"I didn't expect you to arrive at such a perfect time, old classmate. The joint examination is tomorrow; you've given me a great gift," Yan Ming King couldn't help but say with emotion.
His mood improved significantly, especially upon seeing the amplification effect of his Level 2 Soul Seed Boiling in his Soul Skill column increase from 10% to 20%.
"Don't mention it. I rushed to get this ready in time. Consider yourself lucky, old classmate. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have been able to give it to you." Wang Linchi said, a helpless expression on his face. "You know my specialization receives very few resources, so my Cultivation has always been slow. I only have 20 points of spiritual power even now. If it were just a bit higher, I could have prepared this a month or two sooner."
This was the perfect time to emphasize his hardships.
Just as an idea struck Yan Ming King and he was about to say something, Wang Linchi spoke first.
"Remember to report this Soul Skill when you use it. I plan to submit it to Qinghe Academy and the Court to exchange it for some subsidies. I don't mind the slow Cultivation speed, and I'm not trying to enter any Secret Realm, but the expenses are just too high. I'm so poor I can barely manage anymore."
At that moment, Yan Ming King felt a twinge of annoyance. You're actually thinking of submitting it? But then, hearing how Wang Linchi was struggling, he realized that if he objected now, it would be awkward to accept gifts from him in the future.
"Don't worry, I have my ways," Yan Ming King said, not bothered in the slightest by Wang Linchi's reminder. His Soul Seed Boiling was incomparable; others' versions had side effects and duration limits, but his had none. He didn't even need to consciously activate it.
The only thing that irked him was Wang Linchi's plan to submit the Soul Skill.
Then, others would also be able to possess this kind of power, even if it couldn't compare to his.
"As long as you're sure. Well, I'll be going then." After speaking, Wang Linchi turned to leave, wondering if Yan Ming King would understand his hint about needing resources and send some his way.
He understood last time, so he should understand this time too, right? After all, to someone like Yan Ming King, White Porcelain level resources were not only useless but also practically worthless.
Still, I should be prepared for the possibility that he won't help. Wang Linchi wasn't entirely confident. If this fails, I'll consider it planting a seed of goodwill. There won't be a next time, though. If he's not even willing to part with such minor benefits, then there's no need for me to continue investing in him. Investments are for returns. It's not like I'm actually pinning my hopes on Yan Ming King's meteoric rise, am I? Considering the disparity between us, the gap will only widen. In this world, people from different social strata eventually cease to interact. Especially with Yan Ming King's inherently provocative face, sticking close to him would surely lead to trouble.
After they parted ways, Wang Linchi returned home.
「The next morning.」
Wang Linchi's heart sank. He realized Yan Ming King hadn't sent the resources over, unlike the previous time.
The probability of this being a total loss has increased from fifty to seventy percent. There's still a thirty percent chance he just forgot because of the joint examination.
That might be true, but I know the chances are slim, Wang Linchi reasoned. Even if Yan Ming King couldn't come himself, he could have easily arranged for someone to deliver them. Ever since becoming the Chief Student, he had formed a battle team—the strongest among the first-years—known as the Ming King battle team. It was essentially his personal faction. As such, he has accumulated a considerable amount of resources and underlings. It's also possible he wants to keep it secret and deliver it personally after the joint examination, but that likelihood is too low. No, he definitely understood. Wang Linchi was certain.
Wait, there's another possibility! Wang Linchi suddenly realized. He wants to recruit me! The only males around a Gary Stu are followers and lackeys. Becoming 'brothers' is impossible; that would mean getting too close to his women. If that's the case... I'm afraid I can't accept. My first instinct is to refuse. If Yan Ming King didn't have that ridiculous Mocking Aura and Intelligence Reduction Aura constantly active, I might have considered joining him. But if I were to join him now, disaster would surely follow.
Over the past six months, Wang Linchi had learned just how dangerous it was around Yan Ming King. For instance, every single one of his female confidantes has been kidnapped at least once. His underlings always tag along for the rescue, and a portion of them invariably end up as valiant sacrifices. Aside from important supporting characters, the rest are basically cannon fodder. It's only the women by his side who are relatively safe; any male companion is highly likely to be sacrificed. What's even more absurd is that these terrible incidents only ever happen around Yan Ming King. The public order in other parts of Qinghe City is actually very good. Yan Ming King alone drags down the overall public safety of Qinghe City. And yet, no one has noticed this bizarre phenomenon.
Therefore, there's no way I'm joining the so-called Ming King battle team. Besides the extreme danger, I just wouldn't fit in. The members of the Ming King battle team are all geniuses and top students among Battle-type Awakeners. After being subdued by Yan Ming King's Intelligence Reduction Aura, they become utter sycophants to him, yet remain unyieldingly arrogant and proud towards everyone else. If I were to join, I'd definitely be ostracized. My Soul Resemblance is subpar, and my Cultivation is slow. How could I possibly fit in with those battle fanatics? There might not be much overt exclusion, but there would definitely be covert resentment.
Forget it. I'll go watch the joint examination. It'll be a good chance to assess the situation and take a break, Wang Linchi decided, not planning to continue his research today. I'll treat it as relaxation and observe Yan Ming King's performance. Know Self, Know Other—it's always a good thing. Working in isolation is never a good approach. Getting out and about might even spark some inspiration.
However, as he walked towards the venue to watch the joint examination broadcast, the more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable he became.
If this investment truly ends up being a complete waste, it won't significantly impact me, but I'll still be annoyed. I'll deal with it later. Wang Linchi made a mental note of the incident. If Yan Ming King really gives me nothing, then when an opportunity arises, I'll get even with him. That will be my revenge. There's no way I'm just letting this slide. If I get the chance, I'll definitely kick him when he's down. Of course, if no opportunity presents itself, then forget it. I have no intention of a direct confrontation; that would be courting disaster. I'm angry, sure, but not angry enough to risk my life over it.
Soon, he arrived at Qinghe Academy. The Academy's grand plaza was already packed with people. In the center, a large projection screen was broadcasting the examinees entering the venue.
Wang Linchi found an empty spot and sat down. The view might not be great, but at least he could see clearly.
Good seats? Forget about it. On what grounds would I get one? They were already taken by students with status and strength. There was no chance for someone like me.
Perfect timing, the joint examination is starting, Wang Linchi smiled to himself. He then took out the snacks he had brought along. How could one watch a show without snacks?