The girl selling goods at the market had never seen money before.

Bai Jinxuan took his hand.

ten minutes later.

In the expedition plaza, a butler in a suit wearing sunglasses strode up to Bai Jinxuan and handed her a long red sword sealed in a transparent box with both hands.

The knife has no details in red lettering, so it's clearly not an item from the dungeon, but rather something manufactured by the surface company.

"I didn't know your family made weapons, Tong Yishan."

"This is normal at No. 1 High School. In that class before, do you know how many students' families make weapons? It'll scare you to death if I told you... I'm just an ordinary one."

"That's true, but the craftsmanship of this knife... it probably wasn't mass-produced, was it?"

As Bai Jinxuan spoke, she took out a knife and examined it carefully.

Seeing this, Tong Yishan nodded: "That was made by my father. He was an 8th-level martial artist. After retiring, he liked to stay in the workshop and make weapons. This knife was a birthday gift from him. It's a pity that I studied literature and don't need it."

"Does it have a name?"

Bai Jinxuan drew her sword from its sheath, extended her index and middle fingers, and slowly ran them across the back of the blade to wipe away the unseen dust.

"No, I haven't even opened it. Now it's yours, and you can name it."

Tong Yishan's tone didn't convey much regret; to her, the knife was just an ornament with no real value.

Sensing her thoughts, Bai Jinxuan sighed in admiration.

Oh, that treasured sword, now gathering dust... how pitiful...

Join the Shadows and serve me.

She twirled the knife a few times before suddenly sheathing it.

"Let's call her Red Night."

"What a nice name... I didn't know you were so cultured, Bai Jinxuan."

"Why are you still here? Weren't you supposed to be going to the dungeon to earn credits?"

Bai Jinxuan's disdainful tone made Tong Yishan somewhat dissatisfied. She puffed out her cheeks and stomped her foot.

"Isn't it because my teammates are complete idiots who don't understand anything? Do they need me to guide them?"

"Thank you, no need, you can leave now."

After attaching the Red Night sword to her waist, Bai Jinxuan adopted a ruthless approach, her attitude instantly becoming much colder.

But Tong Yishan knew that this was a sign that they were getting closer.

Although the other party still erected many high walls around him, he had already been accepted as a teammate on the expedition.

Teaming up with the top science student is incredibly rewarding.

Thinking of this, she chuckled: "Oh, don't say that. Aren't you going to take the exploration certificate exam? I'll go with you. Don't let my liberal arts background fool you, I actually know a lot about the things to pay attention to when applying for a Level 2 exploration certificate!"

"Who told you I took the Level 2 exam?"

"Um... Level 1 is fine too, let's take it easy."

"It's level 3."

"what?"

Tong Yishan's eyes widened, and she lost her composure again, unable to calm down for a long time.

Volume 1: Chapter 113: The Girl with a Scythe

Tong Yishan, ranked tenth on the Star City Liberal Arts Joint Examination List, has been studying diligently every day since the start of the semester.

For a child from a prestigious family like her, academic performance represents not only her own future, but also the future of her entire family, company, and assets.

Therefore, she must not slack off. If she fails to obtain excellent resources at No. 1 Middle School, she and her family will soon fall into mediocrity, be replaced, fail to earn money, and eventually be unable to stay in the Upper City and have to eke out a living in the Lower City.

If that were all, it wouldn't be so bad; at least you could still make a living. But the problem is that this is a family that once had a company in the Upper City and competed with others. After losing power, their old enemies will often make things difficult for you.

At best, it can lead to the destruction of a family and death; at worst, it can result in the extermination of the entire clan.

When Tong Yishan was a child, she saw a real-life example. It was her father's friend who was in the materials business. Due to poor management, the business eventually went bankrupt, and he ended up in the lower city and died in an unknown wilderness.

No one dared to help him. This wasn't just about adding a couple of bites to his food; it was about stance, taking sides, and making a statement.

