This feeling came as quickly as it went. Qian Jin clenched his fist with regret. In the past, entering the [Endless World] every day allowed his Dou Jin to level up. Now, after entering for ten consecutive days, his Dou Jin had increased significantly, yet he still couldn't reach Level Ten Dou Jin to transform it into Dou Qi. Did he really have to wait for the help of the Dou Ling Grand Array?

"Take it slow, no need to rush, you are still young." Fabredis approached and patted Qian Jin's shoulder, "Relying on external forces for a breakthrough, you should know what that signifies, right?"

Qian Jin nodded. Many books in the Qian family library contained records about the transition of a Rank Nine Warrior to Rank Ten. There were two methods described here. One was to rely on one's own ability, continuously compressing the Dou Jin until it finally transformed into Dou Qi! This would cause a qualitative change, allowing one foot to step across the threshold into the ranks of Demon-Slaying Warriors!

The other method was used when countless compressions of Rank Nine Dou Jin failed to transform into Dou Qi; one could utilize the Dou Ling Grand Array to assist, achieving the transformation to Dou Qi under immense, rapid compression.

However, a Rank Ten Warrior achieved through the Dou Ling Grand Array would face significant hindrance to future Dou Qi advancement.

‘Borrowing external strength is ultimately not the proper path for a Warrior.’ — Treatise on Warrior Progression, Author: Phoenix.

This book, which had gone through countless reprints among both demons and the unlettered barbarians, attested to its profound value. Qian Jin would never forget this maxim from the foundational text revered by the strongest Warriors across generations.

"I know, I'm not anxious," Qian Jin stroked his Zhanmadao, looked up at Fabredis, who was slightly taller, and smiled, "Every student in this world knows cheating is bad. It might only grant a seemingly good score temporarily, failing to truly learn what is necessary, yet countless people still choose to cheat. Because it appears to be a shortcut—that's the ** of the supposed shortcut. Rest assured, I will not be tempted!"

Fabredis suddenly realized that despite repeatedly reassessing Qian Jin's potential, he had still underestimated him slightly. While the progress of a Warrior's Dou Jin could shock many geniuses, what truly stunned people about Qian Jin was his mentality! This young man possessed a stability of mind far exceeding his peers!

A careful knocking at the door interrupted their conversation. Franlin started to move toward it, but Qian Jin was already running toward the courtyard gate first. Being the youngest here, opening the door was naturally his duty.

"Teacher Rodrigues?" Qian Jin looked with surprise at the teacher standing outside, usually hot-tempered, who was now peering cautiously into the courtyard, "Why are you here?"

Rodrigues' eyes passed over Qian Jin to rest on Fabredis, and he nodded slightly, "Greetings."

Fabredis raised a hand lightly, signaling Rodrigues to speak freely.

"Qian Jin, return to school with me and get ready," Rodrigues placed his hands on his hips, "That Keller has been quite annoyed these past few days seeing you skip so much class, so he demanded the trial be moved up. Pack tonight, we start immediately."

"Immediately?" Qian Jin glanced at the moon overhead. His plan for tonight was to eliminate Lucas, preventing any further dangerous assassination attempts. A trial now?

"Teacher, can it be a little later?"

"Later?" Rodrigues shook his head, "If it's any later, your Dou Ling Grand Array might have to stand guard on the outermost perimeter!"

"The outermost perimeter..." Qian Jin turned to look at Franlin behind him. Since things had already taken this turn today, he felt he must kill Lucas first; otherwise, who knew if Lucas might not target Franlin if he couldn't find him?

"Qian Jin, you go ahead first," Fabredis pulled a badge from his sleeve and handed it to Franlin, "Until you return, his shop is protected by this badge."

A special badge of the City Guardians! Attacking someone bearing the badge of a City Guardian was equivalent to issuing a formal duel challenge to a City Guardian, a challenge that even the law could not interfere with.

Qian Jin gave a grateful smile. With Fabredis's City Guardian badge protecting Franlin, Lucas, unless he truly didn't want to live anymore, would absolutely not dare attack Franlin.

"Fine..." Qian Jin muttered to himself, shaking his head, "You get a few more days to live. I'll take care of this hidden danger when I get back."

"Who gets to live a few more days? What are you talking about?" Rodrigues grabbed Qian Jin, quickening his pace toward the school, "By the way, isn't that weapon of yours a bit too big? How about I lend you my sidearm for the trial?"

"It’s nothing... Doesn't Teacher think this weapon is incredibly cool?" Qian Jin quickened his pace past Rodrigues, cautiously surveying both sides of the road.

Since the last assassination attempt and the incident involving the City Patrol, Qian Jin had become wary of the City Patrol. Last time, they accepted payment to help pursue a fugitive; who knew if Lucas paid enough now, a faction of the City Patrol might just moonlight as assassins?

Perhaps the City Patrol, remembering Fabredis's display last time, preferred not to wade into this murky water, or perhaps Lucas simply hadn't secured enough assassins due to the tight timeframe.

Qian Jin and Rodrigues safely returned to the campus. A student on the field saw Rodrigues return and quickly ran up, bowing, "Teacher, Director Keller of the Academic Affairs Office asked me to inform you that the trial time has been moved to tomorrow morning."

"Damn it!" Rodrigues couldn't help but curse, "That bastard is deliberately trying to mess with Qian Jin."

Qian Jin shrugged nonchalantly. Some night, he'd sneak out in disguise and pay Keller a visit to beat him up as payback.

"Alright, Qian Jin, go back and rest now," Rodrigues waved his hand, "And prepare well. We might have an early start tomorrow."

Qian Jin gazed at the sky. Lucas likely hadn't managed to recruit assassins tonight, and his defenses might still be tight. It seemed he wouldn't have the chance to kill Lucas today.

"Then I'll go to bed, Teacher," Qian Jin bid farewell and quickly headed toward the dormitory, secretly calculating in his mind how many more days it would take for the Zhanmadao in the Endless World to be truly completed.

Pushing open the door, the fat guy, Rollin, wasn't lying in bed snoring loudly as usual.

Qian Jin stared, astonished, at the second person in the room! Besides the fat Rollin, there was a woman in the room! No, perhaps 'girl' or more aptly 'young lady' was a better description!

The girl was strikingly beautiful. She had long, straight, soft chestnut hair, wore a white cotton dress, and a pair of lace-trimmed white socks favored by girls. A colored, butterfly-shaped wooden hair clip adorned her hair. Moonlight spilled onto her hair and skin, lending an indescribable, elegant aura.