Chapter 20: You Are Not Writing a Novel
The city-wide awakening assessment was approaching, and all the third-year students were feeling the pressure.
For many, this exam would determine their future.
However, those with higher blood energy values were significantly less worried.
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The Higher the Blood Energy, the Stronger the Awakening Talent.
This was a fact, based on years of data.
So, while many students were panicking, some simply waited with confidence.
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With one day left before the assessment, Jiang Tian cleaned up Xue Ruyan's villa before leaving with Huang Xing.
After leaving Jin'e Mountain, Jiang Tian followed Huang Xing to his house to pick up the custom kitchenware he had ordered.
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"This set cost exactly 1 million."
"But since we're acquaintances, I got you a discount—only 800,000."
"And I even got you some gifts with the leftover materials!"
Huang Xing grinned as he opened the package.
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A black, polished cooking pot appeared before them.
The bottom was slightly flat, and the pot was wide and deep.
But what stood out the most was the long handle—it had a black dragon carved around it, its mouth facing the pot's body.
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"Whoa…"
Huang Xing's heart skipped a beat as he turned his attention to the kitchen knife.
The blade was thick, much wider than any ordinary kitchen knife, and the handle also had a black dragon carved into it.
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"Is this a kitchen knife or a damn battle weapon?!"
He was tempted to ask Jiang Tian if he planned to cook with it or slay monsters.
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Out of curiosity, Huang Xing reached for the kitchen knife—
But when he tried to lift it, his body almost stumbled forward into the pot.
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"Huh?"
Huang Xing was stunned.
Was he too weak… or was the knife too heavy?
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"Let me try again."
This time, he mobilized his blood energy, gritted his teeth, and used all his strength—
Veins bulged on his forehead as he barely lifted the Black Dragon Kitchen Knife.
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Lifting it was one thing.
But swinging it?
Impossible.
If someone dropped this on your shoulder, forget lifting it, you'd be lucky to get up at all.
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At that moment, Jiang Tian's calm voice came from behind.
"The test is tomorrow. Get some rest and don't overdo it."
Before Huang Xing could react, Jiang Tian casually took the Black Dragon Kitchen Knife from his hands.
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Huang Xing's eyes widened in shock.
Jiang Tian held it effortlessly, even spinning it around playfully.
It was as if the kitchen knife was weightless in his grip.
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"Damn… My brother is even more of a monster than I thought."
Huang Xing couldn't wrap his head around it.
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Ignoring Huang Xing's dumbfounded expression, Jiang Tian focused on the other items in the package.
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More Gifts?
Apart from the knife and the black pot, the extras were surprisingly useful.
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1. A custom shoulder strap with a buckle that aligned perfectly with the Black Dragon Pot's handle, allowing him to carry it easily on his back.
2. A matching shoulder bag for storing the knife, made from the same high-grade materials.
3. Custom condiment bottles and a spatula, all crafted from leftover materials from the knife and pot.
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Jiang Tian was impressed.
The weapons manufacturer didn't have to go the extra mile, yet they did.
This level of detail and thoughtfulness deserved loyalty.
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"When I make more money and need an upgrade, I'll definitely go back to them."
Satisfied, Jiang Tian grabbed his things and bid farewell to Huang Xing.
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Returning Home
His parents weren't home—they had gone to work.
But now, they didn't need to work as hard as before.
Their son had made a fortune, but they weren't used to being idle.
They still liked to stay busy.
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Once inside, Jiang Tian resumed his cultivation.
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"I ATE 1.5 MILLION YUAN IN FOOD?!"
Jiang Tian realized something absurd.
Thanks to Xue Ruyan's generosity, he had eaten through about 1.5 million yuan worth of rare ingredients in just six days.
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"If I tried to buy those ingredients myself, I'd never afford them."
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These were top-quality, limited-availability ingredients.
Even with money, you still needed connections.
Xue Ruyan had chosen to use them on him, which was a huge favor.
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"I need to return the favor by helping her in the assessment."
"After all, if she gets a good ranking, I'll benefit too."
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After cultivation, Jiang Tian opened his eyes—his entire body ached.
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"Blood Energy Value… Still 999?"
His pure blood energy remained at 999, seemingly capped at this stage.
However, his stamina and blood energy storage had increased dramatically.
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"I need to ask the teacher about this."
Jiang Tian grabbed his phone and sent a detailed message to Zhou Shang.
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1. His blood energy value was maxed out at 999, but his internal reserves were still growing.
2. He modified the technique to suit his body better.
3. He wanted to know if this limit was due to his lack of awakening or the modifications.
4. He attached detailed notes on his cultivation progress.
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After sending the long message, Jiang Tian put his phone away, thinking:
"Teacher is a big shot. He's probably busy and won't reply right away."
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But then…
He noticed something strange.
The chat showed "Typing…"
Then it stopped.
A few seconds later, it showed "Typing…" again.
This repeated for over ten minutes.
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Then a Video Call Came In.
Jiang Tian answered, and Zhou Shang's face appeared—looking very serious.
The old man carefully examined him, nodding up and down as if checking for injuries.
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After a long silence, Zhou Shang finally spoke.
"Are you… healthy? It's not good to rush things."
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Jiang Tian smiled.
"Don't worry, teacher. I'm in great health."
To prove it, he stood further back, showing his fully recovered body.
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Zhou Shang Let Out a Deep Sigh.
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"Your technique modifications…
"…are actually perfect."
"If it suits you, then it's the best path."
"But remember—go step by step. Don't push too hard."
"And keep a low profile. You have a long road ahead."
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Jiang Tian nodded humbly.
After ending the call, Zhou Shang leaned back in his chair.
His face twisted, and then—
He started punching his desk in frustration.
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"WHAT KIND OF MONSTER DID I TAKE AS A DISCIPLE?!"
"I TOOK A MONTH TO LEARN THIS! HE MASTERED IT IN A NIGHT!"
"IS HE WRITING A DAMN NOVEL?!?!"