Whoever helps will die.

At the time, Tong Yishan's father was very hesitant.

That friend and her father were sworn brothers; they were on the same expedition team and were as close as brothers. But he also had a deep bond with his gentle wife and lovely daughter.

You can only choose between your brothers and your family, and even if you choose your brothers, the most likely outcome is that you'll both end up together.

While her father hesitated, that uncle helped him make the choice.

Since then, Tong Yishan's father often locked himself in the workshop, and the young Tong Yishan gradually took control of the company under his guidance.

She understands the importance of connections, making many friends and few enemies. When in danger, as long as she has many friends who are on the same side and share common interests, she is unlikely to get hurt.

That's why she approached Bai Jinxuan, because this genius girl was someone she could definitely work with.

At least during those three years of high school, that's true; there's no harm in making friends.

But she really didn't expect Bai Jinxuan to be so powerful; now she had found a powerful backer.

It's important to know that the human body only enters its 'development period' at the age of 16, at which point it can formally absorb magical energy and become a magician or a martial artist.

The unified enrollment started in July, and it's only been a little over half a semester. Those sons and daughters of powerful families are already overflowing with resources. In such fierce competition, it's already quite amazing that a commoner from the lower city can make it onto the list and have such a fleeting moment of glory.

And you're telling me this isn't your limit?

When was the last joint exam? It hasn't even been a week, right? A huge number of students are still in Tier 1. Those who can enter Tier 2 are pure elites. What level of strength did you have when you dominated the rankings?

The school may have specifically notified the students who achieved a mid-to-high level in the second tier.

Then, a week later, you say you've reached level 3?

Tong Yishan felt like cursing. Her family had invested a lot of resources in her, and while she might not have contributed the most, at least in the first year of high school in Star City, you could count on your fingers how much more she had contributed.

Finally, she's now at the upper-middle level 2.

Damn, this is incredible! Can the difference between people really be this huge?

You're only a freshman in high school! The semester isn't even over yet! By the time you're a senior, won't you be at level 9? We might as well let you abdicate and become the Lord of Star City!

Which university would dare to hire you?

Seeing Tong Yishan's hesitant expression, Bai Jinxuan tilted her head.

"What are you trying to say? Haven't you passed the Level 3 Exploration Certificate exam?"

I've never taken the test before; I plan to try again closer to the joint entrance exam...

Tong Yishan gritted her teeth and swallowed her words, then said in a serious tone, "If you have your exam today, it should be about time. I'll go with you."

"Wait, sister, are you also going to take the Level 3 Adventurer Certificate exam?"

"No, I haven't filled out the form yet..."

"Then why are you coming with me to the union? To cheer them on?"

Bai Jinxuan was completely confused. Did this guy have nothing better to do? Why was he following her around all the time?

Liberal arts students should be very busy, right? To avoid disturbing Yao Yao's studies, I haven't been messaging her much...

I know, she must not be a good student.

drop.

If Tong Yishan heard this, she would definitely be furious. Unfortunately, Bai Jinxuan wouldn't dare to voice such a guess, even if it were true, it would be a bit too much.

Sensing the disdain in his words, Tong Yishan wasn't upset at all; instead, she shamelessly followed him.

"Look at how you passed the exam! We're teammates now, and the dungeon is so dangerous. I don't know your combat style, so how are we going to coordinate?"

"alright."

Bai Jinxuan thought this made sense, so she didn't say anything more and led the gray-haired loli into the guild branch.

As soon as the staff saw her, they immediately smiled and said, "Ms. Bai Jinxuan, you're here very early. The examiners have just arrived."

"Can we begin the assessment now?"

"Um...you can rest for a while. The assessment will be recorded, and the results of each assessment will be recorded. This is one of the evaluation criteria for subsequent assessments, so Miss Bai Jinxuan, you'd better prepare more. The assessment can be conducted throughout the morning, so there's no rush."

