Chapter 169: 169, Reform Dong Funan

At dawn, Ren Xiaosu, upon revisiting the palace in his mind, was startled to find that the mission to aid the fallen in their escape had been completed.

"Mission accomplished. Reward: 1.0 strength."

It was a long-lost physical quality reward. During the night’s clash with Lingchen, Ren Xiaosu had already grasped the importance of bodily prowess.

In combat, the most essential and fundamental power lies in strength and speed. When these two qualities overwhelm, even supernatural abilities may prove futile.

The Shadow’s physicality was twice that of Ren Xiaosu, acting as a multiplier for strength and speed. The stronger Ren Xiaosu became, the more formidable the Shadow grew.

If Ren Xiaosu’s strength increased by one, the Shadow’s enhancement would be two.

Now, his strength had reached 8.5, agility 5.1. If he faced Lingchen’s two supernatural beings now, he might fare far more easily.

Yet he recalled that when parting ways with Xu Xiance yesterday, the task remained incomplete. Clearly, Xu Xiance had now fully departed the 109 Barrier, prompting the palace to deem the mission fulfilled.

Usually, a mere gesture sufficed for completion—why this time had it grown peculiar?

Had he inadvertently shifted blame onto Xu Xiance, leaving the palace somewhat abashed?

What relieved Ren Xiaosu was that Yan Liuyuan’s wish this time had not summoned illness.

In truth, Yan Liuyuan had wished again last night—a futile attempt to dissuade him, for he was resolute in such matters.

Thus, in the alleyway that night, Ren Xiaosu could have evaded the bullets rather than rely on the Shadow to withstand them. Yet he feared chance might doom Yan Liuyuan, so he chose not to gamble with fate.

Yan Liuyuan’s safety, however, indirectly confirmed that Yang Xiaojin’s presence on the battlefield stemmed not from his wish.

Glancing at Dong Funa washing dishes in the kitchen, Ren Xiaosu frowned—how to handle this woman?

Wang Fugui inquired: "After school, what might befall Chen Wudi alone?"

Ren Xiaosu paused. "You fear Chen Wudi might kill her?"

Wang Fugui chuckled twice. "Never mind."

After the meal, Ren Xiaosu rode the tram to school alone, while Wang Dalong cycled with Yan Liuyuan. Earlier, Ren Xiaosu had instructed Wang Fugui: once the black medicine sold at high prices this week, procure as many bicycles as possible, and ensure everyone mastered riding them.

Perhaps one day they would need to flee, and bicycles would prove invaluable.

Not only bicycles, but also repair kits and tire levers—for fear of breakdowns en route.

Imagining the scene of their escape atop bicycles, Ren Xiaosu found it oddly thrilling…

…

Upon reaching the classroom, Yang Xiaojin was already seated. She glanced up at him: "Last night, besides battling Lingchen, did anything peculiar occur?"

Ren Xiaosu blinked. "What do you mean?"

"The Qingshi Consortium abruptly raised the bounty on Luo Xinyu last night. I wonder why," Yang Xiaojin said calmly. "But the Qingshi Consortium wouldn’t adjust rewards without cause—there must be something we don’t know."

"Hmm…" Ren Xiaosu replied nonchalantly: "I have no idea. I merely rescued Xu Xiance. Originally, Luo Lan and the others pursued him, but they lost track."

Yang Xiaojin fell silent. She hadn’t expected answers from him anyway—she and Luo Xinyu were merely curious…

"Thank you," Ren Xiaosu said sincerely. Regardless of whether he could defeat Lingchen, Yang Xiaojin’s intervention warranted gratitude.

Yang Xiaojin hummed, feigning indifference: "Why save Xu Xiance? Any ulterior motive?"

Ren Xiaosu spoke earnestly: "What motive could I have? After all, we’ve known each other for so long, and traveled together in Jingshan. Aren’t we comrades? If you were in peril, I’d risk myself to save you too!"

Yang Xiaojin shot him a sidelong glance: "Hmm."

That settled it. Ren Xiaosu exhaled—his burdens grew heavier with each passing day…

At that moment, Yang Xiaojin asked: "What will you do about Dong Funa?"

Earlier, when Yang Xiaojin raised the matter, she noticed Ren Xiaosu’s nonchalance toward Dong Funa, puzzling her about his confidence.

Now, it seemed Ren Xiaosu harbored more secrets than she’d imagined—and Chen Wudi was likely a master too.

"I’m at a loss," Ren Xiaosu grimaced: "Can’t keep her here forever."

"Why not hand her over to us?" Yang Xiaojin suggested.

"You study supernatural beings too?" Ren Xiaosu blinked. Honestly, he distrusted such organizations.

"We don’t study supernatural beings," Yang Xiaojin replied slowly. "We merely… reform them."

Ren Xiaosu stared, stunned. Reform? Physical coercion? He said: "I’ll entrust her to you, but not yet."

He counted on his fingers: "In four days."

"Agreed," Yang Xiaojin said.

Originally, Ren Xiaosu intended to ask Yang Xiaojin about compensation for delivering Dong Funa. But recalling her aid last night, he held his tongue…

At that moment, Jiang Wu entered from outside the classroom, standing at the podium: "Tomorrow’s the final exam. I’ll announce your exam halls and numbers—they’re sorted by the initials of your names. So no need to come to class tomorrow; head straight to your assigned halls. Best of luck."

Of late, only Ren Xiaosu and Yang Xiaojin had neglected their studies; the rest worked diligently. Public scrutiny of their class ran high, especially since Jiang Wu, now among the faculty, often faced ostracism.

Thus, these students who’d brushed with death sought to prove themselves.

Ironically, in their class, only the class monitor and academic affairs officer neglected their studies—the rest were exemplary students…

Jiang Wu continued: "A student once inquired about university admission criteria, so I consulted the 109 Barrier’s requirements…"

The classroom fell silent. In this age, any diligent student dreamed of attending university—for the term symbolized knowledge, status, and wealth.