''s how you do it." Riku slightly murmured.

    "Hmm?" Hearing a little of RIku''s murmur, Lin Meng darted his gaze towards Riku.

    "Nothing, I just realized something that I should''ve done earlier." With a soft chortle, Riku disposed of the topic.

    "Senior, I know it is quite useless to say this to you but, Han Shu is a Rank 3 Adapter." Lin Meng''s voice turned serious as he said.

    Riku''s shoulder momentarily shuddered, but an idea came to his mind as he lightly smiled and said. "Don''t worry, I''m confident enough."

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Lin Meng smiled in response as the two continued.

    After about three minutes of walking in the endless hallway. The two finally reached the rooftop area.

    As Lin Meng opened the door. A swift breeze of wind struck Riku''s mind. And he immediately fall into a daze.

    What greeted him outside was a bunch of young teenager girls and young men alike. But that didn''t shock Riku''s mind at all. Instead, what shocked him was the tall skyscrapers and the floating airships streaking through the horizon. The huge intertwined poles and transparent screens floating across the skies.

    Strangely enough, Riku understood the language of this world so he was able to recognize some words written in the floating screens.

    [Student Waiting Shed]

    These words floated into the air as if being controlled by some invisible force that even Riku couldn''t even understand. Was this work of a supreme expert utilizing endless arrays of formations, or was is just the work of mortals utilizing the wonders of science?

    Our Riku here still doesn''t know.

    "Oh... To think that the dog came back." An overbearing mocking voice sounded. Lin Meng''s body momentarily shuddered before he murmured to Riku beside him.

    "Senior, that''s Han Shu. He''s despicable enough that he even stole our hard worked source codes! Look at those people, they were also beaten by Han Shu and their source codes surrendered. Now they won''t have the slightest bit of chance in winning!" Lin Meng''s eyes darted around to the side. Followed by Riku''s gaze.

    At the right corner. Three young men hung their heads high. Their lifeless eyes had a hint of waters in them. Their bodies were swollen all over and their Mana Force almost depleted. Witnessing all of this. Riku''s eyes narrowed.

    But this wasn''t enough to erupt Riku''s anger. At the left corner, three young men with burly built body was dragging a teary eyed young woman. Her uniform that looked identical to Miss Fang was ripped all over, revealing the undergarments behind and her supple white skin.

    With this, As if a switch has been triggered inside Riku''s mind. He waved his hands as Mana Force madly circulated.

    As if a sudden fierce gale came towards them. The three young men dragging the young woman was thrown backwards for several meters. The young woman wasn''t disturbed at all by Riku''s sudden attack.

    The young woman''s eyes lit up as she hurriedly arranged her clothes and said. "Many thanks, Senior! I Xia Ning will not forget this favor!" With that she ran towards the door behind Riku. Her Mana Force was also depleted.

    "Ohh... Quite daring of you. You actually disturbed our fun here." The young man with an average build called Han Shu snickered.

    "And here I thought that you would be scared for life. So you still have some guts, Huh, Lin Meng?" Han Shu mockingly said as he walked around the area. His henchmen also walked behind him in a practiced manner.

    "Enough pleasantries, you actually dared to hurt my brother!" Riku boldly declared as he swept his hands towards the four.

    The same fierce gale flew towards the four. But Han Shu just coldly smiled as he touched the wristband on his right arm.

    When he touched the wristband. Sudden mana force undulations appeared, and a strange heatwave within his hands surged as a ball of fire appeared on his palm.

    With a cold snicker, he threw the ball of fire towards Riku.

    Riku on the other hand. His expression completely indifferent, murmured. "Basic." The heatwave approached him with slow speeds. But when it was just about to reach Riku''s area. The ball of fire vanished to thin air. The area before Riku which was about two meters was unharmed.

    "Ohh... So here I thought that you''re just all words, you still have the capabilities to stand for yourself." Han Shu calmly said as he once again touched the wristband.

    This time, cracklings of light appeared in the air around him. Even the henchmen behind him frantically moved behind. Clearly afraid of being struck by those cracklings of light.

    "Since you''re too arrogant. I''ll let you taste my strongest skill. ''Lightning Submerging Palm''!" The undulations around Han Shu surged as the area around the rooftop turned red, accompanied by a small announcing voice.

    ''Warning: Mana Force undulations has exceeded the average level for safety. Persons around the area, please execute State number two.''

    As the voice faded away. Han Shu was only about five meters before Riku. His face turned savage as a bloodthirsty animal. Riku calmly assumed an indifferent smile as he waited Han Shu''s approach. Only when the distance was three meters did he circulated his Mana Force.

    Boom!

    A loud echoing sound ensued. Two colossal forces struck each other. The area around Lin Meng gave off strong shockwaves to the point that he was thrown back for about ten meters behind.

    Smoke surfaced and cracklings of light momentarily flickered. After about thirty breaths did the smoke disappeared from sight.

    It was then that Lin Meng''s eyes widened. There he saw Han Shu''s thrashed figure. He crouched down to the grown like a dead dog, and he coughed several mouthfuls of blood before losing consciousness. His uniform was almost shredded to pieces because of the shockwave and his body was wretched by lines of wounds. Making his figure worth of pity.

    Riku on the other hand still had his indifferent smile. His figure was unharmed and his disheveled hair fluttered in the air as he murmured. "Well, It''s quite turbulent."

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: Thanks for the feedback this last chapters! This is the last guaranteed chapter of the week! If you have any concerns, comments, ideas, or even reviews for little ol'' me. Please don''t hesitate to comment it below!

    Pointers and thanks are highly motivating!!

 Chapter 4: Modern and Ancient Techniques.

    Earlier, when Han Shu stormed towards Riku, The latter had only maintained an indifferent smile and not even a slight Mana Force undulations were coming from him.

    But suddenly, when Han Shu''s figure went past that three meter mark. Riku''s dormant Mana Force crazily surged as Riku manipulated them to course throughout his body. After the energy thoroughly spread throughout him. He manipulated eighty percent of the Mana Force towards his right index finger, and formed a pale blue sphere of light as little as a speck of dust.

    When Han Shu''s crazed figure approached the one meter mark before Riku. Riku''s right arm stretched forward as his index finger stuck out. Aiming on the gap between Han Shu''s eyebrows.

    An explosion surged as the area within the rooftop became tainted with a constant flashing red lights. The announcing message replayed itself everytime it ended.

    Under the cover of the smoke. Han Shu''s figure became as stiff as rock as Riku''s foreign Mana Force went through his body and coursed through his veins. Turning his nerves as numb as ice.

    It was then that the blood vessels beneath Han Shu''s skin burst as faint traces of red emanated itself from Han Shu''s body, turning him into a man wretched with countless bite mark like wounds.

    Of course, all of this took time to explain but actually happened in a span of seven breaths. Seeing Han Shu''s thrashed figure and the alarming lights of the rooftop. Lin Meng exclaimed. "Trouble! Senior, Let''s get the hell out of here before the Morrow Guards arrive!"

    Riku turned his head with an indifferent smile. Witnessing Lin Meng''s anxious expression. He couldn''t help but just go with the flow.

    "Okay then."

    The two approached the door in steady paces. Just as they were about to grasp the handle of the door leading to the endless hallway. A faint ripple of Mana Force undulation appeared above their heads.

    Riku''s eyebrows slightly frowned as he raised his head. There he saw a marvelous sight.

    Up above were five young women with unparalleled beauty. Their bodies were curvaceous, but was plump enough that one could tell that they bodies were developing in a quite good pace. The aura they exuded carried a hint of nobility in it.

    Lin Meng beside Riku was already captivated by the beauties up above them. Riku on the otherside still had his indifferent expression as he glanced. But deep in his deep brown eyes there laid a faint trace of anxiousness. His plan to keep a low key inside this mysterious facility may be as well be destroyed because of these turns of events.

    The fairies above them held an indifferent expressions as they touched the wristbands in their right arms. Followed by a pale blue light. A transparent screen similar to what Riku saw earlier materialized.

    Riku''s emotions turned from serious to amazement. There he saw in the transparent screen was his and Han Shu''s figure fighting it out. At the end, Han Shu used a peculiar spell which made him gave off a heart palpitating aura, but still. Riku finished him with just a small move of lifting a finger.

    Witnessing this scene. The five fairies'' expressions changed from serious to shock. They already knew that Han Shu was a Rank 3 Adapter, a Rank 3 Adapter no less! They knew that each ranks in the adapter class was absolutely strong than the previous ranks.

    Which means, even if the force of a Rank 1 and Rank 2 Adapters combined wouldn''t be able to surpass a Rank 3 Adapter, that''s obviously the reason why Han Shu easily became a tyrant.

    In the Morrow Academy, the Rank 3 Adapters were scarce. Among the seniors, Rank 3 Adapters could only be counted with two hands! As for Rank 4 they could be counted with one hand while Rank 5 there was only one person. Which was Liu Yin! The number one student of all in the whole academy!

    And Liu Yin was among the five fairies who came here to check the disturbance!

    Immediately, the gazes of the five fairies darted towards the two people below.

    Ling Meng momentarily shuddered when the five fairies'' icy cold gazes fell upon him. Riku on the other hand was a bit anxious but it wasn''t to an extent that he would cower out.

    "Judging from your age, Junior. You must be a freshman here." The young woman wearing the same uniform as Miss Fang broke the silence. Her imposing voice rang.

    "Th-"

    "You must knew it right? That violence is extremely prohibited here."

    The young woman didn''t gave any time for Riku to refute and continued with an even more imposing voice. Riku couldn''t help but think ''Violence my ass! You didn''t even view the part where Han Shu mercilessly dragged a young woman across the floor and him beating up Lin Meng!''

    "Since you already knew this rules and despite your already acquired knowledge of the prohibition. You still committed such heinous crimes. I, Han Qiang shall serve justice today!" Han Qiang''s voice turned loud and at the same time, icy cold.

    Riku slightly chortled as he gave a slight cough and replied. "This junior, Riku Lightshield, greets senior Han Qiang." Riku clasped his hands together and bowed.

    "Enough with the pleasantries!" Han Qiang swept his hands as imposing Mana Force surged forth, creating a fierce gale aiming towards Riku. The faces of the other fairies fell as they exclaimed.

    "Junior!"

    Bam!

    An explosion once again occurred and smoke endlessly roused from the area where Riku was struck. Lin Meng beside him was abruptly protected by the other fairies. They weren''t able to protect Riku because the attack was too sudden.

    The other fairies couldn''t help but feel worried. Han Qiang was after all, a Rank 3 Ranger. One must know that a Ranger specialized in mid ranged combat and  were extremely nimble and agile. Even though their attacks carry little firepower. Their constant attacking towards enemies were devastating enough.

    Amidst the rousing smoke, Riku''s figure gradually cleared. His white plain clothes became wretched with line marks that it looked like it was practically shredded apart. Exposing his bare skin and his imposing chest towards the five fairies.

    Lin Meng beside him widened his mouth, wide enough that you can stuff an adult''s fist in it. He wasn''t able to believe that Riku received Han Qiang''s fierce attack with just his body. Although that attack was quite weak because it was only used to whip the wind towards Riku. It was still quite formidable since it was used by a Rank 3 Ranger.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Lin Meng cannot even imagine himself receiving that small attack and living. If he would be lucky, at most, he would only receive serious injuries. But even he a Rank 2 Adapter wasn''t exactly sure to receive such an attack.

    The four fairies above sighed in relief. But still, their minds were tainted with shock. How could a mere human receive an attack from a Rank 3 Ranger with just his body alone? Although it was possible to receive it. It would still require that your strength must exceed at least two ranks from the attacker. Which means, It was quite possible that Riku was a Rank 5! As for his class, they could only shake their heads helplessly.

    "Oh, You actually managed to receive my attack. Quite formidable indeed, If for example, you wasn''t able to receive an attack of such a degree, I would be extremely disappointed. " Han Qiang coldly smiled as she descended. She was about six meters away from Riku.

    "Your flattering me, Senior." Riku could only bitterly smile. The attack which Han Qiang released gave his body great burdens. Just now, he didn''t speak because he was forcing the blood bubbling from his mouth towards his stomach.

    His internal organs shook just from that attack alone. Now, If Han Qiang were to go serious, He would certainly succumb. But even so, He would still drag Han Qiang with him! The techniques he learned in his past life still has its use! That''s the fact that Riku confirmed.

    "Now then, let''s kick it up a notch. How about you receive some of my Ice Draconic Blades?" Han Qiang coldly said as she waved her hands as if cleaving a huge mountain in one fell swoop.

    The other fairies above could only dart their gazes towards Liu Yin. But Liu Yin wasn''t willing to help, her gaze alone made the other three confirm it. The excitement embedded in Liu Yin''s eyes was something akin to watching a huge worldwide championship.

    Mana Force crazily surged around Han Qiang as a pale blue light emerged. Carrying with it a cold and icy temperatures. After about one breath, the pale blue light materialized into three Ice blades about the size of three adult fists overlapped.

    "Hmmph!" Han Qiang coldly snorted as she ordered the Ice Draconic Blades to storm towards Riku. Riku on the other hand stretched his right hand, as countless techniques in his previous life emerged through his brain, completely giving him an extremely profound state of learning as he closed his eyes.

    Thankfully, the Ice Draconic Blades was slow. By the time Riku''s eyes snapped opened, the Ice Draconic Blades just skimmed past the four meter mark between the two!

    Modern Techniques versus Riku''s Profound Techniques!

    Riku''s remaining Mana Force crazily surged towards his right arm. With that, he clenched his fists together as a pale blue light covered his knuckles completely.

    Bam!

    Riku swung his fists towards the first Ice Draconic Blades! It immediately crumbled to water vapors. And just as the first blade crumbled. The second blade followed by with a whistling sound!

    As a response, Riku channeled the Mana Force in his right arm towards his left feet. Because of the momentum, he could only just kick!

    Bam!

    Yet one Ice Draconic Blades crumbled! Followed by a dark blue light. The third Ice Blade followed by! This time, Riku transferred his Mana Force towards his right feet!

    With a slow sound of the wind. Riku carefully maneuvered his body as he performed a roundhouse kick!

    Bam!

    The last Ice Blade crumbled. It immediately dissipated to water vapors. Han Qiang became stiff from shock, but as two breaths came by, She immediately produced yet another round of Ice Draconic Blades and flung it towards the motionless Riku!

    Riku''s body became somewhat rigid. As If he became dead yet standing.

    Bam! Bam! Bam!

    The Ice Draconic Blades seemingly crumbled when it went right the four meter mark before Riku. Towards this sudden happening. Han Qiang''s eyebrows frowned as she loudly howled. "What do you think you''re doing Liu Yin! Why are you interrupting in our feud!" Han Qiang''s voice was full of resentment.

    Just as the taste of victory reached her tongue. She was interrupted by Liu Yin!

    "Han Qiang, Junior Riku''s state isn''t battle worthy anymore." Liu Yin said in a low monotone voice.

    Han Qiang diverted his gaze towards Riku. His body was still at the end phase of the roundhouse kick. Motionless as a statue.

    With frowned eyebrows. She approached Riku''s figure, and poked Riku''s shoulders. Like a swaying pendulum. Riku''s body started to fall to the ground. But before his body slammed hard on the ground. Liu Yin already grasped him close. Preventing him from breaking his handsome face on the ground.

    "Collapsed because of overexertion?! Hahaha, how laughable." Han Qiang mockingly said.

    The other fairies already descended and wore a small bitter smiles in their faces. Lin Meng on the other hand had already gone stiff because of the sudden shocking occurrence before him. If one would look closely on Lin Meng''s stiff figure. They would find out that he had long fainted due to the shock, and the remnant undulations.

    The only difference was like Riku. Was that he fainted standing!

    Perhaps, If Riku was awake. His nose would spat out blood! That''s because. His tranquil sleeping face was slapped hard on Liu Yin''s mountainous peaks!

    <hr />

    Author''s Notes: This is the First chapter of the week! A good day to start your monday Am I right?! But nevertheless, my monday sucked because I was unable to arrive to school in time. But nah... I''m just gonna work at McDonald''s anyways.

    As always! Comments, suggestions, feedbacks, and thanks are greatly motivating!

    Thanks for reading and if you liked this chapter. Please press follow to be updated for new chapters!!

 Chapter 5: The New World

    Author''s Note: This is the second chapter of the week! Last chapter, I received much pointers about the story, so I, CodexofImmortals would like to thanks those people. If you want to see what they said, kindly go to chapter 4 at the comments sections.

    Since my intuitions were confirmed that the story I published was a little bit complicated. This time I will simplify it. How could a story be enjoyable if you don''t understand it?

    So now, Let''s volt in.

    <hr />

    Chapter 5: The New World.

    Riku Lightshield''s consciousness gradually awakened from slumber.

    He opened his murky eyes as fatigue permeated through his body. With extremely slow movements. He gradually moved his upper body to sit.

    Riku clenched both of his fists as he closed his eyes and circulated his Mana Force. Sounds similar to streaming waters down the river emerged within Riku''s body.

    There, in his energy sea. The pale blue light flickered as it constantly sent pale blue threads of light to course throughout Riku''s body. Expelling the feeling of fatigue from within.

    After about the time it takes a water to boil. Riku''s eyes snapped open.

    "Hmm, about 80% is recovered." Riku stood up and lazily stretched his waist.

    "This time, I really overexerted myself." Riku helplessly sighed as he looked around the place. It looked the same as the room where Riku woke up. All the walls around were painted with white colors and the windows are blocked with a transparent screen which prevented someone from falling down.

    In this room, there were three rows of the same designed bed. Riku helplessly smiled as he walked towards the door in a resigned manner.

    ~Chiii...

    The door automatically opened. Riku''s expressions was as still as before, his mind was already used to this despite only staying in this peculiar place for one day.

    He turned his head around and looked above.

    [School Infirmary]

    School? Wait... Riku clutched his cheeks as he contemplated. After two breaths, his eyes brightened as an idea came to his mind. The Library!

    But wait... Where in the hell is the library?

    "Haha..." Riku helplessly laughed. This place was too huge to traverse. Even if he was able to reach the Library, It would still take too much time. And also, extending out his Divine Sense would still be useless given that spiritual energy from the Heaven and Earth was too thin.

    In sense, His previous Divine Sense which could cover half the continent in his previous life would only reach for about ten meters in this new life.

    With heavy steps. Riku walked to the right and traversed the endless hallway. Along the way, there he saw a blue flashing light, with curiosity peaking his mind. He glanced over the blue flashing lights and his eyes lit up as he saw a tablet showing transparent pictures similar to a map.

    There in the map was a detailed information about the building. This building where Riku was, had six floors. Each floor spanned up to five hundred meters.

    The first floor was a school institute, It has a cafeteria, a mini sports field and a testing grounds.

    The second floor was a mini supershop. It also has a small park and a place where Radiant Cells were sold. As for the identity of those Radiant Cells. Riku still doesn''t know.

    At the third floor was a place accessible only for students, according to the information in the tablet. The above floors starting from third floor was a place where employees and students can freely traverse. It has a small lounge and sauna where students and workers can enjoy.

    It was also a boarding quarters for students.

    The above floors up to six floors are boarding places for students. With the exception of the fourth floor where only employees with an Identification Card could only access.

    Scarce information where placed in the tablet. But for the current Riku, It was enough for him to absorb. Knowing this information would surely serve him well in the future.

    Riku''s prying eyes suddenly brightened, In the sixth floor was the library! So without further hesitation. He immediately turned left and approached the nearest elevator.

    Pressing a small squared button beside the elevator. Numbers from one to six emerged above. When it reached the five floor. Of which Riku was currently in. The door of the elevator immediately opened. With a small smile of accomplishment. Riku stepped inside the elevator.

    Diving to the depths of his memories. Riku clearly remembered the time where Lin Meng and him got into the elevator. There he saw Lin Meng press the number six button. And so, Riku also pressed it and the door automatically closed.

    "Information is a must. This world is too peculiar and I still don''t understand some of its laws and logics." Riku steeled his resolve and a fire of determination shone in his eyes.

    ~Chiii...

    A small sound emerged as the elevator''s door opened. Riku stepped outside and moved according to the maps instructions.

    There, after about thirty paces. He saw a door with a transparent screen above, displaying. [School Library] With a small press on the door, It automatically opened.

    Inside the Library.

    Myriads of books were placed on eccentric shelves. The ceiling wasn''t too high but the area was wide enough that it housed several dozens of book shelves spanning three columns high.

    Riku revealed a small smile as he casually clutched a small book from a random shelve and seated himself in a nearby chair and placed the small book on the table.

    [Inventions; How Technology Changed the World]

    Just looking at the title alone made the importance of the book significant to Riku. Although the book looked to be only one hundred pages thick. It may still contain important information about the peculiar world where he was.

    Riku snapped his eyes closed. He controlled his Core Formation soul and intense concentration took over his mind.

    The world around him seemed to slow down. Every minute changes were recorded. This was the technique that made Riku ascend the Severed Spirit Stage! Azure Soul Takeover!

    As Riku opened the book, he did it so with swift movements. After about two breaths, the library seemed to have summoned a fierce gale.

    Riku''s eyesight absorbed almost all the information recorded in the pages in the time it takes an eye to blink. With that, he swapped pages all over so fast that a whistling sound emerged from the library, emanating from him.

    After about five breaths and countless blink of an eyes. Riku already finished the book and a deep profound look emerged from his face.

    Hmm... So this is how everything works.

    Riku found out the source of the peculiar Mana Force undulations. It was all because of the wristbands that Han Shu, Lin Meng and the five fairies wore.

    [Radiant Wristbands] Powered by [Radiant Cells] Riku found out its functions.

    It flawlessly controls the Mana Force from one''s body that even an ounce of it wouldn''t leak! Realizing that information. Riku couldn''t help but sigh in admiration. Although he had a technique that prevents Mana Force from leaking within his body.

    It was still a shocker to find that a mere wristband was enough to compress Mana force enough for it to dispel leakage!

    The Radiant Wristbands also acts as a spell terminal. According to the wearer''s wishes, they could modify how the terminal would work. And they can also embed spells inside the terminal by inserting programmed Source Codes.

    The Radiant Wristbands records were too complex. Even though Riku understood its concept. He still wasn''t able to understand why a mere technology could evolve this far.

    And according to the book. Each time a spell was cast. Half a Radiant Cells power would be consumed.

    Beaded sweats formed on his forehead as he realized something of grave importance! Only after skimming through that last parts of the book did he realized that the cultivation techniques of his previous life was discarded and was regarded as an ancient wicked technique!

    Anger welled up in his chest as he tightly clenched his fists. It was even said that the technique in his previous life was an abomination and shouldn''t be utilized, each and everyone should cultivate their soul using the new modern technologies!

    Cultivation Techniques, Immortality, and Divine Ascension. All of these diverts from the heaven''s way. So how could one piece of insult change Riku''s mindset of cultivating his previous life''s techniques?

    Riku stopped the intense concentration realm as he gulped huge mouthfuls of breath. The strains of falling to the lowest cultivation level of which was pale blue mana, and recklessly invoking the intense concentration realm took a toll on his Core Formation soul.

    But at least, It was only enough to prevent Riku from activating the intense concentration realm for one day. The next day, he can still come here and read relevant books using the intense concentration realm!

    "So, you''re here after all. Looks like my guess was right." A familiar feminine voice rang out. When Riku heard the voice, his eyes lit up. It came from the girl who took care of him for god knows how many days, and this girl was the first person he spoke with after coming to this peculiar world.

    Fang Xue!

    "Miss Fang!" Riku replied. There he saw the figure of a petite woman, but despite her short height, her figure looked dazzling as a noble. She wore an outfit similar to the five fairies wore and a light smile was plastered on her face, and she looked ever dazzling as before.

    "Look at you being excited, did you miss me that much." Fang Xue chortled as she walked towards Riku, after walking past him. She went right and seated herself in the seat where Riku previously seated.

    "This girl... Who knows how many hearts would she break?" Riku inwardly sighed as he wafted out the feminine fragrance in the air.

    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "Hmm? What''s wrong? Are you perhaps enchanted?" Miss Fang purposely swirled her hair with her right index finger. Making her look more alluring than before.

    Riku could only sigh in resignation as he seated himself down, before Miss Fang.

    "May I know what Miss Fang needs of me?" Riku inquired, though it was convenient enough that Miss Fang approached him.

    "Hmm, So you don''t want to ask questions regarding about how you arrived here?" Miss Fang slightly chortled as she said.

    Just as Riku was about to say something, she interrupted him by saying. "You actually skimmed through this book? Good, good. Now it will be much easier for you to absorb the next words that I''m gonna say to you."

    "In actuality, Me with my grandfather found you in a mysterious hut in the woods. " Miss Fang lightly said.

    "Mysterious hut? " Riku''s eyebrows couldn''t help but frown. How could he appear inside a hut when he was dying out there after being unable to endure the heavenly tribulation? What actually is happening?

    Surges of unknown tremor ran through Riku''s mind as he couldn''t help his emotions fluctuate.

    Witnessing Riku''s reaction. Miss Fang''s voice turned serious as she said. "When we found you out there, you were wounded and burned, practically all parts of your body were roasted."

    "At first, we thought that you were dead. But after checking your vital signs. There seemed to be nothing out of place! Even your internals are unshaken and undamaged! But despite those, your external body took great damages and was burned beyond recognition. If not for my father unhesitatingly using a Rank 5 profound medicine. You would be..." After she reached the end of her sentence, she emanated a long lasting sigh as she continued.

    "Beside your comatose body was two rings that were blood bound. These rings, according to the ancient records were the long lost cosmos rings. We even thought that you found a treasure trove and obtained those pieces of articles and was burned by something unimaginable. "

    "But after checking the places for Mana Force undulations. We found no signs of magical beasts attack. And It was absolutely impossible for a mere animal to cause such strange burn marks." Miss Fang paused as she glanced over Riku''s stiff complexion. His face became ghastly pale, but his eyes emanated a desire for more information and so, Miss Fang continued.

    "After that, we brought you to this facility. Morrow Academy to recuperate... Those events, happened, about two months ago." Miss Fang solemnly said.

    Riku''s ghastly pale complexion even turned more paler, as pale as a paper. What sort of damage happened to his body that he became comatose for two months? One must take note that Riku''s soul was a Severed Spirit Stage. In his previous life. Any physical damages were healed in two breaths. Not even a scar would remain!

    Does this relate to the sudden decrease of my cultivation base? And those burn marks that she said, was that damages from the heavenly tribulation lightning? Riku contemplated for a while. Miss Fang also stopped as she waited as Riku absorbed the information all over his mind.

    After about the time it takes a person to breath. Riku darted his gaze towards Miss Fang.

    "If all of that was a reality. I would like to give my profound thanks to Miss Fang Xue." Riku clasped his hands as he slightly bowed his upper body. In the time where his body was in a comatose state. It was evident enough that Miss Fang was the one who helped his body recuperate. That means that Miss Fang was constantly giving him medicines and wiped all over his body.

