Chapter 18: Martial Valor

Unlike when he first arrived in the capital and brazenly pushed his way to the front, this time Wang Yu did not openly cut in line.

The Great Cang Academy prided itself on equality among its students. Regardless of the outside world’s distinctions, within the academy, all were simply classmates—no rank, no noble or lowly status, no identity differences—just ordinary students of the academy.

This rule was not merely the academy’s own decree; it was backed by the royal family. Even princes attending the academy were subject to the same standards.

Though human nature could hardly be so idealistic, the academy maintained this appearance fairly well.

Therefore, although there were special recruits like him, as long as they were inside the academy, they were no different from ordinary students, at least on the surface.

Because of this, Wang Yu simply could not cut ahead in line this time!

Wang Yu was not here to register for any test; he was here to complete a system task.

“Ding! Task Two: Successfully arrive at Great Cang Academy!

Reward: One random skill.

Penalty for failure: None.”

This was the task. Though Wang Yu had only witnessed basic realm skills like Soldier, General, and Martial King, and had seen just one other skill on that peerless general who had attacked him, even these few skills made Wang Yu keenly aware of their importance.

Basic attributes were important, but if your skills were inferior, you could easily be turned around in battle.

Still, this line was far too long. According to the system prompt, Wang Yu only needed to reach the large open ground in front of the academy’s gate to complete the task.

Then, just staying there for the duration of a tea break would be enough to claim the reward.

“Fine, I’ll just queue up!” Wang Yu looked at the long line and smiled wryly. For the sake of this skill reward, he was willing to endure it.

“Brother, after you!” Wang Yu gestured politely to those behind him.

After waiting quite a while, he finally entered the designated open area. But Wang Yu did not actually intend to register, so he would not continue moving forward with the crowd.

He decisively let those behind him take his place, while he only needed to remain in that spot for the length of a tea break.

“Crazy!” Many passing by looked at Wang Yu like he was a fool. Some even whispered the word under their breath. After all, they had traveled great distances to register for the entrance test and join the academy!

Now that Wang Yu had painstakingly queued to this point, he was supposed to register, yet he showed hesitation and willingly gave up his spot—this baffled them. Many even thought him an idiot.

Wang Yu paid no mind to their reactions. He had enough composure not to be bothered by such small-mindedness. All that mattered was completing his goal!

“Ding! Congratulations, host! Task completed: Successfully arrived at Great Cang Academy. Reward: One random skill and 100 summon points.”

The tea break passed in an instant, and Wang Yu finally heard the voice he longed for.

“Ding! Congratulations, host! You have obtained the skill ‘Martial Hero.’

Martial Hero: Victory through strength, triumph through valor.

Effect One: In battle against enemies, Force +6.

Effect Two: When the enemy’s base Force exceeds yours, your Force +3; when equal, your Force +1 and enemy’s Force -1; when lower, enemy’s Force -4.

Effect Three: When commanding troops, if the enemy’s base Command exceeds yours, your Command +2; otherwise, your Command +1.

Effect Four: Unknown (awakens upon advancement to Heavenly level).

Effect Five: Unknown (awakens upon advancement to Heavenly level).”

Though his visible attributes remained unchanged, he felt an indescribable power merging into his body.

With the enhancement of these two skills, plus his weapon and warhorse, his Force now barely reached one hundred. To have Heavenly-level combat power upon first entering the super-first-tier realm was no small feat.

Moreover, this skill not only boosted Force but also improved Command. The word “Martial” here likely implied more than mere brute strength.

Aside from that, the two unknown effects awaited discovery—though unfortunately, he would have to wait until he advanced to Heavenly level to understand and activate them.

“Ha ha ha, let’s go!” Elated by acquiring such a fine skill, Wang Yu was in high spirits and paid no heed to those who had just whispered about him. Calling out to Ling Donglai, he strode off toward the distance.

Today, Wang Yu had brought only Ling Donglai along; the others had been given leave. The capital was vast enough for them to explore on their own.

Besides, this was after all the imperial capital of a nation—what danger could there be? Even if danger arose, Ling Donglai alone was sufficient.

And if some threat proved too great even for Ling Donglai, then even multiple Zhao Yuns or Tong Yuans by his side would be futile.

However, sometimes danger wasn’t the problem; the real trouble was more vexing!

“Brother, wait!” A burly young man of about seventeen or eighteen called out to Wang Yu.

“May I ask who you are?” Wang Yu slightly frowned, puzzled, as he found no trace of this person in his memory.

“I am Xiao Buyu. Pleased to meet you, brother!” The man clasped his fists in salute, clearly a standard martial artist.

“Xiao Buyu, son of General Xiao Qi, one of the Eight Great Generals of the Imperial Guards!” Among the gathered talents, many were well-informed. Upon hearing Xiao Buyu’s name, they immediately knew who he was.

“Imperial Guards?” Wang Yu’s heart tightened, and he became more alert. He had never forgotten that the Imperial Guards had appeared during the ambush on his way to the capital.

“What brings you here, brother?” Wang Yu feigned ignorance. Being hailed by the son of one of the Eight Great Generals of the Imperial Guards was no mere coincidence.

The Eight Great Generals held high status within the Imperial Guards, second only to the three commanders, all of whom had reached the Heavenly realm.

“Are you perhaps Wang Yu of the Eastern Garrison General’s Mansion?” The youth switched to a more formal address. Though his tone was questioning, it clearly showed he had already confirmed Wang Yu’s identity.

“Wang Yu, one of the Ten Heavenly Talents of Great Cang!” Once Wang Yu’s identity was revealed, the well-informed onlookers began whispering among themselves again.