CHAPTER 321: CHAPTER 320: THE TROUBLES OF GROWING UP

Chen Gu couldn’t help but ask again, "So, for this promotion, are you planning to ascend again to the Third Energy Level?"

Chen Jixian, however, shook his head. "If successful, I will ascend to the Sixth Energy Level."

Chen Gu immediately realized the problem. "Very dangerous?"

"Yes," Chen Jixian answered earnestly after a moment of silence. "Therefore, a large amount of resources is needed, far exceeding what’s typical for a Fifth Energy Level advancing to the Sixth Energy Level. Probably only the Bureau could afford it."

However, he didn’t take the opportunity to tell Chen Gu about the promise Aviloya had once made to him.

Nor did he mention why he had risked deciding to advance to the Sixth Energy Level. Once successful, as a great master of the Sixth Energy Level, he obviously couldn’t continue to stay in a small place like Wuzhaoyin City; he would surely be recruited by the Capital Star. He didn’t say that either.

Chen Gu couldn’t help but ask, "Is there any way to improve the success rate of the advancement?"

Chen Jixian didn’t seem concerned. "Since the Bureau has promised you, they will definitely offer their full support. After all, they also hope to see another Sixth Energy Level practitioner emerge."

Chen Gu nodded, then suddenly brought up another topic. "I want to get into the Tiangong Military Division."

Chen Jixian didn’t even lift an eyelid. "You won’t pass."

Chen Gu: "..."

"I was three points short myself back then," Chen Jixian said, somewhat nostalgically.

Chen Gu left his son’s place feeling quite dejected, and only then did he remember he still had to return to school. He had missed quite a bit of class this time, and Teacher Dai was already somewhat disappointed with him. Seeing him return, Teacher Dai just nodded faintly, unwilling to say much more.

This, in turn, made Chen Gu feel rather guilty.

With this year’s college entrance exam not far off, Chen Gu returned to his seat and opened his textbook. His academic performance was actually not bad; after all, he had the experience of two lifetimes. But to get into the Tiangong Military Division... it was indeed far from sufficient.

But things are different now, a thought flashed through Chen Gu’s mind. With Isabella Wu’s memories attached, did a Brain Domain Hacker even need to worry about grades?

In his previous life, Chen Gu had seen sci-fi movies where aliens or robots read incredibly fast; WHOOSH, WHOOSH, WHOOSH, the pages of a book would fly past, and they would have memorized its entire contents.

Chen Gu’s current state was pretty similar. He rapidly read and copied all the textbooks, reference books, and exercise books into his brain. Then he closed his eyes and, relying on his super-powerful brain functions, began to understand and absorb them just as quickly.

This didn’t even require the use of his Professional abilities; it was simply the inherent power of a Professional.

Besides Isabella Wu’s memories, Chen Gu also had the memories of another great scholar: Derek Kun Shen.

After quickly learning the entire foundation of high school education, Chen Gu then attached the memories of the Quantum Wizard. He experienced an "ascension" in all basic subjects, especially physics.

The substitute teachers on the podium saw Chen Gu sitting bolt upright, yet with his eyes closed! They all shook their heads privately and chose not to scold him further.

The exams were approaching. At this time, every student was under immense psychological pressure, so the teachers had adopted a laissez-faire approach to avoid adding to their stress.

At the end of the day’s lessons, Chen Gu casually found some past college entrance exam papers on the interstellar quantum network, finished them quickly, and then estimated his scores—more than enough to pass the Tiangong Military Division entrance exam.

As for the other physical assessment, he had even less to worry about.

Thus, Chen Gu revealed a smile and went to the military training corner to visit Darkray and the others.

The military training corner had also quieted down. Some students who had already been accepted into colleges weren’t coming to train anymore. They were focused on "cramming" academic subjects at home, believing that even last-minute efforts could make a difference.

Those left behind felt somewhat uneasy, as they would likely end their academic endeavors after high school graduation.

In the current era, they would inevitably be assigned a job by the Star Nation. Survival wouldn’t be an issue, but their lives would likely be limited to just that.

The entire school was filled with an oppressive and tense atmosphere.

The moment Chen Gu appeared at the military training corner, Darkray, who was still training hard, leaped up. Overjoyed, he rushed over and gave Chen Gu a hearty hug. "HAHAHA, Brother Chen, you’re back!"

Chen Gu looked around and saw that of the few military trainees he knew well, only Darkray was still here. He asked with a smile, "What about the others? Why isn’t Mao Yisheng here either?"

Darkray shrugged with resignation. "Everyone went back to study. Mao Yisheng’s family is somewhat well-off. Lately, it seems they’ve been trying to arrange something for him, hoping for a better future for him after he joins the Behemoth Alliance."

He then said cheerfully, "I’ll call everyone. Let’s get together at Xianwei Residence tonight."

"Sure, it’s on me."

Darkray knew he had money, so he didn’t stand on ceremony and went to make the calls.

Chen Gu, however, noticed the training weights Darkray had been using. They far exceeded his previous training levels, and Chen Gu couldn’t help but frown slightly.

After a while, Darkray came back. "They’ve all agreed, Brother Chen. Shall we head over there first?"

Chen Gu pointed to the surrounding equipment. "You’ll easily get injured training like this."

Darkray gave a forced smile and waved his hand. "Let’s not talk about that. Let’s go ahead and reserve a private room."

But Chen Gu pulled him back. "What’s going on? Talk to me."

Darkray was also very frustrated. He had a straightforward personality and couldn’t keep things bottled up. Chen Gu’s question was the perfect opportunity for him to vent. "I... I’m still not resigned to it."

He stomped his foot. "Who among those who come here doesn’t want to go to the Tiangong Military Division?"

"I had already arranged to go to a college, but its ranking is very low. After graduation, if I’m lucky, I’ll just come back to be a P.E. teacher. Although that’s not too bad, it’s still different from my dream. I... I want to give it one last try."

Chen Gu remained silent. He understood Darkray. So many young, passionate people harbor grand dreams, only for reality to tell them: you’re not capable enough.

So, the vast majority accepted their lot, followed the so-called arrangements of fate, and led an ordinary life.

People like Darkray, unwilling to accept their fate, were the exceptions.

But talent... sometimes, it’s truly not something effort alone can overcome.

He patted Darkray on the shoulder and said softly, "Let’s go. We’ll go book the private room."

Xianwei Residence was always at its busiest this time of year. Being close to the school, everyone chose to have their graduation gatherings here.

Soon, everyone had arrived. Mao Yisheng was the last. He was very happy to see Chen Gu, yet an undeniable anxiety was etched between his brows.

At the end, Chen Gu pulled Mao Yisheng aside and asked privately, "What’s wrong?"

Mao Yisheng gave a bitter smile. "It’s nothing much. I just feel like I’ve let my family down."