Chapter Five, The Martial Continent

At noon, it is precisely the time when many students enjoy coming here to spar. In this continent that reveres martial prowess, everyone takes great pride in their own strength. Under the influence of such an environment, almost all children also share this mindset.

With another cold snort, ready to mock Chang Shu once more, the instructor happened to walk into the classroom at that moment

Huaqiang Secondary Academy is divided into three major departments: the "Martial Arts Department," the "Weapon Forging Department," and the "Pharmacy Department." ... Although they are referred to as three major departments, it can actually be considered as one major department and two minor departments ... The combined number of students in the Weapon Forging Department and the Pharmacy Department is less than one-tenth of the number of students in the Martial Arts Department.

Whether one is a sculptor or an alchemist, the foundation lies in martial combat skills! This can be seen in Chang Shu's case. No matter how refined your carving techniques are, if you do not have a strong internal energy to support you, you are merely a waste of talent!

And this fellow named Shi Weijie is indeed the most outstanding among them

After a brief moment of astonishment, feelings of jealousy surged forth

He shook his head, carefully wrapped the finished ornaments along with the uncarved ones and the small carving knife, then placed them in his bosom. After that, Chang Shu left the table and walked towards the dining hall

Chang Shu even has the experience of spending as much as two hours to complete a single piece of work

Although it is called a canteen, dining there is not something that ordinary people like Chang Shu can afford. For those children from wealthy families, spending dozens of coins on a single meal is something beyond his imagination

It was not until the class bell rang that Chang Shu returned to the classroom ... After taking out the tools, he once again immersed himself in his work ...

Taking a long breath, suppressing the emotions that suddenly surged within, I finally directed my gaze towards the arena.

In any case, at this level, it is entirely possible to complete more than fifty carving tasks in a day. Consequently, the daily income would rise from twenty copper coins to around seventy copper coins

How is it possible? After a careful recollection, Chang Shu felt an immense astonishment. He pondered in silence the origin of this change within himself

However, this time ... ...

After some contemplation, Chang Shu could only temporarily suppress the thoughts in her heart... Everything can wait until after school to be discussed.

Chang Shu revealed a smile. Seventy copper coins? For Chang Shu, this is not a small amount.

On a regular basis, Chang Shu reaches his limit after completing 15 carvings. However, today... Chang Shu assessed his condition and found that he felt just as fatigued as he usually does after carving around 7 pieces of jewelry.

Yesterday's dinner remained untouched, still sitting on the table at home. It is now autumn, so there is no fear of it spoiling. ... Chang Shu plans to invite Xiao Lanruo and Feng Wuding to his home for dinner in the evening. ... The 17th birthday passed just like that, which seems somewhat desolate.

Human beings always seek a sense of superiority, and Chang Shu's family background is undoubtedly the most inferior in the class. However, his foundation in sculpture is precisely what his mentor often praises. This naturally displeases many individuals from well-off families, who are often blinded by their own privilege. Utilizing Chang Shu's shortcomings to find a sense of balance within themselves has become a frequent activity for them

Certainly, if one possesses a sufficiently large family background, and you are certain that even if you are merely a good-for-nothing, your family will still wholeheartedly support you, you may choose to live a life of ease and indulgence. However, such individuals are evidently rare. Therefore, martial artists are the foundation of this continent

Hmph, not even reaching the first star level... Waste is just waste. The disdainful cold snort echoed softly, yet it sounded so pronounced in the quiet classroom. Chang Shu's expression instantly darkened, his fists clenched tightly. However, after a moment, he slightly lowered his head. In this class, even the weakest students have already managed to carve magical accessories of the first star level. Yet, as the one with the most solid foundation in the class, he is unfortunately limited by his own strength and completely unable to carve them out.

To the left of the playground is the location of the martial arts arena. There are five platforms, each several dozen meters in length and width, making it the most lively place in the school during regular times

Seeing Chang Shu bury his face as usual, a cold smile appeared on Shi Weijie's face. What is so remarkable about having good fundamental skills? Aren't you still pretending to be humble in front of this young master?

