Fantasy: I Become God by playing a game [Dungeons + LitRPG +Xinxia]

Chapter 44

Su Chen pondered the method to activate the new dungeon, recalling how he stumbled upon the "Dungeon of Ancient Cultivator's Tomb."

If his memory served him right, it had been triggered during his visit to the school's practice room.

Was there something special about that location?

Indeed, there was.

The site of Jiangnan City No. 1 High School had not been chosen arbitrarily; it was carefully selected for two critical reasons: its strong spiritual energy and auspicious feng shui.

The first reason was straightforward. The concentration of spiritual energy in the area significantly influenced the cultivation progress of both students and teachers.

This was why the four major Taoist academies in Kyushu were so renowned. They were located in the most spiritually enriched regions, making them unparalleled cultivation grounds. Practicing in one of these blessed places for a single year was equivalent to two or three years elsewhere.

The second reason, feng shui, though less tangible, was equally crucial. Most cultivators, even those skeptical of destiny, had a certain reverence for it.

Thus, the four Taoist academies weren't just rich in spiritual energy; they were also established on land imbued with historical significance—birthplaces of ancient sects or dynasties with optimal feng shui.

Although Jiangnan City No. 1 High School wasn't as exalted as the four academies, its location boasted the best feng shui in the region. The practice room, in particular, was situated in the most favorable spot within the school grounds.

This led Su Chen to a theory.

"Perhaps the key to activating dungeons lies in whether a place has accumulated traces of powerful entities or significant events over time," he speculated.

"Dungeons might only activate in areas with such historical or mystical imprints."

After careful analysis, Su Chen believed he had uncovered a potential method to activate dungeons. However, it remained a hypothesis.

To test this theory, he devised a plan.

"If my assumption is correct, then No. 2 and No. 3 High Schools, which are equally reputable, should also have areas capable of activating dungeons."

"The simplest way to verify this is to visit those schools and see if a new dungeon appears. If it does, I'll have confirmed my theory—and perhaps, the moment of awakening my innate magical powers will be near."

----

October 8th, a small shop near Jiangnan City No. 3 High School.

"Shouyi, we're already in our third year of high school. Shouldn't you, the top student of No. 1 High School, be focused on the college entrance exams? How do you still have time to hang out with me?"

Zhao Lu handed a soda with a straw to Bian Shouyi as he spoke.

Taking the bottle, Bian Shouyi frowned at the bruise on Zhao Lu's face.

"What happened to you?"

Zhao Lu waved dismissively. "Oh, this? Nothing. Just tripped on my way to class."

Quickly changing the subject, Zhao Lu smirked. "Forget about me. Let's talk about you, Shouyi. Word on the street—courtesy of Guan Shanshan—is that you lost to a student from the Human Dao Class during the mock exam. Is No. 1 High School producing such monsters now?"

Bian Shouyi's expression didn't change. "Yes, I lost. And I lost badly."

Zhao Lu gaped. "What? You? The sword fanatic who challenges seniors on a whim? You're just admitting defeat? Who are you, and what have you done with my friend?"

Bian Shouyi took a sip of his soda, his tone steady. "Losing isn't shameful. What matters is that I won't lose forever."

Zhao Lu fell silent. As someone who had always chased after Bian Shouyi's shadow, he couldn't bear to see his friend lose. Yet, knowing Shouyi's unwavering determination, he chose not to press further.

Instead, he sighed. "Your No. 1 High School is really something. Even the Human Dao Class has hidden geniuses. If I'd known, I would've gone there with you instead of settling for No. 3 High School."

Bian Shouyi shook his head. "Su Chen is different. If he hadn't been obsessed with gaming, he'd be in the Heaven Dao Class. He's not an ordinary student from the Human Dao Class."

Zhao Lu chuckled bitterly. "Well, it's not like I'd stand a chance even in the Human Dao Class. My background, talent, and comprehension are all below average. Honestly, I'm not even sure I can reach the Foundation Stage, let alone get into a Taoist academy."

Despite his words, a flicker of envy crossed Zhao Lu's face. He clenched his soda bottle tightly, his thoughts distant.

