Time flowed like water, slipping away bit by bit.
The second subject... the third subject... until noon the next day, the National College Entrance Exam was finally over.
"The National College Entrance Exam is finally over. Congratulations, son." Han Wenzhi waved his right hand happily, "Do you have any plans? How about we go on a family trip?"
The muggy weather felt like a steamer, enveloping the whole of Riverdale City. Fortunately, it was early morning and the temperature was not too high yet.
Riverdale No. 7 High School, one of the National College Entrance Exam sites.
The graduation banquet was a customary social event, where family and friends gather to celebrate a student's admission to university—a tradition common in Chinese culture.
Andrew smiled as he chewed on a red bean bun—a traditional Chinese breakfast pastry—thinking about his plans for the day.
Andrew Han walked toward his exam site, bathed in the morning sunlight, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and long pants.
Once he reached Second Rank, perhaps he wouldn't have to limit himself to Riverdale. Why not look to neighboring cities, or even other provinces?
But breaking through from Third Rank to Second Rank often left the whole body weak, requiring several days to recover. If not for concerns about affecting the exam, Andrew would have already made the breakthrough.
"After the exam, I'll break through to Second Rank immediately."
With the National College Entrance Exam over, he was free to search for Graywhite Aura and devote himself to martial arts, avoiding the disappointment of his master, Miles Ning.
A moment later.
Andrew was speechless. After a brief chat with his parents, he returned to his room to continue practicing the full Solar Pillar Stance, letting sweat drip onto the floor.
Andrew waited in silence.
This was the National College Entrance Exam—how could a student be handing in their paper early?
Then.
He looked at Andrew and reminded him with a smile, "Hurry across, don't be late for your exam."
"Thank you."
......
As the exam time approached, all the candidates sat quietly in the classroom, waiting for the test papers to be distributed.
Andrew Han sat by the window in the exam room, gazing at the scenery outside.
Chirping noises.
Several small, black birds flitted among the lush leaves, and the summer cicadas could be heard from time to time.
"Finally, the college entrance exam has arrived."
"It's time to carefully consider my next steps. Aunt Lin's gift is nearly used up; I must set out again to seek more Graywhite Aura."
Andrew pondered quietly.
Once he reached Second Rank, perhaps he wouldn't have to limit himself to Riverdale City. Why not look to neighboring cities, or even other provinces?
There were two proctors standing at the podium, one male and one female.
The male teacher glanced at Andrew, who was sitting by the window, and frowned slightly: "The exam is about to start, and he still has the mind to look at the scenery? Really... so carefree."
Soon.
Half an hour had passed since the Chinese exam began.
The female teacher wandered quietly through the classroom, while the male teacher sat at the podium, occasionally glancing around. What he didn't expect was that the delicate-looking boy who had been gazing outside now approached the podium with his test paper.
What's going on?
This was the college entrance exam—how could a student be handing in their paper early?
The male teacher took Andrew's Chinese test paper with a bewildered look, seeing both sides blank except for the neatly filled multiple-choice section. He found it hard to accept.
"Student."
"You really lack ambition—at least write the essay."
The male teacher sighed quietly, set aside the test paper, and continued proctoring.
He had considered the possibility of being a martial arts student, but Andrew Han's physique was far from robust—he certainly didn't look the part.
The second subject... the third subject... until noon the next day, the college entrance exam was finally over.
——
Pat.
Pat.
Andrew Han walked home, sensing the overflowing blood and abundant strength in his body. From time to time, he shook his arms, making sure he could properly control his immense power.
The full version of the Yang Pole Stance was extraordinary, especially when combined with Graywhite Aura—his progress was remarkably fast.
Therefore.
With such rapid growth in strength, even with stance training to hone flexibility and skill, Andrew still needed extra practice.
"This isn't so bad, after all—standing in the stance for too long does get tedious."
Andrew nodded to himself, a smile curling at his lips, feeling as if freedom had filled his heart.
With the college entrance exam over, he was free to search for Graywhite Aura and devote himself to martial arts, avoiding the disappointment of his master, Miles Ning.
"However."
