Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Combat Experience
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After successfully registering, Wang Li took his luggage and headed to the dormitory. In a small place like Nuoding City, Nuoding Academy could only attract a limited number of talented students, and among them, the work-study students were even fewer, as true geniuses rarely emerged from the common populace.
Room Seven was where all the work-study students lived, regardless of age or gender, with uniform accommodation and management.
As Wang Li approached Room Seven, he could visibly see that while the surroundings were relatively clean, they were also quite dilapidated. The dormitory was filled with loud voices and laughter.
Wang Li had mentally prepared for this situation. Upon entering the spacious dormitory, he found four or five dozen beds, of which only eleven were made up with bedding. At that moment, eight or nine boys were sitting on their beds, chatting and laughing.
As Wang Li walked into the dormitory, all eyes turned toward him.
Even though he was prepared, Wang Li couldn't help but grumble at the living conditions he encountered. It was hardly better than a prisoner-of-war camp; only a shady factory could compare.
However, reminding himself that he hadn't even paid his tuition yet brought him some comfort. Looking at everyone, he smiled and said, "Hello, everyone. I'm the new work-study student this year. My name is Wang Li."
As soon as he finished speaking, a burly boy among them stood up. With one hand on his hip and the other pointing at himself, he announced, "You're Wang Li? I'm Wang Sheng!"
Grinning widely, he continued, "I'm the boss of Room Seven! I'll give you a choice: let's have a spar. If you win, you become the new boss; if you lose, you'll acknowledge me as the boss. Don't think just because your last name is Wang that I'll go easy on you. This fight is a must!"
Wang Li initially wanted to avoid unnecessary conflict. However, considering his status and the fact that he hadn't gained any experience yet, he figured it might be worthwhile to test himself in battle and see if anything changed.
So, he looked around, selected a bed, and placed his belongings on it. Then, he stepped up to Wang Sheng and said earnestly, "In the world of spirit masters, combat is unavoidable. Although I've only recently awakened my spirit, I will not back down. Wang Sheng, let us engage in a battle worthy of spirit masters!"
Wang Li's words might have sounded a bit dramatic, but he had thought it through. Instead of letting the fight spiral out of control, he wanted to guide it and turn it into a friendly exchange between spirit masters.
Wang Sheng, despite his tall stature, was only around eleven or twelve years old. He was momentarily taken aback by Wang Li's words, but excitement soon spread across his face.
After all, what's youth without a bit of drama? Wang Li's statement struck a chord with him, and he couldn't help but shout, "I'm Wang Sheng, a Level Nine Spirit Master! My spirit is the Battle Tiger; please show me your skills!"
Wang Li slightly spread his legs, positioning himself in a bow stance, and began to gather his energy. "I'm Wang Li, a Level Three Spirit Master, with a mutated Blue Silver Grass spirit. Please show me your skills."
His words not only surprised Wang Sheng but also left the other work-study students in awe. They exchanged looks, astonished. When did Blue Silver Grass become capable of cultivation? After all, it was notorious for being a useless spirit.
Standing across from Wang Li, Wang Sheng recognized Wang Li's spirit and soul power. Confident in his own strength, he raised his chin and said, "Go ahead; I'll let you make the first move."
Wang Li took a moment to steady himself. The characteristics and passives of Blue Silver Grass—vitality and resilience—did not directly enhance his power. Still, he focused on activating his Blue Silver Grass spirit, allowing his soul power to flow through his body.
Feeling the warmth coursing within him, Wang Li almost propelled himself forward. Since Wang Sheng had invited him to attack first, he seized the opportunity without hesitation.
Seeing this, Wang Sheng let out a fierce roar and swung his fist toward Wang Li.
Wang Li bent his knees and lowered his body, dodging Wang Sheng's punch. He never intended to clash head-on with Wang Sheng. Quickly closing the distance, he grabbed Wang Sheng around the waist and, using that momentum, slammed his shoulder hard against Wang Sheng's chest.
Wang Li wasn't weak; his strength came from his own training rather than his spirit. Even though Wang Sheng's Battle Tiger spirit greatly enhanced his physical attributes, he still stumbled backward from Wang Li's impact.
A sharp pain shot through Wang Sheng's chest as he was forced back. Regret filled his mind; he shouldn't have been so arrogant. But it was too late to dwell on that now. He tried to shake off Wang Li's grip, but Wang Li held on tightly.
"Spirit, manifest!"
Wang Sheng had no choice but to activate his spirit. A yellow aura enveloped him, and his body began to transform. His nails and teeth sharpened, and hair sprouted all over him, but since he lacked a spirit ring, his transformation was not very profound.
However, his strength increased significantly. With his lower body stabilized, he planted his feet firmly and prepared to unleash his full power.
With a furious shout, he used all his might to grab Wang Li and throw him away.
Wang Li felt his body soar into the air. Earlier, Wang Sheng had underestimated him, but now Wang Li realized he had underestimated Wang Sheng as well.
After manifesting his spirit, Wang Sheng's strength had drastically increased, making Wang Li's earlier power seem insufficient in comparison.
Lacking any lightness skills, Wang Li could only crash heavily to the ground. However, he knew how to absorb the impact, rolling a few times upon landing before getting back up.
His chest, back, wrists, and arms all ached, causing him to grit his teeth in pain. Yet he quickly noticed a cooling sensation spreading from his wounds, a stark contrast to the warmth of his soul power. This chill seemed to alleviate his pain.
Meanwhile, Wang Sheng, feeling as if he had regained his confidence, proudly declared, "Wang Li, you've forced me to use my spirit! I admit you are a strong spirit master, but to defeat me, you'll need much more than this."
Wang Li seemed not to hear him, as a notification appeared in the space between them: "Experience +5."
Excitement surged within him as he realized he had finally discovered the correct way to gain experience. Looking back at Wang Sheng, his expression shifted dramatically as he dramatically proclaimed, "Wang Sheng, you are my first opponent on this path as a spirit master, and also my strongest! Even if your strength is terrifying, I will never give up. Come, let us fight with all we have!"
Wang Sheng felt his blood boil at Wang Li's words. He often fought against self-paying students, but never had he felt this exhilarated before. Laughing heartily, he replied, "I, Wang Sheng, acknowledge you! I will use all my strength to defeat you!"
The other work-study students, watching as spectators, were also taken aback by how events had unfolded. They were equally excited and wished they could join in.
(End of Chapter)
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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