    "But could it be that... Since I am out for about two months, surely I would''ve need to take a bath for that long span of time... Did Miss Fang..." Riku''s tone turned serious as he purposely lengthened the intonation between words.

    "Huh? What nonsense are you spouting! Of course those things are done by my grandfather! " Miss Fang''s teasing complexion flushed red as she lashed unto Riku''s teasing smirk.

    "Really? Senior Lin did that? Well maybe he did that or maybe that was just an excuse used by..." Riku once again smirked.

    "Ahh! Forget about that! Do you want me to continue or not?!" Miss Fang couldn''t help it anymore and her complexion turned even more redder as various scenes appeared in her mind. She immediately shook her head as she dispelled such profane thoughts.

    "Hahaha, Of course, this Junior wants Miss Fang to continue." Riku lightly smiled as he glanced over Miss Fang''s visage, traces of red could be found on her cheeks.

    "Hurrmmph... Okay, okay. Let''s continue." Miss Fang cleared her throat as she crossed her hands over her arms. Assuming a calm facade.

    But after that, her visage turned serious as she grimly said. "What are you, Riku Lightshield?"

    Riku''s body momentarily shuddered as Miss Fang finally broke the ice. But of course, he had long knew that Miss Fang would certainly ask this question and said.

    " Miss Fang, I was a battle orphan. I hailed from the Rising Moon Empire. When I was six, my father went on a drunking spree and murdered my mother. And then, he tried to attack me by using a plank as a wooden sword. That time, I was extremely terrified. I ran around the woods for god knows how many days until I arrived in a hut."

    "There in the hut, was where I met my benefactor. She was apparently an old lady living in the woods alone. That time, when she found me. I was streaked with countless wounds. And scars from me battling wild beasts for food was plastered around my body."

    "The reason I desperately ran around the woods was because, I mistakenly roused the fury of a black panther. That black panther was extremely fast, It was so fast that It was able to pounce at me countless times that I was streaked with bloody wounds all over my body. Dying my clothes crimson red."

    "After about desperate running for three days. The black panther eventually gave up. And so was my body. I was extremely exhausted back then. Nevertheless, I struggled for life. I pushed myself to the limits and eventually found that hut where Grandmother Lily was."

    "Grandmother Lily treated me with different medicinal herbs and even created a medicinal bath for me to jump on. Which gradually made the scars in my body fade. My knowledge in alchemy was also obtained from her. And years passed by and we eventually became fond of one another."

    Riku momentarily paused as his shoulder shuddered and his eyes turned misty. His voice gradually turned lonely as he said.

    "Until one day, A pack of wolves raided our hut. In that encounter, Grandma Lily battled by herself with the wolves. But nevertheless, even though her knowledge in alchemy was profound. She was already old. Gradually, her struggles became faint, fainter as the mist." After this sentence, Riku''s voice turned hoarse as he continued.

    "But before she passed away. She gave me two rings and a medicine bottle to ward of the wolves. In her dying breath. She made me vow that I would reach the peak in the way of alchemy."

    "After that, I ran away. I ran far away... After about two years of scavenging in the woods. I was stumbled upon by a Fire Spitting Beast. Knowing that I didn''t have any chances in defeating it. I desperately ran. I ran across the woods for about two days before being roasted by the Fire Spitting Beast''s profound fire. "

    "On that day, I actually thought that I died. But until now, My already lifeless body was given a new life." Riku''s hoarse voice turned clear as he waved his hands around. As If playing in a theater. He even closed his eyes to make his act even more dramatic.

    "Profound thanks, Miss Fang." Riku clasped his hands as he again respectfully bowed.

    ''Uwaa..." Riku inwardly thought.

    In front of him, Miss Fang''s eyes was already drenched in tears as she covered her mouth with the palm of her hands. Witnessing this. Riku felt a sense of pride in his acting sense.

    ''To think that It actually worked!''

    "Sniff... Junior Riku, I''m really sorry for your loss..." Miss Fang wiped the tears on her cheeks. It was obvious that she was moved by her Junior''s act.

    "Sniff... I''ll first return... Sniff... To my room." Miss Fang slowly stood up as she moved towards the door with heavy steps.

    "Miss Fang, Are we not going to continue?" Riku lightly said.

    "Later... When I regain my composure..."

    "And also... Xue is okay..." Miss Fang said in a voice so low that it seemed to be a murmur.

    "What?" Riku''s figure became dumbfounded. His hearing was acute enough to hear a person whisper for about ten meters away from him. Of course, Miss Fang didn''t know about it but if she knew, she wouldn''t murmur it in the air but think about it inwardly.

    "Nothing... Also... The five fairies needs your presence. Go to the sixth floor, Disciplinary Hall." Miss Fang''s voice gradually became fainter as the door in the library automatically closed.

    ''The Five Fairies? Just as I expect, they hailed from a certain security group.'' disciplinary groups from Riku''s previous life wasn''t abnormal at all. But although only first grade schools had disciplinary groups. It wasn''t foreign from Riku.

    ''That woman, Han Qiang actually attacked me without knowing the truth. And no one even stopped her onslaught. She must be a higher ranked official dare, but since their facing me, how could I lose to a woman?'' Riku wore an indifferent smile as he stood up, returned the book that he borrowed to the shelve and murmured.

    "It''s time to turn the tables."

    <hr />

    Author''s Second Note: This is the second chapter of the week! Again, If you have any grievances, inquiries and even suggestions, or pointers. Please place them on the comments!

    Also, thanks for reading this humble fiction of mine, and I hope that you have a great day. Much more greater than my worst day.

    Thanks for reading!

 Chapter 6: Strike Back!

    With an indifferent cold icy smile, Riku walked towards the door. And as if it noticed his presence. The door automatically opened. Followed with a chii sound. A rumbling noise emanating from his body halted his footsteps.

    Clutching his abdomen, a deep feeling of hunger came over his body.

    "Hungry?" A familiar feminine voice resounded beside him. When Riku turned his head to the side, he found the girl whom he was talking to earlier. Fang Xue.

    "Oh, I thought you left already." Riku lightly smiled as he said.

    "Yes I already left, but I only left the library. That doesn''t mean that I left the hallways." Fang Xue teasingly smiled.

    Riku helplessly shook his head as he realized that the girl before him was already this cunning even though she was still young. Who knows how easy would she manipulate people before the palm of her hands?

    "Since It''s noon anyways, I should just invite you to a meal. " Fang Xue turned around before gesturing to Riku to follow her.

    Without a little bit of hesitation, Riku followed behind Fang Xue as the two traversed through the endless hallways. The atmosphere around the two became awkward since no one spoke much words after walking. Riku didn''t wait for the fuse to dissolve and said. "Miss Fang, why is it that there are no windows in these rooms? "

    Hearing Riku''s words, Fang Xue''s footsteps halted as she turned over his head and glanced over Riku''s intrigued figure. With a light laugh, Fang Xue explained. "The reason why there are no windows in any of these rooms is because, we placed protective screens instead off windows to entrap the coldness coming from the air conditioners, making the room somewhat cold."

    "Ah..." Riku lightly nodded as he smiled. But in actuality, listening to Fang Xue''s words, he really didn''t understand even an inch of what Fang Xue was saying, but hearing the words ''protective screens'' made it obvious that something was being protected. And about what it was, Riku himself didn''t even know.

    After this small talk, and after about three hundred paces and a ride on the elevator. The two eventually reached the ground floor. What greeted them below was a clamor of different murmurs and myriads of footsteps welcomed them in the ground floor.

    Multitudes of chairs and tables were scattered before them. On the furthermost area, lines of students clutching their waiting trays were patiently waiting for their turn to order. All of the students here numbered at most two hundred. With that amount. One could imagine how huge the facility where Riku currently was in.

    "Let''s go there." Fang Xue gestured and unexpectedly clutched Riku''s rough hands. Riku was slightly startled as he felt the warm and soft feeling of Fang Xue''s hands, but gradually, his shocked mind became tranquil.

    Under the heated gazes of envy and even hatred. Riku felt like his mind was being stabbed by countless needles. His Core Formation soul was extremely sensitive to any attitude changes and so, even though these guys hid their intent quite well. They still weren''t able to fool Riku''s senses.

    With a helpless laugh. Riku lightly touched the ground as he increased his walking pace. Catching up to Fang Xue''s figure.

    Looking around the cafeteria, Riku couldn''t help but feel awe. Transparent screens were floating before him, displaying different kinds of foods with their images and names. Although Riku wasn''t quite familiar about the currency in the current world he was in. He was still able to judge the the viands before him were quite expensive since the money needed to buy them was in the four digits.

    After about fifteen minutes of standing in line and the scorching heat of the men''s gazes. Riku finally calmed himself down as he seated. Before him was a transparent, but hard, table. Touching the texture of it. Riku found it to be extremely brittle.

    "Here''s the food." Fang Xue''s small voice sounded. And an arousing scent wafted around Riku''s figure. Sending his stomach in a protesting frenzy. There was even a trace of drool coming out of Riku''s mouth as he glanced over the beaming food being placed on a glass plate.

    "Hmmph! Just who does he think he is? Drooling in front of our goddess!" An unsatisfied voice sounded behind Riku. Hearing this. Even Fang Xue couldn''t help but frown. Riku on the other hand wiped the drool from his lips, and looked around, trying to find a wooden chopstick.

    But unfortunately, he wasn''t able to find any chopsticks. What was placed before him was a trident looking beaming steel, and a slightly deep spoon.

    Seeing Riku''s expression. Fang Xue couldn''t help but ask. "Hmm? Is there anything wrong?"

    "Hahaha..." Riku slowly laughed. His mind filled with panic.

    "Could It be that you cannot use forks and spoons? "

    "What? I can''t use these things? Who said so? Look! I will use this to chop this meat off!" Riku was a bit startled, but then. He started to pout some nonsense coming from his mind as he used the slightly deep spoon and stabbed on the the juicy meat of the chicken.

    "Ding!"

    The wooden spoon slid off the greasy chicken and struck the glass plate, causing a small dinging sound to resound from him.

    "Hahaha, You don''t need to try so hard. Let me find a chopstick for you." Fang Xue chuckled as she stood up.

    "I''m really sorry for troubling Miss Fang..." Riku''s said in a tone full of resignation.

    After waiting again for about ten minutes. Fang Xue came back grasping a small wooden chopstick. Riku''s eyes lit up, as well as his rumbling stomach as he snapped the wooden chopstick off and started to wolf down the food.

    "Careful, careful. You might end up choking yourself." Fang Xue covered her mouth with her palm as she lightly chortled. Apparently, for her. This youth before him was quite interesting, and weird. At least, in more ways than one.

    "Riku, you really overdid it this time. Now my grandfather even summoned you to discuss some serious matters about how you injured Senior Han Qiang''s cousin, Han Shu." Fang Xue said as she stirred her green tea.

    "Ahhh, So Senior Lin really did summon me. Of course I would face them upfront! Why would I hide when I''m not doing anything wrong!" Riku proudly said as he slammed unto his chest. Looking a bit childish.

    "Hahaha, You''re here trying to look so proud but then. The real issue isn''t that. The fact that you injured his cousin who was a Rank 3 Adapter, quite caused a turbulent wind from Han Qiang''s side." Fang Xue explained with a serious tone. Her previous calm face disappeared, and a grim cold suffocating aura covered her as she said.

    Feeling the pressure. Riku couldn''t help but indifferently smirk. After about two breaths did he said. "Miss Fang, can you please explain to me what those rankings and adapters are?" Riku scrutinized, completely changing the topic.

    Hearing this, Fang Xue could only reveal a long lasting sigh before saying. "I can give you some bits of information, since explaining them all would take too much time, nonetheless. I will explain."

    Fang Xue paused before throwing a quick glance towards Riku. Riku also nodded in response to this look.

    "Adapter are those who specialize in close combat battles. Rangers are those who specialize in mid range battles, while Snipers are those who specialize in long range battles! Their characteristics are their Radiant Armaments!" Fang Xue declared.

    Riku had already read through some information about Radiant Armaments and was familiar on them to an extent.

    "Adapters have Radiant Wristbands, while Rangers have Radiant Rings, Snipers on the other hand have Radiant Necklaces!"

    "With these pieces of armaments, they can evoke any programmed spell in the arsenals. As long as it is within the reach of their Mana Force. They can use fierce attacks without the problem of wasting Mana Force because of leakage!" Fang Xue said as she shook his wrist. There, a silhouette of a sky blue wristband appeared on her right arm.

    "With the use of these wonders. Even I can use a spell that can create craters five meters deep and even slice off an entire area of trees!" Fang Xue proudly said. Her face plastered with a small smile that was neither too proud nor too indifferent.

    "Cough, cough. About other informations... You need to find them in the library yourself!" Fang Xue stuck out her tongue as she teased Riku''s helpless figure. Riku could only led a small awkward laugh as he can feel the heated gazes behind him intensify in strength.

    Some were even filled with killing intent. ''This girl, she really is famous around here."

    Fang Xue abruptly stood up. Riku''s gaze flickered as he glanced over Fang Xue. With frowned eyebrows. Fang Xue exclaimed. "What are you waiting for? Let''s go to the sixth floor! Grandfather is waiting for us there."

    "Yes!" Riku immediately replied like a soldier suddenly shouted at by his commanders to attention.

    ...

    Inside the Disciplinary Hall. A tense atmosphere enshrouded everything. It was as if everything inside the room was shaking. Seating on the chair was an old man, at a glance. His age was about 40 to 50 years old. With an unconsciously slouched back and an a beard which contained unknown amount of knowledge in it.

    If Riku was here to see this old man. He would immediately recognize him as Senior Fang Lin.

    But under the glint of his eyes was a deep stirred emotion of annoyance. Witnessing this, The visages of the five fairies fell.

    Beside the five figures. There was an indistinct figure of a man. He wore the same uniform as the males inside this facility. His deep brown eyes enshrouded with mystery, and his neatly arranged hair fluttered inside the room as if a wind passed by beside it.

    But underneath this feeling of nobility. This figure was actually quite scared. Witnessing the suppressed anger inside the old man his heart couldn''t help but shudder. Though he kept his facade, his mind was still in a turmoil.

    This figure would be familiar in the eyes of Riku. That''s because this youth was the one whom he helped. Lin Meng.

    Han Qiang, who exuded a deep feeling of extravagance before, didn''t even dare to act haughty before Fang Lin. Instead, a deep feeling of respect resurfaced in the glint of her eyes. As if she was looking unto the figure of a supreme expert.

    But Han Qiang clearly understood the meaning behind the anger hidden beneath Fang Lin''s beaming eyes. Just the thought of it made Han Qiang clench her fists.

    Liu Yin, and the other fairies were calm. As tranquil as the waters.

    "Now let me explain the current situation." A cold snort, followed by an overbearing tone broke the silence and tense atmosphere enshrouding the room.

    The tensed nerves of the six shook as they glanced upon Fang Lin''s overbearing figure. They concentrated all their hearing towards Fang Lin''s words and carefully memorized them in their minds.

    "Han Qiang, you cousin Han Shu recklessly attacked five students on the sixth floor. According to my sources, his aim was to acquire the source codes that the victims, carefully created." Fang Lin''s words like a thunder. Resounded inside Han Qiang''s mind. She frowned her eyebrows as despair filled her chest.

    She was only capable of being overbearing before was because of the connections she had in the outside world! But inside this academy facility. Fang Lin''s words were like an emperor''s decree! No matter how strong her clan was, they didn''t even think of angering Fang Lin!

    "Han Qiang, do you plead guilty to this crimes?" Again, each words that Fang Lin spoke slowly echoed around the surroundings. And Han Qiang herself felt like being pierced by countless needles.

    "Y-yes." Han Qiang stuttered as she said. Even speaking itself became a hassle to do.

    "Hmm." Fang Lin nodded.

    "But there''s also that and there''s also this!" Fang Lin suddenly howled. His voice shook the hearts of everyone present. Even the number one goddess Liu Yin, and the strongest adapter couldn''t help but feel an extreme feeling of suffocation.

    "You four fairies didn''t even help to suppress the situation! With the exception of Liu Yin, you really did make me disappointed this time!" Fang Lin''s voice echoed like a booming sound of exploding grenades.

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    "Shen Qiu! Xiao Fei! Yan Lin! and Han Qiang! Because of the violation of the School Grounds Act Number 4212. The four of you will be permanently expelled from the disciplinary line up! And you will also be stripped off two Rank 2 source codes!" Fang Lin''s overbearing voice howled forth.

    Hearing the punishment that Fang Lin bestowed. The figures of the four fairies became deathly pale. Being expelled from the disciplinary line up was only like that, but being stripped off two Rank 2 source codes was something too extreme!

    One must take note that source codes were extremely precious! Programming just one Rank 2 Attack Type Source Code would take even two months of countless debugging and experiment runs! And surrendering one''s source code would mean an abysmal drop in one''s cultivation strength!

    "S-s-s-Sir!"

    "Silence!"

    The four of them simultaneously exclaimed. But before they could explain something, Fang Lin''s right hand had already cleaved the air around them as the Radiant Wristband on his right wrist shone with a violet light, enshrouding the figure''s of the four fairies before beams of pure white flew from their respective Radiant Wristbands towards Fang Lin''s.

    Seeing their source codes being forcefully stripped off from their Radiant Wristbands, their hearts fell to an abysmal despair as they frantically opened their User Interface Terminal and check the type of the two Rank 2 source codes that were snatched.

    "M-m-my Draconic Ice Bla-blades!"

    "N-n-no! My Gravitational Pendulum!"

    "My God! My Maneuver Type Wind God!"

    "Thi-this is... My Spatial Cannons disappeared! No!!"

    All of them couldn''t help but exclaim in despair. Each of the stripped source codes were fundamental spells that were very beneficial to their battles, they made it after being bathed by the scent of liquid and fire. They had undergone insurmountable problems upon creating their respective source codes yet they were now stripped off from them!

    It''s because of that one youth!

    The four fairies heart shuddered as the figure of a handsome youth became plastered in their hearts. Their hatred of him soared high.

    "Now, scram!" Fang Lin howled.

    They momentarily shuddered before scrambling to make their way towards the exit. But just before they reached the exit. A chiii sound resounded as the door before them automatically opened. Revealing the indifferent figure of a youth of which age was about fourteen to fifteen years old. Beside her was an otherworldly beauty.

    Glancing unto his figure. The four fairies hatred surged up as they tightly clenched their fists, making their figures seemed to be a bit murderous.

    "Hmm? What''s everyone doing? This seems like fun so let me join!" Riku lightly exclaimed as he stepped foot inside the room.

    Seeing Riku''s carefree figure. The four fairies once again gritted their teeth as they stepped forward and imposingly said. "You bastard! If you''re strong enough then leave your name! Otherwise this enmity between us will never be settled!" Han Qiang was the first to shout so. Interrupting the words of the other fairies.

    "Hmm? Ah! Senior Han Qiang! This junior greets senior." Riku respectfully clasped his hands as he said.

    "And also, this junior''s name is Riku Lightshield. I hope you take care of me!" Riku lightly said as he chuckled. Intentionally raising the hatred inside the four fairies hearts.

    "Riku Lightshield? Hmmph! We will pay this matter a hundred fold!" Han Qiang stopped her feet outside as the three other fairies followed behind and pierced Riku''s figure with a glare full of hatred. Riku maintained his bowing posture, and only when the door slowly closed did he retracted his posture and turned forward.

    "Riku Lightshield, I assume? " Fang Lin lightly said. His overbearing tone disappeared without a trace. Witnessing this, Liu Yin and Lin Meng''s figure slightly flinched. When did this overbearing principal''s tone became as gentle as the whistling wind?

    Just what was Riku Lightshield''s identity? Even the Rank 5 Adapter Liu Yin couldn''t help but feel awe, just by looking at Riku''s carefree figure.

    "Yes, this junior is Riku Lightshield. I give my respects to the principal." Riku once again clasped his hands as he slightly bowed.

    "Hmm, good! Now that you''re here. I would like everyone to go outside. I want to talk to him with some matters." Fang Lin smiled as he glanced over everyone''s dumbfounded figure.

    Private matters? Fang Xue''s figure slightly flinched before retreating back to the exit. Donning a light smile, she clearly knew about her grandfather''s teasing attitude. And so, without any worries in her mind. She had gone outside the room.

    Lin Meng and Liu Yin on the other hand also followed Fang Xue from behind, wearing a helpless smile. The two slowly approached the exit but was stopped by Fang Lin''s careful voice.

    "Lin Meng, Liu Yin. You two stay here. I still have to give my thanks to you and so, I would like you to stay." Fang Lin gently said, and darted his gaze towards Riku. Who still had his gentle smile.

    "Yes, senior." The two simultaneously clasped their hands and respectfully retreated on the outermost corner near the exit.

    Riku also turned his head behind and witnessed as the two retreated unto the dark.

    ~~Whisss

    A whistling sound came before him. When Riku turned his head forward. He was greeted by a crescent shaped violet colored moon. Because of the speed it approached him and the element of surprise. He was caught underhanded and was only able to raise his arms to defend. Enshrouding both of it with a pale blue light.

    ~~Boom!

    A deafening explosion occured inside the dimly lit room. And a figure flew backwards like a puppet that had its string cut. Riku''s body thrashed around the room and heavily struck the wall behind him. Followed with two cracking noises. Two of his ribs broke just from that impact.

    Lin Meng and Liu Yin''s pupil''s constricted. Just now, Fang Lin suddenly threw an attack towards Riku of which caught him off guard, and even sent him flying across the room, breaking two of his ribs in the process.

    ''Weren''t they friends?!''

    Coughing a mouthful of blood. Riku struggled to stand up and said. "Senior Fang Lin! What''s the meaning of this?" Riku grimly said as he struggled to stand up. Just now, when the crescent moon struck him. Seventy percent of his Mana Force was drained and absorbed by the strange attack.

    Currently, his Mana Force didn''t even amount to thirty percent! With only one strike. Riku succumbed to a serious injury. His Core Formation Soul sent threads of its power towards Riku''s struggling body. Healing it at a snail''s pace.

    "Hahaha, how disappointing. And here I thought that you were as strong as I thought. And here you are, cannot even withstand one of my small attacks!" Fang Lin mockingly said as a violent crescent moon surfaced on his forehead, making him look like a murderous death god. His Radiant Wristband also flickered with a violent light. And madly suppressed his Mana Force to prevent leakage.

    ''Small attacks my ass! You''re a Soul Condensing Stage expert yet you strike me a lowly Flesh Improving Stage!''

    But just as Fang Lin was about to say something. A pale blue needle condensed into the air and struck towards Fang Lin, aiming unto his throat.

    Witnessing the condensed needle. Fang Lin couldn''t help but say. "Hmm, You''re still quite capable despite being unable to take one of my attacks."Hmmph!" Fang Lin coldly snorted as he cleaved the condensed needle mid air.

    But just as his palm strike about to strike the needle. It mysteriously disappeared from the air and condensed behind him. Aiming to strike at his back.

    "Oh, damn!" Fang Lin''s old voice resounded as he twisted his body and strike a roundhouse kick towards the needle.

    "Ding!" The needle flew aside as it disappeared. But before he could try to scour the area for Riku''s presence. A cold sensation ran through his throat as a weak voice said.

    "Senior Fang." Fang Lin turned his head behind and found that Riku''s hand had formed a chopping stance and aimed it close to his neck, ready to strike.

    "Hahahaha..." Fang Lin laughed as he retreated backwards. And with a helpless tone. "Okay, okay, I admit defeat. Just now I was only trying to probe you. Your control of your already scarce Mana Force was incredible enough that you were able to condense a soul needle despite being heavily injured. Losing to someone who was incredible control on their Mana Force, this old one''s defeat is justified." Fang Lin lightly chortled as he said.

    "Senior is too humble, just now. You didn''t even utilize even twenty percent of your strength yet you were able to heavily injure me. If you''ve used about fifty percent. I would have died." Riku clasped his hands as he bowed. His tone became more respectful than before.

    ''This old man is unexpectedly proficient in martial arts. Hahaha, If I wasn''t able to forcefully condense a soul needle. I would have been defeated.''

    What were soul needles? They were the manifestation of one''s Mana Force itself! Even condensing one would take extensive concentration on the cultivators part! But because of the Azure Soul Takeover of his Core Formation soul. He was able to enter the realm of intense concentration and painstakingly and forcefully condensed the soul needle with the price that he would need to recuperate for a few days.

    But even though he would become a cripple for about two days or more. It was still a priceless one, since he was able to contend with the first strongest cultivator he had seen inside this strange world!

    In his previous life. Soul Condensing Stage cultivators were like ants to be stepped to someone of the Severed Spirit Stage like Riku. But now, It seemed to be a huge blocking mountain! More or less, a bottleneck!

    "Hahaha, Junior is too humble. I am just an incapable old man." Fang Lin chortled as a reply unto Riku''s statement.

    With a long lasting sigh. Riku stabilized his wounds with the meager amount of Mana Force he had. Right now, he was currently weak. Similar to a person with no cultivation at all. So if Fang Lin were to attack him now with ill intents. He could only die with regret.

    But seemingly, this strange old man Fang Lin wasn''t as harsh as he thought. Since Fang Lin waved his hands as three pills floated towards him. Seeing the pills. Riku''s eyes couldn''t but lit up. These three pills were filled with plenty of elemental life force, which was extremely important for healing.

    Without further ado, Riku stuffed the pills in his mouth and seated himself cross-legged and slowly refined the pills with two percent of his Mana Force.

    The elemental essence life force filled his body with a decent feeling of euphoria. And after about three hours of refining. The pills were completely disintegrated within his body. His two broken ribs were now fully healed and his sore joints were now cooled off.

    Standing up, he could feel the presence of the two people behind him. Their expressions revealed that they were still shocked by the sudden outcome of Fang Lin''s attack, and with that. Riku could only shake his head helplessly.

    "Oh, you''re healed already? Hahaha, how''s my pill?" Fang Lin lightly smiled as he gently said.

    "Was that senior''s pill? So that''s the reason why it was quite amazing. In less than four hours of refining. My body had already healed to the point that it looked to be uninjured in the first place!" Riku said with an appreciative tone.

    "But still, senior..." Riku''s voice turned serious all of the sudden as he grimly continued.

    "What''s the true reason of why you summoned me here?"

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: This is CodexofImmortals, bringing you the chapter six! I am really sorry for being unable to post within these past days. That''s because I was quite busy with everyday work and in real life endeavors! Nonetheless, thank you for reading and as always, If you have any comments, suggestions, ideas, pointers or even harsh criticism, just place it on the comments!

 Chapter 7: Law Differences.

    As Riku''s eyes flashed with seriousness. Fang Lin raised his head up to the sky and helplessly laughed. What caused Riku to be extremely wary was he felt an intense feeling of familiarity in Fang Lin''s martial arts. Specially that crescent violet moon.

