Resisting an urge to check the time again, Kai trudged towards the class with a hint of worry tagging along with him. Worried he might miss important discussions or activities, he quickened his pace.
Arriving outside the classroom and seeing that Master Liang was not yet present, he felt some anxiety lessen.
His friends inside already seemed comfortable in their respective seats – Leon chattering away with Aoi and Ethan.
Upon Kai's entry, they noticed his frazzled expression and began laughing themselves. Knowing laughter exchanged between the group as Kai took his usual seat, maybe finding release from his anxieties through being amongst people who would always accept him.
Teasingly, Leon commented with a sly grin spread across his face: "You are lucky you weren't late by even a second!" The others joined in teasing with evident amusement written across their faces.
Curiosity peaked inside her mind causing Aoi to turn towards Kai almost shyly asking politely: "What caused you to be late on just your second day of school?" Both Ethan and Leon leaned forward to hear the story behind his delay eagerly.
Kai still a bit out of breath calmly explained with respect that he had lost track of the hours while practicing Master Liang's Circulating and Gathering spiritual energy method till dawn without sleeping.
So it was only when his mom reminded him that he had to get ready for school that he prepared himself hastily.
Aoi couldn't help but shake her head. "You're really something, Kai. Why on earth would you spend the whole night practicing?" she exclaimed.
Ethan chimed in, "Well, I did practice too, but not the entire night. My parents got mad because my room lights were on. But you know what? It's an amazing feeling, circulating and gathering spiritual energy within your body, isn't it?"
Leon agreed with Ethan's response." I can kind of relate " he said.
" But unfortunately fell asleep halfway through it just like any other normal human being would have done How about yourself huh Aoi?"
Aoi laughed and replied, "I was at it all night too, but I didn't need a reminder from my parents. My two older sisters sleep in the same room as me, so when they woke up in the morning, I knew it was time to stop and get ready for school."
Kai couldn't help but tease Aoi "You only made it there on time because of your sisters waking up otherwise you wouldn't have arrived on time," he said jokingly. The group burst into laughter as they playfully jested with one another.
The joyous atmosphere in the classroom instantly shifted when Master Liang graced them with his presence.
Respectfully acknowledging their teacher's arrival each student promptly straightened up and simultaneously greeted him in unison.
Not wanting to waste any time before delving back into matters at hand Master Liang refocused everyone's attention by prompting dialogue about progress made thus far: "Before we get started again " he said kindly,
"let's pause for a moment I can hear how well you've been practicing since our last encounter." Surveying all corners of the room as he spoke these words every student knew it was time for reflection.
The students showed agreement by sharing their sincere commitment to practicing the techniques taught by Master Liang.
Observing the response of the whole class, Master Liang nodded with contentment, pleased with their eagerness to learn.
He gently smiled and requested them to continue exploring spiritual points present in human bodies and their functions.
The pupils demonstrated great interest as Master Liang explored the complexities of spiritual points and their relevance to cultivation, offering invaluable insight.
They internalized his wisdom, with a profound desire to elevate their understanding and deepen their bond with their individual spiritual essence.
As Master Liang wrapped up a class that day, he disclosed a critical message that would significantly impact every student there.
"On next Monday's exam in precisely one week's time, students will go through a quick evaluation gauging their level of accumulated spiritual energy along with selecting their preferred cultivation endeavors' department based on results that same day."
The pupils found themselves thrilled with joy at this significant news; already feeling energized about these new possibilities that lay before them.
Even after class wrapped up and students migrated out of the classroom like clockwork, Kai and his pals were still engaged in conversation.
Their topic revolved around an upcoming exam and how they all hoped to end up in the same course together again once the results came out.
Fuelled by their uncompromising natures for success one-outdoing each other continually bragged about having more dominant spiritual energy-gathering capabilities over one another.
Kai was particularly feeling self-assured lately though...
so much so that he initiated a bet amongst them: "I'll tell you what - let's spice things up! Whoever obtains less spiritual energy compared to others will have to purchase chocolate treats for everyone else."
The group accepted this challenge enthusiastically since they desired both proving themselves superior while enjoying instant gratification at the same time.
Upon bidding goodbyes and embarking on separate journeys homeward bound soon after agreeing on these terms - an unhindered sense of motivation burned even brighter within Kai's heart.
He was hellbent on winning this friendly competition but knew he'd have to take things up a notch with the test coming ever closer.
Upon arriving at home, Kai felt at peace with the familiar surroundings as he prepared to give everything it took to surpass his friends with their spiritual energy gathering.
Arriving at his room, Kai found solace in the familiar surroundings. He was ready to train, to push himself beyond his limits. Opening his attribute window, he observed his progress with satisfaction.
[Attribute Window]
Name: Kai
Age: 17
Rank: None
Level: 0
Experience: 23/100
Strength: 12
Defense: 9
Agility: 11
Intelligence: 11
Endurance: 10
Spirit: 8
Luck: 13
Charm: 14
Vitality: 10
Spiritual Energy: 14
Unused Stat Points: 15
Skills:
1. Ability Acquisition
2. Spiritual Absorption
Kai became fixated on analyzing data related to spiritual energy which led him ultimately to make an informed resolution.
Unwavering in that resolve and confident in its worthiness, Kai pledged: "In preparation for this exam I will redouble my efforts towards gathering even greater amounts of Spiritual Energy."
Consistently mindful as ever before while tapping deeply into each resource available via vigilant mastery over "Spiritual Absorption," nothing was going to stand between him and success.
Alone within his room, Kai eagerly devoted himself to activities necessary to fulfill his promise and attain the ultimate victory.