To defeat a Bloodline Warrior was already a near-impossible task; to defeat the nascent awakened Bloodline Warrior of the Elf King—one of the three mightiest bloodlines dominating humanity—Teacher Rodriguez truly dared to dream.

Qian Jin sighed softly. Those who had never witnessed a Bloodline Warrior firsthand could never truly grasp their terrifying power! Once you had seen their might, anyone who still harbored the thought of defeating one—was that naivety or sheer delusion?

Even a novice awakening, even just the Elf King Bloodline Warrior at the initial awakening stage… Qian Jin shook his head slightly. The world was just this unfair; some people, merely because their inherent bloodline power awakened, instantly possessed impossibly bright futures. They didn't need to be geniuses; the mere awakening of their bloodline made them more fearsome than the greatest geniuses this world held.

Qian Jin secretly glanced at his own hands and body, letting out a soft breath. He shared the surname Qian, so why had he failed that crucial test for Bloodline Warrior awakening? It had forced him here, seeking the warrior manuals hidden within the treasure map. Even if he couldn't become an invincible Bloodline Warrior, at least he could gain formidable strength, ensuring he wouldn't be looked down upon. If he was lucky, even if he couldn't conquer the three major bloodlines at their initial awakening, perhaps there was still a chance to defeat a Bloodline Warrior like the nascent Wolf King?

"Qian Jin, Qian Jin…" Rodriguez waved his hand repeatedly in front of Qian Jin’s face. "What are you thinking about? How about it? I truly believe you will become a great warrior someday!"

Qian Jin smiled faintly and looked back at Rodriguez. If he hadn't wanted to prove to those condescending people back home that he could be a great warrior even without awakening his bloodline, he wouldn't be in this obscure city of Oakland; he would be in some bustling metropolis, working as a merchant.

"That sounds good," Qian Jin said, regarding Rodriguez with genuine interest. "Teacher, what methods do you have in mind? How should I cooperate?"

"First, you must participate in the Trial." Rodriguez’s serious expression suddenly became slightly vacant. "Then… then…"

Qian Jin watched Rodriguez pause mid-sentence for a long time, then laughed. "It's alright, Teacher, I understand. Thank you very much. I will participate in the trial; just notify me when the time is set."

A joyful smile broke across Rodriguez’s slightly bewildered face. "Good, that's the spirit."

Qian Jin was eager to buy new bedsheets and find another job so he could return to his room sooner and study that strange hat. "Teacher, I'll take my leave now. Please carry on with your work."

Leaving the teacher's dormitory, Qian Jin noticed someone standing not far away and began to suspect that perhaps today was not a good day to go out. Normally, apart from classes, training, working part-time, and sleeping, his life was routine. Why were there so many unexpected things happening today?

It was Caisus, the warrior student who had once led a few cronies to beat up Roline and threaten him to stop pursuing the campus beauty, and who had later been beaten into a pulp by Qian Jin during a sparring session. After a period of recovery, he had reappeared on campus.

Caisus was tall and slender; aside from a slightly aquiline nose, he was generally quite handsome and striking. Trailing behind him were four students of varying heights. Upon spotting Qian Jin, they instantly radiated provocation.

In the narrow passage, Caisus and his four followers lined up abreast, completely blocking the path, their gazes filled only with challenge.

Qian Jin raised an eyebrow at Caisus, who was slightly taller than him and clad in a satin warrior uniform. He gently rolled his shoulders, twisted his neck, and smiled as he spoke, "Blocking my path? Feeling itchy? Want another beating?"

The knuckles of his fists cracked audibly, complementing the hint of impatient amusement on Qian Jin’s face. This caused Caisus and his three followers to simultaneously shudder, recalling the only time Qian Jin had unleashed his full strength in the academy—describing it as being like a maddened tiger would not be an exaggeration.

"Qian Jin… you… don't get cocky." Caisus visibly retreated a step, his nervousness causing his words to stutter. "I, I’m not afraid of you. I’m here today to tell you: after dinner this evening, you… you come to the small woods behind the academy, and we’ll settle things between us properly."

The small woods behind the Oakland Academy of Magic and Warriors was notoriously known, almost acknowledged even by the teachers, as the designated spot for students to resolve disputes privately.

Qian Jin frowned, then smiled. These students, who didn't have to worry about making a living and always had enough to eat, were clearly bored—the academy should give them extra classes!

"What? Chicken?" Caisus’s jaw twitched a few times. "Scared?"

Qian Jin let out a helpless laugh. With someone like Caisus, he could easily let him off easy and enjoy it. He truly wondered where the nerve came from to jump in front of him like this. Wouldn't it be better to spend that time working part-time to earn more, or returning to his room to study that hat? Why bother with the small woods?

"Move aside," Qian Jin said, raising his hand and giving Caisus a gentle push. The force, capable of toppling the mighty Rudy the Bull, instantly unbalanced Caisus, resulting in his backside making very intimate contact with the ground, kicking up a small cloud of dust.

Caisus watched Qian Jin’s retreating back and shouted with frustration, "Qian Jin! Small woods after dinner. Otherwise, you will regret it."

Qian Jin shook his head helplessly, waving his hand dismissively. "If you're itchy, go get your mother to hit you. I'm not free to discipline you on your mother's behalf every time, and you don't pay me."

"You…" Caisus fiercely slammed his fist into the ground. "You will regret it! You will definitely regret not showing up at the small woods!"

"Boss, so what should we do…"

"What’s the rush?" Caisus stood up, brushing the dust off his backside, his expression remarkably confident. "I definitely have a way to make him go to the small woods! This time, I found backup. He won't leave until we've beaten him so badly he’s confined to his bed!"

"Boss… he seems really strong…"

"Scared of what? What's so strong about him?" Caisus spat resentfully onto the ground. "He’s just the tenth strongest fighter in the first year of the warrior division. The person I found this time is also in the top ten! Qian Jin is at the very bottom of the top ten; what do we have to fear?"

"The boss is wise."

"The boss is right."

Caisus’s three followers nodded repeatedly. In every grade level at the Oakland Academy of Magic and Warriors, they selected the ten most capable fighters. Although all were in the top ten, there were often vast differences in combat ability between them. For example, sometimes the eighth and ninth ranks were adjacent, but the eighth could instantly defeat the ninth—such things were not uncommon.

Although Qian Jin had made it into the top ten strongest from last year, he was ranked at the very bottom; it could even be argued he was barely qualified to fill a spot. If they found a warrior ranked higher, defeating him would certainly be easy and straightforward.