    "Hahaha, So its like this huh? Hahahaha, Looks like I can''t hide this anymore..." Fang Lin''s eyes glittered with regret. Followed with a long lasting sigh. Fang Lin waved his hands as a violet glow flashed by and an archaic book appeared on his palm.

    At one glance, the book looked to be extremely ancient. It''s cover page was wretched by scratch marks and its pages looked thinner than a cicada''s wing. But to Riku, this book looked to be intensely familiar. On its front page. Three words made Riku''s eyes widened.

    ''Blood Moon Arts''

    "How the hell did you acquire this book?!" Riku howled forth. His reeled mind snapped from shock and anger roused up in his chest. Glancing over his right hand. He still had his blood contracted cosmos ring. And one wouldn''t be able to open this ring without the owner dying.

    Fang Lin was slightly startled. Before a faint smile emerged from his lips as he said in a slow pace. "Riku, the day when we found you in that hut. You were wracked with countless burn marks and deep bloody lines. At that time, the two of us, me and Xue''er thought that you''ve already died. "

    "I carefully inspected your body and I ordered Xue''er to scan the area for Mana Force undulations. While Xue''er found nothing out of place. I found something incredibly mysterious." Fang Lin slightly paused as he glanced over Riku''s hand.

    "That ring that you wore that day was something out of this world. Although, it wasn''t strange for some people to own a spatial ring. It was quite strange in your case, since the ring you owned. The space it covered seemed to be boundless."

    "And so, with great curiosity. I utilized a secret technique from my clan and directly utilized my soul to swiftly scour over that ring, but something incredibly shocking appeared before me." Fang Lin''s tone had a hint of awe in it as he continued.

    "What caught my eyesight was the countless cultivation methods belonging to the archaic era. The countless battle skills and even ancient array techniques that even I didn''t know for what for! There was even materials of unknown use and origin, but glancing up to it. Everything of those ingredients, gives off an aura of supremacy..." Fang Lin''s tone became grim as he said. After a second of hesitation. He continued.

    "Enchanted by the sudden appearance of the treasure trove before me. I tried to perform a blood contract with the ring. Just like how you perform a blood contract with spatial rings. But because of that. I noticed that you weren''t dead after all. You were just asleep. Deep in slumber."

    "But still. I didn''t falter. After countless minutes of diving inside the space of your ring. I finally found a book written in a language that I could understand. Of which was the ''Blood Moon Arts''." Fang Lin said as a flash of loneliness surfaced in his eyes.

    "But after I took the book from your ring. I felt extreme guilt. As much as I wanted to return the book. I was still unable to do the act. And so, I decided to help you. To have you recovered. With that, I brought you in this facility. " Fang Lin helplessly sighed as he threw a pleading look towards Riku.

    Riku on the other hand gently smiled as he found out that Fang Lin didn''t lie an inch about what happened. If he ever found out that his granddaughter and his story was different from each other. He would surely doubt the man.

    "Don''t worry, senior Fang Lin. If you that book was to your liking. Please consider that as my payment for these past months." Riku clasped his hands as he deeply bowed. If one''s heart wasn''t made of stone. He could clearly feel the trustworthy attitude of Fang Lin, and would praise him in their hearts.

    "Are you okay with that? Riku? This book is a cultivation method of the ancient times! This surely holds extreme power that may make someone soar great heights in their cultivation!" Fang Lin resisted as he shook his head left and right.

    But Riku only replied in a faint small smile. How could he take a fancy in the ''Blood Moon Arts''? Whereas he owned different cultivation materials far much stronger than that book! So, Riku didn''t feel regret at all as he nodded his head, and waved his hand in an indifferent manner.

    "Then, since Junior is this lenient to me. I would like to offer these two Rank 2 skills!" Fang Lin waved his hands as two indistinct ray of lights flew over towards Riku. Riku clutched the two lights in mid-air as his eyebrows frowned.

    Looking at the articles before him. Riku became confused. At a quick glance. What appeared on Riku''s palm was two green chips with strange carvings on their surface. The chip''s size was the same size as Riku''s thumb. It was square in its form, and gave off a bland feeling of strangeness.

    "Senior, what is this?" Riku glanced over Fang Lin with a strange look in his eyes.

    "Those are ''Source Code Chips''. They are extremely necessary to brand a new spell inside your Radiant Weapon." Fang Lin said with a light smile.

    "Ah, wait..." Fang Lin''s expression turned weird as he glanced over Riku''s figure.

    "Hahahaha." Fang Lin suddenly erupted in a series of laughter as epiphany came over his mind.

    "To think that I forgot to give you Radiant Weapons." Fang Lin slapped his palm over his face as he frowned. With a long lasting sigh. Fang Lin shook his wrist as three violet glows materialized before him.

    Seeing the materialized objects before him. Riku''s eyes lit up as he stared unto the three objects. One was a ring, one was a wristband while one was a necklace!

    "Senior... This is..." Riku was somewhat in a loss. As a faint trace of worry emerged from his mind. He already saw these articles fitted in Han Qiang, Han Shu, Lin Meng, Fang Xue, and even Fang Lin''s hand. These were Radiant Weapons that Miss Fang explained to him before.

    "Don''t worry, Junior. After the spectacle that you did today, no one would suspect by tomorrow. " Fang Lin''s figure beamed as a trace of smile emerged from his lips.

    "So now, choose! Choose one path!" Fang Lin howled as words floated over the floating objects. One was named ''Adapter''. One was named, ''Ranger.'' One was named ''Sniper''.

    "But no worries! I know that you still don''t know what these words meant so I will lend these three to you! Spell to it a blood contract and you will become its owner! But promise me that after you decided and tested these three and chosen the path that you wanted to tread. You must return the other two!" Fang Lin said in a serious tone. Depicting a warning towards Riku. And at the same time. The three floating objects sped towards Riku as he cleaved his hands and kept the three articles inside his cosmos ring.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    "Profound thanks, Senior Fang Lin." Riku respectfully bowed as he clasped his hands together. Inside his mind, an insurmountable amount of joy appeared from within. Even though his expression on the outside looked to be neutral. His mind was filled with excitement as he thought.

    ''At last! With this. I will be able to know more about this peculiar world!'' Riku retracted his bow as he glanced over Fang Lin''s smiling figure. After sometime, the latter once again flicked his wrist as other two violet lights floated and flew towards the distant corner.

    After the glow dissipated. Two words were clearly heard, coming from two people.

    "Profound thanks, Principal Fang Lin!"

    Riku also smiled as he recognized the masculine voice coming from that darkness. Lin Meng!

    "With that. The two of you may now leave. Be careful in your way." Fang Lin''s voice turned indifferent as he voiced out his concerned. Followed by the sound of the automatic doors. Darkness once again enshrouded the vicinity of the dimly lit room that Riku was in.

    "Senior, If you may excuse me." Riku bowed his head. He wanted to return in the room where he stayed and quickly test the law differences of this world through its own methods!

    "Ah, okay, okay, Junior. Just take care in your way." With a concerned voice. Fang Lin replied as he waved his hands towards the departing Riku. With a chiing sound. The automatic doors opened as light flowed inside the dimly lit room.

    Inside Fang Lin''s eyes. A suppressed killing intent came over his eyes.

    ...

    Riku finally arrived inside the confines of his room in the fourth floor. There, he was greeted by the loneliness of the white walls covering him from all directions. Looking around the area, there was no furniture at sight. Although the room was big enough to cover at least 30 people. There was only one futon placed in the middle.

    Riku jumped unto the futon as he excitedly closed his eyes and meditated.

    Inside his energy sea, various streams of pale blue light encircled around his dantian. His dantian, about the size of two adult''s fist overlapped occasionally sends pulses of pale blue light towards Riku''s body. Nurturing it in every cycle.

    This was the power of meditation! If one meditates, they would be able to reap great rewards for their spirit and body!

    After about thirty minutes and about three thousand cycles. Riku''s eyes snapped open. With flick of his wrist. Three familiar articles floated in the air before him.

    One was a ring, one was a wristband while one was a necklace! Each of this signifies an important role to take during his stay inside this academy!

    Riku pondered for a moment. After about time it takes a water to boil. Riku decided to snatch the floating ring and wore it around his left ring finger.

    ''Initializing Power Systems''.

    A transparent screen appeared in the space over the ring.

    ''Power 85%''

    ''Energy Green''

    ''Mana Force Realm; Flesh Improving Stage''.

    ''Spells accumulated; 0''

    ''Starting Systems...''

    ''Welcome, User.''

    The transparent screen flickered for a moment before a blank space appeared instead of written ones.

    ''Enter Full Name;_____''

    Below the Enter Full Name blank was a series of words. Relying on his instincts. Riku lightly touched the words hovering in front of him.

    R!

    *Tick...*

    A small sound came out as the word R was written. With the sudden revelation. Riku''s eyes lit up before successively spelling out his name. After he entered his name, the transparent screen automatically retracted as a check sign appeared.

    ''Welcome, Riku Lightshield.''

    The transparent screen flickered once more before displaying.

    ''Rank 1: Ranger''

    ''Available Ranked Spells: Compressed Air Cannon: Rank 1''

    ''Hmm! This is it!'' Riku gleefully said in his mind.

    ''Tutorial is available, would you like to read the instructions?'' Reading this phrase, Riku nodded like a chicken pecking a grain of rice as he pressed unto the yes button.

    *ding...

    With that, Riku was introduced by the systems on the basics of how to carefully handle his Radiant Ring. How to replace Radiant Cells, how to swiftly cast spells, and how to enable voice commands. There was even a tutorial set up by Principal Fang Lin himself of which thought Riku about the basics of how to integrate a Source Code Chip to the Radiant Ring.

    After about thirty minutes. The tutorial finally ended. Riku''s eyes brightened as he switched over the cast settings to voice commands as he stood up and outstretched his hands towards the door before him.

    With a serious expression. Riku howled. "Ice Draconic Blade!"

    ~~Whizzz...

    The room where Riku was turned chilling code as cold mist erupted from Riku''s Radiant Ring. The cold atmosphere congealed into a small flying dagger blade. Before it hovered in the space beside Riku.

    "Go!"

    Riku stretched his hands as he flung the Ice Draconic Blade towards the entrance. His expression was tranquil, without the panic of breaking articles up inside the room.

    According to the tutorial that Principal Fang Lin himself set up. The rooms where the students were living inside was like an indestructible room. Made by various materials from adamantium to Heavenly Platinum, the rooms were quite sturdy that it was able to withstand even an attack from a Severed Spirit powerhouse.

    And so, without any hesitation. Riku flung the Ice Draconic Blade towards the automatic door as he tried to measure up the firepower of the Ice Draconic Blade.

    But as the Ice Draconic Blade neared the automatic door.

    A familiar sound suddenly erupted from the door, and with a steady but slow pace. It suddenly opened, revealing the joyful expression of the feminine girl which was extremely familiar to him. Fang Xue.

    "Stop!"

    <hr />

    Author''s note: Sorry for not being able to post yesterday! I was very busy yesterday since it was sunday and I had lots of work to do school related. But now here is the first chapter of the week! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and as usual, If you have any comments, suggestions, outrages, or even harsh or mild critics. Please place them in the comments! Those subjects are extremely important for my improvements and so, I give my profound thanks to those people who would do so!

    And also, compliments are also welcome :P

 Chapter 8: Realm.

    The Ice Draconic Blade swum past with a whistling sound. It aimed towards the joyful Fang Xue.

    "STOP!" Riku howled forth and desperately controlled the Ice Draconic Blade to stop. But he was too late... The Ice Draconic Blade had already reached about two meters before Fang Xue. He could only close his eyes and wait for the outcome.

    As Riku closed his eyes, a violet glow suddenly covered Fang Xue''s figure. The violet glow formed into a violet mist and as the Ice Draconic Blade struck the violet mist. It suddenly stopped, as if it struck cotton.

    "That is..."

    "Senior!" Riku howled in joy. He immediately retracted his stance and greeted Fang Lin who was behind Fang Xue. A proud glow was in his eyes as he clasped his hands together and said.

    "This junior, greets Senior Fang Lin!" Despite his Core Formation Soul. He still wasn''t able to distinguish Fang Lin''s aura. That''s because, he cultivated in the ''Blood Moon Arts'', a peculiar cultivation method that Riku found in the Blackwood Forest.

    "That Ice Draconic Blade just now..." Fang Lin lightly smiled as he darted his gaze towards Riku''s torso. Noticing the ring that Riku equipped. Fang Lin''s eyes lit up as he said.

    "So you''ve chosen to follow the path of a ranger! Hahaha, quite a good choice indeed." Fang Lin remarked as the automatic door closed.

    Fang Xue wore a light smile as she uncovered her palm. There within, a small square like item with Riku''s face was inside.

    "Riku, you''re now an official student of our Morrow Academy!" Fang Xue said with a gentle smile as she handed over Riku''s identification card. She also waved her hands as a Source Code Chip surfaced and handed it over Riku.

    "Thanks, thanks Miss Fang. Hmmm? What is this?" Riku recognized the Source Code Chip but wasn''t able to determine the spell embedded inside.

    "In addition to your Ice Draconic Blade and Compressed Air Cannon, here is a Rank 2 spell named, Culling Blades." Fang Xue moved her jade like hand and placed the Source Code Chip on Riku''s hand.

    Riku joyfully accepted the Source Code Chip. With more spells to experiment, he would surely be able to familiarize himself around this peculiar world! Since he will be living here for the rest of his life. He must have sufficient knowledge about the world!

    "Quick, quick, try it! We want to see how you cast the spells!" Fang Xue excitedly exclaimed. Her face beamed as she glanced over Riku''s movements. Fang Lin on the other hand maintained his gentle smile as he glanced over the two youngsters.

    "Okay, okay..." Riku said as he flicked his right palm over his Radiant Weapon. With a diiing, sound. A transparent screen surfaced above the air over the Radiant Weapon. There displayed basic information about Riku.

    Welcome, Riku Lightshield.

    Mana Force Realm; Flesh Improving Stage.                     Integrate Source Code

    Spells Accumulated: 2                                                             Open IDE

    Ranger Rank: 1                                                                           Exit User Terminal

    Mana Force Stats: 1000

    Riku swiftly tapped over the Integrate Source Code and followed Principal Fang Lin''s previous instructions about embedding a spell using a Source Code Chip. Riku''s movements were very fluid. Which made Fang Lin and Fang Xue gasp in surprise.

    Even though he had stayed inside this academy for about two months. He spent those two months in a coma. This was first day where Riku woke up. And so, even the firm minded Fang Lin and quick decision maker Fang Xue couldn''t help but be entranced by Riku''s cognitive memory skill.

    Integration Finished!

    Culling Blades: Rank 2 - Summons ethereal sharp blades in mid-air. User can freely control the Culling Blades and the degree of the blades'' durability is equal to the amount of Mana Force used. Costs 50 Mana Force per one blade. Can summon ten blades at once.

    Cannot Pierce Physical Immunity.

    "Wooo!" Riku couldn''t help but exclaim in joy. This Culling Blade given to him was surely strong. Judging from the amount of Mana Force it consumed. And the amount of blades he could summon in one go. This spell would surely need some great mind work, and so. With an appreciative gaze, Riku glanced over Fang Lin''s figure.

    He knew that this spell given to him was the work of this old man. And wasn''t a congratulatory gift at all.

    Fang Lin just smirked as he realized that Riku had already grasped about the meaning why he gave Riku the Culling Blade.

    "Xue''er. Let''s have Riku rest already. I''m sure he is quite tired now. And also, the sun has already hid himself. Let''s go part ways. I''m sure Riku would like plenty of time to consolidate his new spells and time to rest." Fang Lin tapped his granddaughter''s shoulders.

    Hearing what Fang Lin said, Fang Xue could only sigh in resignation as he turned around, waved her hands and said. "Junior! Make sure you''re up at six! I''ll be coming here and introduce you around the academy! " With that, the automatic door closed itself as the visages of the two disappeared from Riku''s line up sight.

    Riku sighed in relief as he seated himself cross legged. It was good that Fang Lin found out about Riku''s intentions and made the first move about them leaving. This time, Riku would surely need a peaceful time for himself. Since the sudden information overload made his mind quite slow.

    Practicing his usual breathing exercise. Riku calmed himself. After about the time it takes a water to boil. Riku''s eyes snapped open.

    He then flicked his wrist as five archaic looking books appeared in succession.

    ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art''.

    ''Blood Demon''s Mercy''.

    ''Devilish Bounty Art''.

    ''Heaven''s Gateway Art''.

    ''Void God''s Cultivation Art''.

    Riku''s eyes became filled with different kinds of emotions. At the time when he scavenged to acquire this supreme cultivation techniques. He was still at the Foundation Establishment Stage. With a brown colored Mana Force. At that time, he found himself inside a treasure trove.

    With god knows how many days did he endured the trials of the dungeon and the cruelness of the people around him. As a solo cultivator. Riku found himself as quite amazing as he thought back in that time.

    Now, before him. Five supreme cultivation techniques he acquired through life and death. All before him, but he could only choose one.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    Riku beamed with a light smile as he flicked his wrist. A small rock crystal materialized in the air and fell before him palm.

    Unattributed Soul Crystal.

    Riku would use this soul crystal to determine his current element affinity. He closed his eyes as rumbling sounds filled his dantian. Inside his energy sea, thick threads of pale blue light collided with each other. With each collision, subtle numb pains would shoot towards Riku''s abdomen.

    The thick threads of pale blue light flew towards his body. Encircling everything like a cycle. From his meridians, bones, veins, cells. All of them were being traversed through by his cultivation stage. Slightly improving his physical body.

    Soon, the unattributed soul crystal lit up as a pale blue light showered from the crystal unto the surrounding area. Riku''s eyes constricted as he witnessed the spectacle of cracklings of lights colliding with each other.

    ''Lightning Attribute!''

    Unexpected joy filled Riku''s mind as he darted his gaze towards the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art''. Since he had the lightning attribute, it would be impossible for him to cultivate using the other supreme cultivation methods! The most compatible one would be this ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art''!

    If some chance he decided to cultivate using the other supreme techniques. He would just be wasting his own potential, and there was even a chance to completely destroy his current cultivation base. Of which was irreparable!

    Riku''s hand clutched the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' and carefully opened the first page. With beaming eyes, there in front of him was the first method in pursuing the art of the thunderlord.

    If cultivated correctly, one could ultimately command lightning from the heavens to smite unto his foe. One could even summon tribulation lightnings to swallow up his own enemy!

    Using the Azure Soul Takeover, Riku streamed through the pages of the cultivation art. According to the book itself, the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' consisted of nine realms! The realms were, Blue Lightning Realm, Green Lightning Realm, Yellow Lightning Realm, Red Lightning Realm, Azure Lightning Realm, Scarlet Lightning Realm, Black Lightning Realm, with the Purging Lightning Realm as the highest realm! Each realms were separated by Initial, Middle, Late Phases!

    If one wanted to breakthrough phases, they would need an insurmountable amount of Mana Force and carefully distort their current lightning realm. After that, they would need to slowly reconstruct it from scratch, which would emerge a brand new strengthened lightning!

    If one would make even the slightest mistake in breaking through or was even slightly disturbed. Their dantian would burst and transform them into a mess of brain and body matter!

    ~Whizzz....

    Bubbling sounds came out from Riku''s dantian, this time. He used the technique directed to him by the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' and slowly distorted his pale blue Mana Force to a Lightning Essence.

    ~Chiiii....

    Like a smoldering iron that was suddenly splashed by water. Riku''s shoulder shuddered as a sharp searing pain came over his body. His face became full of sweat as he grimaced in pain. Tightly gritting his teeth. Riku continued unto the process of conversion.

    Inside his energy sea, pale blue threads of light scrambled and collided with each other. With each collision, ripples would spread towards all directions and would wretch Riku''s body with searing pain.

    But Riku could clearly feel that the colliding pale blue threads were somewhat being transformed. Riku''s eyes lit up as he witnessed a pale blue thread merging into an another thread, creating a crackling of light in the process.

    Practicing the breathing exercises inscribed in the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' Riku calmed his mind as he directed all his mind power towards controlling the myriads of pale blue threads. And in one go!

    Boom!

    Terrifying explosions occurred inside Riku''s dantian. The explosion was huge enough that the outside world''s space rippled in shock as insurmountable amount of tyrannical Mana Force spread around the area. Thankfully, prior to Riku''s attempt at the first phase of the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art''. He was informed by Principal Fang Lin that any amount of Mana Force wouldn''t leak unto the outside world. Or else, If one was even scraped by this tyrannical Mana Force. They would be jolted back and thrown unto the air.

    In the outside world, the sun had already hid its visage from humanity. Leaving the limelight to the huge natural satelite. So, Riku wasn''t afraid that someone would suddenly open the confines of the room where he currently was in. The night was already deep. Obviously, all of them maybe asleep.

    Riku''s forehead became wracked by beaded sweats. And his teeth clattered as he clenched his jaw and endured the pain. Inside his energy sea, most of the pale blue threads were already dissolve to small crackling blue thread. Within the crackling blue thread. Was a tyrant energy of the lightning element!

    Now that the pale blue threads were successfully converted to crackling blue threads of light. Riku''s heart was still as tense as ever. After this initial step of Mana Force conversion. He still would need to congeal all the crackling blue threads of light unto a lightning essence!

    Riku''s face distorted as he squeezed out the remaining Mana Force he had and turned it into a huge whirlpool suction! The whirlpool immediately sucked the crackling blue threads of light and chomped them down!

    As the crackling blue threads of light was devoured. The lightning element concentration within Riku''s dantian surged as Riku clenched his teeth in preparation for the essence conversion! The last step!

    The huge pale blue whirlpool suddenly stopped spinning. The crackling blue threads of light wasn''t visible anymore as a small blue ball, about the size of Riku''s fist was congealed inside his dantian!

    Shockingly, inside this harmless looking small blue ball of light, was an insurmountable amount of lightning essence!

    "Haaah... Haaah..." Riku gasped for air as he secretly rejoiced in his heart. The lightning essence was finally formed! He successfully stepped unto the first realm of the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art''! The Blue Lightning Realm Initial Phase!

    *Thud...

    With a small sound, Riku''s cross legged body fell unto the side. For the second time inside this peculiar world, he once again sucked himself dry of his Mana Force.

 Chapter 9: Schadenfreude.

    Riku Lightshield''s consciousness slowly awakened from slumber.

    Slightly clenching his fists. He was greeted by a blurred view from his murky eyes. There he instantly knew that he once again fell unconscious.

    But nonetheless, upon waking up. Riku''s mind was filled with joy. He succeeded in breaking through the Blue Lightning Realm, and his cultivation base moved up one phase! Which means, his previous Heart Improving Stage Initial Phase was now Middle Phase!

    Solemnly closing his eyes. Riku dived deep unto his body and inspected his heart. There he found that the walls surrounding his heart was somewhat infused with a trace of Mana Force. Making it burst with vigor with each blood it sent to the veins.

    Witnessing this, Riku couldn''t help but sigh in joy. Last night, he fell unconscious due to over exhaustion. Now, as he checked his Mana Force which was supposed to be empty last night. He was astounded to find that his Mana Force was completely recovered!

    A complete recovery in a span of one night! Unprecedented!

    Even though Riku possessed countless rejuvenating breathing techniques, he still would need at least three nights to recover all of his lost Mana Force completely!

    With a small smile of mirth, Riku hovered his palm over his Radiant Ring, with a slight flickering light, a transparent screen appeared over the space between his ring and his palm

    Welcome, Riku Lightshield.

    Mana Force Realm; Flesh Improving Stage; Middle Phase.                Integrate Source Code

    Spells Accumulated; 3                                                                                    Open IDE

    Ranger Rank: 1                                                                                                  Exit User Terminal                                                                   Mana Force Stats: 1200

    There, he saw his Mana Force Stats was increased by 200 points, Riku pondered about it for a moment but had concluded that the cause for it was most likely his cultivation break through to the Middle Phase.

    ''Hmm... Just what is this Open IDE?'' Riku''s curiosity sparked as he tried to tap the Open IDE button. But remembering Principal Fang Lin''s advise on how to take care of his Radiant Weapon, Riku decided to not touch anything.

    With a slight tap, Riku pressed unto the Exit Terminal button as the transparent screen flickered to nothingness.

    ~~~Rumble...

    A thunderous sound emerged as Riku''s body shuddered. Lightly touching his abdomen, Riku helplessly sighed as he murmured. ''Being a mortal really is annoying! Back then I could go for years without eating!''

    Riku reminisced in the time when he was still a Severed Spirit Stage powerhouse, back then, he could kill thousands of people at the Foundation Establishment Stage with just a flick of his finger. But now, he could just hope if he can still reach that realm.

    With heavy resigned steps, Riku walked towards the automatic door. As usual, Riku walked right and traversed through the seemingly endless hallway. After about thirty paces, he reached a metallic door and pressed a small button beside it.

    And using his precise cognitive memory skills, Riku safely traversed through the elevator and reached the ground floor.

    There, he saw again the spectacle he clearly remembered yesterday, the only differences was the today, the sky was glowing orange as the sunrise continued.

    Before him were countless students wearing the same designed clothing were loitering around. Some were seated unto their seats while some where lining up for food with food trays on their palms. Our MC here in the other hand was standing there in a daze.

    Some students noticed Riku''s dazed state and couldn''t help but stare in disdain. But noticing his Radiant Ring on his left finger. They immediately sealed their mouths shut. After all, even though how high and mighty they were, if they were acting arrogant to an unknown, no one would now what will their outcomes.

    Although the Radiant Weapons gave extreme benefits to the user wearing them, It still has its cons. Say for example the first benefit of wearing a Radiant Weapon was zero Mana Force leakage. If no Mana Force leakage was made, It would be quite hard to determine the true cultivation base of a person! Same goes for Riku! Even with the Core Formation Soul he had, If his foe didn''t exude even a small trace of Mana Force, he wouldn''t be able to ascertain much about his cultivation base!

    Just as the students around him glanced at him with disdain. Riku''s eyes sunk as he murmured.''Wait... Those clothes that they are wearing..." Riku turned looked down and found that he was still wearing the plain white shirt he wore yesterday.

    With an awkward smile, Riku slowly moved backwards as he once again executed a series of moves and walked towards the opened elevator. There, he was not alone, inside the elevator was two other men and a young woman. The three looked at him with a gaze full of contempt.

    But Riku could clearly determine that the three held their breath, as if they were avoiding smelling something bad!

    And then, as if a lightning struck his mind. Riku slightly moved his head down and smelled his armpits.

    ~BOOM!

    As if a thunderous lightning tribulation struck his mind. Riku''s was struck ashamed by a revelation. His body smelled like he came out from a sewer!