"From these days of chatting with Master on WeChat, as long as the sect isn't mentioned, he seems like any ordinary elder—just with a rather odd temper."
Buzz.
His phone vibrated.
Andrew took out his phone and opened WeChat, seeing a message from Master Miles Ning: "Disciple, come to school tomorrow. I will teach you some basic applications of techniques so you won't be caught off guard by unexpected dangers."
"Okay."
Andrew replied.
......
Night fell at the Han family home.
In the living room, Han Wenzhi and Chen Shu sat, both wearing expressions of joy and excitement.
"The college entrance exam is finally over. Congratulations, son." Han Wenzhi waved his right hand happily, "Do you have any plans? How about we go on a family trip?"
Chen Shu added, "Aren't you going to have a graduation banquet?"
Han Wenzhi waved his hand, "That has to wait until the admission letter arrives. No rush—we'll have the banquet after our trip."
The graduation banquet was a customary social event.
Han Wenzhi hadn't planned on holding one, but Andrew's unexpected admission to Southland University was too proud a moment not to celebrate.
Andrew pondered, "Dad, it's hard for me to find time for a trip. I need to keep training with Master."
After all, his master Miles Ning had high hopes for him, and he had yet to encounter any supernatural threats. He couldn't afford to relax—a vacation felt like a luxury.
Han Wenzhi said, "That's fine too. I just worry you'll have nothing to do. Martial arts training is good, and your master is learned and eloquent. You should study hard."
Learned and eloquent?
Study hard?
My dear dad... are you sure that's what you meant??
Andrew was speechless. After a brief chat with his parents, he returned to his room to continue practicing the full Yang Pole Stance, letting sweat drip onto the floor.
Unlike before, he no longer needed to hide.
——
The next morning.
The newly risen sun shone into the bedroom.
Andrew hummed a tune in a carefree mood. Though he was off-key and the song was terrible, he kept humming cheerfully.
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The problem was... this was actually Lucy Han's bedroom.
Swish swish.
Nearly four-year-old Lucy stretched out her fair little arms, quietly pulled up her thin blanket, leaving only her head exposed, her black hair scattered around.
"Lucy, you can't sleep like that."
Andrew spoke righteously and, without hesitation, lifted Lucy's blanket. "Are you feeling uncomfortable? Sleeping with your head covered isn't good for your health."
Swish.
Lucy’s delicate face trembled slightly. She opened her bright left eye, quietly observed her brother Andrew, then turned her body away, letting her tiny pajamas bunch up as she tried to keep sleeping.
Andrew kept humming.
Swish.
Lucy rolled over twice, moving to the edge of the bed.
Andrew scooted over, keeping a meter's distance from Lucy.
Swish!
Lucy tossed off her blanket, groggily climbed out of bed, and ran barefoot to Andrew's bedroom. She dove into the freshly made bedding, still wanting to sleep.
"Sigh."
"She really loves to sleep in."
Andrew looked helpless. Just as he was about to resume humming his off-key song, Chen Shu brought out two plates of breakfast and said, exasperated, "Andrew, hurry up and eat. Stop disturbing your sister's sleep."
Andrew protested, "Mom, I just wanted Lucy to get some sunlight."
Chen Shu snorted, "It's only because last night Lucy clung to you and kept you from practicing your stance."
Andrew replied seriously, "Mom, how could you think that about your own son?"
Chen Shu rolled her eyes and said, "Even if your sister gets up early and doesn't sleep in, that doesn't mean she'll go to bed early. She has plenty of energy."
Andrew blinked twice: "..."
Chen Shu shook her head and laughed, "Alright, alright. Don't you have things to do today? Eat your breakfast and come home early tonight. We're moving back tomorrow."
Moving back?
Andrew was stunned, then quickly nodded.
The house they currently lived in had been rented for his senior year. Now that the lease was nearly up, it was time to return to their real home.
"Hey."
Andrew smiled as he chewed on a red bean bun, thinking about his plans for the day.
First, he would go to the scenic park to continue absorbing Graywhite Aura. Second, if his physical condition reached its limit, he would find a secluded spot nearby to break through on the spot.
Finally.
He still needed to go to school... to find Master Miles Ning.