Let Me Game in Peace Chapter 4 - Fang Ruoxis Invitation

Translator: CKtalon Editor: CKtalon

Primordial Energy Art cultivation had long become a vital component in the Earth Federation’s physical education framework. Beyond the standard subjects for college entrance exams, a dedicated combat assessment existed.

Due to the inherent dangers of combat tests, not all candidates were required to join, and the scores didn’t factor into the total entrance exam results. Participation was entirely optional, yet for admission to certain elite academies, combat test performance served as a crucial benchmark.

Over the last decade, an increasing number of prestigious institutions had incorporated combat test outcomes into their student selection criteria.

Naturally, securing employment in roles tied to dimensional zones demanded strong combat test results as a prime qualification.

Even though Zhou Wen could acquire dimensional crystals via his phone without venturing into perilous dimensional zones, he still intended to undertake the combat test and gain entry to a cultivation-oriented school. This would pave the way for future careers linked to dimensional zones.

Should Zhou Wen steer clear of dimensional zone-related occupations, sourcing channels for dimensional crystals would elude him, complicating explanations for his swift progress or any future Companion Beasts.

Blending seamlessly into the crowd ensured he avoided unwanted attention, much like a diamond vanishing amid countless crystals.

Zhou Wen had no desire to hazard his life in dimensional zones, yet he required involvement in such fields for employment. At minimum, he needed legitimate access to dimensional resources, preventing suspicion over his heavy use of dimensional crystals later on.

The combat test demanded teamwork in groups of four, evaluating not just solo fighting skills but also collaboration, command abilities, and more for the ultimate scores.

Surviving as the last member in a combat test—due to teammates’ early exits or mishaps—would penalize one’s rating severely, regardless of personal excellence yielding top individual marks.

Zhou Wen once enjoyed a stellar standing at Guide High School as a prime teammate choice, but over the recent month, his reputation and image had plummeted alongside doubts over his skills.

An average student might still pair with him without issue, yet for Fang Ruoxi, a top contender for Guide City’s combat test crown, choosing him seemed illogical.

Zhou Wen’s fame stemmed from his practice of Ascetic Meditation, but in raw power, few sixteen-year-olds at Guide High School hadn’t tapped Primordial Energy. Unlike Zhou Wen’s pure body-tempering approach, they supplemented with Primordial Energy Crystals.

“Why are you recruiting me?” Zhou Wen inquired of Fang Ruoxi, curiosity sparked.

Fang Ruoxi met Zhou Wen’s eyes steadily, her gaze pure and crystalline like fresh mountain spring water.

“I aim to score as high as possible in the combat test, so I need a powerful ally. And you possess that power,” Fang Ruoxi stated evenly.

“You mean the me from a month back, right?”

Fang Ruoxi’s bright eyes fixed on Zhou Wen as she declared resolutely, “In my eyes, Zhou Wen remains Zhou Wen, unchanged. You’re still the sole rival in Guide High School whom I acknowledge.”

Zhou Wen felt momentarily stunned. Fang Ruoxi’s high regard surprised him, stirring vague, complex emotions.

“What about An Jing with talk like that?” Zhou Wen remarked self-mockingly. Though her victory over him didn’t haunt him, he conceded her superior might.

Fang Ruoxi let out a sigh. “I specified within Guide High School. An Jing never belonged here. Besides, she won’t take the college entrance exams locally.”

“What do you mean?” Zhou Wen blinked in surprise.

“Haven’t you heard? She transferred away already.” Fang Ruoxi hesitated before adding, “Though An Jing’s background eludes me, she’s clearly beyond the Mortal stage. Achieving that young points to an extraordinary heritage. With her power, challenging you was pointless. Her sudden appearance and exit feels like she targeted you specifically. I even wondered if you knew her and had some grudge.”

Zhou Wen hadn’t dwelled on it before, but reflection now made it ring true. Still, he was certain he’d never encountered An Jing, let alone offended her.

“Impossible. I’ve never met her. How could there be bad blood?” Zhou Wen racked his memory fruitlessly for any clash.

“Maybe I’m reading too much into it.” Fang Ruoxi dropped the subject, eyeing Zhou Wen. “So, your decision?”

“If you’re set on teaming with me, I’m happy to hitch to a powerhouse,” Zhou Wen replied with a casual shrug.

“Agreed then. I’ve lined up the other two. From today, we four train as a unit in afternoon cultivation sessions. Perfecting our synergy and coordination is key for the combat test.” Fang Ruoxi checked her wristwatch, then told Zhou Wen, “Let’s go. Cultivation class starts soon.”

Li Zhi and Tian Xiangdong were stunned seeing Fang Ruoxi return with Zhou Wen. They knew she sought their fourth member but not who.

Discovering it was Zhou Wen left them baffled, given his recent month’s escapades.

Cultivation skills waned rapidly, combat especially so. Even regular drills struggled to grasp battle’s split-second chances; days without practice dulled reactions sharply. With Zhou Wen gaming obsessively for over a month, appearing wan and frail, his fighting edge had surely eroded.

Like pro boxers needing intense retraining post-layoff to fight, idleness weakened rather than strengthened.

College entrance exams loomed near, and even a prodigal’s return couldn’t swiftly restore Zhou Wen’s prior combat level.

“Ruoxi, you can’t mean Zhou Wen’s our fourth? This a prank!?” Tian Xiangdong scratched his nose dramatically.

“No prank. Zhou Wen joins us as the fourth,” Fang Ruoxi affirmed solemnly.

Tian Xiangdong glanced between Fang Ruoxi and Zhou Wen, rubbing his nose again. “Ruoxi, we all recognize Zhou Wen’s talent and skill, but he’s skipped training over a month. Restarting now won’t rebuild his peak form in time. We’re gunning for Guide City’s top spot in combat tests. He’s not ideal, right? Here’s an idea: I know Zheng Yi. If asking him bothers you, I’ll handle it. Sound good?”