The receptionist kindly offered Bai Jinxuan advice, which Bai Jinxuan appreciated, but her answer remained unchanged.

"I understand. Can we begin the assessment now?"

The other party was taken aback, clearly not expecting Bai Jinxuan to insist on conducting the assessment.

At this moment, Tong Yishan, who was already somewhat used to it, lifted the bear plush toy in her arms and waved the little bear's arms up and down: "She is very confident, so let her be tested."

"I understand. Please wait a moment while I inform the examiner."

No sooner had the words been spoken than a loud voice came from the stairwell.

"no need!"

Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a burly, fierce-looking red-haired man.

Wait, isn't this the 5th-tier martial artist, Flame Fist, who was chasing the Undying Guild back then?

At that time, if Yan Quan hadn't followed the wooden sign he left behind to the depths of the dense forest and broken through the skeleton defense line, Ding Hong wouldn't have had to abandon his troops and flee.

It can be said that Yan Quan deserves a lot of credit for his ability to hunt down Ding Hong, engage in a jungle 1v1 with him, and ultimately win to obtain intelligence, equipment, and money.

Flame Fist, this time you'll let me pass smoothly too, right?

"So you're the rising star that's been making headlines lately at No. 1 High School? Putting aside the girls, with your skinny arms and legs, you think you can challenge for a Level 3 adventure certificate? Aren't you being a little too confident?"

These words perfectly matched Bai Jinxuan's stereotype of Yan Quan: a fist flaming with fire meant to charge, and the moment he opened his mouth, the flavor was there.

Even though she knew that Yan Quan was actually trying to make her back down to avoid getting hurt, Bai Jinxuan was still a little annoyed.

So what if you have skinny arms and legs? I can't chop you up, can I?

"Can we begin the assessment?"

"Hmph, young man, don't be so arrogant! Come with me!"

Yan Quan walked down the stairs and placed his exploration certificate on a large door behind him. With a "click," the iron door was activated and slowly opened, revealing an unusually spacious area.

Upon entering, Bai Jinxuan discovered that it was a circular arena filled with seats, but they were all empty at the moment.

"Your assessment task is simple: kill an Evil Sky Tree without using magic, using the weapons we have prepared for you."

As he said this, Yan Quan deliberately emphasized his tone: "Do you know what the Evil Heaven Tree is? It's a monster that even a third-tier martial artist would find troublesome. It has super strong physical resistance and countless tentacles that can hinder your movements."

"You can't wear any equipment, you can only use martial arts and weapons that can just damage it. How about that, scared now?"

Despite Yan Quan's best efforts to make the assessment sound difficult, Bai Jinxuan still wanted to say—that's it?

She was stunned. She could fight Xie Tianshu with her bare hands, so why would she need a weapon?

"Is the Level 3 Exploration Certificate exam really that difficult?"

Tong Yishan, who was following behind, couldn't help but sigh.

This made it even harder for Bai Jinxuan to stay calm.

No, what's so difficult about it? Isn't the Evil Heavenly Tree a monster on the second level of the dungeon?

Haven't you ever killed anyone?

Soon, Bai Jinxuan learned that Tong Yishan had indeed never killed Xie Tianshu.

Flame Fist: "Of course, Tier 3 is a watershed moment. Just because a little girl can deal with a Greedy Venus Flytrap doesn't mean she can be a fish in water on the second floor of the dungeon. To become a Tier 3 warrior, you must defeat the Evil Heaven Tree with force!"

Tong Yishan: "The Evil Sky Tree, that's a rare monster from the dungeon... Bai Jinxuan has absolutely no experience, how could she possibly win? I've never even seen an Evil Sky Tree before..."

Yan Quan: "Then that's none of my business. I didn't set these questions; I was just a witness."

Tong Yishan: "Bai Jinxuan, let's try again next time. The Level 3 assessment is still too difficult..."

Bai Jinxuan: "???"

I can't believe it, is the living environment on the surface really this comfortable?