Jackpot!

Fang Lang had anticipated it.

The passive ability granted him rewards when he had meaningful interactions with Ni Wen.

The duel was counted as a meaningful interaction.

If Ni Wen had not used her ninth-grade power, Fang Lang would have followed up with an attack that would take her down after the spiritual energy barrier was disabled.

Unfortunately, the girl did not practice proper etiquette.

Fang Lang did not dwell on the issue. There was a gap in power between them. Ni Wen was a ninth-grader while he was only recently elevated to the fifth grade.

Regardless, the duel had improved Fang Lang's control over his fifth-grade sword skills. His physical body adapted to his newfound power.

Most importantly, he had gained real life combat experience and another technique.

Fang Lang shut his eyescountless scenes of himself practicing the Spirit Step flashed through his mind.

Moments later, the memory transfer stopped. Fang Lang felt changes in his legs.

Fang Lang let out a heavy sigh and switched back to his own cultivation mode. Being in his binding partner's cultivation mode consumed a lot of Fang Lang's determination and focus. Hence, he did not maintain that state for long.

"I'm sorry!" Ni Wen said sincerely after snapping out from the trance induced by Fang Lang's smile.

Fang Lang acknowledged her apology with a smile and nod.

Mentor Wen walked over to the pair, a broad smile on his face.

"Master."

Fang Lang and Ni Wen greeted their mentor with a bow.

Mentor Wen patted Fang Lang on the shoulder. "Good job. Your foundation is somewhat lacking but if you can achieve the seventh or eighth grade, you might stand a chance in the Imperial Examination with your theoretical assessment score."

Mentor Wen thought it was a pity.

With only one month to the Imperial Examination, it was impossible for a person with Fang Lang's core to reach the seventh or eighth grade, even with the help of spirit crystals.

Climbing the higher grades required more spirit crystals.

Fang Lang replied with a smile, "To succeed will be my luck, to fail will be my fate."

Mentor Wen chuckled. "That's a good mentality to have at your age. You're not without hope"

He looked Fang Lang up and down as he pondered.

Then, his expression hardened. "Two weeks later, the Sword Guild will host the Gathering of Swords. Sword disciples from all 200 academies are encouraged to participate. Earning a spot in the top three will give you a 20 points head start in the Imperial Examination. That should compensate for your grade."

The Gathering of Swords?

Fang Lang took a deep breath. His eyes glimmered at the opportunity. Unknown to his mentor, it was possible for Fang Lang to reach the seventh or eighth rank within one month.

However, the additional 20 points were interesting.

The event sounded like the International Mathematical Olympiad of the modern worlda win would be beneficial.

Mentor Wen smiled. "Don't feel too pressured. The Gathering of Swords only focuses on technique, not the cultivation grade but it will still be difficult to make it into the top three. All the academies are invited, including the well-established ones like Changan Academy. Luojiang Academy's performance for the past few years have been disappointing so our chances are slim."

He clapped Fang Lang on the back. "Luojiang Academy has little expectation for this year's competition. Headmaster Cui has handpicked someone and gave me the remaining two slots. I'll put your name in. This is your opportunity to shine, seize it! What do you say?" Mentor Wen asked Fang Lang.

It was an opportunity.

Fang Lang had nothing to lose.

He could switch cultivation speed and cultivation inspiration with the System's help but the higher he scored for the Imperial Examination, the better.

"Thank you, Master. I'm willing to try," Fang Lang answered sincerely.

It was a rare opportunity.

Mentor Wen was glad to hear that. His expression softened and he nodded. "Come to the Mentors' Office tomorrow. I'll introduce you to the two other students who will be joining the Gathering of Swords."

Fang Lang nodded in response. Mentor Wen lectured Ni Wen about the inappropriateness of her combat practice etiquette then walked away with his arms folded.

Ni Wen resumed apologizing to Fang Lang.

The agreement was to maintain her cultivation at the fifth grade during battle. The sudden burst of ninth-grade power could have badly injured Fang Lang. The mistake was wholly on her part.

Fang Lang stared at the girl, speechless.

It was water under the bridge, yet this dummy was still apologizing.

Fear struck Ni Wen's heart. Her mother had told her many stories about vengeful plots executed by the rich. What if Fang Lang held a grudge? A commoner like Ni Wen would not be able to pacify him.

Ni Wen would be conscience-stricken if the issue caused trouble for her mother.

As the girl's apologies carried on, a System notification rang in Fang Lang's head.

'Ding! Guide mission: Perform your first cultivation-related transaction with the provided resource. You will receive a random reward.'

Fang Lang was surprised by the sudden pop-out.

Another guide mission to complete. The first mission encouraged him to interact with Ni Wenthis one prompted him to use the gold coins he received.

Cultivation-related transaction

Fang Lang's eyebrows furrowed. The task was simple enoughspend money on something related to cultivation.

The System's provisions were mainly meant for improving his cultivation.

Historically, the poor went into academia while the rich trained in martial arts. The practice of cultivation was akin to martial artsa costly endeavor.

There were many ways to spend money on cultivation. One could purchase some high-grade medicinal pills, weapons or cultivation tools.

All the items required money but money did not guarantee accessibility to the items.

The mission was easy. Money was easy to spend.

The edge of Fang Lang's lips twitchedhe had a plan.

He placed his hand on the apologizing Ni Wen's head. The girl stiffened as a blush crept up her face. She stood motionless.

"Little Wen, if you wish to make amends, come with me on a shopping trip after class," Fang Lang said with a smile. He wondered if shopping for cultivation items would be considered as a meaningful interaction.

There was no harm in trying.

"Shopping?" Ni Wen was concerned.

She had to literally pay for her mistake?

'I don't have money,' she thought.

She was just a commoner.

Nevertheless, Ni Wen took her tattered coin purse out from her green robe. Her eyes reddened as she opened her purse. Fingers trembling, she retrieved three copper coins.

It was all she had to her name.

She offered the three copper coins to Fang Lang.

"I That's all I have."

Ni Wen was near tears when she spoke. 'I can't afford to compensate you.'

Fang Lang was silent.

'What is this?'

Then, realization struck him. He frowned.

Fang Lang was not a scammer. He was not about to take her money over a silly accident.

"Keep your money. Use it to buy food for yourself. We'll meet later at the academy gates," Fang Lang said with finality and left with his battered wooden sword.

With the three copper coins in hand, Ni Wen pursed her lips as she watched Fang Lang's silhouette disappear.

Later chapters consistently mention 200 academies are joining the competition instead of 300.