Chapter One: The Ultimate Repeat Student

Preface

The endless path to the heavens stretches forth, stars like a boundless ocean, numbering in the billions, vast and immeasurable. It is the land where the mighty dream of conquest, and where heroes rise.

Ideals, wealth, secret treasures, and power—all await in that place.

Chapter One: The Super Repeater

Tang Tian stood lazily in the training arena, as he always did.

He gazed at the youthful faces before him, letting out a faint snort through his nose.

It was the first time these youngsters had come to the training arena; Ander Academy ranked among the top ten schools in Starwind City. Though its facilities could not compare to the prestigious Skystar Academy, they were nonetheless excellent.

Especially since this was the freshmen's first practice lesson, curiosity filled their hearts.

"I've already explained everything from your textbooks in detail. Starting today, aside from your usual theory classes, you'll spend most of your time here, in the training arena. If you wish to be admitted to a better academy, diligent practice is your only path. Remember, there are no shortcuts in this world; cultivation is always tedious and dull—do not harbor illusions."

Instructor Cen's stern voice echoed across the arena.

The eyes of the youths brimmed with anticipation and eagerness.

"Today's lesson is about basic swordsmanship. Martial techniques, no matter how thoroughly studied in theory, are useless without practice. But before you try yourselves, your senior Tang Tian will demonstrate. Tang Tian is the best at basic martial techniques in all of Ander Academy—even I can't match him in this regard. Watch closely, and see what perfect basic swordsmanship looks like."

In an instant, every gaze fixed upon Tang Tian. That lazy silhouette suddenly seemed tall and imposing in their eyes.

Tang Tian remained indifferent.

"Tang Tian, begin," Instructor Cen said.

Tang Tian replied with a languid "Alright," then walked to the corner, drew a wooden sword from the rack. The moment the sword was in his hand, his eyes sharpened, his previous idleness vanishing completely.

His left leg stepped half a pace back, waist lowered slightly, right elbow tucked inward, sword tip raised, gaze level with the blade.

His waist and abdomen twisted slightly, the right elbow snapped like a released spring, the wrist utterly steady.

A sharp whistling sound pierced the air.

The thrust of basic swordsmanship!

Many students gasped, startled. Few cared for basic swordsmanship—its name alone marked it as fundamental, the lowest tier. Their lack of interest was natural, yet witnessing Tang Tian's demonstration, even with such simple movements, an indescribable explosive power and elegance filled every stroke.

In that instant, the young minds were conquered.

Tang Tian's expression grew ever focused. Sliding forward, his shoulders unmoving, his arm lashed like a whip, the wooden sword slashing downward in a sudden arc.

A deep whoosh split the air, sending chills down their spines.

The slash in basic swordsmanship demanded less amplitude than basic saber techniques, yet its explosive power was greater. Tang Tian illustrated the essence of "slash" perfectly; the students could clearly see the wooden blade flex and bend in midair.

Their instinctive awe was nothing new to Instructor Cen, who had watched Tang Tian perform countless times. Yet each demonstration left him amazed. His admission that Tang Tian surpassed him was not mere humility.

Sweep, block, redirect.

Tang Tian's movements flowed like water, pleasing to the eye, uninterrupted, brimming with power and grace. When the final move was complete, silence reigned.

Tang Tian's face resumed its lazy indifference. He tossed the wooden sword casually, and it landed neatly in the sword rack in the corner, as if guided by unseen hands.

The freshmen erupted.

"Wow! Amazing! I never knew basic swordsmanship could be so powerful!"

"That's so cool! So perfect!"

"He's so handsome! Senior Tang Tian is incredible! Senior, please go out with me!" Among the crowd, the female students' eyes sparkled. Tang Tian's tall, robust frame, coupled with the supple grace of his basic swordsmanship, banished any impression of clumsiness—he seemed perfectly coordinated and agile.

Tang Tian remained unmoved.

"Tch, ignorance! What's the point of mastering basic martial techniques? He's failed the academy entrance exam five years running. Our handsome Senior Tang Tian was already showing off his basic skills when my brother entered Ander. My brother's about to graduate!"

A mocking voice rang out from the students.

All the admiration vanished instantly; the once worshipful gazes turned strange.

Everyone knew about Ander Academy's infamous super repeater—the greatest joke in recent years. Many had planned to secretly catch a glimpse, but none expected this legendary figure to be the very Tang Tian who had just seemed so impressive.

As expected...

Tang Tian curled his lip. This happened every year—he was used to it. Still, he cast a sharp glance at the sarcastic culprit.

Your brother surely didn't tell you he got beaten by me.

Tang Tian decided he would teach this guy a lesson after class. Perhaps he wouldn't wait that long...

Tang Tian narrowed his eyes, his tone hostile: "Who allowed you to chatter during class? Oh, and I forgot to mention, I'm Instructor Cen's assistant, responsible for supervising your practice sessions. If anyone slacks off, I won't mind giving you a taste of real combat. You—yes, you—come here and try!"

He pointed at the mocking boy, his fist crackling ominously.

The boy's face drained of color. Remembering Tang Tian's notorious reputation, he shrank back, scurrying off to practice obediently.

The rest hurried to practice, clumsy but earnest.

Just then, Instructor Cen spoke: "If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask Senior Tang Tian. Practice well, no slacking. Tang Tian, keep an eye on them."

"Yes, sir!" Tang Tian replied loudly.

Instructor Cen nodded in satisfaction and departed.

No one dared cause trouble until class ended, disappointing Tang Tian, who snorted and strode away.

As soon as class was over, the others crowded around the sarcastic boy.

"Come on, finish your story!"

"Yeah, tell us more..."

The boy grinned smugly: "This Tang Tian is a legend at Ander. No one else ever repeated a grade—everyone graduates early. But Tang Tian? He's stayed back—let me calculate—five years! Imagine, five years at Ander! He's a record-breaker!"

"Why did he stay so long?" someone asked. "If he can't get into a top academy, surely he could enter an ordinary one?"

The gossiping boy grew more animated: "Do you know why? Our Senior Tang Tian, in five years, hasn't mastered even a single set of second-tier martial techniques. He has, however, learned all the basic techniques. What's the use of basics these days? If you want to be a chef, you need second-tier blade skills. For high-end hotels, you must know palm techniques too. To work as a bartender in a nightclub, second-tier hidden weapon skills are the minimum—miss that mark, they won't even glance at you. For star-rated hotels? The requirements are even higher: in addition to second-tier hidden weapons, you must master both ice and fire attributes. So, what's the point of basic skills? Even the worst academies require at least second-tier techniques."

He continued, looking ever more pleased, adopting an expert's air: "Just get proficient with the basics. Start training second-tier techniques as soon as possible—that's the real path. Top academies prefer students who master advanced skills at a young age. If you perfect second-tier techniques at fourteen, you can enter an ordinary academy. Break through to third-tier at fourteen, and you'll get into a decent school. If you perfect third-tier techniques at fourteen, you qualify for a top academy."

"I've heard that too," someone chimed in.

"But I'm only thirteen this year—I want to get into a top academy," another complained.

"Stop dreaming. Be realistic—a good academy is already great."

The others agreed, boosting the gossip boy's confidence: "Ha, but basics are still useful. If you don't master them, you can't train second-tier techniques."

Seeing his smugness, someone in the crowd couldn't stand it, sneering: "Hey, but I've heard this senior isn't exactly a saint. If you disrespect him like this, be careful—he might cause you trouble."

The gossip boy's face changed instantly. Remembering Tang Tian's unfriendly look, he shuddered inside.

The others grew even more curious. "Isn't he only good at basic skills? How can he be so fierce?"

The student snorted: "You saw his build—he could take on three at once. He's a habitual brawler; if he doesn't like your face, he'll lay into you. Except for Instructor Cen, he follows no one else's orders. He's the school bully—many top students have suffered under his fists."

"Really? Is he that tough?" Many were skeptical.

"He has great physical strength and is fierce—bleeding is routine for him. Plenty are stronger, but none are fiercer. His worst record now is double defeat—against other ranked seniors." The student warned, "You'd best not provoke him."

Everyone shrank back, many casting sympathetic glances at the gossip boy, whose face was now deathly pale.

The girls who had previously been starry-eyed now lost their sparkle; some looked disdainful, some regretful, some disgusted, whispering among themselves.

"So he's just a blockhead—I almost fell for it! That body is impressive, though!"

"He's a thug, but thugs are worse—no one likes rough men."

"Oh, the world is so cruel—dreams shattered so quickly."

"Hehe, someone's heart is stirring..."

The outspoken freshman finally snapped, "Save it. Even if he’s a repeater, he wouldn’t look at you."

"Why not! If it weren’t for that body, I wouldn’t even glance at him!" retorted a brash girl, full of contempt.

The freshman looked at her even more disdainfully: "He wouldn’t bother with you. Your figure doesn’t compare to even a single strand of Miss Shangguan Qianhui’s hair! He has Qianhui—would he notice you?"

Qianhui!

Several girls instinctively covered their mouths, eyes wide. Shangguan Qianhui was the legend of Starwind City—the idol of all girls, the dream girl of all boys, unmatched in beauty and grace. She entered Ander as the top student and always held the first rank, raising Ander’s standings by her presence alone. When she left last year, Ander’s ranking plummeted.

The girls fell silent—they knew better than to say a bad word about Miss Qianhui, lest half the crowd attack them.

"How could Miss Qianhui ever fancy such a useless man?" a girl said in disbelief.

The boy sighed with deep sorrow: "I wish I knew! Because of Qianhui’s lingering influence, none of the school’s experts dare trouble him."

Though Qianhui had left a year ago, her legend remained undiminished in Starwind City.

In the office building above, Instructor Cen stood at the window, gazing down at the training arena. His weathered eyes betrayed no emotion, but he sighed inwardly.

In this world, not everyone is fortunate.

He cared deeply for Tang Tian, which made him worry for Tang Tian’s future. Tang Tian was already seventeen, still lagging behind a group of thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds.

By age, this was his last year; if he failed again, he would exceed the academy's age limit. That meant he must enter society. But with Tang Tian’s abilities, he could not find a job to sustain himself.

No one would hire someone skilled only in basic martial techniques.

Even second-tier skills would be better—at least they offer low-paying, strenuous work. Life would be hard, but at least survivable.

If only he had a tenth of Shangguan Qianhui’s talent...