After checking his status screen, Long Yan stood up, stretching his refreshed body. Morning sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the room.
At that moment, a strange smell wafted into his nostrils. He looked down and realized that a black, oily dirt was seeping out of his skin, emitting a foul stench.
His stomach churned. "Marrow cleansing… It's real," he muttered, his face twisting in disgust. The smell was so putrid he almost gagged.
He bolted out of his room and into the bathroom, stripping off his clothes as he turned on the shower. Warm water cascaded over his head, washing away the filth. For the first time since waking up in this strange world, Long Yan felt at ease.
"Transmigrating twice in one night…" he sighed as the water soothed his tense muscles. "This has been one hell of a ride."
Once he was clean, he dried himself off and caught his reflection in the mirror. His skin was glowing, smooth, and flawless. He looked… radiant. "I'm not just handsome. I'm devastatingly handsome," he joked, his lips curling into a smirk.
He left the bathroom, threw on some casual clothes, and made a quick breakfast before heading out. Although he didn't feel like going to school after everything that had happened, he knew he needed more information about this world. The school library would be the perfect place to start.
After locking his apartment door, he slung his bag over his shoulder and turned to leave.
Just then, the door next to his opened, and a familiar figure stepped out. It was Hao Yu.
Long Yan froze for a moment. Seeing her so unexpectedly made his mind blank. "Of all people to run into first thing in the morning…"
Recovering quickly, he nodded at her before heading toward the bus stop. Behind him, Hao Yu hesitated. Seeing Long Yan after so many days and finding him unharmed, her worry eased. Locking her door, she followed him to the bus.
---
The bus ride was different this time. Long Yan chose to sit in the very back, wanting some solitude to process his thoughts.
He noticed Hao Yu board the same bus. His eyes narrowed slightly as a memory from the previous Long Yan surfaced. They used to see each other every morning, but he had never paid much attention to her. The old Long Yan always sat at the front, engrossed in his novels, and got off last since the bus route ended at their school.
Hao Yu seemed surprised to see him sitting at the back but quickly composed herself and chose a seat toward the middle. From time to time, she sneaked glances at him, her expression thoughtful. Something about him felt different, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
---
When the bus reached the school, Hao Yu got off first. Long Yan waited a moment before stepping out, keeping his thoughts to himself.
As he walked through the school gates, the atmosphere immediately shifted. Whispers and side glances followed him as he moved through the crowd.
"It's him…"
"He's back after what happened?"
"Unbelievable."
Long Yan ignored the murmurs, his expression calm. This was a new life, and the grudges of the old Long Yan didn't concern him.
He entered his classroom, sat in his usual seat, and prepared for the day's lectures.
---
After the first lecture, Long Yan headed straight to the library. For the old Long Yan, this was a place of comfort, and it seemed that habit had carried over to him.
He browsed the shelves until a title caught his eye: "Universal Guidebook." Taking the book, he found a quiet corner and began to read.
The contents were shocking.
This world wasn't Earth, nor was it Mars's moon, as he had initially thought. Instead, it was a completely different planet in a distant star system. Humanity had entered the interstellar era long ago, colonizing various planets and solar systems in the galaxy. Yet Earth remained sacred—a symbol of humanity's origins and a beacon of nostalgia.
The more he read, the more his head spun. "So, I didn't just transmigrate to the future. This is an entirely different universe…"
Closing the book, Long Yan leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. "When I become strong enough," he muttered under his breath, "I'll get my own spaceship and explore all these places."
He returned the book to the shelf and left the library, feeling more determined than ever.
---
Back in the classroom, the air buzzed with excitement. Discussions about the upcoming graduation trial were in full swing.
Long Yan overheard snippets of conversation:
"Did you hear? This year's trial is different!"
"Yeah, I heard the Royal Academy might be involved!"
His ears perked up at the mention of the Royal Academy. From what he had gathered, it was one of the most prestigious institutions in the entire system.
Moments later, their homeroom teacher, Mr. Li, entered the room, silencing the chatter. He smiled at the eager students and addressed them directly.
"It seems word has already spread," Mr. Li began. "Yes, this year's graduation trial will indeed be different. Representatives from the Royal Academy will be attending, alongside other top academies in the system."
Excited gasps filled the room.
Mr. Li continued, "This trial will be your chance to prove yourselves not just to this school but to the entire federation. The opportunities it presents are immense, but the challenges will also be greater than ever."
Long Yan's heart raced. This was it. His chance to shine. With the system and his newfound cultivation, he would no longer be the weak, ordinary Long Yan.
This trial would be the first step toward his goal: becoming a top martial artist and exploring the vast universe.