As the two chatted, their conversation shifted to lighter topics, but Zhao Lu's heart remained heavy. After parting ways, he watched Bian Shouyi leave and whispered to himself:

"Shouyi, you were always destined to shine on stage. But what about me?"

His fists clenched in his pockets as he stared at the bustling streets.

"I'm tired of being an audience member. I want to stand in the spotlight, too."

His gaze turned sharp, and his lips curled into a determined smile.

"Su Chen… you're from the Human Dao Class, just like me. If I can surpass you, does that mean I can one day stand above Shouyi too?"

The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

"Yes… this could be my chance."

With newfound resolve, Zhao Lu disappeared into the depths of No. 3 High School.

---

"Classmate, classmate, what's wrong with you? I asked why you came to our school, but you didn't respond!"

The security guard of No. 3 High School frowned, his voice laced with dissatisfaction as he studied the handsome young man in the No. 1 High School uniform standing before him.

Hearing the question, Su Chen snapped out of his daze and apologized quickly. "I'm sorry, I was distracted. I thought I just saw an old classmate from junior high, so I got lost in thought."

The security guard's expression softened slightly, but he remained cautious. "Even so, you can't just ignore me. You're not a student here, so I can't let you in without permission."

"Understood. How about this? Let me call my homeroom teacher from No. 1 High School so they can speak with you."

Seeing Su Chen's polite demeanor, the guard relented. "Fine. If your teachers can sort this out, I'll let you in."

"Thank you. Please give me a moment."

Su Chen stepped aside and dialed Chen Fugui's number. While waiting for the call to connect, his gaze returned to the figure he'd seen earlier in the teaching building: Zhao Lu.

That brief encounter had left him unsettled. There was something deeply strange about Zhao Lu's aura, something Su Chen couldn't quite put his finger on.

Two heartbeats.

Why had he heard two heartbeats within one person?

And when he'd used his Green Lotus Pupils, Zhao Lu's spiritual energy seemed unnaturally divided. It was as if part of it didn't belong to him at all.

Weird... truly weird.

Before Su Chen could delve deeper into his thoughts, the phone connected, and Chen Fugui's voice boomed through the speaker.

"Su Chen! Don't tell me you're calling to ask for more time off! You've already taken over a week of leave! There's no way I'm approving more."

"Don't even think about using that as an excuse to play your ridiculous games. Do you hear me? The college entrance exam is around the corner! Even if you have incredible comprehension, you can't just skip class to play! You better be training hard!"

Su Chen winced and instinctively held the phone away from his ear until the tirade subsided. Once it was safe, he spoke up, his tone helpless. "Lao Chen, I'm not calling to ask for leave, I promise. I just need your help. I'm at No. 3 High School and need permission to enter to meet some old classmates."

"Old classmates?" Chen Fugui sounded momentarily puzzled, then relented. "Fine, fine. I'll speak to their teacher and let them know. But once you're done, you better come back and train hard. Got it? And remember, I've got new training resources for you. Come find me as soon as you're back."

"Understood, Lao Chen. Thank you."

After hanging up, Su Chen sighed deeply.

Playing the role of an internet-addicted teen had worked well to mask his true intentions, but it came with a cost—his teacher's ongoing misunderstanding. No matter how well he performed in school, Chen Fugui remained convinced that Su Chen's sole ambition was to sneak away and play games.

Ironically, Su Chen thought, 'If I could actually stay home and immerse myself in my cultivation game, wouldn't that be perfect?'

The guard interrupted his thoughts, nodding as he waved Su Chen through the gate. "Alright, classmate. Your teacher called. You're good to go."

"Thank you, uncle! I really appreciate your help."

With a polite bow, Su Chen entered the campus and took in the unfamiliar surroundings of No. 3 High School.

As he made his way toward the training room, his heart burned with determination.

If his hypothesis about activating dungeons was correct, this trip would not be in vain.

And if he was wrong?

Well, he thought, at least he'd scouted out the campus.

With that thought, Su Chen strode deeper into the school grounds, his goal clear: the training room of No. 3 High School.

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(End of Chapter)