Chapter 197: Chapter 101: Dongqi Province Martial Arts Training Base

“Are you kidding me?”

“Why would I kid you? They should be calling you in a bit to verify your information.”

“I…”

“If that’s all, I’m hanging up.”

With that, Zhao Rui hung up.

Qin Rui stared at her phone’s glowing screen, completely dumbfounded. Her mind went blank.

Less than half an hour later.

Sure enough, a call came from an unknown number. The caller said they were from the *Crane Cry in the Nine Heavens* production team and wanted to verify her information.

It was only then that Qin Rui snapped out of her daze, realizing Zhao Rui had been telling the truth.

Overcome with excitement, she cupped her face in her hands, completely flustered.

After hanging up, Qin Rui excitedly shared the news with Li Xinran and the others.

They were all stunned. It turned out Zhao Rui hadn’t just been making a casual remark last night.

Li Xinran immediately dialed Zhao Rui’s number and asked with a sycophantic smile, “So, are we tight or what?”

“We’re not.”

Zhao Rui knew exactly what she was after.

He shut her down with just two words.

“Bro, come on, I’m calling you ’Bro’! Can’t you arrange something for me too?”

Li Xinran instantly dropped all pretense and said with a sheepish grin.

“What, you think I own the production company? There was only one spot. You should have spoken up sooner!”

“I’m kicking myself!”

Li Xinran stomped her feet, beside herself with regret.

’The squeaky wheel gets the grease, after all!’

…

University life was carefree, and time flew by. A month passed in the blink of an eye.

Ever since Wang Dalong broke through to Level 9, Cai Zhengyang had been driven into a frenzy, throwing himself into his training.

He even lost all interest in his usual routine of parading around with his lackeys.

His Cultivation Technique was already exceptional—one of only two Top-level Techniques in the entire Martial Arts Team that could rival the Six Yi Charm Immortal Technique.

In addition to his Sword-Pointing Transformation Aura which allowed him to crush his peers, it also significantly boosted his True Qi conversion.

And so, after a month of tireless, round-the-clock effort, Cai Zhengyang’s hard work finally paid off.

The previous night, he had successfully broken through to Level 9 of the Truth Storage Realm.

Early this morning, Cai Zhengyang strode into Mingcan Courtyard, looking refreshed and full of arrogance.

His demeanor was a stark contrast to his usual sullen mood.

The lackeys waiting at the entrance had been with him long enough to know his personality well.

Their faces lit up with surprise as they asked one after another, “Brother Yang, did you break through?”

Cai Zhengyang kept a straight face and nodded.

“Holy shit, Brother Yang, you’re a beast! You broke through just like that! Of course, reaching the Yunzhen Realm is as easy as drinking water for you!”

“Damn right! I have more faith in Brother Yang than I do in my own stamina!”

“If you can’t make a good comparison, then shut up. You only last a minute, tops.”

“Screw you, *you’re* the one who only lasts a minute! And for the record, that was my first time!”

Hearing their exchange, Cai Zhengyang’s eyes narrowed.

“When did you two go?”

“B-Brother Yang… it was while you were in seclusion,” the lackey said, scratching his head in embarrassment.

“Damn it, you two bastards! You’re taking me with you tonight!” Cai Zhengyang snapped.

“Of course, of course! Brother Yang, tonight’s my treat. We’ll celebrate you reaching Level 9!”

“What do you mean, *your* treat? Fine, if you’re paying tonight, I’ll pay tomorrow.”

The two immediately began to vie for his favor.

Satisfied, Cai Zhengyang sauntered toward the main hall.

’Level 9,’ he thought. ’Aside from Captain Gu, I’m now at the very top of the Martial Arts Team.’

’And I’m the kind who can fight above my level, at that.’

’Who could possibly be my rival now?’

Cai Zhengyang was already imagining the day he would wipe the floor with Wang Dalong.

’That son of a bitch… he advanced a month before I did. I can’t rest now; I have to close that gap. The difference in our progress isn’t huge. This is the perfect time to knock him off his perch as the number one freshman,’ Cai Zhengyang thought with a frown.

Suddenly, a leisurely voice spoke up beside him, startling him out of his reverie.

“Zhengyang, you’re frowning so hard. You’re not having menstrual cramps, are you?”

“…”

’Who’s that audacious? Daring to joke with Cai Ninth Level?’

The two lackeys were instantly furious. Just as they were about to shout, they turned and saw it was Zhao Rui.

Their expressions immediately turned awkward.

They glanced sideways at their boss, waiting to see how he would react.

’This guy wasn’t someone they dared to mess with.’

A muscle in Cai Zhengyang’s cheek twitched. His excitement vanished in an instant. ’How could I have forgotten about *him*?’

His expression immediately became conflicted.

Part of him wanted to act tough, but deep down, he knew he didn’t have the guts.

But to keep acting meek? He had just reached Level 9. This was supposed to be a time of soaring ambition, of grand plans. He couldn’t bring himself to do it.

A thousand thoughts raced through his mind. Just as he was about to force a smile, Zhao Rui suddenly slung an arm around his shoulder and laughed. “Just messing with you. You’re not mad, are you?”

“Of course not. You’re in a great mood today, Brother Rui. What’s the happy occasion?”

“I’m still being punished, so what’s there to be happy about? I’m just happy for you, seeing that you’ve reached Level 9!”

Hearing this, Cai Zhengyang’s pupils contracted. ’That was a close call,’ he thought.

’This crafty bastard… his Power must have improved again.’

’Damn my luck for having him as a rival.’

“Sigh! It’s just Level 9. I’m still a long way from your level, Brother Rui.”

This time, Cai Zhengyang meant every word.

“You’re just being too modest. That Sword Pointing technique of yours is the type that builds power over time for a massive payoff. The closer you get to the Grandmaster Realm, the stronger it becomes. I’d definitely be no match for you now!”

A small smile touched Zhao Rui’s lips. He patted Cai Zhengyang’s shoulder and said, “Keep up the good work. The Martial Dao tournament is coming up. I’m rooting for you!”

With that, Zhao Rui released his arm, gave a wave, and casually strolled into the main hall of Mingcan Courtyard.

Cai Zhengyang watched him go, a slight frown on his face. ’What did he mean by that?’

“Brother Yang…”

“Brother Yang…”

Seeing him frozen in a daze, his lackeys hurriedly called out to him.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep