Chapter 55: Fundamentals of Eloquence and the Four Heavenly Kings (Part One)

Seated in the study hall, Shi Tiexin felt both exhaustion and satisfaction. Gazing at the enormous "Profound Mastery" that hung before his vision, Shi Tiexin sensed as if his entire life had ascended into a brand new realm. Just days ago, he was still an inconspicuous figure struggling to get by at the Star Industry Union’s School for Cadets, barely scraping together the resources to cultivate basic manuals, and having never even heard of the advanced techniques for supplementary cultivation.

Of the Six Fundamental Mind Arts, he had only mastered three to a passing degree.

But now? Leaving everything else aside, his Basic Mathematics—First Level—had actually broken through to “Profound Mastery,” reaching a domain he had never before touched. He felt transformed; this single “Profound Mastery” far surpassed “Outstanding,” and even the mental energy swirling about his mind suddenly became more resilient.

The leap from “Outstanding” to “Profound Mastery” was much greater than from “Good” to “Outstanding.”

So after “Profound Mastery,” could there be another realm?

There must be, for Shi Tiexin vaguely sensed that in basic calculations, he was already nearing the level of the Star Scholar Shi, yet had not fully reached it. The Star Scholar remained clearly superior, so there must exist a higher plane.

Under Shi Tiexin’s expectant gaze, the words “Profound Mastery” struck the left side of his vision, and a phantom progress bar stretched ever onward, at the very end of which appeared two brand new words.

These words were unlike any that came before.

These words gleamed with golden light.

—Perfection—

Shi Tiexin’s eyes widened; indeed, at the very end of the progress bar shone the resplendent words “Perfection.” Just gazing at them sent his heart surging. He seemed to sense from those words a weighty presence, an unshakable and immense gravity.

In an instant, Shi Tiexin was filled with longing for “Perfection.”

Why do people climb mountains?

Because the mountain is there!

Why do people seek challenge?

Because “Perfection” is there!

So what was there to wait for? Without hesitation, he pulled out his exercise book and prepared to continue his cultivation. Let’s go, my long-awaited “Little Genius”—let’s get started! But just as he was about to begin, his vision went black and his whole body swayed; the surge of hot-blooded excitement was abruptly interrupted.

He steadied his head, resting for a full ten minutes before he finally regained his composure. Even after rubbing his temples, the dizziness lingered, and it was only then that Shi Tiexin realized his energy had truly been exhausted.

A whole day of intensive study from dawn till dusk—almost three times longer than the previous night. Such prolonged and rigorous cultivation had indeed pushed him beyond his limits. Too much can be as bad as too little; now was not the time to force himself further. If he persisted recklessly and harmed his foundation, there would be no end to his regret.

Better to rest for a while.

Acting on this thought, Shi Tiexin pushed aside “Little Genius,” folded his arms, and laid his large head down to rest. With the white noise of scribbling, turning pages, and hushed whispers filling his ears, Shi Tiexin soon drifted into a deep sleep.

Shortly after Shi Tiexin fell asleep, a figure appeared in the study hall—nothing seemed amiss at first glance, but a closer look revealed a furtive air.

It was none other than Gu Shaohuai.

Today, Gu Shaohuai hadn’t gone to the elite class’s exclusive study room to flaunt his status; instead, he’d come to the ordinary study hall. Although this was where he belonged, ever since he’d mingled with the elite class, he always felt a sense of “an immortal descending to the mortal world” when he returned here.

Scanning the students in the ordinary study hall, Gu Shaohuai’s gaze brimmed with the arrogance and disdain of a nobleman surveying commoners. Even when he saw his deskmate, a fellow student in the prestigious Class Seven, he regarded them as mere “small fry.”

As for the “trash class”? In his eyes, those people didn’t even count as human—they were just livestock, their words little more than the barks of animals.

Today, he was in high spirits, for his investigation into “Target Number Two,” Shen Xingye, had finally yielded results. He had a hunch that, given a few more days, he would make a major breakthrough and uncover some explosive secrets about his target.

This Shen Xingye—never mind flaws, he was riddled with holes! The man was dancing on the edge of a cliff without a shred of awareness. Once Gu Shaohuai completed his investigation and gathered evidence, he would expose everything right before the exams. When the truth came out, that fool would be dashed to pieces at the bottom of the precipice!

To hand over such a position to someone as talented as himself—wasn’t that a tremendous contribution to society?

A black flame burned in Gu Shaohuai’s eyes.

The reason he’d come to the ordinary study hall today was also to investigate his other targets, ensuring he didn’t lose sight of the bigger picture or trip up in the shadows.

Yes, Targets Five and Six are both here—can’t afford to drop my guard.

Wait, isn’t that Number Nine? Looks rather unwell, must not be in good health. Excellent; in the future, I’ll just bribe a few students with the flu to stick close to Number Nine all day. I really am a genius!

Huh?!

Gu Shaohuai was startled to see a burly figure slumped over a desk. Even without seeing the face, that physique was unmistakable and easily recognizable—wasn’t that Target Number One, the Star Scholar Shi? What, just one day in the elite class and he’s already slunk back here in defeat? That’s how it should be—trash belongs where only trash can go. No point dreaming all day.

But… these past two days, this guy had been attending study sessions non-stop, acting strangely. Better check what he’s up to…

Gu Shaohuai quickly approached, feigning nonchalance as he observed.

Sleeping soundly—snoring, even. In front of him was an exercise book—the same “Little Genius.” Ha! Looks like the guy really is finished—wait! No, I can’t be careless!

A sharp flash seemed to cross Gu Shaohuai’s mind, like a detective spotting a glaring flaw—maybe this was all an act, a deliberate ploy to make him lower his guard! A cartoonish cover to dispel suspicion, but for all he knew, inside “Little Genius” could be elite-level secret exercises!

Let me take a look…

Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, Gu Shaohuai stealthily picked up the “Little Genius.” Flipping it open, his eyes flashed—ha! He relaxed and smiled; sure enough, they were basic arithmetic problems, nothing mysterious—just elementary-level exercises.

He’s done for, really done for. Resorting to elementary school problems—pathetic. Wait, hang on, these questions seem… Gu Shaohuai paused, examining the densely packed exercises, and soon couldn’t help but widen his eyes, cold sweat breaking out.

What… what on earth were these?!

Examining them closely, he realized he couldn’t mentally solve even the very first problem. Even with pen and paper, it would take considerable time, and he still couldn’t guarantee he’d get it right.

Was elementary arithmetic always this hard?!