    Of course, It as extremely normal for a cultivator to smell bad after newly breaking through! It was normal for the body to expel harmful toxins and wastes! But this time, It was extremely inconvenient! After all, the area around this facility was cooled by myriads of air conditioners! Which meant that Riku''s smell had already spread around the area.

    Touching his bronze like skin, Riku could clearly feel the stickiness that it exuded. And when he looked at his palm that just touched his skin. There, he found a mud like substance sticking on his skin!

    The embarassed Riku could only shrink back unto the elevator''s corner as he pitied on the three people who came with him in this elevator. The elevator after all was an enclosed space! And it was also cooled by an air conditioner! Making Riku''s smell swell to the extreme!

    ~Ding!

    The elevator abruptly opened on the third floor. Apparently, these three people aimed to go to the sixth floor but was forced to stop midway because of Riku''s sewer like smell!

    ''Haha..." Riku helplessly sighed as he calmed himself down. Although the feeling of embarassment was still there. It subtly faded due to the fact that he wasn''t affecting other people.

    ~Ding!

    The elevator finally reached the fourth floor. As the doors opened, there he saw students with similar ages as him. But before the students outside could clearly see the visage of the passenger inside the elevator. Riku bolted like a an arrow from a bow as he ran towards the distance. His aim was the principal''s office.

    As Riku''s mirage passed. The students before the elevator''s door tightly held their breaths as a pungent smell assaulted their noses like a parasite. They couldn''t help but shrink back and refuse to board the elevator since the previous passenger''s smell was still lingering inside.

    How could they ride an elevator filled wit a pungent smell similar to a sewer?!

    And so, they retreated back and helplessly moved back to their quarters as they slightly cursed under their breaths. ''To do it inside the elevator! At least have some indecency!'' A male student couldn''t help but curse out loud. The other students slightly nodded as they ran towards their quarters.

    Meanwhile, Riku finally reached before the Principal''s Office door. Following the actions of Fang Xue, Riku placed his thumb unto the green flickering light as a voice said in a monotone voice. "Imprint Recognized; Riku Lightshield."

    ~~Chiiii...

    A rumbling sound came out from the door before him as it moved aside, giving Riku sufficient space to squeeze himself inside. But there, he found out an oval shaped table which was about six meters in length before him. There were countless stools to seat and all of the seats are of course, seated.

    The previous garden scenery that appeared inside this principal''s office was changed to a dimly lit room. With only the sunlight''s piercing light enveloping the area. The room was barely illuminated, giving off a mysterious vibe.

    Our astounded MC stood there with a dazed expression. The sudden change inside the room was quite a shocker for him. As he stood there, a cold snort suddenly erupted as an archaic majestic voice said.

    "So this is the impudent brat that harmed my grandson? Hahaha, quite laughable." Although the man was barely visible due to the illumination of the room. His voice alone made it obvious that he was quite old. But within the confines of these dark room. His gaze darted towards Riku and as if he could see inside Riku''s body, scanned him with frowned eyebrows.

    "You can''t just do that, Elder Han. " A scholarly like voice resounded. But although the voice sounded somewhat noble, there was a clear tinged of mocking in it. Obviously, it was aimed at Riku.

    "To think that he would just barge in here, Elder Fang. Did you gave him an imprint permission?" Another archaic like voice sounded. This time, it''s tone sounded indifferent.

    "Indeed, I gave him an imprint permission, but that doesn''t mean that you can just easily assess him as something inferior right? " This time, a familiar voice rang, Of course, this voice came from Principal Fang Lin.

    "Cannot address as inferior? Hah! Do you really think highly of this brat?!" The infuriated voice of the old man called Elder Han clapped like thunder. with a sudden flick of his wrist. A gale suddenly erupted and charged towards the dazed Riku.

    The other people watched with intrigued gazes.

    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    Noticing the impending danger. Riku immediately resurfaced from his pious mind and cleaved his hand in mid-air. Pale blue light came out from his palm as it clashed unto the fierce wind gale.

    ~Boom!

    A clear sound resounded as the gale ferociously flew backwards, causing immediate turbulence inside the room. Even the Elder who sent the gale attack couldn''t help but frown his eyebrows. Even Riku couldn''t help but frown.

    "Hmmph, don''t you dare think that you''re so strong just because you blocked that small attack of mine!" Noticing the infuriated gazes of the elders beside him. Elder Han howled before crossing his arms together.

    ~Clap!

    A clear clap of a hand resounded. Followed by a flickering light. The dimly lit room suddenly emanated a bright white light before it engulfed the room completely. Clearly showing the figures of the seated elders.

    "M-Miss Fang?!" Riku couldn''t but utter. On the furthermost corner of the oval shaped table. There he found Fang Xue with her signature teasing smirk. Her clothing, instead of the standard uniform similar to the students on the ground floor. Fang Xue wore a completely different clothing.

    It was a bright red clothing. Although similar to the student''s uniform. It''s design was completely different. With an embroidered six petaled rose, and a book on top of the flower. Next ot the flower were intricately placed vines, and the upper body clothing itself emphasized Fang Xue''s curvaceuous body.

    On her lower body was a similarly designed skirt. The differences was the stripes designed vertically. But nonetheless, if one glanced over Fang Xue''s current visage. One would unconsciously gulp a mouthful of saliva before they found themselves entranced by her beauty.

    "Yo, Riku." Fang Xue casually waved as she teasingly smirked.

    ''This girl...'' Riku could only sigh inwardly as he glanced over the other seated people.

    As he counted their heads, The people inside this room totaled eight, excluding Riku.

    Four where girls, two were elderly, while two were young men. Each had infuriated gaze towards Riku. With the exception of Principal Fang Lin and Fang Xue, the other looked to be extremely annoyed about Riku''s attitude, especially that Elder Han.

    Judging from his surname alone, Riku could understand that he was Han Shu''s grandfather. ''So, that brat actually had this mighty backer? Hahaha, sure, interesting enough.'' Riku inwardly uttered as he glanced with raised chin, towards the seated personas.

    He took a quick glance towards Elder Han and found out that he could not view his cultivation base. Quite different from how easily he ascertained Principal Fang Lin''s cultivation base.

    With that, Riku frowned his eyebrows and glanced onto the other seated person. He glanced unto the petite girl seated, in her bosom. A stuffed bear toy was there of whom she tightly clutched. Her gazes towards Riku were filled with indifference, but there was a clear tinge of annoyance within.

    As Riku glanced, the two''s gazes interlocked. Causing a small awkward atmosphere between the two. But he still found the same results. He couldn''t ascertain her cultivation bases, and at the same time. She wasn''t wearing a Radiant Weapon.

    But these people somewhat found out the meaning behind Riku''s quick gazes and the annoyance in their gazes turned hostile. Now, Riku''s Core Formation soul felt like being inside a cold icy tavern.

    With a flick of his mind, Riku warded off against the shuddering feeling and slowly said. "Principal Fang Lin... Where can I find the bathroom?" Contained within his tone was a small pressing tone. He surely wanted to go outside the ranges of these people''s gazes or else he would be struck cold!

    "Now that you mention it... Junior Riku..." Fang Lin''s voice turned quite serious as one of his palm covered his nose, as he hurriedly flicked his wrist. A small green chip flew towards Riku''s palms as a roar resounded.

    "How gall! You bastard! You actually farted inside this meeting room!" The one who shot off was Elder Han who realized the meaning of Fang Lin''s gesture, and actually sniffed the sewer like stench emanating off from Riku''s body.

    With a shudder. Riku couldn''t help but ran towards the automatic door with his fastest speed.

    ~Chiii...

    The automatic door slowly opened as a figure simultaneously dashed forth towards the nearest elevator. As the automatic door closed. The pungent leaking smell suddenly got entrapped inside the room.

    An awkward atmosphere ensued, but it was suddenly dispatched by a roar. "Ahhh! That damn, kid bastard! If I''m gonna cross ways with him, I''ll make sure he''ll pay with his limbs!" Elder Han''s face reddened as he shouted out loud.

    Fang Lin on the other hand, who still used his left palm to cover his nose, couldn''t help but shook his head in helplessness as he flicked his wrist in mid-air. There, a small canister appeared on his palms as he sprayed the contents unto the air. Clearing all the pungent smell.

    The other people were struck dumbfounded. But after a moment of clarity, their heart became filled with a hostile feeling towards the previous youngster.

    Meanwhile, Riku. After running for about ten minutes. Finally reached the confines of his room. There, he swiftly moved his palm over his Radiant Ring as a small flickering transparent screen appeared.

    Welcome, Riku Lightshield.

    Mana Force Realm; Flesh Improving Stage; Middle Phase.                Integrate Source Code

    Spells Accumulated; 4                                                                                      Open IDE

    Ranger Rank: 1                                                                                                     Exit User Terminal                                                                   Mana Force Stats: 1200

    With a swift movement of his index finger. Riku tapped unto the Integrate Source Code Button.

    Please hover Source Code Chip over the red laser light.

    Riku followed the instruction and a ding sound resounded before the transparent screen flickered once more.

    Source Code Confirmed

    A program called: Room 4042 User Terminal App wants to install itself in your Radiant Weapon.

    The following program will experience administrator privileges.

    Yes                     No

    Riku swiftly tapped on the Yes button and a ding sound resounded once more before a loading screen resurfaced. After about the time it takes for thirty breaths. The Radiant Weapon finally finished installing the User Terminal App.

    With a quick motion in accordance to the guide that Principal Fang Lin compiled. Riku pressed on the User Terminal App as various services were placed before him.

    There, he found the button for bathroom and swiftly pressed it.

    Afterwards, the brightly lit room where Riku currently was in suddenly flickered. As rumbling sounds came out from the surroundings. Riku could clearly feel and see that the current scenery before him was being changed. The white confines around him turned into a much more natural vibe as a small emerald green pond appeared before him.

    The emerald green pond emanated small white smokes. Seeing that, Riku couldn''t help but exclaim. "Hot springs!"

    Without further ado, Riku jumped in the emerald green pond as he wiped over the greasy mud like substance on his body. But suddenly, a voice announced.

    "In accordance with the rule number five of the Morrow Academy Institute of High Magics. Challengers can freely challenge everyone with the cost of paying for the defeated person''s hospital bills and the damages to the arena. A Rank one challenge was issued with highest priority towards Riku Lightshield residing in Room 4042. "

    "The challenger, Han Qiang placed his Rank 4 Spell, Battering Ice Tavern. On the stakes. Towards beating Riku Lightshield. On the other hand, If Riku Lightshield lost. He would be expelled from the academy. "

    "Further information can be found within the Morrow Academy''s website." The monotone voice finally stopped announcing.

    Listening to all of this. Riku''s expression suddenly turned stiff before he grimly said. "That woman, seems like she still held some grudges towards me."

    Meanwhile, Riku''s Radiant Weapon flickered as a transparent screen appeared.

    Announcement:

    A Rank 1 challenge was issued towards Riku Lightshield, resident of Room 4042 with highest                                                priority. The stakes are Riku''s expulsion and the challenger, Han Qiang''s Rank 4 spell Battering Ice Tavern.

    Accept                                                  Deny

    After scrubbing his greasy body, Riku finally stood up as a shiny luster emanated off from his refined body. As a result of the sudden breakthrough to the Blue Lightning Realm. Riku learned a spell from the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' named ''Lightning Smite''.

    Now, he was itching to try it since he wasn''t able to practice it inside the small confines of this room.

    "So, she still wanted a round two?" With a small smile, Riku stood up as he tapped on the Accept button, officially accepting the challenge.

 [POLL]Not a chapter: Just a small opinion gathering.

    Hi, This is your author, CodexofImmortals! Now I''ve reached a somewhat small milestone in this fiction, Modern Immortal.

    We are nearing Chapter ten and so, I would like to ask. What do you think of the story so far? Was it enjoyable enough? Was it logical enough? Or there are other things that seemed amiss?

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.Was the chapter long enough or too long that it became boring? Was I dumping too much info? Please inform meee!!!

    Please express your opinions and further explain on how can I further improve in writing!!

    And also, thanks to the loyal readers out there!

    Profound thanks to all of you!

 Chapter 10: True Display of Skill.

    As Riku stood up, he rubbed the cosmos ring on his left ring finger as a uniform of the Morrow Academy and High Institutes of Magics immediately clothed his naked body. Undoubtedly, Riku felt extremely comfortable donning the uniform.

    Just as he was about to strode off towards the automatic door. Riku remembered an article of his memory that he had completely forgotten. With a helpless shaking of his head. Riku flicked his wrist towards the empty area of his room.

    With that, myriads of different treasures appeared before Riku. His lips turned to a curve as he glanced over the treasure filled area. Swords, scabbards, scimitars, bows, and countless arrows on quivers with a green sticky liquid in it points were everywhere.

    Seeing those articles of items, Riku couldn''t help but a feel emotional. Those items was considered by him as his life saving weapons. As a cultivator without any sect and affiliates, Riku was always in danger. But with just a small plucking of his bow. There were certain casualties.

    The green sticky liquid smeared in each point of the arrows was an acute poison called the ''One Step Poison'' If struck by an arrow with this poison, you could only live in a time span of one step.

    On the left flank of Riku''s summoned treasure trove. There were countless stones with strange ancient patterns engraved on it. The stone''s size was as huge as Riku''s fists. And there were even fiery patterns inscribed on its surface, exuding a faint tyrant aura. These stone talismans were called. ''Explosive Stone Talisman.''

    The ones with an aquatic blue patterns were called ''Entrapment Stone Talisman.'' The one''s with a black vein lines pattern inscribed on it were called. ''Scattering Stone Talisman.'' Each of these stone talismans were Riku''s lifelines. In each day where he found himself inside a life and death battle. These talismans gave him better chances of living.

    On the right flank. A five meter tall shelf stood tall. There were myriads of books placed in the shelf. Each book looked to be extremely archaic. And all of them exuded a faint overbearing aura.

    However, instead of feeling mirth. Riku''s eyebrows trembled as popping sounds came out from his tightly clutched fists. If one carefully glanced over the books. One would be able to ascertain that the books were steadily crumbling to dusts.

    As if they were experiencing the end of their lifetime. The books crumbled to dusts, one by one. "Tribulation Lightning!" Riku howled as intense anger filled his chest. There was no other credible reason as to why these nearly indestructible books suddenly crumbled to dusts.

    Since the contents of the books were heaven defying, with chance to surpass the heavens, it was quite logical to think that the ''Tribulation Lightning''. crumbled it to nothingness.

    Now, before his eyes. The hard earned high grade cultivation methods were now dissipated dusts. "Huff... Huff..." Riku took his time as he breath in huge mouthfuls, calming his mind.

    With a long lasting sigh. Riku helplessly laughed as he glanced upwards. "This time, though you let me live through that tribulation. I still will loath you. I already promised to sunder through and create my own heaven, how could I falter by just your presence alone?"

    As if he was cleaving a huge mountain. Riku swiped his hand in the air as the empty book shelf returned to his cosmos ring. And with a firm and resolute gaze, Riku strode forwards, towards the area where alchemy materials were scattered.

    "Hmm, thankfully, only a portion of the material I brought were damaged. Or else, I can''t even cry blood even if I wanted to." Riku clutched his cheek as he glanced over the area. There, he saw different kinds of grasses, stones, liquids and jade bottles. Some of them are withered, some are crumbled, while some are broken. But only a portion of them was like that. The others were fine and was absolutely unharmed.

    With that, Riku cleaved the air as the unharmed materials returned to his cosmos ring.

    Now, his gaze turned towards his Stone Talismans. This time, Riku almost vomited blood as he glanced over. "F$@k! almost all of them are..." Riku didn''t even dare to finish the sentence as his face turned ghastly pale. His lips even trembled as he counted.

    "Explosive Stone Talismans... Ten pieces."

    "Entrapment Stone Talismans... F-five pieces..."

    "Scattering Stone Talismans... Th-three pieces?!"

    Riku''s chest violently shook as his breathing came in ragged pants. Riku''s lips endlessly trembled as he remembered the amount of resources and money he needed just to buy a stack of of those top grade talismans.

    "Tribulation Lightning... Damn your granddaddy..." Riku could only stare in dejection as he slowly moved his palm in a cleaving motion. With that, the perfectly fine stone talismans flew towards his cosmos ring.

    Now, what remained on the white floor was a variety of weapons. But only a portion of them was broken, unlike the stone talismans which was almost obliterated.

    "Damn that Tribulation Lightning, Why did you chose my stone talismans...? You could just destroy these useless weapons instead of those..." Riku shook his head in low spirits. But after a moment of contemplation. Riku made a cleaving motion with his palm and the perfectly fine weapons were sucked inside his cosmos ring.

    Although Riku sucked an enormous amount of weapons, articles and miscellaneous items inside his cosmos ring. It was unworthy to be worried. The cosmos ring itself contains the laws of the world itself and its space size was nearly infinite.

    "I''m gonna refine the Nine Aurora Sunlight Flower and the other supreme alchemy materials later..." Riku dejectedly said as he strode off towards the automatic door. But just as he took a step forward. A ding sound came out from his Radiant Weapon as a transparent screen flickered and displayed.

    Information:

    Riku Lightshield accepted Han Qiang''s Rank one duel and the schedule has been decided.

    The fated fight will occur thirty minutes later at the Stadium number two.

    With that, Riku calmly hovered his palm over his Radiant Ring and dispersed the informative message. But then, he once again hovered his palm over his Radiant Ring and opened the user terminal.

    Welcome, Riku Lightshield.

    Mana Force Realm; Flesh Improving Stage; Middle Phase.                Integrate Source Code

    Spells Accumulated; 4                                                                                      Open IDE

    Ranger Rank: 1                                                                                                     Exit User Terminal                                                                   Mana Force Stats: 1200

    He then tapped on the Open IDE button and finally had the courage to follow Principal''s Fang Lin''s instructions.

    Microhard Winups [Version 6.1 . 7601]

    Copyright ? 3016 Microhard Corporation. All rights reserved.

    F:\Admins\Riku>

    A screen appeared with a flickering underscore, and with a light smile. Riku followed Principal Fang Lin''s instructions and swiped his palm over to open the keyboard and calmly tapped over the words to write.

    Microhard Winups [Version 6.1 . 7601]

    Copyright ? 3016 Microhard Corporation. All rights reserved.

    F:\Admins\Riku>netsch interface open ''Morrow Blueprint'' at F:\ > Hidden Files

    Riku lightly tapped on the enter button, as a ding sound appeared, revealing an intricate detail of the Morrow Academy''s surroundings.

    With that information. Riku found three buildings tactfully placed to form a triangle. The building where he was, was the tip of the triangle while the other two buildings where the bases of the triangle. Inside the triangle, other different buildings were scattered. There, Riku found the location of Stadium 2 and melded the information in his mind as he strode forward. Heading towards the automatic door.

    As the door split open. A familiar feminine figure and an olden slouched figure of a man emerged before him.

    "Senior Fang Lin!" Riku clasped his hands together as he bowed.

    "You rascal! You actually dared to accept Han Qiang''s duel invitation! Hmmph, don''t blame me for the repercussions!" Fang Lin immediately rebuked him in an angry manner. Riku could only give a light smile in response.

    "Grandfather, don''t be so hard on Junior Riku." Fang Xue came forward in defense for Riku.

    "Xue''er! I''m just lecturing him! Although he has some good cultivation methods and profound techniques, there are still limits as to what he could achieve! That Han Qiang is a Heart Improving Stage cultivator! Only one realm below me! Back then you weren''t even able to block even one of my suppressed attacks and yet you dare to accept her challenge? Merely courting death!" Fang Lin once again rebuked he looked like as if smoke would come out of his nose.

    Due to Fang Lin''s rebuking, even Fang Xue wasn''t able to reply, yet alone Riku. He just maintained his light smile as he retracted his pose and glanced over towards Fang Lin.

    "Hmmph! Now It''s too late to regret. Since you accepted her challenge, you could only regret your way in the netherworld." Fang Lin sighed, his sigh carried some disappointments within it. He really didn''t believe that Riku would prevail in his upcoming match. But there was still some hint of confidence within his eyes.

    "Well, Senior, may this junior ask?" Riku glanced over Fang Lin as he bowed.

    "What is it?"

    "Why did Senior come here? Is there something going on?" Riku said and donned a facade as if he was as innocent as a child.

    "You..." Fang Lin could only utter as such. Fang Xue on the other hand barely held her laughter. It was as if she was about to erupt to laughter anytime.

    "I''m specifically here to bring you there now! The match will begin two minutes from now!" Fang Lin howled as he grabbed Riku''s shoulder and brought him near him. Riku was momentarily startled by the action. But he immediately calmed as he noticed Fang Lin rubbing the ring on his right finger.

    "But Senior, the announcement said that it will begin thirty minutes from now. Was that a mistake?" Riku said in a childish manner.

    "Hmmph! Of course that was! If it weren''t, I wouldn''t be here!" Fang Lin angrily rebuked as he procured a small jade talisman on his palm. He then continued. "When I break this talisman, you will immediately be on the stage, and the fight will immediately start. Now listen! If you cannot win, just admit defeat! Being defeated is part of the game! Don''t throw your life with just a small amount of pride!" Fang Lin then crushed the jade talisman on his palm as a violet glow emanated from the talisman, slowly enshrouding the smiling Riku.

    ~~Whossh!

    Riku only felt a small searing head ache as the scenery distorted. After his senses returned to him. A piercing cry shook his ears as cheers rang around him.

    "Contestant Riku Lightshield has arrived!" The announcer shouted with a shrill voice. The crowd then erupted to cheers as they repeatedly chanted. "Han Qiang! Han Qiang! Han Qiang Han Qiang! L.O.V.E Han Qiang! Han Qiang!" Some of the males even raised bizarre signs up in the air like a flag, and repeatedly chanted the words above.

    "Junior Riku! Do your best!" A voice amplified by Mana Force erupted from the upper seats. The crowd was momentarily stunned before they burst into murmurs.

    "That woman was Principal Fang Lin''s granddaughter! To think that he roped Fang Lin''s lofty granddaughter... We must not let our guard down when it comes to this man." A male supporter of Han Qiang said.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    The surrounding males nodded and then turned their direction towards the stage.

    Han Qiang only revealed a cold smirk towards Riku as she said. "Bastard, are you prepared now? Since you accepted my challenge, there is no turning back. I hope you''re prepared for the obvious outcome." Her voice was cold and her aura emanated intense killing intent. If looks could kill, Riku would already die for ten thousand times.

    Riku wasn''t able to reply since the shrill voice of the announcer once again rang.

    "Without further ado, The highest priority match will now begin!"

    "Wooo!!!" The crowd once again erupted in cheers as the announcer began the match.

    There, on the stage. Han Qiang slowly tapped over her Radiant Weapon. As an invisible to the eye ice elemental essence gathered to congeal a sword.

    ''Hmm... An ice elemental melee type ranger. Interesting!" Riku''s eyes lit up as he murmured. He then clenched his fist as pale blue Mana Force surrounded his body.

    In this exchange, Riku decided to place forty percent of his whole Mana Force into offense and the remaining to defense. His eyes gave firm determination as Han Qiang bursts into action!

    ~Bang!

    A clear sound resounded as Han Qiang forcefully stepped on the ground. The ground beneath her crumbled as she flew like a swift towards Riku, aiming a thrust towards his chest!

    Riku took note of the imminent danger. This attack was ruthless! It actually aimed towards his heart, and this was even the first exchange! ''This girl really is intent on killing me.'' Riku slowly assumed a stance. A stance similar to a tiger ready to pounce!

    ~Whiss...

    Whistling sound filled the air as Han Qiang repeatedly leaped her way towards Riku.

    Thirty meters...

    Twenty meters...

    Ten meters...

    The distance kept on closing in, until she finally reached the three meters border! With that she growled as her arm straightened, aiming her thrust towards Riku''s heart!

    Riku''s eyes flashed with killing intent as he summoned his ''Azure Soul Takeover''. In that instance, the world seemed to stop. The whistling dusts were as slow as a tortoise in Riku''s eyes. Any movements that were indistinct became extremely vivid!

    In that slowed world, Riku slowly moved his Mana Force embedded hand towards the flat surface of Han Qiang''s sword!

    A clear ding sound resounded as Han Qiang''s thrust was forcefully slammed unto the ground by Riku''s barehands! With the lost momentum and the speed of her leap. But just as the force of Riku''s slap reached Han Qiang''s body. Han Qiang abandoned her sword and swiftly retreated backwards!

    Her expression turned to a frown as she glanced over her hand which previously clutched unto the sword. A clear red rash was there!

    The crowd on the other hand was dumbfounded. They only saw a shadow and a loud bang, and then they saw Han Qiang retreating! The fight was too fast that their slow eyes wasn''t able to catch!

    "You''re forcing my hand! [Ice Sickle]!" Han Qiang howled as a huge amount of ice elemental essence gathered up in mid-air. Han Qiang''s figure was also covered in an orange glow as her whole power of the Heart Improving Stage exploded!

    "Quick! Junior! Intercept her! Don''t let her complete that sickle!" Fang Xue''s worried shout came from the upper box. With Riku''s acute hearing, he completely heard her but he didn''t mind that and instead darted his gaze towards the congealing Ice Sickle.

    Riku once again clenched his fists as crimson red blood dripped off from the hand he just used to forcefully slam Han Qiang''s Ice Sword. Of course, He was surely harmed. The enemy before him was two realms higher than him! It was just because of his Core Formation soul''s help that he was able to counter her attacks!

    With a gritted teeth. Riku greeted the congealed Ice Sickle.

    "Heavens... Han Qiang is really serious this time that she even congealed the Ice Sickle! A ranked four spell that only Soul Condensing Stage powerhouses would be able to use!" A person from the crowd uttered, his voice grim as he imagined the outcome of the battle.

    "That youth really is unlucky, but what do you think did that youth do to provoke this much anger from Senior Han Qiang?" A person from the crowd replied.

    "Who knows? Even If I knew about it I wouldn''t share it to anyone else!" A person from the crowd also replied. But then, they once again darted their gazes towards the stage. In that instance, the Ice Sickle was finally formed.

    Without further ado, Han Qiang once again leaped towards Riku and aimed a casual slice and dice towards his vitals.

    This time, Riku didn''t dare to receive Han Qiang''s blow and immediately retreated backwards. But Han Qiang was determined to chase up to him and exploded with even more speed in hot pursuit!

    Riku''s eyes flickered as a he made several hand seals in mid-air. The handseals he made were in accordance to the supreme technique he currently was cultivating in. ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art!''.

    Soon, a small orb of blue lightning was evoked. It materialized before Riku. The nearing Han Qiang''s eyebrows frowned as she noticed the strange Mana Undulations within the blue lightning orb. But nevertheless, she continued her pursuit.

    Ten meters...

    Three meters!

    In that span of time when she stepped on the three meters border. Riku suddenly shouted. "Lightning Smite!" Immediately, the blue orb of lightning shot off towards Han Qiang. But because the speed of the lightning orb was so slow, Han Qiang revealed a small mocking smirk as she side stepped and leaped with even more speed towards Riku.

