After that night, everything proceeded as it had in his past life. Nie Li grew closer to both Xiao Ning'er and Ye Ziyun. With the knowledge from his previous life, the two girls had already started developing feelings for him. He also shared powerful cultivation techniques with all his friends.
His visit to the Alchemist Guild brought him closer to Director Yang Xin. He provided her with a technique perfectly suited to her physique—the Life Goddess Technique. It was undoubtedly a powerful method, capable of helping her reach the pinnacle of cultivation. True, she was a bit older, but she was already in a far better position than Nie Li had been in his previous life, where he had struggled for decades to reach the Black Gold level. Thanks to his guidance, Yang Xin had already reached the peak of the Black Gold rank.
Nie Li was aware that the Temporal Demon Spirit Book had merged with his soul, and he could retrieve it once he reached the Heavenly Fate Realm. Thus, he no longer worried about that matter and focused entirely on his training. Alongside the elixirs developed with the Alchemist Guild, he had already reached the 1-star Gold rank. Additionally, he had retrieved the Shadow Demon Spirit. While it wasn't particularly strong, it was essential for him to achieve his goals in Glory City before leaving for the major realms.
By now, all of his friends had advanced to the Silver rank, with Du Ze, Ning'er, and Ziyun reaching the 3-star Silver rank. They were already far stronger than they had been in his past life.
Finally, the day of the examination arrived. Nie Li gathered his friends in the plaza and instructed them to display the power of a 5-star Bronze rank, a tactic to deceive their enemies into underestimating them. He knew that, if their true strength were concealed, their enemies would likely only send one Gold rank or a couple of 2-star ranks against them. In Glory City, Nie Li and his friends were practically invincible at their level—Nie Li could even hold his own against Black Gold powerhouses. Still, he knew he couldn't afford to underestimate the Dark Guild. He needed to play these small tricks, otherwise, he could easily wipe out both the Dark Guild and the Sacred Family in one fell swoop. However, little did he know that things wouldn't go as smoothly as he hoped.
As planned, Nie Li and his friends revealed only the strength of 5-star Bronze ranks. They were immediately placed in the genius class. Nie Li did this deliberately, seeking to gain more respect from his family, as this would allow him to lead them to greater heights in the future. He had big plans, and both the Heavenly Marks Family and the major families of Glory City played critical roles in them.
Turning to Teacher Shen Xiu, Nie Li said, "Teacher Shen Xiu, it's time to settle our debts. As agreed, you should resign. I'm certain this would better serve Glory City. A narrow-sighted teacher like you would only lead us down a path of ruin."
Nie Li continued, addressing the gathered crowd: "Today, I, Nie Li, have proven to you, and to everyone who mocks the weak and worships the strong, that martial arts are not solely for those with better soul realms. Martial arts exist for those whose hearts beat for the martial way. Just as I have shown you today, one day, I will stand at the top of this world, mocking even the heavens, while you—Teacher Shen Xiu—will remain in mediocrity, unable to influence the great tides of the world."
Nie Li's speech was designed to inspire and encourage the younger generation. He had proven that talent was only one small aspect of cultivation, and that hard work was far more important.
Shen Xiu gritted her teeth in fury. Who does this arrogant brat think he is, mocking me? she thought. I am the sister of the leader of the Sacred Family! I will have my revenge. She resigned as they had agreed, though anger and resentment burned in her heart.
Meanwhile, Shen Fei, the infamous playboy, approached Ning'er and attempted to flirt with her. It was common knowledge that Shen Fei had destroyed the lives of many young girls, some of whom had disappeared mysteriously. He was the lowest form of scum. Of course, Nie Li intervened to protect her, and they agreed to settle their differences in a martial gathering hosted by the Sacred Family.
Ye Ziyun also stood by them, and the bonds between her and Ning'er had grown stronger. Since Nie Li spent much time with both of them, the two girls had reconciled and were once again as close as sisters. They admired Nie Li and shared feelings for him, yet, despite their renewed friendship, neither was willing to give up on him. Little did they know that Nie Li not only desired both of them but also had his sights set on more.