The Third of March

After parting with Mina, Du Chen returned to his dormitory, where his two ‘human door-gods’ were still conspicuously loitering, drawing a crowd of curious students and teachers. Du Chen stepped forward to negotiate. Jemison launched into a dramatic plea, declaring his sacrifice for art and beseeching student Francis to support his artistic endeavors, all while subtly hinting at his own esteemed position as a teacher. This left Du Chen utterly exasperated and without recourse. Even more infuriatingly, the Old Charlatan Bovin had simply collapsed into his tent, feigning sleep and impervious to any attempts to rouse him.

After careful deliberation, Du Chen surmised that these two peculiar characters were undoubtedly unhinged, albeit highly skilled, individuals. Given that Philip’s watchful gaze was now fixed upon him, having a few extra hands nearby could only be beneficial. Thus, after a brief consultation with Jemison, he arranged for the two old fellows to take up residence by the river, a considerable distance from the main student dormitories.

Unremarkable days drifted by as Du Chen shuttled between the laboratory and classrooms, settling into a semblance of normal student life. Yet, amidst the routine, one accomplishment brought Du Chen immense satisfaction: his advancement to a Two-Star Orange-Robed Battle Mage. The speed of his progression from One-Star to Two-Star had secured him the third spot on the Battle God Academy’s historical records, with the only faster individuals being legendary figures from centuries gone by.

The most crucial distinction between a Two-Star Fighter and a One-Star Fighter lay in the materialization of battle qi. For Battle Mages, this manifested primarily as the ability to project an external battle qi shield. Du Chen, revelling in this new power, proudly paraded around for days, encased within a shimmering azure barrier.

Naturally, and perhaps most crucially, the Precious Lotus Scripture continued its inexorable progress, fueled by the good deeds being performed on his behalf by the Charitable Foundation operating thousands of miles away in Saint John City.

One day towards the end of February, Du Chen arrived at the laboratory. Yet, this day was different. Philip did not guide him to the elusive tenth floor, choosing instead to engage him in conversation within the confines of his private office.

“Francis, congratulations on your advancement to a Two-Star Fighter. Haha, your astonishing rate of progress has many teachers exclaiming that they’ve discovered a truly gifted prodigy!” Philip boomed with a hearty laugh as he congratulated Du Chen. Then, his tone shifting imperceptibly, he spoke with an unnerving calmness: “However, are you truly satisfied with your progress?”

Du Chen’s heart clenched. In his recent dealings with Philip, he had been exceedingly wary. He responded with carefully chosen words: “A Titled Battle God is not forged in a single day, and my journey stretches far ahead. It is not a matter of satisfaction, but rather an ongoing process with ample room for further development.”

“Hmph, you are far too modest, Francis. Lately, you’ve gained considerable insight into my experiments, proving yourself a truly qualified assistant. Tell me, then, what are your thoughts on the concept of Battle Qi Inheritance?”

“It can dramatically accelerate the cultivation of a Battle God. However, battle qi acquired through external means is inherently unstable and lacks a solid foundation, which would inevitably hinder future advancement!”

Philip nodded subtly, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Precisely. The externally acquired battle qi of ordinary individuals is indeed unstable because their physical forms are not perfectly attuned to that of the qi provider. Yet, you, Francis, possess a Heaven-Bestowed Hydro-Body, enabling you to achieve perfect compatibility with any water-elemental battle qi!”

Damn it! Was Philip truly intending to use Battle Qi Inheritance to forcibly elevate his own strength?! Du Chen’s heart abruptly hammered against his ribs, leaping into his throat.

For most, encountering a peerless master and receiving decades of cultivation poured directly into them would be an unimaginable stroke of luck, a blessing stolen from the heavens! But for Du Chen, it was nothing short of a catastrophe! He was, after all, Philip’s primary experimental subject! Without a doubt, the initial alteration of Du Chen’s innate talent had been the first step. Now, it was time for the second—Battle Qi Inheritance. And then, the third... who knew at which terrifying step Du Chen would find himself under a dissection blade?

As expected, Philip continued, “Are you interested in rapidly enhancing your strength? Through the method of Battle Qi Inheritance!”

Du Chen’s thoughts whirled, but he maintained a genial smile. “I believe I should first seek counsel from Teacher Roland. He has recently taken me on as a disciple, and given his unparalleled strength, I am certain he will offer invaluable guidance!”