    But just as she was about to brandish her [Ice Sickle] towards Riku. He unexpectedly made a small smile as rumbling sounds emerged behind her.

    With immediate response, Han Qiang turned his head behind but was greeted by a fierce blue lightning as thick as her fist on her chest. At the last minute. She decided to dissolve her [Ice Sickle] and conjure a shield as big as the lightning as explosion engulfed her vicinity.

    ~BOOM!!

    The Lightning Smite exploded with such force that the ground beneath them crumbled to pieces as a three meter crater was formed around the area where Han Qiang greeted the spell.

    The crowd''s breathing came in ragged pants as they watched on the show. Clearly, they didn''t expect the youngster before them who looked like to be fourteen years old to suddenly burst with enough power to almost destroy the whole stage.

    Even the protective screens around the stage rippled.

    "Huff... Huff..." Riku''s breathing also became heavy as he kneel on one knee. Even standing up in his state proves to be difficult. But although he was extremely exhausted after using an attack that depleted at least eighty percent of his whole Mana Force. Riku was overjoyed. ''Strong!!! That was unexpected! I never thought that the only spell in the Blue Lightning Realm was actually this strong! ''

    But still, it was too early to rejoice since Han Qiang''s figure suddenly emerged! But clearly, she sustained great injuries just by blocking that one spell. Even she couldn''t help but slightly tremble as he remembered that tyrannical energy engulfing her body.

    It seeped through his meridians and the unguarded Han Qiang had three of her meridians punctured! Although it can be repaired, a punctured meridians means that she was currently a punctured container of water! With her Mana Force constantly draining. Han Qiang bit her pale lips as she grumbled.

    ''Hah... To think that she survived... Hah... But still, her current Mana Force is already extremely low! Although her''s and my condition is the same, I can still conjure one weakened Lightning Smite!'' Riku thought as a passion burned in his eyes. After arriving in this world, this was the first time where he felt extreme dread and the sense of imminent danger!

    Although this amount of danger couldn''t compare to what he experienced in his previous life. It was still blood pounding to think that this new world wasn''t so dull as he thought.

    Han Qiang wiped the blood on the corner of her lips as she howled. "Revolutionary Ballista!"

    With that, a divine phenomenon appeared! With Han Qiang at the center. Ice elemental essence gathered in one place, as if they were being sucked by an enormous black hole! Within that black hole. A small crossbow became increasingly vivid.

    Riku''s eyes widened as he witnessed this peculiar phenomenon appearing before him. But with his quick thoughts, Riku gritted his teeth and stood up. Pale blue light gathered in his fist as crackling sounds emerged.

    He immediately stomped his feet forward, readying a lunge towards Han Qiang''s direction.

    ~BOOM!

    Riku suddenly shot off like a firework towards Han Qiang! He wouldn''t give Han Qiang time to conjure such a peculiar spell! Since a strange phenomenon happened while channeling the spell. It would surely yield unbelievable damage!

    Just as Riku was nearing Han Qiang''s position. The strange crossbow was finally formed! Now it was condensing its arrow!

    "Ahh!!" Riku desperately howled as a blue orb of lightning emerged. When it took form, it drained all of Riku''s Mana Force and Riku immediately combined it on his right fist as he shot off towards Han Qiang.

    But because of his drained Mana Force. Riku''s speed dwindled.

    Just as he reached the area of five meters before Han Qiang, the arrow finally finished forming, and now. A strange force suddenly started to pluck the arrow!

    "Reach!!!!" Riku howled as he shot off with even faster speed towards Han Qiang! But then, he was too late. The arrow finally exploded towards his direction as rumbling sound emerged before him!

    Without further ado, Riku slammed his outstretched fist towards the incoming arrow!

    BOOM!!!

    An explosion with even more magnitude than before! The intensity was too extreme that the protective screens around the area couldn''t hold on and exploded to crystals of light!

    The elders around the area immediately used their Mana Force as a substitute of the protective screens. Feeling the pressure coming from burst of blue light and from the explosion. Even the Soul Condensing Stage elders couldn''t help but feel dread!

    Smoke arose from the vicinity as the stage grew increasingly silent!

    By the time where everyone practically shut their mouths then did the figure''s became increasingly vivid.

    "Eh?"

    Seeing the two standing figures, the crowd couldn''t help but be shocked. The strength of the sudden earthquake and the shockwave was so intense that it shattered the protective screens! How could they possibly remain standing!

    But just then, about the time it takes a water to boil. Han Qiang''s body fell on the ground with a thud!

    "Whaaaaaaaat?!" The crowd exclaimed in astonishment, that youngster couldn''t won right?

    But after the time it takes one to breath three breaths, Riku remained motionless.

    "The winner for this Rank one duel is!!!! Riku Ligh-"

    Just as the announcer was about to announce the winner. A sudden thud sound came from the vicinity where Riku was standing. There, they found Riku''s unconscious body.

    "D-Draw?!"

    <hr />

    Chapter End: True Display of Skill - Chapter 10 - Modern Immortal

    Author''s Note: As promised, because of the results of the previous poll. Y''all wanted a two day chapter release with some long content I think? Now, here''s the promised chapter! Please do enjoy and leave any comments for suggestions, criticisms, and pointers! Or even harsh rebuking words!

    Please do answer the poll!

 Chapter 11: Repeated Disturbance.

    Witnessing the fallen body of the two. The crowd drew in cold breaths. An Initial Stage Heart Improving Stage powerhouse was defeated just by that?! A simple punch?!

    In the eyes of the crowd. The punch that Riku just released wasn''t anything special. But in the eyes of Fang Lin, and the other elders who witnessed this fight. Their minds reeled in by the previous scene.

    When the lightning smite formed its power around Riku, It sent off vague Mana Force undulations that normal cultivators itself wouldn''t be able to detect. Yet to this elders, the sent off undulation was actually very familiar! Lightning Elemental Essence!

    Take note that in this world, there were four great elements namely. Wind, Fire, Earth, Water. But if one combined one element from another. They could eventually form the other four greater elements known as. Sound, Light, Lightning, Darkness!

    Of course, thee were other elements but as of now, they were very complex to actually witness their use. But to witness even the most simple Lightning Elemental Essence was too rare of an opportunity. But right now, this young man before them released such rare great element like it was his own!

    ~Bang!

    A small explosion occurred as the ground trembled, Elder Han stomped his feet firmly onto the ground as he leaped towards Riku. His gaze flashed with killing intent.

    "That bastard!" Fang Lin slightly cursed before his body turned to a violet mist, and shot off towards Riku.

    Elder Han tightly clenched his fist as a violet glow condensed in his right fist, He then outstretched it up in the sky and prepared to launch a punch towards Riku''s unconscious body.

    ~Bang!

    Elder Han''s eyes widened as his Mana Force concentrated punch was blocked by Elder Fang Lin, he frowned his eyebrows before retreating backwards.

    "How dare you try to attack a student! Don''t you have any shame?!" Elder Fang Lin furiously howled. In response, Elder Han''s visage turned stiff before he snorted.

    "Hmmph!" Elder Han coldly snorted, his mind was clearly full of disdain towards this newbie youngster. Though he was able to defeat Han Qiang, he was extremely sure that he just won by just a fluke. But noticing the piercing gazes full of disdain from the other elders targeted at him. Elder Han shot off from the stage towards the exit while his rumbling voice said. "Brat! You''re lucky this time! If I ever see you at the medicine hall. I will make sure you that you''ll pay your debt!"

    With that, Elder Han disappeared from sight as he streaked through the sky. Fang Lin revealed a small sigh as he glanced over the tattered figures of the two. With a long lasting breath of relief. Fang Lin shouted. "Call the wood affinity members of the medicine hall! Treat these two with the highest priority!"

    Five figures immediately turned to a streak of light as they flew towards the stage. They landed beside the two wounded students and inspected their conditions. Although their injury wasn''t severe. There was something strange that happened in Han Qiang''s body.

    But the medicine hall members only shook their heads side by side as they pulled out a stretcher and carefully placed the two on it. They then injected a liquid medicine towards their arms as they checked the vitals of the two.

    When they found out that nothing was wrong with their bodies. The medicine hall members saluted to Principal Fang Lin as they carried the injured and turned to a steak of light towards the Northern Building.

    Principal Fang Lin''s eyebrows frowned as he noticed the intrigued gazes of the crowd. In that instant. Fang Lin issued a low harumph as he shouted. "The match between the two concludes with a draw!"

    With that, Fang Lin gestured towards Fang Xue as the latter nodded and the two then streaked towards the Northern Building.

    The sudden spectacle was too fast to describe. The battle only started just a while, and it also ended in just a while! It was too fast for them to catch!

    But thankfully, closed circuit television surveillance existed. And so, the crowds decided to pursue the manager of the dueling grounds to publicize the battle but he firmly refused. Causing the surrounding crowd to sigh in helplessness as they also exited the area.

    Inside the Northern Building. Medicine Hall. Fifth Floor.

    There, in the ward were two people laying down. There was a connected device from their wrist towards a machine. Accurately deducing their vital signs. Fang Lin''s wrinkled face became wracked with more wrinkles as he was extremely worried.

    Fang Xue on the other hand crossed her arms together. Preparing to scold the young man currently laying down. But currently, her gentle face frowned. She was currently worried about his situation.

    Mumbling sounds emerged from Riku''s lips as his consciousness slowly resurfaced. He softly clenched his fists as he felt his body. He was somewhat shocked to know that his body wasn''t enduring fatigue at all. Instead, he was full of vigor and energy.

    His Mana Force though was still on the borderline of fifty percent.

    "You finally woke up you idiot! You made us worry for nothing!" Fang Xue pouted as she darted her gaze to the side. Not wanting to hear any more explanations from the young man.

    "Junior, you really did do a number for yourself. Here, eat this and refine it." Fang Lin''s tone on the other hand was gentle as he opened up his palm. Revealing a dual colored medicinal pill.

    When the medicinal pill emerged. Riku''s nose twitched as the aroma of medicinal herbs assaulted his nostrils. But his visage turned to a frown. Clearly, the amount of medicinal potency inside this medicinal pill was less than thirty percent.

    ''Vaselisk Grasse, Foe Bagdii, Fiery Soul Grass and Mountain Spiritual Dew''s potency in this medicinal pill was wasted. Clearly extravagant.'' Riku inwardly thought as he smiled and took the medicinal pill from Fang Lin''s hands gulping it down.

    Riku felt a stream of warm current rushing out from the pill inside his stomach. But clearly, It wasn''t as strong as Riku expected.

    "Thanks, Senior." Riku clasped his hands as he bowed down to the elder. Fang Lin, with a satisfied smug face said. "Now take care of yourself, I will hand this over to you if you ever want to return to your room." Fang Lin once again opened his palm as a small jade talisman appeared. This was the same talisman that Fang Lin used to transport himself towards the dueling grounds.

    Riku beamed to a smile as he accepted the jade talisman. Riku darted his gaze towards Fang Xue and noticed that she was still angry to him. Riku shrugged it off and said. "Miss Fang, can you fetch me tonight for dinner? "

    Hearing the words that Riku just said. The ignoring Fang Xue''s figure jolted as she glanced over Riku. His earnest expression somewhat made Fang Xue embarassed as a faint line of red appeared on her cheeks. With a slow and steady voice. Fang Xue said. "Okay..."

    Riku lightly smiled as he closed his eyes and laid back towards his bed. Fang Lin sighed as he gestured towards her granddaughter. Signaling for them to leave. Fang Xue could only nod as she understood Riku''s situation. He was still recuperating so how could she just disturb his healing process. So with a slightly disappointed expression. Fang Xue turned his back and departed with her grandfather.

    A clicking noise sounded as the jade talisman on Fang Lin''s palm broke. A violet mist then erupted to enshroud the figure of the two. After about the time it takes for one to breath three breaths. The figures of the two disappeared.

    Riku sighed in relief as he laid comfortably on the bed. He closed his eyes and followed his practice of breathing. Threads of spiritual energy gradually gathered in the air around him. These spiritual energy threads was thin. Thinner than the previous world that Riku lived.

    Seeing the thin spiritual energy. Riku understood that his recuperating process would take much more time to conclude. But he couldn''t do anything about the thin spiritual energy in the air. He could only helplessly sigh as he focused on condensing the spiritual energy around the air to Mana Force.

    ''Wait!'' Riku''s mind got struck by an idea as he stopped his breathing exercises. His gaze flashed with a divine light as he wave towards the air before him. Causing several alchemy materials to appear.

    ''Hmm, Pellet of the Wind, Essence of the True Dew, Cool Mountain Leaves, and Fiery Thorned Grass. This is enough to create that pill.

    Riku nodded as he carefully placed the ingredients in jade bottle. He glanced over to his side and found out that there was another bed placed in a same way as his bed. With a slight flash of a warm gaze. Riku moved his body from the bed and headed towards the other bed.

    There, as he expected, was Han Qiang''s figure. Her figure wasn''t really so sorry. But plasted on her jaded skin were slight lines of bruises from the Mana Force ripples. Her eyebrows were frowned in a way that she seemed to be enduring some pain.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Riku lightly smiled as he decided to rub Han Qiang''s hair. Though this girl had a grudge against Riku. It wasn''t considered to be strong enough that he would cut off all connections to her. Thus, Riku decided to try and befriend this determined girl. She would surely prove to be loyal in the future.

    With a slow opening of his palm. A small medicinal pill was revealed. Seeing the glass of water beside Han Qiang. Riku clutched the glass of water with his right hand as his other hand stuffed the pill in Han Qiang''s mouth. He then slowly moved Han Qiang''s upper body and made her drink water.

    As the process ended. Han Qiang''s lips mumbled inaudible words. Riku could only lightly smile as he turned and moved away from Han Qiang''s bed. But his steps suddenly came to a halt as Han Qiang''s little hand tightly clutched onto his.

    "M-mother..." Han Qiang''s pain filled voice surfaced. Though it was only one word. It contained huge loneliness and longing. Riku himself couldn''t help but give a second glance towards Han Qiang. As he tried to remove Han Qiang''s palm. Barely inaudible words once again came out from her pale lips. "Do-don''t leave me..." This time, Han Qiang''s tightly closed eyes revealed a misty liquid substance, slowly falling towards her cheeks.

    Riku revealed a small smile. But that smile of his contained a hint of longing. Just like Han Qiang, his mother also left this world early. So even he, a battle steeled cultivator couldn''t help but feel emotional by the mention of his mother.

    But everything in this world eventually returns to ashes. That''s the way of the heaven. It was impossible for mortals to evade the fate of death. That''s one of the reasons why Riku decided to create his own heaven.

    With a long lasting sigh. Riku decided to let the young girl Han Qiang clutched his hand for a while. After about thirty breaths. Riku slowly removed Han Qiang''s reins to his hands. And with slow, heavy footsteps. Riku moved from Han Qiang''s bed towards his own and retrieved the jade bottles.

    Riku then procured the jade talisman and snapped it in two. A violet mist materialized and eventually covered Riku''s lightly smiling figure. His disheveled hair fluttered in the wind as the violet mist covered Riku''s figure. The scenery around him distorted as he was transferred inside his room. Room 4042

    Riku decided not to waste anymore time and opened pressed the red button beside the automatic door. The red button prevents anyone from the outside to disturb the person inside the room. Thus, direct teleportation to the room was also prohibited.

    Due to the privacy. Riku nodded his head as he seated himself cross-legged. He then procured the jade bottles before him in a line. Controlling his Mana Force, he opened it at the same time. The unique scent of medicinal herbs assimilated itself unto the room.

    ''Wait, my furnace... ''

    Riku cleaved towards the air before him as a small brown pot appeared before him. This was the furnace he barely afforded with his ample money as a solo cultivator. Despite its ragged appearance and the cracks plastered everywhere on its body. Wielding this furnace gave Riku a unique feeling of comfort.

    Riku closed his eyes as he hovered his right palm before the opening of the furnace. A pale blue orb descended from his palm towards the furnace. When the pale blue orb landed inside the furnace. A pale blue profound flame erupted in a blaze.

    Riku''s eyes lit up as he witnessed the raging flame. He then slowly controlled the pale blue profound flame as he reduced the temperature. By the time it takes one to breath ten breaths, the pale blue profound flame was extremely suppressed that not even an inch of it was leaking from the furnace.

    Thanks to Riku''s concentration. He was able to steadily keep the flame from ascending to a blaze. When one concocts a medicinal pill. One would need to ensure that the flame was steady and the temperature wasn''t too hot nor too cold. If it was too hot. The medicinal herbs would dissipate to ashes. And if it was too cold. The medicinal herbs wouldn''t melt.

    If the flames was a raging inferno. The potency of the medicinal herbs would be incredibly wasted. And so, It was necessary for an alchemist to be proficient in terms of flame controlling. That''s the reason why alchemists was too rare.

    Riku slowly moved the jade bottles one by one, starting from the Pellet of the Wind, he steadily poured the required ingredients inside the furnace. The calm profound fire inside welcomed the ingredients as if it was its long lost relative.

    With a steady pace. Riku carefully smelled the area around the furnace. Accurately deducing if it was already melted. The ingredients inside mustn''t be over melted or under melted. Or else, the medicine concoct process would greatly fail.

    After about thirty breaths. Riku waved his hands as the profound flame extinguished, Riku transferred a part of his Mana Force towards the furnace as the numerous melted medicinal herbs floated in the air before him. With great care, Riku strongly circulated his Mana Force before him. Creating a vortex of endless cycles. The floating melted medicine was sucked inside the whirlpool and was steadily refined.

    Beaded sweats formed on his forehead as he focused all of his concentration towards the refining stage. If one fails this stage of medicinal concoction. A backlash would occur, In the worst case scenario, his circulated Mana Force would reverse and damage his meridians.

    After about two hundred breaths. Riku heaved a sight of relief as the refining stage finished. The hovering melted liquid before him turned to a golden brown one. With a flash of determination inside his eyes. Riku pointed his index finger towards the golden brown liquid before him as his concentration surged and shouted. "Disperse!"

    Dispersing, Condensing Stage. The most important stage in concocting a medicinal pill. One would disperse the melted ingredients into countless specks of liquid and then combine them into one.

    The dispersed golden brown liquid before him hovered as countless specks of liquid. With a thought and firm determination. Riku placed his palms parallel to each other as he shouted. "Condense!"

    An invisible suction force appeared before the space between him and the golden brown liquid, before it sucked the dispersed liquid. Creating a faintly discernible whirlpool before him. Riku''s eyes flashed with intense concentration as he gritted his teeth. Clearly, his Mana Force was gradually being sucked to the point that the recovered fifty percent was now twenty percent.

    ''Ah!'' Riku inwardly howled as the whirlpool before him dispersed into the air. Revealing a mist of gold. As the mist dissipated, a floating golden brown pill emerged before it fell on the ground.

    ~~Chiii...

    Before Riku could swallow the pill. The automatic doors which prohibited anyone from coming in somewhat opened. Riku''s eyebrows frowned as he waited to see the visage of the person who disturbed his pill making process.

    "This is..." Experiencing the sudden surge of Mana Force undulations, the figure of an old man slightly trembled. With his signature curved eyebrows. Riku clearly saw this man as, Elder Han!

    Elder Han''s eyes narrowed as he saw the golden brown pill before him. A flash of intense greed appeared in his eyes. Clearly, for a pill to exude this much ripples in the air. One could understand that the pill in question was something akin to a treasure.

    Yet seeing it on Riku''s palm. He couldn''t help but feel anger swell up his chest. But due to the previous decision of the board. Elder Han came here to apologize, not to create disturbance. At first, he despised the fact the he needed to bow before a younger junior. But seeing that the board of elders seconded the decision. He was forced into a narrow path. That was he must apologize or else, he would be suspended from the sixth elder''s seat.

    Though the distance was far away, Riku could clearly see the shine of greed inside Elder Han''s eyes. Nevertheless, he was facing to an elder. A Soul Condensing Stage powerhouse!

    Riku decided to clasp his hands as he maintained a smiling facade and said. "What do you need of me? Sixth elder?"

    "Hmmph! Just call me Elder Han! We have something to talk so I must close this door." Elder Han stepped inside the room as he waved his hands in a gesturing manner. In response, the door slowly closed with chiii sound.

    But that didn''t end there. Elder Han also pressed the red button beside the automatic door. Turning the room into a prohibited zone. Which means, no one could enter the premises with the exception of the elders or the principal.

    Elder Han grinned from ear to ear as he pointed towards Riku''s palm and howled. "Hand me over that pill!!"

    <hr />

    Author''s note: Sorry for not being able to post yesterday! I hope you forgive me! I really was busy minding my real life problems that I didn''t have enough time to procure this chapter! But nevertheless, here is it! Enjoy!

 Chapter 12: Extremely Vicious!

    Riku''s visage turned grim as he heard Elder Han''s sudden howl. But he didn''t move nor refute. Since the person before him was a Soul Condensing Stage powerhouse. A person with much power than him. Currently, he still wouldn''t be able to defeat Elder Han.

    Though he would be able to lightly injure him. He would most likely die in the process. As the saying goes. A true man knows when to bow and when to firmly stand. Those with power must be respected, and those with lower power was humiliated. That''s the world that Riku came to when he was born in his previous life.

    The cruel survival of the fittest.

    "Are you deaf?! I said hand over that pill!" Elder Han''s voice became more tyrannic as a violet glow enshrouded his figure. As a medicine hall elder. He was extremely sensitive to medicinal scents and can even found out the potency of any pill with just the scent.

    Just with the scent alone. Elder Han deduced that the pill that was currently on Riku''s palm was akin to a treasure! Though he still doesn''t know the effects of that pill. The mana undulations alone certifies that this pill possess at least seventy percent of medicinal potency!

    With the modern techniques of creating medicine. The medicinal herbs were dried using fast means instead of the natural way. But even though it costs a little less time to create a pill using the modern techniques. The medicinal potency was sacrificed! Which means, that the pill would lose at least seventy percent of its potency!

    Riku gritted his teeth as he formulated battle situations inside his mind. Since most of his Mana Force was drained due to him creating this pill. Riku''s Mana Force was now barely ten percent. He couldn''t even utilize just a small spark from his ''Lightning Smite.''

    "One! I''ll count to three and you must hand that pill over!" Elder Han once again shouted as a vicious smile formed from his lips. He prepared his stance and stood between the entrance. Blocking Riku''s only exit.

    ''Damn this old man! If I only had at least sixty percent of my Mana Force!'' Riku inwardly cursed as he glanced over the area. His mind desperately tried anything. And he even considered destroying the walls. But that idea was immediately trashed. If the walls itself could block even the smallest Mana Undulations. How could a mere Flesh Improving Stage cultivator destroy it with his ten percent Mana Force?

    "Two! " Popping sounds could be heard from Elder Han''s hands as he jolted his joints and formed a claw like stance.

    "Three!"

    Bang!

    A small explosion resounded as Elder Han forcefully stomped his feet unto the marble ground. He dashed with explosive speeds towards Riku as a faint violet glow covered his hand which formed a claw like attack.

    "I told you that I will not give you a good time! Since you refused to drink a toast in victory! I shall give you the drink of death!" Although Elder Han said that he wanted to kill Riku. The rules inside this academy forbade any murders and those found to have killed their fellow students or employees would be handed to the authorities with their possessions stripped and cultivation base crippled.

    And so, Elder Han targeted Riku''s dantian, which was located below his navel.

    Riku''s eyes became fierce as his expression became grim. This attack from Elder Han was actually targeted to his dantian! Aiming to cripple his newly established cultivation base!

    Though the rules prohibited murder. It doesn''t prohibit crippling fellow students, or employees. But If you''re still found to be guilty. The same punishment as murder awaits.

    But Elder Han wasn''t afraid of that. He was a man with great wealth and influence. Though the closed circuit televisions along the hallway would point to him as the culprit. With just a small wave of his fanned money would entice those security authorities and would have them delete the footage.

    Just as Elder Han''s claw attack reached the two meter mark before his dantian. Riku''s eyes lit up as an idea came to his mind. Because of the nearing attack. Riku didn''t hesitate at all as he called a certain treasure within his cosmos ring and...

    Bang!

    A small explosion occurred as violent mana undulations spread across the white room. Elder Han''s visage became ugly to behold as he noticed that instead of a flesh being pierced through and blood spilling over the floor. His claw attack was unexpectedly stopped!

    Like an egg which struck a rock. Elder Han''s right hand of which he used to form a claw attack, turned numb as pulsating pain raged on his arm, heading straight through his heart. Without further hesitation. He immediately leaped backwards and squinted his eyes.

    As his blurry vision turned clear. His mind became filled with booming sounds as he saw the object that Riku used to block his attack was an old archaic like book!

    The dusty almost ripped out book was the object which Riku used to block his attack! As an evidence. His finger marks were still clearly embedded on the surface of the book! But the surprising fact was, the book forcefully endured Elder Han''s Mana Force strengthened attack!

    On the surface of the book. Three tyrannical words were engraved. ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art''!

    Riku on the other hand sneered as he thought to himself. ''Not even me a Severed Spirit Stage was able to destroy this book yet alone you, a Soul Condensing Stage.''

    Noticing Riku''s sneer. Elder Han''s expression became twisted as killing intent started to pour out from his very own being. His looks became as piercing as a sharpened needle. And a violet mist constantly rotated around his body.

    Seeing Elder Han''s sudden change in expression. Riku immediately clutched the pill on his hands tightly. This pill was called. ''Heavenly Recuperating Pill''. If one wanted to recover using this pill. They must guide the docile energy within the dissolve pill throughout his veins and circulate it for at least thirty breaths.

    Which means! In this current situation. Although Riku badly wanted to consume this pill. It would still be for naught since concentration was needed when circulating the docile energy within his veins. If even a slight mistake would happen. His veins would burst and the docile energy within the pill would erupt and would make his body a huge pile of gore.

    Thus, he immediately willed the pill to be instilled within his cosmos ring as he raised the book using his right hand in a defensive stance! His left hand on the other hand pressed the emergency button connected to Fang Lin''s Radiant Weapon.

    As his button pressed on his own Radiant Weapon. A slight vibration shook his left hand. Feeling the vibration. Riku heaved a sigh of relief. He cleared out his mind of all questions regarding Elder Han''s sudden vicious attack and decided to buy time until principal Fang Lin comes.

    "Death by a thousand cuts!" Elder Han howled as the circulating violet mist around him dashed towards Riku. Just as the mist approached the five meter boundary. Riku sneered as he circulated his Mana Force and jam it towards the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' book. Evoking the defensive mechanisms of the treasure within his hand.

    Rumbling sounds emanated from the book as a blue lightning orb appeared before the book. Shooting off several lightning strikes towards the violet mist.