He is the only son of the city lord, accustomed to being overbearing since childhood. However, he possesses extremely poor talent. Despite the city lord providing him with a level 5 martial arts cultivation method, his strength remains merely that of a level 5 warrior. In the class, many others do not hold him accountable due to his background, which further reinforces his belief that he is the leader of the class. He speaks and acts solely based on his own likes and dislikes, disregarding the feelings of others. He is an exceedingly detestable individual.

Should we study it thoroughly after returning? Chang Shu hesitated... After all, it is a treasure of the Earth rank; if this thing were to be discovered by others, it would not be a good thing

Shi Weijie slightly raised his bushy eyebrows, gave Chang Shu a disdainful sneer, then turned around, revealing a smug and proud smile on his chubby face

Chang Shu buried his face, seemingly unaware of the teacher's arrival. It was not until a long while later that he finally lifted his head again. His face showed no trace of emotion as he coldly glanced at Shi Weijie, who had turned to look at the teacher, before lowering his head once more to continue with his work

If they were to change, I fear that simply sitting in this constantly buzzing classroom would eliminate any possibility of achieving success in sculpting

There are a total of two classes in the morning. After that, it is breakfast time

Chang Shu was astonished and perplexed, and after a long while, he shook his head... Regardless of the circumstances, it is ultimately a good thing

In this continent plagued by monstrous creatures, if you wish to survive well, you can only choose to diligently enhance your own strength

After two class periods, Chang Shu counted his achievements for the day and couldn't help but be startled... In just two class periods, he had actually carved out ten pieces of jewelry. It is important to note that magical carving is an extremely energy-consuming process. Perhaps he could complete the first piece in just over a minute. However, the second would inevitably take more time. Following this pattern, continuous carving would ultimately result in each subsequent piece requiring a significant amount of time.

Become stronger! — These two words were deeply engraved in Chang Shu's mind. His hand tightly formed a fist

After a moment of excitement, Chang Shu looked up. The class had already ended, and most of the students in the classroom had already left.

Spent 2 copper coins to buy 5 steamed buns, and casually resolved the battle. Then wandered aimlessly around the school for a while

Could it be because of that magical accessory? Chang Shu couldn't help but think to herself. Her hand instinctively reached up to touch the pendant around her neck

As a passionate man, who does not wish to possess the formidable power to turn clouds and rain at will? Who does not yearn for the exhilarating experience of calling out from a height and having followers like clouds? Who wishes to be constantly shouted at and ridiculed? No one! No one desires that!

The school's environment is quite pleasant, featuring a spacious playground and tall teaching buildings, with students coming and going. For children from wealthy families, it is indeed a very suitable place for recreation. Even for someone like Chang Shu, who is constantly busy making a living, it serves as a great occasion for relaxation and uplifting one's spirits

The martial arts arena is the most lively place in the school, whether during classes or breaks

Leaving the classroom, Chang Shu habitually headed towards the martial arts arena

The five arenas are now already occupied by combatants. Most of these individuals are students from the martial arts department

Chang Shu, naturally, is no exception

It is now lunchtime, but in order to save money, Chang Shu never eats lunch

Outsiders watch the excitement, while insiders observe the subtleties. Those present are all apprentices in artifact forging, and they are well aware that it is crucial not to be disturbed while carving magical accessories. However, the loud shout just now nearly reached Shu Chang's ears, causing even others to turn their heads in response. Yet, the person involved, Chang Shu, seemed to have heard nothing at all, not even causing her fingers to tremble as she completed the carving of the accessory. How strong must one's concentration be?

Rubbing his slightly swollen temples, Chang Shu stood up... Today, he carved ten pieces of jewelry, and compared to usual, he did not feel too much fatigue.

The "Magic Sculptor" can only be considered a supportive profession, which not only requires good innate talent but also demands a tremendous amount of effort to practice. This is not something that just anyone can calmly engage in, repeatedly drawing intricate patterns that can make them dizzy! It is the martial artist who is truly the mainstream profession of this continent!

In the morning's four classes, Chang Shu surprisingly completed twenty-three carving tasks! ... Although very tired, he was filled with excitement and astonishment in his heart ...! ... Previously, the daily limit was only 15 pieces, but today he actually completed thirty-three! Moreover, judging by this state of mind, if he continues in the afternoon, it is very likely that he will reach an astonishing level of fifty pieces!