“You’ve become Roland’s student!?” A flicker of an unnatural expression briefly crossed Philip’s eyes, though he swiftly masked it. “Congratulations, that is truly a cause for great celebration!”

(Philip’s internal monologue, implied by the previous paragraph’s reaction): Damn it, how did Roland intervene as well? Wouldn’t that mean Francis now, like Arthur, possesses a Titled Battle God as a powerful patron? How could his grand experiment possibly proceed as intended now!?

Taking in the entirety of Philip’s subtle shift in demeanor, Du Chen secretly congratulated himself on playing the Roland card at precisely the right moment.

A brief silence descended between them. Then, Philip suddenly smiled, “Francis, you must understand, with your current pace of advancement, you will soon achieve the rank of Three-Star Fighter. This is a crucial watershed, for it is at this stage that you will be expected to forge your own unique, signature combat techniques...”

Du Chen nodded, acknowledging the truth in Philip’s words. He, too, eagerly anticipated reaching the Three-Star Fighter rank. One- and Two-Star Fighters were largely restricted to generic techniques, such as Water Orbs and Water Light Shields. However, a Three-Star Fighter gained the privilege to cultivate and master their own exclusive combat arts, much like the legendary Corona of Fire technique wielded by the Xino Dwarf Sem.

But even this was no reason to be treated as an experimental subject!

Philip pressed on, “Once you develop your unique combat techniques, the Water Elements within your body will establish fixed operational pathways. At that juncture, implementing Battle Qi Inheritance would no longer be as pristine or efficient.”

This old fox was trying to tempt him! Du Chen chuckled, “I still wish to consult Teacher Roland once more!”

“Ah, well, you see, my experiment is the Academy’s utmost secret. Hmm, however, Lord Roland’s identity is truly venerable, so you may certainly confide in him!” Philip mused for a moment before smiling. “It so happens that I, too, have pressing matters to attend to during this period. I shall grant you a temporary leave of absence. You may rest for a while, and, as an incidental benefit, you can seek Lord Roland’s esteemed opinion.”

Du Chen inquired, “When, then, shall I resume my duties?”

“After the third of March! Before that date, I must enter a period of secluded research to conduct an exceedingly vital experiment.” Philip’s response struck Du Chen with profound surprise.

The Third of March... Could it be that he intended to dissect Helen’s father on that very day!? The stakes had just escalated dramatically!

After seeing Du Chen off, Philip settled back into his office chair. Suddenly, a figure seemed to materialize from the wall behind him, dark and indistinct, as if fused directly into the stone. Its hands were empty, and its ten long, slender, almost inhuman fingers appeared ill-suited for gripping a weapon. The figure snickered eerily, “How utterly fascinating. Roland has intervened, yet you still harbor the audacity to dissect Francis and extract the ‘Spirit Seed’ inherited by him from Phil?”

Philip did not turn. Instead, he slammed his fist onto the desk with a resounding thud. “My affairs are none of your damned concern!”

After a brief consideration, he deemed his words too harsh. Tightening the fist still clenched upon the desk, he amended, “Damn that Roland, why did he have to interfere!? Forget it, I shall temporarily postpone the plans for Francis. We will reconsider in a few days!”

The dark figure scoffed, “Wait? How long do you intend to wait? With Roland watching, you wouldn’t dare dissect Francis!”

“Hmph!” Philip sneered chillingly. “Indeed, at this very moment, I do not dare. But after a certain period... who can say what might be possible!”

“After a while? Cackle, cackle! Philip, do not claim I failed to warn you. Francis possesses golden-blond hair, having inherited the Spirit Seed you placed within Phil. However, he is also highly likely to have inherited Flaying’s protection! When you attempt to dissect him, you will not only face Roland but potentially Flaying as well!”

“Enough! Cease your infernal cackling! I loathe your accursed laughter!” Philip inhaled deeply several times, then spoke with forced calm. “Flaying, Roland... no one shall impede my grand experiment! Let Francis enjoy his fleeting period of happiness. As long as I safely navigate the Third of March, the day of Battle Qi Convergence, even if they both descend upon me to cause trouble, I shall still dare to dissect Francis!”

“Oh? And what grants you such supreme confidence?” As the words left its mouth, the dark figure suddenly paused, as if a profound realization had struck it. “The Third of March, Battle Qi Convergence, Mount Tianshan... I comprehend now! You truly are a madman!”

“Is it so mad? My dear Yessar Saint...”