    The violent mist churned in response to the sudden attack. It violently shook as it forcefully received the lightning strikes from the blue lightning orb. As a response, the violet mist divided itself into countless specks of smokes of which formed countless needles.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    Elder Han sneered by the sight of the countless formed needles. ''Now, you''re going to be crippled!'' Two of his hands were parallel to each other as a violet orb floated before him. Judging by the traces of mists emanating from the orb. Riku calculated that the violet orb was the object controlling this violet mist.

    Riku''s expression became filled with scheming as he murmured to himself. ''Though you can produce countless violet mists with that violet orb. What would happen if it would be destroyed?!''

    In that instance. The same instant as the countless needles shot towards Riku. The blue lightning orb formed a barely transparent membrane of light around Riku''s body as it prepared to defend Riku''s body. Though he only placed a trace of his Mana Force unto the book. Since he cultivated its arts. He wasn''t at all afraid by any backlashes. What he was afraid was the book forcefully overexerting itself. Causing it to self destruct.

    On the other hand. Riku''s left hand had already stealthily made movements as he formed a planned inside his mind. As the violet mist before him churned. It blocked Elder Han''s figure and at the same time. Blocked his figure from Elder Han!

    ''Now!'' Riku stealthily flicked his wrist as a Culling Blade evoked with five percent of his Mana Force shot off towards the violet orb in an arc!

    ~Bang!

    The countless needles finally struck the blue barrier around Riku. Though It tried Its hardest just to pierce through the barrier It was still not enough as only ripples faintly enshrouded the barrier. Making further movements of the countless needles impossible.

    "Impossible!" Noticing the sudden outcome of the barrage of needles. Elder Han''s expression became filled with disbelief as he recalled the countless needles to form a violet mist. As expected, the needles flew from the barrier and dissolved to a violet mist.

    Just as he was about to form a new barrage of needles. A cold flash of light slipped past. Followed by the sound of something fragile breaking.

    Elder Han''s visage became ugly to behold as he noticed that the violet orb controlling the violet mist suddenly broke to pieces and was reabsorbed inside his Radiant Weapon.

    Riku revealed a cold sneer as he glanced over Elder Han''s ugly figure. More and more wrinkles appeared on his old face as he glanced towards the marble floor beside him. There, clearly embedded was a crescent like blade!

    "You scheming brat!" Elder Han couldn''t help it anymore as he explosively dashed towards Riku, aiming a punch condensed with violet mist towards Riku''s barrier!

    "STOP!!" A furious howl resounded and a cold violet light past by, striking Elder Han''s waist as he flew several meters to the side. Witnessing the sudden change of events. Riku''s eyes lit up as he shouted. "Senior Fang Lin!"

    Riku clasped his hands as he bowed. Elder Han''s face became even more ugly as a deep sense of regret came over his body. His perfect plan of disposing this impudent kid was spoiled! Now he was even found to be attacking a student! His punishment would surely be huge!

    "Elder Han? What''s the meaning of this?" A cold voice resounded as Fang Lin''s figure became clear. A crescent shape of a moon shone on his forehead as a bone piercing killing intent became focused on his gaze towards Elder Han.

    Elder Han''s figure abruptly shook as he felt that the temperature suddenly drop. He threw a fierce gaze towards Fang Lin as he shouted. "So what?! Do you think that you could do anything to me?! Don''t forget that the reason why this school was established was because of my Han Family!"

    "If not for our shares, this academy would have been long forfeited to the empire!" Elder Han harshly rebuked. Fang Lin''s figure reddened in anger. Apparently, he struck a soft spot in Fang Lin''s mind.

    "Don''t worry, I won''t do anything to you." Fang Lin lightly smiled as he gently said towards the struggling to stand up Elder. Riku on the other hand coldly smiled as he noticed a scheming glint in Fang Lin''s eyes.

    "Hmmph! It''s good that you know what''s good for you!" Elder Han knelt on his one knee as he stood up. Hurriedly approaching the entrance.

    ~Whizz...

    A whistling sound resounded as a violent crescent moon sliced off Elder Han''s right arm. Spilling blood all over the white marble ground.

    "Ah!" A wretched cry, akin to a pig being butchered resounded. Elder Han''s expression became ferocious as he glanced over Fang Lin.

    "Hmmph. Do you really think that I''m afraid of your family? Even though your family used their shares to help this academy stand. That only reason was because your family was interested with the Magictite Crystals in the ground, making this place a heaven for business entrepreneurs! If I hadn''t let them enter this partnership, your family wouldn''t even be able to gather a much higher profit that they had! So how could they care about you? A mere Soul Condensing Stage, outer branch member! "

    "If not for you taking the facade of being an ambassador, you wouldn''t even be able to acquire this position!" Fang Lin fiercely refuted. Each of his words struck Elder Han in the gut as his face became even more filled with regret.

    "Now, scram! " Fang Lin howled as Elder Han frantically stormed outside the exit. Leaving a puddle of blood behind.

    Riku heaved a sigh of relief as he seated on his butt. He already recalled the "Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' book as he noticed Fang Lin''s presence and carefully erased the traces of Mana Undulations.

    "Junior, Riku. Are you fine?" Fang Lin moved towards Riku and at the same time, waved his hands in the air as a violet glow covered the white room wholly.

    After about two breaths. The violet glow dissipated, destroying all traces of Mana Undulations and the puddle of blood.

    "Don''t worry, Senior. With your pills, I would be able to recover tonight." Riku lightly smiled as he gently said towards the elder.

    "Hmm, Now, I''ll handle the affairs of what happened here. And also, I''ll fetch you here an hour later. " Fang Lin also lightly smiled in response. He gently tapped Riku''s shoulders as he murmured. "I''ll show you the world outside."

    Riku''s eyes brightened as he heard the words that Fang Lin just said. Noticing the strange glow in Riku''s eyes. Fang Lin lightly chortled as he continued. "So for now, recover at least thirty percent of your Mana Force and we will have a dinner outside." Fang Lin slowly moved towards the entrance.

    But just as he was about to cross the boundary between the doors. He suddenly stopped, looking back at Riku''s impatient figure.

    "Senior?"

    "With Fang Xue." Fang Lin winked as he lightly laughed and moved one step outside. As response, the automatic door closed.

    "Hah..." Riku finally heaved a sigh of relief as he waved his hand in the air. A fierce scent of medicinal herbs once again assaulted his nostrils as the golden brown pill appeared. Without further ado, Riku slammed the golden brown pill in his mouth as he assumed a meditative position. Leaving any further thoughts behind as he entered a selfless state of refining.

    <hr />

    Author''s note: As repayment for the delay of chapter yesterday, I will give you this chapter earlier than expected! So please enjoy this chapter! And as usual, If you have any comments, suggestion, refuting words or even harsh reviews. Just place it in the comments!

 Chapter 13: Existence.

    Humming sounds emanated from Riku''s body as the ''Heavenly Recuperating Pill'' slowly dissolved within his stomach, transforming into a golden brown warm threads of lights which permeated through his veins, meridians and pores. Giving him a relaxing feeling.

    Riku carefully guided the docile energy to course through his body, endlessly nourishing his depleted Mana Force as well as his exhausted body. But when this energy came in contact with his muscles. It suddenly twitched uncontrollably as if it was being hammered down by a blacksmith''s tempering hammer.

    Searing pain filled every Riku''s muscle as he gritted his teeth, silently enduring the pain. As the golden brown threads of light completed forty two cycles of endless nourishing to his body. It finally became dim as it dissipated into a steam of warm air emanated from Riku''s body.

    With long lasting breaths, Riku slowly stood up. He carried his ragged body towards the futon in the middle of the white room. There, he seated himself cross-legged. His Morrow Academy uniform was practically torn and ripped that his chest was visible. His fair skin had a red tinged in it as a result from the recent muscle tempering.

    With the help of the ''Heaven Recuperating Pill''. Riku''s Mana Force returned to the most optimal levels and his previously exhausted body was now full of vigor. As if he was fish that met water after crossing a desert.

    With a wave of his hand, his bedraggled uniform became a shone a distinct pale blue light as it suddenly dissipated and was sucked inside his cosmos ring. He then hovered his palm over his Radiant Weapon of which a transparent screen appeared.

    <table><tbody><tr><td></td><td>Welcome, Riku Lightshield!</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mana Force Realm; Flesh Improving Stage;Middle Phase</td><td></td><td>Integrate Source Code</td></tr><tr><td>Spells Accumulated: 4</td><td></td><td>Open IDE</td></tr><tr><td>Ranger Rank 1</td><td></td><td>Exit User Terminal</td></tr><tr><td>Mana Force Stats: 1200</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

    He once again gently tapped over the Open IDE button as a new transparent screen appeared, and gently typed the same command he typed to view the general topography of the whole Morrow Academy. There, he once again saw the tactfully built buildings which formed a triangle formation when viewed in a bird''s eye view.

    After memorizing the general area, Riku closed his User Terminal and waved his hand over the air as a new set of Morrow Academy uniform materialized before him. The uniform gently fluttered in the air as it fell on the ground. The cross-legged, naked Riku snapped open his eyes as he stood up and picked the uniform on the ground. He wore a light smile as he changed.

    But never did he thought that something unprecedented would happen.

    With a chiii sound, the automatic door suddenly opened. Revealing the visage of two familiar people before him. One was a fair woman while the other was an olden man. Their outfits were quite strange, since the olden man didn''t wore his principal uniform and changed to a black tuxedo and black slacks. The aura that he gave off was valiant that if this old man was a teenager in this time. He would surely attract beautiful girls to cater over him.

    The fair woman on the other hand was a smiling teenager. Though she was still a teenager. The feeling that she gave off was akin to a flower blooming on its peak. Though her body still hasn''t matured to the point that you can call her a full blown woman. It can be said that of she reached her prime. She would surely be a heart-breaker.

    Currently, the woman before him wore a knee-length printed flounce georgette with a neckline embroider that emphasized the true colors of her jaded skin. She also wore a platform sandals that greatly enhanced her already enchanting beauty. All of this combined made Riku gasp in surprise that he even forgot the fact that he was changing!

    Amidst the awkward silence. Only the sound of the automatic door closing could be heard, followed by a glass shattering wail that suddenly erupted from the Fang Xue.

    "Exhibitionist!!!" Fang Xue''s face turned red from embarrassment as she turned around and face the automatic door behind her. Fang Lin on the other hand wore a small intricate smile like a blooming flower as he gently nodded. "Hmm. quite bold to do that ey?"

    As Fang Lin''s words fell. Riku dashed backwards like a lightning as he frantically wore the school uniform''s lower body. Sweat even formed on his forehead as the awkwardness in the atmosphere surged.

    Riku sighed in relief as he fell butt first on the ground. "Senior, you should''ve told me that you were coming!" Riku pouted as he wiped the dust on his butt and stood up.

    Fang Xue on the other hand was still facing the wall as her two hands clutched below her chin and shrunk back due to embarrassment of seeing Riku''s Elite Weapon.

    "Miss Fang, It''s okay now..." Riku said in a low voice, But although he gave enough effort to lower his voice enough that it seemed to be a whisper. In the confines of this small white room. It resounded like a clapping thunder which made Fang Xue''s reddened shoulder to twitch.

    And with a slightly reluctant move, Fang Xue once again turned her face towards Riku. Riku on the other hand smiled when he saw Fang Xue''s move, It seemed to him that she already forgave him for the sudden unpleasant experience. But unknowingly, Fang Xue''s gaze wasn''t all focused to him as she darted her gaze all over the white room. Clearly avoiding the youngster before her. And on her natural jaded skin. A faint trace of red line appeared all over her cheeks.

    "Hmm, Junior, you really did a number to us by showing that by showing that little... Weapon of yours..." As Fang Lin''s voice fell on the Weapon of yours, he purposely lengthened the tone and darted his gaze towards Riku''s lower abdomen.

    Riku abruptly clutched his Junior as he felt a chill running down his spine and inwardly though. ''I don''t swing that way you old man!''

    Finally, with a long lasting sigh. Riku slowly approached the two. Seeing Fang Xue''s gaze hovering all over the room without even landing on his figure, and the old man''s repeatedly winking face. Riku helplessly sighed as the three approached the automatic door.

    There on the outside. Fang Lin slightly chortled as he noticed the sullen figure of his granddaughter and the wronged slouched figure of Riku who clearly didn''t knew what to do. With a slight schadenfreude attitude, Fang Lin cleaved the air before them as a violet glow surfaced. Enshrouding the figures of the three before the scenery distorted.

    Due to the sudden fluctuations on time and space. Riku almost vomited due to dizziness as he felt the scenery around him distorting. After about the time it takes one to breath three breaths. The scene around him finally stabilized as he stared there in the daze.

    There, before him were countless tall skyscrapers piercing through the skies. As well as honks by various cars with different sizes running on the road with different speeds. And there, on the sky were different sizes of airships emanating a buzzing sound as they went past Riku''s head.

    ''Amazing...'' Riku could inwardly thought as he witnessed the scene before him. Though he had already read this in the book of [Inventions; How Technology Change the World] he still gasped in shock as witnessing the real stuff was vastly different by just reading it and imagining.

    Before the three was a steeled gate about five meters in height. Over the steeled gate was a huge transparent screen displaying.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>Morrow Academy: Institute of High Magics</td></tr></tbody></table>

    Signifying that the gate before them was the school gate of this academy.

    "Oh, here is it." Fang Lin''s excited voice came as a honking sound emerged beside the gate, there running on the paved road was a black limousine, with three doors on the side, The limousine abruptly stopped as a chaffeur greeted them with a salute position.

    "Principal Fang Lin, shall we go?" The man with a firm stance and a lean body, wearing a black tuxedo adorned with a black hat said in an inviting tone.

    "Good, Rodriguez, you arrived just in time." Fang Lin lightly smiled before he turned towards the two people behind him and said. "Xue''er, Junior, Let''s go." Fang Lin led the way as the chaffeur opened the doors.

    There, Riku squeezed himself inside as curiosity emerged from his eyes. The insides of the limousine was dimly lit. But occasionally there were flashing blue and red light emerging near the driver''s seat, briefly illuminating the darkness of the room before them.

    As the three seated themselves, Fang Xue and Fang Lin wore an indifferent expression towards this, with the exception of Riku who wore an extremely blissful visage as he seated down on the seat.

    ''Woah... This is so soft... '' Riku had an urge of repeatedly smacking his butt on the seat to test its softness, but due to the other spectators around him. Riku suppressed the desire and wore a light smile as he silently enjoyed the fluffiness of the seat.

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    With the sound of the engine starting. The limousine finally traversed on the paved road. Its direction was unknown. Awkward silence emerged within the seat as no one talked. Riku didn''t even care about it as he enjoyed the seat''s softness and even silently smacked his butt on the seat with a bouncy feeling.

    Due to the illumination inside, Fang Xue and Fang Lin didn''t notice Riku''s deeds as they were too busy doing something that Riku also didn''t bother to look at. Their gazes were serious as they glanced over the piece of tablet below them.

    About thirty minutes later...

    The limousine finally stopped, the chaffeur also got out from the limousine as he politely smiled and gently opened the doors for his customers. Fang Lin was the first to get out while the latter was Riku who once again widely opened his eyes as he saw the skyscraper before him that was so tall the he couldn''t even see the tip of it.

    A huge transparent screen flickered over the doors of the skyscraper saying.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>Four Season''s Restaurant</td></tr></tbody></table>

    There, the two wore a light smile as they waved Rodriguez to wait for their exit. Rodriguez waved back towards them as he entered the limousine and made his way towards the underground parking lot.

    Fang Lin gestured to the two youths before them as he grimly said. "Turn your Radiant Weapons to stealth mode."

    Riku''s shoulder abruptly shook as he heard the words that Fang Lin said. But without any question, he murmured towards his Radiant Weapon, and followed Fang Lin''s video instructions regarding voice commands as he said. "Administrator Commands, Stealth mode, On."

    "Administrator Commands, Stealth mode, On."

    "Administrator Commands, Stealth mode, On"

    Three words with different intonations coming from three different people resounded followed by the almost simultaneous reply of their Radiant Weapons.

    With a light smile, and after confirming that everything was fine. Fang Lin gestured to the two. "Follow me."

    With a small smile, the two followed Fang Lin towards the Four Season''s Restaurant. On the way, they were greeted by a polite waitress who obtained a small purple token from Fang Lin and carefully guided them towards their dining area.

    Before them, the waitress finally stopped before gently saying. "Sir, please go inside this elevator and enter your purple token. It will immediately bring you to the highest level of our restaurant. " The waitress deeply bowed before excusing herself.

    Following the instructions of the waitress, the three went on their journey unblocked. Every people who met them gently smiled upon seeing the purple token on Fang Lin''s left chest. Riku slightly frowned his eyebrows to the strange gestured of the people around them. But he dismissed the strangeness of that attitude after noticing that the people only bowed after realizing that Fang Lin wore the mysterious purple token.

    Because of that, Riku already deduced that, that purple token was akin to being a VIP if worn. But along this journey, although they were unblocked by any obstacles. Riku always had this strange feeling that something was watching their every move.

    And to lure the perpetrator, Riku wore a carefree attitude as he strode. And only after noticing that the perpetrator was somewhat reluctant to do his planned deeds, and when they had entered this building, that Riku personally lowered his guard.

    Fang Lin suddenly stopped as he retrieved a small hexagonal key from his spatial ring as he lightly smiled to the two before saying. "Here, we are."

    Without further ado, Fang Lin inserted the key in the keyhole as a clicking sound resounded. With a gentle push. The door automatically opened.

    But strangely, the room inside wasn''t within Riku''s expectations. What greeted them was a tatami floored room with wooden sliding doors around them. In the middle of the room was a small table with a mat that seemed to be there to be used in sitting.

    On the table were various dishes that Fang Lin ordered beforehand. The smell of the viands made Riku''s stomach noisily rumble as he rubbed his lower abdomen in an awkward smile.

    "Hahahahaha, I know that you''re hungry already , and so we are. So now... Let''s eat." Fang Lin announced as he leaped towards the sitting mat without reluctance. Fang Xue also leaped with a ''toh'' sound as she also leaped towards the sitting mat and tightly clutched the chopsticks beside the dishes.

    Riku could only smile as he also moved in slow pace towards the sitting mat. After seating down, he also clutched the chopsticks beside the dishes as he said. "Let''s eat!"

    After that, Riku''s hand swiftly moved to tightly clutched the delicious looking foods that were placed before him. And without any care for his appearance, He swiftly stuffed them inside his mouth. As if he was a man who was deprived of food for weeks.

    Fang Xue on the other hand moved her hand holding the chopsticks with a fluid motion. Her movements were graceful as her chopsticks tightly clutched on the salmon sushi before her. And with a gentle tap over the soy sauce. Fang Xue discreetly stuffed the sushi inside her mouth as she enjoyed the explosion of flavors.

    Fang Lin silently chortled as he witnessed the deeds of the two before his hand also turned to a blur, tightly clutching the various dishes served before him. And like a lightning, the clutched foods were now inside his mouth as he enjoyed the different flavors exploding within.

    After eating in that manner. The three finally sighed in relief as they clutched their stomachs and whispered. "Ahh, that was good."

    After about thirty breaths of relaxation. Fang Lin finally broke the silence as he said. "Now, Let''s get to business."

    Riku''s figure slightly twitched as he frowned his eyebrows and focused on Fang Lin''s words.

    "My granddaughter said to me that you came from the Rising Moon Empire and became and orphan after your father went on a drinking spree and murdered your mother. You ran around the woods until you found yourself inside a small hut of which an old lady whom you consider your benefactor lend you a helping hand. But suddenly the black panther of which you angered found its way towards the hut of which you and your benefactor lived." Fang Lin stopped as he glanced over Riku. Noticing that the youngster nodded in response. He finally continued.

    "And with that black panther was a pack of wolves, your benefactor named Lily protected you from the pack of wolves with her knowledge in the path of alchemy. But since she was old, her struggles eventually became fainter, and as her dying breath. She gave you two rings, of which you currently wear right now and a medicinal bottle to ward off those pack of wolves right?" Fang Lin once again stopped and hovered his eyes towards the youngster. Of which Riku once again nodded to confirm the fact.

    "You got very unlucky and found yourself being chased by a strange Fire Spitting Beast. And after acknowledging that you don''t have any chances in defeating the beasts. You desperately ran around the woods before being roasted by the profound fire of the Fire Spitting Beast right?" Riku nodded in response.

    "But let me tell you something, what actually happened was strange! Stranger than everything that I''ve witnessed with my old life! After I scanned everything around the area with my Divine Sense, I found out that there were no beasts habitat around! And that mysterious hut was also strange! Although it was scorched black by fire, It was still there firmly standing!"

    "And Its wooden posts used to stabilize the wooden hut was unbelievably strong! I tried to punch it with all of my strength but nothing happened! It was like my fist struck an unbreakable fortress!"

    "And also, that Fire Spitting Beast was a Rank 5 Magical Beast. It was unthinkable of it to ruthlessly hunt a human. In its eyes, every human it met were akin to an ant! So It was very unlikely for it to have chase you!" Fang Lin almost howled as he spat out the facts that he confirmed on the scene.

    Riku''s mind immediately reeled in. At first, his act of deceiving Fang Xue worked but never did he thought that this old principal was actually this cunning and careful!

    "After taking samples from the damages on your body by scraping off the burnt pieces of flesh. I found out something incredibly strange! After confirming using thermal vision googles. I found out that the pieces of flesh burned from your body was burned by an extremely high temperature!" Fang Lin solemnly said.

    "After several tests. I found out that the temperature that burned your flesh to that degree was the same temperature as the surface of the sun! of which is five thousand seven hundred seventy eight kelvins!"

    "No human could possibly survive such extremely high temperatures like what happened to you! Your internals are even intact and undamaged! To have a human survive after being scorched in such extremely high temperatures is impossible!"

    "And not only that. I even found out that there was no pack of wolves lurking around the area in a radius of One thousand kilometers! And you said to Xue''er that you only ran for three days before being met by a Fire Spitting Beast! It was extremely unlikely for a food deprived youth to ran that far towards the mysterious hut!" Fang Lin''s voice finally became a howl, and Riku''s face became paler and paler in each time he spouted out this facts.

    "Although you helped me have this incredible ancient cultivation method. I don''t want to risk myself by possibly helping a spy! I would gladly return this cultivation method of yours and sent you to the authorities than have my family at risk for helping a possible spy!" Fang Lin once again howled as he tightly clutched his hand. It was noticeable that he was quite struggling in his heart by just saying this words.

    Fang Xue also turned pale as she glanced over her grandfather and Riku with shock visible on her face.

    Riku''s face became as pale as paper as he lowered his head, and waited for Fang Lin''s next words.

    "And so! I would like to ask! Riku Lightshield! Just who the hell are you?!" Fang Lin grimly said.

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: Hahh... The queue is finally over! I was going to post this chapter yesterday but I accidentally deleted the draft, and due to my stupidity, I didn''t bother to create a back-up! But for the next chapters! I will definitely create a back up!

    So for now, Please enjoy the chapter. If you have any comments, suggestions, harsh criticisms, and anything inside your mind about this chapter/novel. Please place it in the comments below!

    VayBye for now!

 Not a chapter! Just another opinion gathering!

    Hi, this is your author CodexofImmortals! I posted this chapter primarily to obtain vital information about the quality of my new created synopsis. And so I will post a poll. So if possible, please do answer the poll!

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Next chapter will come tomorrow. If the circumstances are willing.... :grin:

 Chapter 14: Essence.

    The events swiftly unfolded before his eyes. Riku''s mind fell into deep thoughts. Though there was only a faint logical reason about why would Fang Lin label him as a spy. Riku also found it quite reasonable as a clan elder to worry about the future of his family if their family was labeled as a spy helper.

    Though he still doesn''t know about the laws in this world. Riku could understand Fang Lin''s emotions.

    With a long lasting sigh. Riku cleared his mind as he seated cross-legged before the faces of the two dumbfounded people. With fluid movements of his two hands. Riku formed a pointing position with his index finger and middle finger utilizing the two of his hands.

    His right hand was pointed on his dantian while his left hand was pointed on the gap between the eyebrows. With a low growl. The entirety of Riku''s Mana Force exploded as a pale blue mist emerged and enshrouded his body.

    "Junior!! So you''re really a spy!" Fang Lin''s alertness surged to the roof as he retreated backwards and exploded his Mana Force with much more intensity than what Riku utilized. Violet mist materialized as it roiled towards the pale blue mist. Intent on suppressing its covering.

    But Fang Lin noticed something peculiar as he frowned his eyebrows and intently looked at Riku''s figure. The pale blue mist that he summoned acted passive that it didn''t even fought back against his conjured violet mist. It just orbited around Riku''s body, filled with tranquility.

    "What''s happening to Junior Riku?" Fang Xue gasped as she clutched her uncles in pain. Since she was previously seating in a cross-legged position. The sudden explosion of Mana Force jolted her back for several meters and she landed awkwardly on the ground. Slightly twisting her ankles.

    Fang Lin didn''t reply as confusion arose inside his eyes. Since the pale blue light around Riku didn''t even flinch with his attacks. That doesn''t mean that it cannot kill. It maybe just awaiting Riku''s command to strike. And so, Fang Lin didn''t let his guard down as he readied a battle stance. A violet crescent moon shone on his forehead.

    With a low growl, Riku forcefully sucked all the released pale blue lights towards his forehead. An invisible suction force appeared in mid-air as the visible pale blue mist became a whirlpool that was endlessly chomped by his forehead.

    ~~Chii Chii...

    A small sound resounded as a small drop of blood congealed from the whole on Riku''s forehead. This scarlet red blood emanated a feeling of superiority toward everyone who was looking at it. Even Fang Lin couldn''t help but gulp in response.

    "Th-th-this is?!! "

    "Blood Essence!" Fang Lin clutched Fang Xue''s figure around his arms as he retreated to the furthermost corner of the room. Due to the thickness of the walls around the three. No one on the outside would be able to hear anything from the inside. And because of the restrictive inscription charms placed all over the place. It was impossible for any Mana Force to leak to the outside world.

    Fang Lin planned to use this room beforehand if he had ascertained that Riku was definitely a spy, and he would''ve slain Riku without any traces.

    But he didn''t foresee this outcome coming. Since Fang Lin had ordered beforehand that they mustn''t be disturbed. Fang Lin could only circulate his violet mist around him and his granddaughter to protect them from Riku''s upcoming intense attack.

    But after about ten breaths. The events that Fang Lin deduced to unfold didn''t happen. What instead unfolded before their eyes was Riku. Outstretching his right index finger as he formed a small scarlet chain using the blood essence that he had drawn forth.

    Fang Lin''s mind reeled in as he remembered a piece of this happenings completely related to the books that he had previously read in this old life of his.

    "This is... An unbreakable pact?!" Fang Lin gasped as his throat constricted. Never did he thought that Riku was this resolute to prove his innocence that he even drew his blood essence to create an unbreakable pact.

