As the evening settled in, Kai followed Master Liang's advice and decided to take a break from his usual training routine.
Master Liang's words echoed in his mind: "No training today, just take a break."
It was a rare and welcomed opportunity for Kai to relax and rejuvenate.
With a calm mind, Kai drifted into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning, he woke up feeling refreshed and energized. He went through his usual morning routine and made his way to school, looking forward to the day ahead.
As he entered the classroom, he noticed something different.
All his team members from the combat department and his friends were already there, engaged in a lively conversation. Curiosity piqued, and Kai joined them, taking a seat beside his friends.
Before his arrival, they had been discussing the blissful relaxation of having a rest day without any training.
Leon, with a grin on his face, mentioned how much progress they had all made, hinting that they might break through to the Novice Rank soon.
Kai chimed in, sharing their excitement, "That's great! I also had something to tell you guys..."
Just as he was about to reveal his news, their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a subject teacher.
The class fell silent as the teacher instructed them to focus on their studies. Kai's unfinished revelation hung in the air, and his friends eagerly inquired about what he had wanted to say.
Ethan asked, "What were you going to tell us? Don't leave us hanging!"
Aoi and Leon chimed in, encouraging Kai to share his secret quickly before they got scolded by the teacher.
Kai smiled mischievously and said, "I'll tell you, guys, during lunch break, alright? Let's wait until then." His friends eagerly agreed, their anticipation growing.
The class continued with their studies, albeit with a hint of boredom on their faces. Four periods passed, and finally, the bell rang, signaling the start of the lunch break.
The classroom erupted with excitement as students eagerly made their way out of the room.
Leon commented, "Sitting still for four periods was exhausting. We need this break."
Ethan agreed, adding, "Yeah, we usually head to the combat department for training, but on rest days, it would be fun to go out somewhere like we did last time."
Kai pondered their suggestion and replied, "Well, we can't change the fact that we're here now. But since it's lunchtime, why don't we go to the canteen? It's been a while."
His friends agreed, and they headed towards the canteen.
On the way, Aoi asked Kai about what he wanted to tell them earlier in the morning.
Kai realized he had forgotten, but he teased them, saying he would reveal it during lunch while they ate.
In a low voice, Leon, Aoi, and Ethan exchanged thoughts, suspecting that Kai's grin meant it was something mischievous.
When Kai noticed their laughter and whispers, he inquired, "What's so funny? Share it with me."
They brushed it off and continued walking until they reached the canteen, where they bought their food and found a table to sit at.
As they settled down and began to unpack their meals, Kai decided it was time to share his breakthrough.
With a smile on his face, he announced, "Guess what, guys? I've broken through to the Novice Rank!" His friends were taken aback, their surprise evident.
Amid their astonishment, Kai chuckled, enjoying their reaction.
Excitedly, they bombarded him with questions about his progress and the breakthrough.
The atmosphere at their table was filled with joy and celebration.
In the midst of their conversation, a senior student passing by overheard Kai's revelation.
He was astounded by Kai's rapid progress, realizing that it far surpassed his own achievements during his junior years.
A tinge of jealousy ignited within him, especially since Kai lacked the influential backgrounds that many other fast cultivators possessed.
Viewing Kai as a potential threat, the senior devised a plan to provoke him into a life-and-death match, where he could eliminate Kai without repercussions.
He believed that by eliminating such talented individuals early on, he could secure his own standing within the school hierarchy.
The senior approached the table where Kai and his friends sat. Initially, he spoke politely, but gradually, his tone turned condescending.
Kai and his friends noticed the change but refrained from responding, aware that it could lead to trouble.
However, the senior's insults grew more derogatory, particularly towards Kai's friends. Unable to tolerate the disparaging remarks, Kai's anger ignited.
He confronted the senior, his voice laced with frustration and fury, "Why do you keep sticking to us? Are you picking a fight or something?"
The senior, taken aback by Kai's fiery response, retorted, "You're just a junior. Learn some manners!"
Seizing the opportunity, he proposed a life-and-death match in the training ground's arena the following morning.
Ignoring his friends' attempts to calm him down, Kai's anger intensified.
He decided to accept the senior's challenge without considering the consequences fully.
The senior smirked triumphantly, feeling that he had successfully provoked Kai into the life-and-death match he desired.
As the senior walked away, he whispered in Kai's ear, "Be careful tomorrow. You might not survive."
With those chilling words, he left Kai and his friends behind, and each of them went to consider the events that had just unfolded.