"Old Xia, why haven't you asked me why I declined your club invitation?"
"Didn't feel like asking, Ah Chu. You must have your reasons."
After lunch, everyone dispersed following Chen Chu's refusal to join the club. Chen Chu was on his way to the logistics department to exchange for cultivation resources, and Xia Youhui volunteered to guide him. On the way, Chen Chu was slightly surprised that Xia Youhui hadn't inquired about his refusal.
"Oh, by the way, Ah Chu, you've completed foundation building in half a month, which means you'll earn 3 contribution points every month according to the rules. Be careful not to use them recklessly."
"If someone approaches you to buy your contribution points, just give them a firm 'no.'"
"Some people even buy contribution points."
"Indeed, contribution points are in high demand, and not everyone can get enough. Typically, the school's official exchange rate is 1 point to 1,000, but on the black market, it's 1 point to 3,000. Both rates are quite different."
"Especially for new students, contribution points are crucial. You can exchange them for resources unavailable in the market within the logistics department."
"When freshmen make their first purchase of cultivation resources, the school grants a 10% discount."
"For example, the Baxiang's blood essence you want to exchange for costs 50,000 in the market, but you can obtain it for just 20 points through contributions."
"There are also weapons, like standard first-class alloy swords, selling for 35,000 units, but they only require ten contribution points for exchange within the school."
"Furthermore, if you wish to practice different exercises, you'll need contribution points for those too. So, contribution points are in high demand, and some have even resorted to buying them from new students."
"Some freshmen who've just completed their foundations, not understanding the value of contribution points, might be tempted to exchange 1 point for 3,000, or even 5,000 at a high price."
"This happens every year, and students who sell their contribution points often regret their decisions."
"Why doesn't the school educate these new students?" Chen Chu wondered.
Xia Youhui shrugged, saying, "The school isn't here to babysit. They provide the necessary resources; it's up to individuals to resist temptation."
"That's true," Chen Chu agreed.
In this world, ordinary people still dominated, and for high school students from non-practitioner families, trading thousands of dollars for a single contribution point was a considerable temptation.
While the two conversed, they arrived at Building D, where the logistics department was located. Upon entering the office hall, older students glanced in their direction, and one particularly enthusiastic student with bleached blond hair approached.
"Hey, student, do you have any contribution points you'd like to sell? We'll offer 5,000 for just one."
Before Chen Chu could respond, Xia Youhui cut in, his irritation evident, "Back off! Get lost, you leech, preying on newcomers."
The blond boy narrowed his eyes, emitting a faint air of danger. He retorted in a low voice, "Kid, I'm merely inquiring about a regular trade. There's no need to be so hostile."
"I'd advise you to show more respect; I'm not a freshman."
"Why, you want to pick a fight?"
Xia Youhui showed no fear, puffing up his chest and taunting, "Come on, hit me if you dare. Don't think that practicing for a year earlier makes you invincible. Go ahead, try hitting me."
"Come on, give it your best shot."
As the blond boy stared down Xia Youhui with an arrogant expression, his confidence waned. He appeared to hesitate due to certain concerns.
"I can't do much to you at school, but don't overstep your bounds," the blond boy remarked coldly before departing.
"Hah! Making threats, do you think that frightens me?" Xia Youhui scoffed, adding, "Don't assume that practicing for one more year makes you special. My brother is a high-level practitioner, and you dare to harass newcomers outside of school?"
Mention of an "advanced cultivator" noticeably altered the blond boy's expression, causing him to increase his pace and leave quickly.
Watching the senior students depart, Chen Chu couldn't help but regard Xia Youhui with newfound appreciation. He commented, "Impressive, Lao Xia. I didn't expect you to possess such a fearless side."
"Hey, Ah Chu, you've used the wrong term. I was merely standing up for what's right. There's no arrogance in that."
"Nevertheless, there's no need to be concerned about these senior students. They won't dare to cause trouble on campus and can only intimidate new students to flex their power."
"And as for taking actions outside of school, they won't seek retaliation for this incident. If it's reported, they won't be able to handle the consequences."
While chatting, the two arrived at the service window.
"Teacher, I'd like to exchange for a vial of Tyrant Elephant blood."
"Please enter your student number."
"Authentication confirmed..."
"The Tyrant Elephant Essence is priced at 20 contribution points, but as a freshman, you're eligible for a 10% discount on your first resource and weapon exchange. Are you certain you want to proceed?"
"Yes."
Without any complications, Chen Chu's request was processed. After deducting 2 contribution points, the teacher turned to a wall cabinet behind and operated it. Almost immediately, a section of the wall shifted, revealing a small compartment resembling a miniature freight elevator. It opened to unveil a palm-sized black vial.
After completing the exchange for the Baxiang blood essence with Xia Youhui's assistance, Chen Chu was now alone on the third floor, applying for a private practice room.
Inside the roughly 20-square-meter training room, Chen Chu removed his shirt and carefully uncorked the bottle of Tyrant Elephant blood. An intense metallic scent wafted out.
Chen Chu meticulously dripped a drop of the thick, gel-like blood onto his palm, feeling the heat radiate through his hand. Following the instructions, he began to apply the blood essence all over his upper body, covering his front, back, arms, and legs with the crimson liquid.
As he smeared the blood essence, Chen Chu's eyes closed slightly, and the initial chapter of the Dragon Elephant Skill surfaced in his mind.
"Human strength is limited, insufficient to contend with colossal creatures. Thus, I devised this technique that utilizes external forces to bolster one's own abilities."
"To master this art, one must coat their upper body with the blood essence of elephantine mutant creatures. Among them, the blood essence of a bull elephant is ideal for novices. Once the blood essence is thoroughly applied..."
Recalling the steps of cultivation, Chen Chu initiated the circulation of Qi and blood within his body, and his spiritual power emitted, drawing in the surrounding energy.
Boom!
As extraordinary energy entered his body, Chen Chu's blood surged, and the blood smeared across his body began to react. The blood grew scalding, and hot streams, infused with extraordinary energy, flowed into Chen Chu's body. The circulating Qi and blood refined these substances together.
Dimly, Chen Chu faintly heard the robust and domineering trumpeting of a colossal elephant, which momentarily rattled his consciousness.
Maintaining his composure, Chen Chu disregarded these mental influences and focused on guiding Qi and blood to refine the extraordinary energy and essence blood power, one cycle after another.
Hooray!
In sync with the absorption of the Baxiang's essence and blood, Chen Chu's physique underwent unique transformations driven by the martial art's techniques. His muscles and tendons grew more robust and resilient. Even his internal organs experienced some alteration, manifesting in deep, growling breaths. Gradually, an indistinct aura of authority radiated from his entire being.
Standing there, he no longer resembled a mere teenager but exuded an intimidating presence, akin to a colossal elephant.
Brothers, remember to vote for it.