    One must know that every person currently living in this world only has three blood essences. Each was drawn from a person''s heart veins. If a blood essence was lost. The body would feel extremely weak. And a person could only draw a maximum of two blood essences. Each lost of blood essence would weaken their latent talent.

    But not only creating an unbreakable pact was the only use of a blood essence. One could use it to overdraft their ability and stimulate their latent talent. Making them breakthrough a supposed to be impossible breakthrough. But if one even used that method. It would be impossible for them to create another breakthrough to the next realm since their foundation was shallow.

    One could also explode their blood essence, killing themselves and the enemies around them. Which means, a suicidal attack.

    ~Chiii, Chiii...

    The chains around Riku faintly formed a sentence. A sentence which sent tremor unto Fang Lin and Fang Xue''s body.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>I, with my name. Riku Lightshield, hereby creates a blood unbreakable pact.</td></tr></tbody></table>

    <table><tbody><tr><td>That, I am not a spy in affiliation with the surrounding empires.</td></tr></tbody></table>

    <table><tbody><tr><td>And that my intent is pure, unblemished.</td></tr></tbody></table>

    <table><tbody><tr><td>With my blood as a witness. I hereby create.</td></tr></tbody></table>

    <table><tbody><tr><td>Unbreakable Pact!</td></tr></tbody></table>

    The congealed scarlet red chain shot off as a towards Riku''s left chest. Firmly binding his heart. If he were to break the rules of the pact that he had created. Riku would immediately die. Riku created this pact solely because in this new peculiar world. He was alone.

    He awoke with no other connections to this world other than the two grandfather and granddaughter duo. If they were to declare him as a spy and wage fight with him. Riku would have to bear the consequences. He still didn''t knew too much about this world. He still needed to acquire enough information before he can venture alone in this new world.

    The events unfolded before the two happened extremely fast that Fang Lin didn''t even have time to consume it all within his mind. But nevertheless, Fang Lin calmed his mind as he waved his wrist. Sending a violet light to shot off towards Riku.

    With weakened movements, Riku slowly opened his palm that clutched the object that Fang Lin threw. Shockingly, a medicinal pill was there!

    But because he had forcefully done the unbreakable pact with the cost of his blood essence from his heart veins. Riku was undoubtedly extremely weakened. Because of that, the imminent dizziness immediately came over his head that he didn''t even had enough time to consume and refine the pill before falling unconscious.

    As his worn out mind started to slip off the abyss of sleeping. Riku could only hear the faint sounds of Fang Lin and Fang Xue''s cries as the last words drowned in Riku''s mind as he fell into deep sleep.

    ....

    Riku Lightshield''s consciousness gradually awakened.

    Riku murmured as he rubbed his weary eyes. As he glanced around the area. Riku found himself inside the familiar confines of the white room of which he now treated as his home sweet home.

    With slow movements, Riku lazily stretched his upper body as he revealed a faint smile. Though he consumed a blood essence to prove his innocence. It was still extremely effective. Riku had no regrets regarding his consumption of blood essence.

    ~Ding...

    A small sound resounded as Riku glanced over the Radiant Weapon on his left ring finger. The small orb embedded on it shone with a violet light. With a small smile, Riku hovered his palm over his Radiant Weapon as a small message emerged.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>New Message!</td></tr><tr><td>Fang Lin[085562]:Junior Riku, Xue''er is coming to fetch you. It''s time for your first day of school!</td></tr></tbody></table>

    Riku slightly chuckled as he glanced over the message. His innocence really was proven.

    And so, without further ado. Riku once again activated the mechanisms inside his room and once again slammed himself on the waters of his hot spring like bathtub.

    ~Ding!

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    A small sound once again emerged. Riku once again hovered his palm over his Radiant Weapon. Riku''s eyes lit up when he saw the message and he couldn''t even contain his excitement.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>A new gift has arrived!</td></tr><tr><td>Morrow Academy Uniform[S]</td></tr><tr><td>Morrow Academy Identification Card</td></tr><tr><td>Two Radiant Cells [Source Code]</td></tr><tr><td>Rank 2 Spell: Illumination [Source Code]</td></tr><tr><td>Sender: Fang Lin[085562] Receiver: Riku Lightshield[500424]</td></tr></tbody></table>

    But before he could voice command his Radiant Weapon to close the message, another notification arrived.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>New message!</td></tr><tr><td>Fang Lin[085562]:Oh, I forgot to say, Insert this command on the terminal. netsch interface inventory /open</td></tr></tbody></table>

    Riku''s eyes lit up as his heart became filled with gratefulness. But before he could try out the command, Riku decided to do it later since he was still inside the bathtub.

    After about thirty minutes of immersing himself inside the emerald green waters of the hot spring like bathtub. Riku slowly stood up from the waters as he wiped himself dry with a wool towel that came from his cosmos ring.

    "He he, It''s time to check this out." Riku slightly murmured as he commanded his Radiant Weapon. "Administrator Commands, open user terminal!"

    This time, Riku used a voice command since he was still rubbing himself dry with his wool towel as a transparent screen flickered before his eyes.

    <table><tbody><tr><td></td><td>Welcome, Riku Lightshield!</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Mana Force Realm; Flesh Improving Stage;Middle Phase</td><td></td><td>Integrate Source Code</td></tr><tr><td>Spells Accumulated: 4</td><td></td><td>Open IDE</td></tr><tr><td>Ranger Rank 1</td><td></td><td>Exit User Terminal</td></tr><tr><td>Mana Force Stats: 1200</td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

    With a slight tap on the Open IDE button, Riku was again welcomed by a new transparent screen and typed.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>netsch interface inventory /open</td></tr></tbody></table>

    A list of items appeared before Riku''s eyesight.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>Inventory List: Riku Lightshield</td></tr><tr><td>Morrow Academy Uniform[S]</td></tr><tr><td>Morrow Academy Identification Card</td></tr><tr><td>Radiant Cells [2]</td></tr><tr><td>Rank 2: Illumination Spell [Source Chip]</td></tr></tbody></table>

    With brightened eyes, Riku slightly tapped over the Morrow Academy Uniform button as a complete set of uniform emerged.

    The upper body of the uniform had a peculiar design as it was a long sleeved checkered shirt. The colors from the wrist up above his elbow was scarlet red. While the color of the sleeve from his elbow to his arm was light green. On his chest towards his waist. It was colored white. There were three buttons separated by large space.

    The lower body on the other hand was quite plain. It looked in semblance with a black slacks.

    The upper body of his uniform, on the place hovering before his heart had a small hexagon emblem. Inside the hexagon was a book adorned with tactfully designed vines revolving around it. Over the small book was a multi colored rainbow. And below the hexagon emblem was the name of the institute encased in a block of black lines.

    Riku swiftly wore his attire and finished without any problems. Although he was quite unfamiliar about the people''s sense of fashion in this world. He wasn''t that clueless when it comes to clothing.

    Next up. Riku once again opened his inventory and revealed his identification card.

    "Pfft!" Riku almost spat out his saliva as he looked at his visage placed on the identification card. Judging from the dark circles around Riku''s eyes and his pale white skin. It seemed like he was jolted awake and was suddenly taken a picture without his consent.

    But he still felt amazed thinking that his image was placed in such high quality inside a small identification card. But Riku immediately disposed of the idea as he thought. ''Those guys can even see past events with those floating transparent screens. So how could making something like this be a hard feat?''

    [AN: Riku was referring about his first fight with Han Qiang! Chapter 4: Author''s note</a>]

    Riku bowed down as he swiftly wore his socks. At first, Riku was confused about the way of wearing this small gloves for the feet. But judging from the hole. Riku immediately deduced the way of wearing it and revealed a small accomplished smile.

    ~Chiii, Chiii...

    A familiar sound of something opening emerged and as he expected. A figure of a familiar young woman emerged. Currently, Fang Xue revealed a small smile as she entered the room with faint and fluid movements. She was also wearing the same uniform as Riku. The only difference was she was wearing a skirt ensemble with a scarlet red color in it.

    Her lips had a trace of red in it. Clearly, she wore a lip gloss to add a subtle color on her lips.

    Fang Xue faintly chortled as she glanced over Riku''s smiling figure. "To think that I called you a junior before yet you''re at the same age as me... "

    "Hmm, you look quite manly with that." Fang Xue continued.

    "You too Miss Fang, you look gorgeous." Riku teasingly smirked as he darted his gaze over his removed clothing. He cleaved his hand towards them as they were sucked inside Riku''s cosmos ring.

    As Riku darted his gaze. Fang Xue''s cheeks flashed with a faint trace of red as she whispered. "Only that?"

    But even though it was a small whisper. Riku could clearly hear it within the confines of this silent white room as he moved his attention towards Fang Xue. "Hmm?"

    Slightly startled, Fang Xue replied. "Nothing!"

    Riku could only frown his eyebrows after hearing Fang Xue''s reply. And as usual. The two traversed through the cafeterias. But the strange thing was, there were no other students in sight. Riku couldn''t help but question this peculiarity towards Fang Xue.

    But the only reply he got was a small "You''ll know about it when the time arrives."

    So, Riku could only seat himself before the table as he wolfed over his food. Not minding his current appearance while eating.

    The two swiftly ate over their food as they left the cafeteria and walked towards the exit doors.

    On the outside, a world of green welcomed Riku as a blast of fresh air came over his face. Fang Xue also welcomed the blast of fresh air as she inhaled the air around her.

    After about three deep breaths. Fang Xue finally broke the silence with a chuckle as she said. "The first one who arrives at the first year''s school grounds will win!" Fang Xue shouted as she pointed towards the furthermost building. Judging from the stretch of the grasses around him. Riku deduced that, that building must be at least five kilometers away from his current location.

    Without further ado, Fang Xue kicked up a huge amount of dust as she ran with her fastest speed towards the building of whom she pointed. Riku who was still deducing the distance of the building from his current location was caught unguarded and the dust fell in his eyes as he shouted. "That''s cheating!" But what he could only hear as a reply was Fang Xue''s gleeful chuckle.

    Riku also kicked up a huge amount of dust as he propelled himself towards Fang Xue''s location. But strangely, Fang Xue would leave afterimages in an interval of three breaths. Leaving Riku unable to determine Fang Xue''s distance from him.

    As the building became bigger in his eyesight. Fang Xue finally stopped before the steel fences as she shouted with glee. "He he, this is the building for first years! Welcome to our first day of school!" Fang Xue opened her arms as if receiving a huge hug.

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: I was unable to post yesterday due to some circumstances. Deceptioning a translator from gravitytales suddenly released a huge amount of CSG chapters! And even I couldn''t help but be reeled in as I feasted on those chapters, so for my readers who expected a chapter yesterday. I''m really sorry :(

    But please do enjoy this new chapter! My schedule will return now, next chapter will come at April 1!

 Chapter 15: Test of Courage.

    There stood a fifteen story building in front of Riku. Though he had already seen much of this buildings with his tour yesterday. He was still quite amazed by the height of the building. But nevertheless, this wasn''t the only event that caught Riku''s attention.

    Before the steel fences were myriad''s of students wearing the same uniform as him. Some were accompanied by their guardians while some were with their servants. All of them had an expression of great expectation within their eyes.

    Some people carried flyers as they made their way towards the crowded area, smilingly handing it towards the new students. Judging from the mark on their left sleeve. Of which was a three golden bar. They were third years in this school year.

    Riku smiled as he quickened his pace and approached Fang Xue.

    "Hmm? Is Miss Fang gonna do something?" Having witnessed that Fang Xue still lingered on the position that she used when she shouted the words that she said earlier. Riku gently said.

    In response, Fang Xue rolled her eyes as she turned her back towards him as she said. "Nothing." followed by a coquettishly laugh Fang Xue strode towards the steel fence.

    The steel fence emanated a small chiing sound as the figures of the two approached. After a momentary pause. The steel fence opened.

    Inside the crowded area of the first year''s school grounds. There were people advertising their extra curricular clubs. While some were blatantly shouted a cheer in unison. All of this combined made the scene before them quite turbulent.

    Riku frowned his eyebrows as he darted his gaze towards the area where the commotion was uncommonly louder. There, with his clear sight, saw a figure of a girl being tugged by two different clubs. One wore a clothing with the words ''Basketball Club''.  While the other wore a clothing with inscribed words ''Fencing Club''.

    "We will have this girl! She registered with us first!" A woman from the Fencing Club refuted as she placed more force in her tug.

    "No! This girl''s physique is definitely compatible for our club! Hence, she will shine much more within our confines!" Another woman from the former club riposted.

    "L-let go of me... S-seniors... "The woman said in a normal tone, but due to the high amount of voices surrounding her. Her voice wasn''t able to reach anyone within her vicinity.

    But suddenly, a swift gale past by. And the surrounding tugging seniors felt an invisible shockwave which made them fell on the ground. When their vision cleared. The earlier woman already disappeared within their sights.

    Meanwhile, Riku hastened his pace with the earlier woman in tow. He dashed right and left, evading the movements of the crowd with his own graceful turns, until finally. He reached an area where shrubs were plenty in sight and hid there with the girl.

    "Hmm... Are you okay? Judging from the distance we ran, you must be safe here." Riku finally let go of the woman''s hands as he coolly said.

    "T-thank you..." The woman could only murmured in the air as she lowered her head, hiding her current expression.

    "L-Laura..." A small murmur came.

    "Hmm?" Riku inquired.

    "L-Laura C-cruz..."  This time, the girl increased the volume of her voice, but nevertheless. It was still quite inaudible.

    "What? Don''t be afraid. I''m not gonna eat you or anything." Sensing the discrepancy of the woman''s emotions. Riku made the first move. The girl shuddered in response as she raised her head, her hair fluttered as her complexion became clearer for Riku to see.

    At first glance, the girl before him seemed to be at the age of fifteen or sixteen. Judging from her fair complexion and her sweaty face. Riku could clearly understand that she was quite nervous. As for the reason, he doesn''t know why.

    The uniform that she currently wore emphasized the beauty of her voluptuous body, and due to the sticky sweat that seemed to cover all parts of her body. The usually fit uniform became tighter. Revealing the curvaceous figure of the woman before him. Especially those fair perky peaks.

    But still, if he was to compare this current beauty to Fang Xue. This girl was quite far from Fang Xue. But nonetheless, the beauty in front of him exuded an exotic aura of maturity and her figure alone would make one gulp their own saliva.

    "M-m-my name is La-Laura Cr-Cruz! N-nice to meet you!" The woman tightly closed her eyes as she outstretched her palm towards Riku.

    Seeing this, Riku barely contained himself in erupting to laughter as he said, "I''m here, you know?"

    "Eh?" The woman slowly opened her eyes to see that she stretched her palm the wrong way! Riku was behind him all this time!

    "That''s what you get for being scared. Ha ha ha, Nice to meet you too, I am Riku Lightshield." Riku led a dry cough as he issued a small teasing sentence before introducing his name.

    The woman darted her gaze to the side for a moment before mustering off her courage as she said. "N-nice to meet you too! M-mister Lightshield!" She once again outstretched her hands, offering up an intent to link her palm towards Riku.

    Riku led a small gentle laugh as he said. "Nice to meet you too!" Riku opened up his palm and connected it towards her.

    Afterwards, the two strode off towards the main gate. What they saw there was a podium where a person was loudly informing everyone about the entrance exam.

    According to what Riku gathered in his mind. There were three parts in the whole entrance exam. The first part was the elemental aptitude test. The second one was the millisecond channeling test, while the latter was the so called ''Test of Courage.''

    Riku wasn''t able to gather any information about this ''Test of Courage'' .

    Beside him, Laura was nervously shaking her head around the area. Her gaze seemed to be intent in finding someone among the crowd. In an instance, her face beamed with smile as she found what she was looking for.

    "Laura! Just where the hell did you go?!" The feminine voice issued a complaint as she squeezed herself with the waters of the crowd. Finally, after about five seconds. The woman''s figure became vivid.

    Though she doesn''t have a snow like skin as Fang Xue had, she still had her own unique aura surrounding her. She wore the same outfit as Laura and currently, her visage beamed with smile.

    "Laura? Who''s this young man with you?" She purposely lengthened her intonation and swung her head in a teasing way. Laura on the other hand couldn''t help but be nervous as she said. "He-he''s acquaintance."

    "Hmm...An acquaiantance... You should tell me more about this later, Kay?" The young woman winked as she intertwined her elbow with Laura and dragged her to the side. Riku could only led a small bitter smile as she noticed the two girls stealing a glimpse to him as they continued their murmurs.

    ~~Chiii...

    Suddenly, a pale blue light emerged from the podium. An average buiilt man with a Morrow Academy Employee Card carefully manipulated the pale blue light floating over his hand as he sent it towards the sky.

    After a moment, the pale blue orb exploded into countless specks of light as it showered over the gazes of the dumbfounded spectators. When a speck of light fell on their body. A glowing pale blue number emerged on their wrist.

    A violet mist erupted on the podium as five people emerged from the mist. Three were men while two were women. A smile plastered on their face as they glanced over the newly enrolled students. On their forehead were numbers one up to five.

    "Those students who have the same number as the teachers here will be their teacher for the whole semester!" The main ceremonist continued. "Form three lines before your designated teachers and follow their instructions in carrying out the first examination of the entrance exam!"

    After awhile. The five people standing on the podium descended and distanced themselves on each other. The students slightly glimpsed on their wrist as they paved their way towards their designated students. Riku also glanced over his wrist and found the number four embedded on his wrist.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Riku turned his head towards the fourth instructor and found out that it was a scar faced veteran man. His figure emanated a feeling of a knight that even nearing him would make one think that he had already endured countless life and death battles.

    From his forehead towards his left eye. A diagonal scar was there, signifying somewhat a mark of his previous battle. Before him were three lines with several students. Yet no smile was on his face, but cold indifference.

    Nevertheless, Riku moved towards him and gestured a smile before moving towards the third line. There, unexpectedly he found Laura and the same woman who chattered with him earlier. Laura beamed with a smile when she noticed his figure and said.

    "R-Riku!" Just as Laura was about to say something. A feminine voice interrupted her before a pain filled cry resounded around the vicinity. Riku clutched his head in pain as he glanced over the pouting figure of Fang Xue.

    "Hmmph! How could you just leave a lady behind by herself! You heartless wretched man!" Fang Xue stuck her tongue out as she lashed on to Riku. But never did she understood that the people around her were currently looking at the scene that she made. And so, with an awkward smile. Fang Xue hung his head low as she tugged on Riku''s clothes, seemingly not letting him to go.

    "Hurrmmph! Silence!" The scar faced man finally made his move as he led out a small cold harummph before issuing a command. Immediately, the students in line went silent as they attentively listened towards their teacher.

    "We will now begin the elemental affinity test. But before that, let me introduce myself first. I am Jackson Smith, nice to meet you all..." After he said that in an indifferent voice. He carefully paralleled his hands to each other as a violet mist erupted from his palm.

    ''Soul Condensing Stage!'' Riku inwardly thought.

    Afterwards, a violet orb hovered over his palm of which became bigger with his intent. He made it bigger and bigger until it finally became as huge as a coconut palm before stopping.

    "This is the elemental affinity tester! Merge these three lines together and place your hand on the violet orb!" Jackson howled as he waved his palm in the air. In that instant, a small flagon came out from his spatial ring as he chugged on the contents. The air became filled with the smell of alcohol.

    With an indifferent look. Jackson glanced over the first candidate. The first candidate momentarily shuddered as he placed his palm on the violet orb. After a short while. A scarlet red orb congealed in the violet orb, followed by a green orb and a blue.

    "Little affinity to the water element, low affinity to plant, and great affinity to fire. Next!" With an coolly shout. Jackson assessed the first candidate before moving on to the second.

    With that, the first examination commenced. When Riku''s turn came, the sun was already emanating an orange light. Signifying that night was nigh.

    Riku placed his palm on the orb as a pale blue orb congealed, followed by a green, brown, and scarlet red.

    "Hmm... Great affinity towards plant element, earth and fire! Not bad! But what is this pale blue one? Wait... " Jackson''s voice became somewhat friendly in sight of this abnormal results.

    "Could this be the Lightning Element?!" Jackson didn''t dare to say it aloud. He thoughtfully glanced over the young man before him who had a slightly confused expression on his face.

    With a long sigh. Jackson finally decided. "Okay, good... Next!"

    ''Huff..." Riku heaved a sigh of relief as he murmured inwardly. ''I thought that, that instructor noticed my Lightning Element affinity. Or else, it would be quite troublesome...'' A small hint of caution appeared in his eyes as he glanced over the scar faced Jackson. The Lightning Element was a rare type of element, only occurring one out of one hundred thousand people. And so, if someone would realize his affinity to lightning. He may be endlessly troubled with dangers.

    By the time that the last candidate stepped in. It was finally night.

    "Hmm? It is time huh?" Jackson placed his index finger on his forehead and without warning. The scenery around all of the lined up students distorted. When Riku determined the disturbance, he was caught unguarded as the power of teleportation surged.

    When the scenery around him cleared. He was now before a limestone cave. There, the other four teachers were also there. Murmuring to each other.

    Before the cave were five entrances.

    "Because time is quite tight. We will commence the second examination tomorrow. But you must all be wondering why we transferred you here right?" The previous announcer who previously stood on the podium suddenly shouted, attracting the gazes of the students around.

    Noticing the nod of the students. The man smiled as he continued. "The reason is quite simple, to undergo the third examination! The ''Test of Courage!''"

    After he shouted. The students murmured to each other while their eyes showed confusion. But their gossips were interrupted by a dryly laugh. And the man once again continued. "Before you are five entrances leading to different limestone caves with the same length! The mission is to reach the other side of the limestone cave within three hours! "

    "The requirements are simple! Each group will carry five torches! When you reach the other end of the limestone cave, you must present these torches, with their lights on! To prevent any duping, we will ignite this flames with our own condensed energies so that we can detect the extinguishing of the flames!"

    "Failing to complete this test will result in all of you failing to enter this academy! But don''t worry, only one lighted torch is enough to save you all from doom!"

    The student''s visages distorted when they heard the word ''failing''. But their eyes once again lit up as they learned that the only requirements was to have at least one lighted torch!

    "But nevertheless, this limestone cave is at least five kilometers long! And you surely cannot complete this test without taking any shortcuts! And so, you can take any shortcuts that you can find!"

    "Lastly, the Morrow Academy wouldn''t hold any responsibilities for any injuries and casualties within the limestone cave! If any of you wants to back down! Do it now!"

    "The reward for the first group to complete the task is a Rank Two spell and fifty Radiant Cells!" Greed lit up in the eyes of the crowd when they heard the word, Rank Two spell. One must know that spells were extremely precious since source codes weren''t that easy to make! It requires at least three months to complete the code and three months for trial and errors! And so, even if one wanted to buy a Rank Two spell in exchange with a specific amount of money. They may not even be able to buy it with just money alone! That''s the true rarity of Rank Two Spells! That was also the reason why Source Code snatching was rampant within the academy.

    "And also! To those students who already have their Radiant Weapons, you must surrender it to us! Radiant Weapons aren''t allowed inside, but any other kinds of weapons are allowed!" Hearing that. The faces of the students fell. Without their Radiant Weapons, how could they easily traverse such an archaic limestone cave?!

    "Also... Keep yourselves alive!" The announcer grimly said. With that, deathly silence descended within the group of students.

    What only remained that can be heard by the ears were the chirping of birds and the fluttering of the leaves.

    Other than that, what remained was.

    Silence!

 Chapter 16: Trials [1].

    Deathly silence descended. The crowd of aspiring students became as silent as the tranquil waters of a lake. But before they could fetch up a reaction. A cold harummphh was heard as a resonating sound struck.

    "Though I said that you must keep yourselves alive, and even though I said that you cannot bring your Radiant Weapons inside the limestone cave, that doesn''t mean that you cannot have any weapons, since going there empty handed would only make you a cannon fodder, We''ll give you all the privilege to choose any weapon to bring inside the trial!" The man continued as he howled.

    He then waved his hand in mid-air as a table of assorted weapons appeared before him. Guns, stun guns, wooden swords, grenades, Rocket propelled grenades, and even knives.

    "But though I said that you could choose, that doesn''t rightly mean that you will choose! The weapons will be handed out in random!" Hearing this, many students gaped open in shock. Specially those eyeing the rifle guns.

    Riku just stood there with an indifferent expression. Even though there were weapons, he didn''t have any knowledge in using those, with the exception of the knives, of course.

    A minute after. A revolving violet mist appeared before Riku. Turning his head around the area, he found out that all of the students had this revolving violet mist before them. After he waited about three minutes. A weapon finally congealed before Riku.

    "Pfft..." A sudden burst of laughter came out from Fang Xue''s mouth who was beside him. Riku himself felt dismay as he glanced over his newly congealed weapon. The students around him couldn''t even help but reveal a mocking sneer.

    A fork! A stainless fork appeared in the air before falling onto Riku''s palm.

    "M-miss Fang, wh-what weapon did you receive?" Riku stuttered as a heatwave of pain appeared in his mind. To use a fork as a weapon, It would be quite humiliating to do that.

    The violet mist before Miss Fang congealed into a small portable weapon with metal like pincers on its head. Riku didn''t know what it is but judging from Fang Xue''s bitter smile, he was able to faintly deduce its power.

    "A stun gun... Seems helpful." Fang Xue sighed as she pressed a small button on the stun gun. In that instance, a crackling of light appeared accompanied by a rattling sound. Seeing the small lightning spark before her. Her sigh became even more long lasting.

    Seeing the crackling lightning. Riku''s eyes lit up. A surge of desire to exchange his fork with that certain weapon appeared in his mind. But Riku dismissed the idea as exchanging a fork for a stun gun was like exchanging a water for saltwater!

    "Let''s not delay this any longer! Aspiring students! Choose the cave that you want to enter and I wish you good luck! You will find various information about this third test near the entrance of your selected cave! " The announcer shouted in vigor as he waved his hands in a bard like manner.

    The students below the podium could only led a small bitter smile. But those who got rifles and grenades had a beaming smile with them. Seeing these smiles. The scar-faced elder revealed a mocking smile towards this people. Specially those who received the grenades.

    "Hah! Are they trying to kill themselves? Using a grenade inside a remote area such as a cave? This crop of aspiring students really leaves me dumbfounded by their stupidity." Mocked Jackson as he led a small bitter sigh.

    "But that''s still okay you know? Jackson. By failure as a means, those students can learn something new!" A middle aged man wearing glasses said in a vitality filled voice. The air around him was scholarly but if someone were to concentrate, they would feel the chilling air surrounding this man.

    "Oh, shut up! Four eyes." Jackson shrugged as he chugged on the flask on his hand. "But still, that man amazes me." His gaze turned to a piercing one as he darted it towards the figure of a young student standing with a beauty beside him. The young student was filled with a bitter smile as the female student teased him while revealing her reddish tongue out.

    Riku slightly shuddered as he felt a piercing gaze on his way. Riku looked around as he frowned his eyebrows. The observing this time had a high level in concealment that Riku wasn''t able to catch a glimpse of the source of this gaze.

    Since the gaze didn''t contain any hostility within it. Riku shrugged it off his mind as he walked towards a cave entrance. A transparent screen flickered over the cave with a number two in it. As well as basic information about this cave entrance.

    Before the cave entrance, a crowd of aspiring students were together as they read the basic information terminal. But just as they finished reading the tablet. They led out a small bitter smile and sighed as they walked away. Riku himself frowned as he glanced over the information.

    There it said that this cave entrance was at least five kilometers long, but the width of it, according to Riku''s calculations was enough to nimbly dash inside. Though they may be dangers lurking inside. This was still enough for them to safely reach the goal.

    "Let''s go, Riku. " Fang Xue decided to leave as she finished reading the information. But she suddenly stopped as she found out that Riku''s right hand tightly clutched on his left arm. Not wanting her to leave.

    "This is the cave, let''s go in." Riku murmured in a low voice. But Fang Xue clearly heard it as she slightly frowned. This cave was two kilometers longer than the other caves where mostly all of the students were flocked.

    "Why do you want to go inside this cave? This is obviously longer than those." Fang Xue puffer her cheeks as a slight red line appeared on it. Her voice was low enough that Riku couldn''t clearly hear it.

    "Hmm? " Riku questioned.

    "Nothing." Fang Xue shrugged as she decided to trust this young man for this particular time. She had a peculiar feeling that this young man before her was right in his decisions.

    With that, the pair troubled themselves to pick up a badge signifying their entrance. There before them was Laura and her female companion.

    Laura''s complexion beamed up as she shouted while waving her hands. "Riku!"

    "Oh? Laura!" Riku replied with a small smile. Seeing the beauty before him affectionately calling his name in such a welcoming manner, Riku couldn''t help but feel a little bit emotional. Riku had lived for about two thousand years and all of his knowledge regarding human emotions and facial signs showed that this woman wasn''t scheming with him.

    And so, Riku felt at ease. Acquiring friends was something vital to him for the time being.

    But what he didn''t notice was Fang Xue beside her puffed her cheeks as she murmured in the air. "Hmmph..." All the way while rolling her eyes at the young man beside her. She then clutched the red badge on the table as she shrugged. "Let''s go."

    "Hmm? What''s wrong?" Riku turned around and found the strangeness of Fang Xue''s current behavior.

    "Nothing!" Fang Xue snorted and entered the cave entrance.

    Riku treated it as coolly and didn''t mind it anymore as he waved towards Laura and her grinning companion. It was quite unfortunate that they wouldn''t join Riku''s group as they decided to choose the shortest way towards the cave exit.

    The cave they chose was Cave Number #3 which has a length of two kilometers. Laura replied with a smile, and her friend beside her grinned from ear to ear as she started to murmur something in Laura''s ear which made her burst in red.

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Riku faintly chuckled as he clutched the badge on his hand and started to make his way towards the entrance of the cave.

    There, the insides of the cave weren''t even illuminated. Fortunately, Fang Xue had given him a small portable flashlight to use. With a clicking sound. The light from the flashlight lightened the area around Riku.

    Riku''s eyebrows frowned. He wasn''t able to catch a glimpse of anyone inside the cave. Looking back on the entrance. He could only see a pitch black deep abyss that even his Core Formation Soul wasn''t able to pierce.

    "R-Riku..." A faint familiar sound resounded before him.

    But to Riku, this voice was extremely familiar to him. Trembling. Riku turned his head around and.

    BOOM!

    Riku''s mind completely reeled in as his mind fluctuated in a manner that he didn''t even experience before! The woman before him. Her graceful fluttering hair. Her chiseled jaded complexion and her smile that filled his heart with warmth!

    "S-s-s-Suo Qing!" Riku hoarsely cried as several memories of the past flashed by inside his mind.

    ...

    The breeze of the fresh air surrounded the tranquil waters of the lake surrounding the plains. There, a youngster with a slightly disheveled hair and a smooth complexion rode a small boat while clutching a small thread of line.

    Beside her, a young girl merrily sat down beside the boy, singing a lullaby song while waiting for a small catch of fish.

    The youngster and the young girl joyfully chatted to each other. Their laughter spread upon the cool breeze of spring. Every moment that Riku spent with this girl. He was extremely happy.

    That was until...

    "Arson!!!" A manservant cried in horror as he glanced over the adjacent room on the hallway. The intricate tactful decorations surrounding the hallway was now in flames.

    "What happened in young mistress'' room?!" A maid hurriedly stepped forward as she threw a bucket of water towards the raging fire. But her actions was like dropping a glass of water inside a raging wildfire. It wasn''t able to do anything significant.

    "I don''t know! The room suddenly engulfed in flames! I was sleeping there when I was woken up by young mistress'' scream!" The manservant frantically explained everything he remembered. But suddenly, a crashing sound appeared followed by the desperate cries of the maids.

    "Ah! Don''t go there young man!" But they were too late, the young man already pierced through the door as he used his Mana to fend off the flames surrounding him. But his cultivation was still too low and unstable that the barrier surrounding him chaotically distorted.

    Seeing the fallen girl struck by a part of the ceiling. Riku howled a despairing cry. "S-s-Su Qing!!"

    Not minding the raging fire. Riku cleaved through the flames using his bare hands. His crimson red blood fell down the ground as it was immediately engulfed by the furious fire. All the barrier of Mana surrounding him was transferred towards Su Qing.

    He didn''t even utilize an inch of his Mana to cover his body with a small barrier. He lend it all to Su Qing. Cleaving through the pieces of fallen blazing woods. Riku felt fatigue permeating his mind as intense searing pain came all over his body, especially his two hands.

    The pain was intense enough that Riku was in the brink of unconsciousness. But still, he gritted his teeth and overdrafted his mind as he forcefully cleaved the remaining blazing woods.

    Finally, the figure of the young girl was visible to him now. But his mind immediately felt like it was being pierced by countless needles. The young girl''s lifeforce before him was too weak! As faint as an infant.

    That''s because, Su Qing didn''t cultivate. She spent her life in leisure activities, and since she didn''t have any significant talent in the line of cultivation. Her family let him did whatever she wanted to.

    Clutching the injured unconscious girl in his arms. Riku gritted his teeth as he stood up. Utilizing all his remaining strength to at least save Su Qing. But it was too intense... The fire surrounding them was too intense that smoke practically covered everything within Riku''s line of sight.

    But still, he didn''t give up. Using his Eidetic memory, Riku drafted a map inside Su Qing''s room leading to the exit as he firmly grasped on the girl with him and made his way towards the exit.

    Seeing the vague silhouette of the door. Riku mind slightly relaxed. But what he didn''t expect was a piece of the ceiling started to fall towards him!

    Without any strength left to protect himself. Riku almost snapped his teeth with his furious gritting.

    Bam!

    The blazing wooden plank struck him squarely in the back as blood sprayed out from his mouth. But without any regard with his own safety. Riku decided to use the momentum of the blow to propel himself outside of the door.

    Su Qing and Riku''s body fell on the ground with a thud. They were finally outside the hallway. Looking around the area, there were no servants on standby. As if everything here became a desolate space.

    Hearing a despairing feminine cry. Riku''s pupils constricted. Followed by sound of footsteps. A man with a scar filled face had a twisted smile as he approached the area within Riku''s vicinity. Sensing the leaking killing intent. Riku tried to get up and protect his dear one.

    "Hahahahahaha..." The man maniacally laughed as he waved his katana in mid-air.

    "Riku Lightshield, you were very noble this time." The man once again formed a twisted smile as he clutched Su Qing''s hair. The pale complexion of the girl was fully shown before the desperate Riku.

    "Don''t worry... I''ll at least give you mercy and have you witness her death!"

    "NOOOO!!!!"

    Blood sprayed on the ground as Riku''s despairing cry kicked to its climax. The man''s complexion still had his mocking twisted smile as he clutched on Su Qing''s decapitated head as he murmured. "This is my trophy, and don''t blame me for your death, young mistress. If not for your Su household gravely injuring my household''s next heir. I would not even bother with you."

    With that, the man''s visage disappeared from the night.

    At the same time, Riku himself lost consciousness.

    This was the most painful memory he had two thousand years ago...

    The memory that he will never forget.

    TO BE CONTINUED: Chapter 16: Trials [1]. END

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: This was an extremely depressing chapter for me to write. That I didn''t even had the heart to finish this earlier and after finally mustering up my courage to write. I finally finished this one.

    As usual. If you have any comments, suggestions, criticism, or anything that is significant to improving my mood or this fiction. Please place it in the comments!

    PS: If you have any time for spare, Please take a look at my second fiction! Eyes of Time: New World</a> !

    This fiction is greatly influenced by Code Geass, but not the mecha''s stuff. I''m sorry >.<

    Goodbye and see you next chapter!

 Chapter 17: Battle with oneself.

    Sharp searing pain came over his mind as the world around him distorted. The fiery scene around him rapidly changed to different locations scattered inside his memories. The girl before him revealed a small gentle smile as she slowly approached Riku and squirmed her hands over his neck.

    Sensing the imminent danger. Riku''s Core Formation shook as it shot off a blue red thread of light which seeped towards Riku''s mind, jolting his mind awake. The Lightning orb inside his dantian also sent a pale blue crackling of light towards his body shaking him to consciousness.

    However, Riku really was left unguarded for this time. As the feeling of unconsciousness started to took over his mind. Riku fiercely bit his tongue as a sharp pain resurfaced, keeping his mind awake. With a flash of coldness appearing within his eyes. Riku circulated his pale blue Mana Force as a shockwave erupted. Directly blowing the squirming Su Qing backwards.

    "W-why must you do this? Riku?" Su Qing pleaded in a soft gentle voice that could make any man feel moved. But the Riku now wasn''t as naive as he was for the last two thousand years. With a furious howl and a whistling sound. Riku cleaved the air before him with the fork as he shouted.

    "How dare you try to deceive me!!!"

    Like a dispersed mist. The illusionary image of Su Qing disappeared to thin air. Riku on the other hand fell on his butt as he calmed his tense nerves and meditated. Riku also moved his consciousness towards his dantian as he followed the instructions within the ''Thunderlord''s Purging Art'' book and calmed the Lightning orb.

    ~Chiii chiii~

    A sound akin to a molten iron being drenched in water rang. The Lightning orb within his dantian became as docile as a kitten as it floated. Witnessing that sight. Riku sighed in relief. Without further ado, Riku slowly stopped his meditation and stood up.

    The pitch black cave surrounded Riku like a caged animal. Riku frowned his eyebrows. Since his Radiant Weapon was confiscated. He wouldn''t be able to cast any spell that would not blow his cover that he cultivated using an ancient cultivation method. Since in this peculiar world. The methods inside the book that Riku had was considered an archaic one.

    And cultivating it was akin to breaking the laws in this new world. Riku wouldn''t like that to happen. He was still too weak to stand with his own feet inside this new world. And due to the strangeness of this unique world. Riku would surely be captured and be used for experiments.

    After reading the book of [Inventions; How Technology Changed the World]. Riku somewhat understood the transition from the ancient cultivation method to the modern ones.

    The ancient cultivation methods wield extreme danger for the cultivator. Since if one cultivated using this method. One would need to endure occasional heavenly tribulations to be able to step to the next stages.

    Using the modern cultivation techniques. One wouldn''t need to cultivate using their own inner dantian. They would only need to use internal Radiant Weapons. These Radiant Weapons would be the proxy to communicate with the heaven and earth. Thus, eliminating any possibilities for heavenly tribulations.

    The downside of this modern cultivation technique was if one Radiant Weapon was destroyed. Their whole cultivation would also be destroyed! All the efforts that the cultivator placed in cultivating would be wasted!

    Of course, the Radiant Weapons that were handed to the lower cultivation stages such as Flesh Improving Stage towards the Soul Sage Warrior was an external one!

    An internal Radiant Weapon would only be useful if one had already entered the doors of the Foundation Establishment Stage! Since it was impossible to create a firm foundation outside the cultivators body, internal Radiant Weapon were used.

    Truth be told. The stages beneath the Foundation Establishment Stage weren''t really a cultivation stage. Those stages were just there for the body and soul to improve! Once one had laid out the foundation of their cultivation. That was the only time when one would be called a true cultivator!

    The first step to true cultivation was the Foundation Establishment Stage! Beneath it was only for the soul and body!

    After traversing for about ten breaths. A diiing sound resounded as a white light engulfed the pitch black cave. Riku hurriedly placed his arms before him to protect his eye from the sudden light.

    The intense white light dimmed. What appeared in front of Riku was a small round stage. He was standing on the stage. Before him was a visage of a human-like shadow.

    Riku''s eyebrows frowned. As concentration took over his mind. He found out that the man before him had the same appearance, aura and cultivation base as him! And looking closely on his right hand was a shadow of a stainless fork!

    Darting his gaze around him. Riku found out that it was pretty impossible for him to try and escape this stage. There was a translucent violet barrier surrounding them.

    Riku''s eyes flashed with coldness as he prepared a battle stance. Wielding his right hand with the fork in an offensive stance while the left hand assumed a defensive one.

    The shadow, emotionless. Exploded with a bang as a black light shot off towards Riku!

    Riku understood that the shadow broke the silence before them and started to channel his Mana Force towards the fork!

    The pupils of the shadow revealed a murderous light as it outstretched its right hand. Preparing to attack Riku with a downward slash using the fork as a weapon!

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    Riku didn''t flinch nor shudder as pale blue light enshrouded the fork on his right hand. 70% of his Mana Force was transferred towards the fork as an offensive proxy while the 20% was on his body, protecting him, and the other parts were for his internal organs.

    Without further ado, Riku evaded the fork with a sudden crouch and swoop down using his left foot all the way while slashing diagonally with the reinforced fork!

    A pale blue light flashed by as the shadow tumbled as a result of it suddenly being kicked while in mid-air. After losing its momentum. It tumbled backwards while trying to gain balance, but Riku''s fork attack already reached a certain boundary as a pale blue light flickered.

    With a deep growl. The shadow hurriedly retreated backwards. On its left arm was a seven inches cut made from the reinforced fork.

    Anger surfaced in the shadow''s eyes as it activated several hand seals in the air. Afterwards, a pale blue vortex of Mana Force materialized in the air before it. With a cold expression. The shadow flicked its wrist. Sending the pale blue vortex towards Riku.

    Witnessing the pale blue vortex that materialized. Riku''s visage turned ashen as he cursed. "Damn it! It even knows Mana Burst!!" Riku hurriedly retreated as he calculated the possible outcomes if he''ll block that head on.

    Mana Burst was a savage corroding energy created by creating a vortex of mana in a clockwise position. And then adding another vortex of mana spinning in a counter clockwise position. If these were merged together. Equilibrium would fall apart and the Mana Force would try to forcefully separate from each other.

    Which means that this spell was akin to an imminent exploding volcano!

    As the Mana Force neared. Riku clenched his jaws as his lightning flashed in his eyes. Simultaneously activating ''Azure Soul Takeover''. Riku noticed a small speck of white light floating in an inconspicuous manner. At first, Riku didn''t mind it but after he witnessed it using the realm of ''Azure Soul Takeover''. Its movements became increasingly fluid!

    The speck of white light was like a fire in a pitch black room! To Riku who can perceive almost any minute movements inside the realm of ''Azure Soul Takeover''. These obscure graceful movements was extremely clear! The white speck of light was evading the savage corroding energy from the Mana Burst!

    ''Tssk, those bastards!'' Riku clicked his tongue as he realized the current situation he was in. Every candidates inside the caves were being spied on! If Riku hadn''t noticed this earlier, he might have blown his cover without him knowing how!

    And so, with concealed swift movements. Riku sent a small thread of lightning homing towards the white speck of light. As expected, when the lightning crashed towards the white speck of light. Riku felt a small resistance. But then, his lips curved to a smile as the white speck exploded! Sending Mana Undulations to the surroundings!

    Due to the sudden interruption of the foreign Mana Force. The concentration of the shadow flickered, showing a clear gap in its movements!

    Without any hesitation. Riku''s right hand became enshrouded by a pale blue light as cracklings of light appeared all over his body. Like a lightning god, Riku exploded with the full power of his legs as he maintained the ''Azure Soul Takeover''.

    The shadow''s emotionless figure flickered, as it tried to redirect the Mana Burst towards Riku''s new trajectory, but it was too late! Riku''s hand was already in the air as he performed a straight thrust with the reinforced stainless fork!

    ~BOOM!!

    A fierce sound resonated as blobs of black liquid like substance splattered all over the ground. The fork that Riku held became a mighty lightning dragon as it outwardly bombed the shadow''s body causing it to lose its chest!

    On its chest, a huge hole was there. But still, the shadow''s visage was emotionless as it tried to counterattack using the Mana Burst!

    Whistling sounds rang beside the air around Riku. In response, Riku revealed a cold smile as he clutched the head of the shadow. And crushed it with his right hand!

    With that, the shadow was eradicated. The Mana Burst disappeared like a dispersed mist and returned to nothingness. The atmosphere around Riku returned to its previous calm. As if nothing happened.

    Riku''s breath came in ragged pants as he calmed down and seated cross-legged, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth as he circulated it and nourished his body and mind.

    After about two minutes. Riku''s eyes snapped open as a diing sound resonated before him. A transparent screen flickered as Riku revealed a satisfied smile.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>Riku Lightshield: Outer Disciple</td></tr><tr><td>Successfully completed the Inner Disciple Test!</td></tr><tr><td>Please wait at the waiting shed!</td></tr></tbody></table>

    The scene before him distorted as a white room appeared before his eyes.

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: Thanks for reading today''s chapter! Next chapter will come in two days! If you happen to like this fiction of mine, please write a review or comment your thanks, suggestions, or harsh criticisms below!

    Thanks for reading and enjoy!

    PS: If you happen to have enough time, Please check this second fiction of mine, If you liked Code Geass, you might like this one :)

 Chapter 18: Unparalleled Scheming.

    Riku''s eyebrows frowned. As the scene before him distorted. A faint ripple of time and space resounded. Though it was extremely faint and thin like a small thread of fishing line. Riku still felt it as a tremor ran through his Core Formation Soul.

    Just as he gritted his teeth and tried to find the source of the ripple. The scenery before him transformed into a white room.

    There, he was greeted by countless shocked eyes. All of the people inside wore the same outfit as Riku wore. Some of them emanated a gaze of disdain while some were ridicule.

    Riku didn''t mind any of that as he searched around the area. There, he found Fang Xue along with Laura and her female companion. They also had an expression akin to seeing a ghost in broad daylight.

    Countless noises of whispering emerged as the students mumbled to each other. Fang Xue on the other hand stood up and left the dumbfounded party of Laura as she moved with steady paces towards Riku.

    "What happened? You almost lost this test! Without my grandfather''s intervention, you would''ve already considered as forfeited! " Fang Xue scolded without restrain. The gentle jaded skin on her face currently frowned in disappointment.

    Riku was dumbfounded. In that test, he calculated that he had only spent at least twenty minutes inside that dream world, adding the time he took when fighting the shadow, It was only about fifty minutes!

    But just as Riku searched for the answer, the answer that he needed found its way towards Riku as he turned his head towards the hovering transparent screen.

    There, on the transparent screen was a comprehensive list of all students and the time they took when they undergone the trials.

    Searching for his name, Riku was dumbstruck to find that his name was placed last! He took at least two hours to finish!

    ''What the hell?! I only spent fifty minutes inside the trial grounds yet in the real world it was two hours?!'' However, as Riku cursed. As if a divine light descended. Riku suddenly gained enlightenment.

    ''That space ripple!!'' Riku howled inside his mind in anger as he clenched his fist. Normally, when a space ripple occurs. That meant that someone with high cultivation tampered in the surrounding space. Or if someone created a giant space array that covered at least the outermost area of the area where the faint ripple spread!

    Which means, someone purposely schemed Riku to fail! Someone wanted him to fail the trials!

    Anger burned his chest as he turned his head around the area. His gaze became intent in finding someone familiar that he had a possible enmity.

    Since the space ripple was quite faint. That meant that the person controlling the surrounding space earlier wasn''t someone who had a high cultivation base! At least it would be someone who was at least a Foundation Establishment Stage powerhouse!

    Surveying around the area. Riku didn''t found any possible culprits, but as his gaze darted towards the seat of honors. He found the man the he hated to see the most! Elder Han!

    Currently, the old man seated in a slouched position as his face revealed a mocking sneer. Witnessing this, Riku''s fury burned. If he would have the opportunity to do so, he would destroy this old man!

    But currently, something odd happened that Riku knitted his eyebrows in contemplation. Earlier, outside this area, he could easily determine the cultivation base of Elder Han and the elders that accompanied him. Using his own technique and the prying eyes of his Core Formation Soul. Riku even ascertained Fang Lin''s cultivation base as a Soul Condensing Stage!

    Though Riku confirmed their cultivation bases using his own techniques. That was only because they leaked a small faint Mana Force to the surroundings that Riku was able to trace it and recognize their through cultivation!

    But now, even a small fart of Mana Force was hidden. Elder Han seemed like a mortal since he didn''t leak any Mana Force to the surroundings but this made the subject more difficult for Riku!

    This only meant that the person in opposite held great control in their Mana Force that they were able to completely suppress it without relying in their Radiant Weapons!

    In conclusion, all of this meant that Elder Han''s cultivation was far more higher than a Soul Condensing Stage powerhouse! Which makes him a possible culprit in the sudden space disturbance that slowed the surrounding time around Riku for at least two  times!

    Just as Riku was contemplating this. A fierce announcing shout resounded as a man stood up and waved his hands.

    "Right now, the three hours allotted time has been consumed, Congratulations, disciples! You''ve completed the third examination! Now is the time for the delayed second exam. The millisecond channeling test!"

    A small metal orb appeared, on the surface of the metal orb which was about the size of an adult''s head. A palm imprint was carved.

    "In alphabetical order! Create seven lines!" The elder once again shouted as the crowd of students dispersed as they swiftly created seven lines.

    "Just as I said, the first group who completed the trials will receive a reward of a Rank Two Spell and fifty Radiant Cells!" As the elder shouted, there was a hint of ridicule and hidden scheming within his tone. But the people disregarded it as being arrogant. But even though the elder acted arrogant. It was within the right side as his strength alone presented evidence in his authority.

    The first group who completed the cave''s trials beamed with joy.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    The other groups who failed to become the first just gave a long lasting sigh as they moved towards their respective lines.

    Riku''s group on the other hand that was placed on the last place because of Riku''s late appearance, beamed with displeasure towards Riku as they rolled their eyes and moved towards their respective lines.

    Riku didn''t pay heed to it as he moved towards his line and waited for his turn. Fang Xue just faintly smiled as she consoled Riku before moving to the fourth line and waited for her turn.

    After waiting for about thirty minutes or so. Riku''s turn finally came. Since he didn''t knew what to do. Riku turned his head to the side and first observed the other students to learn about how they activated the mechanism.

    But after that, an impatient sound rang behind Riku. "Hey, hurry up!"

    Hearing the complaints from behind him. Riku could only helplessly laugh as he placed his right palm on the palm imprint and circulated his Mana Force.

    A faint pale blue thread of light sprung from his arm as it squirmed towards the palm imprint. After it reached the palm imprint. A transparent screen flickered before Riku as it displayed.

    <table><tbody><tr><td>Millisecond Channeling: 325ms</td></tr></tbody></table>

    Riku heaved a sigh of relief as he moved aside and made way for the next person to finish the test. Turning his head around the area. Riku clearly sensed the disdainful gazes of the students around him. But Riku didn''t pay heed to them as he returned to the area where the three girls were flocking.

    "Hmm, Riku? Finished already?" Fang Xue stood up and greeted him with a smile. Riku replied with a smile and directed his gaze towards the other two girls who also smiled at him.

    Seating down, Fang Xue asked. "Riku, how much is your channeling ms?"

    "Channeling ms?" Riku darted a confused gaze. But he recalled seeing the information on the transparent screen as he said.

    "325ms?"

    "Waaa..."

    As they heard what Riku said. All of them widened their mouths to the point that you can fit an egg in it. Their faces revealed extreme shock.

    "Hmm?" Riku, confusedly asked.

    "Are you really sure that you got 325ms?!" Fang Xue said as she clutched Riku''s shoulders.

    "Eh? Of course, why would I lie anyways?" Riku replied in a coolly tone.

    "Oh..." Fang Xue couldn''t help it anymore and helplessly lied on the white ground. Laura and her companion led a small bitter smile as they sighed.

    "What''s the matter? Is having an ms of 325 a bad thing?" Riku asked in a dumbfounded tone.

    "You... You really don''t know anything, huh?" The female companion of Laura was the one who replied.

    Riku only nodded in response.

    The girl sighed before continuing. "Having 325ms is definitely a bad thing! That would mean that you would take at least 325 millisecond to channel before being able to cast!"

    Riku''s eye lit up. Indeed, to be have a delay in casting a spell may mean death. That''s because in a spell battle. Who strikes first usually wins.

    "Is that it?" Riku coolly said as he darted a curious gaze towards the girl. Of course, Riku wasn''t afraid of having a delay in channeling. Even though he can''t instantly cast any spells using his Radiant Weapon. He still has his spells and his formidable close combat capabilities.

    "You..." The girl could only utter as such.

    "You guys! Now that the millisecond channeling exam is over. Those who attained at least a result of less than 200 passed!" The previous elder stood up as he announced in a noble tone.

    When his sentence finished, many mumbling voices erupted.

    "Silence! Those who failed this exam but passed the earlier exams is still viable for entry, but it is completely impossible for them to enter at least the First Class! All students who got a result of 200 and above will enter the Second Class!" As the elder waved his hand. The scenery around him distorted.

    The relaxing students shook as they hurriedly stood up and packed their articles before firmly standing and awaited the new scenery that would welcome them.

    Riku''s eyebrows frowned. He could clearly feel a faint ripple in time and space, this faint ripple was exactly the same as what he felt earlier.

    However, he still couldn''t find the source of the ripple. And so, without further ado. Riku activated the [Azure Soul Takeover].

    As the world before his eyes slowed down, and minute changes became extremely vivid. Riku could see a faint thread of white light extending from the resounding ripple towards the ground.

    As Riku''s eyes followed the thread of white light, unexpectedly. It formed a familiar figure. A pentacle traced! With this revelation. Riku revealed a small smile as he praised. ''Space Formation Array, to think that they were able to cast this down here... ''

    Riku sighed as the scenery around him completely distorted into a whole new scene.

    <hr />

    Author''s Note: As usual, thanks for reading! If you have any comments, suggestions, criticisms, thanks, regards or anything that is relevant to the story. Please comment it down below and avoid spoiling those new readers!

    Thanks for reading and God Bless!

    PS: Next chapter will come in April 11 See you guys, until then!