I Will Grind My Way To Godhood

In contrast to Xue Jing's past life, education in Zhuxia seems to place a particular emphasis on physical education. At least that's the case at Qing High School, where PE classes are not only plentiful each week but there's never an instance where the PE teacher takes a 'leave.'

After finishing three academic classes, the elite class quickly moved to the locker room following a brief intermission, ready to swap their uniforms for indoor sports attire.

"Hey, hey, those abs."

A tall classmate with glasses paused in surprise upon seeing Xue Jing take off his shirt.

"Looking good, Xue Jing. Why didn't we notice you were in such great shape before?"

As soon as he spoke, the other boys in the locker room immediately shifted their attention over.

"Whoa, man!"

"Jingye, you're amazing. Those abs are spectacular, how'd you train them? Share the secret with us."

"First, I'm not Nantong, and second, can I feel them?"

"Future Mrs. Xue is going to be envious."

"Can I take a picture? It's not for me, honest, but my little sister at home is going through puberty and could use the advice."

Xue Jing hurriedly slipped on his short-sleeved sports shirt, looking exasperated, "Can you guys not be so awkward, come on."

Li Ge, who stood nearby, had finished changing and teased with a grin, "Are you afraid of a little joking around? Homophobia is just a deep closet. Seriously, with your status, not having a girlfriend makes people suspicious."

Xue Jing gave him a playful kick, making him stumble, "Just scram, will ya."

"Great shot!"

In the gymnasium, Xue Jing made a jump shot from afar, launching the basketball into the air and watching it glide through the hoop cleanly. A chorus of cheers erupted immediately.

After exchanging high fives with his teammates in a modest celebration, Xue Jing took a slight breath and glanced at the panel.

【Perfect shot landed, Aiming Experience +2】

【Aiming Lv1】

The aiming skill he had just activated last night turned basketball, a sport requiring precision, into child's play.

From inside the three-point line, he could maintain a nine out of ten success rate even under pressure from opponents, and outside of it, he still had a high probability of scoring. Just with his shooting ability alone, he'd reached a professional level.

This prowess meant that even without relying much on physical dominance, he left his classmates feeling utterly defeated.

Especially with the group of female classmates watching intently while taking a break on the sidelines.

Even though the girls were reserved and didn't vocalize their admiration, the embarrassment of being outshone remained palpable.

Xue Jing wasn't the type who craved attention; in fact, he had only intended to have some casual fun, not to show up his peers.

This intention lingered until his first successful shot, when he saw the "Aiming Experience +2" notification.

"Come on, guys, we can still win this!"

Across the court, Li Ge clapped his hands together, trying to rally his teammates back into a fighting spirit.

The gym teacher blew the whistle, and the game resumed.

“Block him, block him! Go for the block!”

“Oh…”

The elite class students were so engrossed in the basketball game that none noticed a group of figures in school uniforms entering through the gymnasium's main door.

Leading them was a tall, slightly overweight youth who, upon entering, boldly pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, putting one in his mouth. Instantly, someone next to him produced a lighter and lit the cigarette for him, imitating a scene straight out of a gangster film.

The young man pinched the cigarette between two fingers, skillfully blowing out smoke, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched the basketball game. He asked, “Which one is Xue Jing?”

Immediately, someone nearby pointed and said, “That's him, the one who just made that shot!”

Another person hesitantly spoke up, “Pei Bro, maybe we should let it go. Xue Jing is in the elite class, what with the school’s…”

Pei Youguang, hearing this, turned and glanced at the speaker, who promptly shut his mouth.

“What’s there to fear about the school? Even the principal has to be polite to my dad; what's the big deal? Elite class, my foot. If I, Pei Youguang, want him gone, he’s gone!”

Pei Youguang took a drag on his cigarette, his words ringing with confidence and arrogance.

The crowd of underlings around him was immediately captivated by his aura, showing expressions of admiration.

"Let's go, just recognize the guy. It's not convenient to start something here. We'll deal with him after school."

Pei Youguang said as he turned to leave, his followers trailing behind him, lending a sense of fanfare to the scene.

…

After a physical education class, the improvement in marksmanship had become apparent, progressing rapidly.

The growth of skill experience was immediately evident on Xue Jing, making his shots increasingly precise as time went on. His shooting accuracy continued to rise, causing many of his classmates to wear expressions of disbelief.

"Damn it, if I play basketball with you again, I'll be a fool!"

Li Ge cursed loudly in class.

Then he quickly added, "Unless I'm on your team."

Xue Jing, packing his things into his backpack, chuckled at the remark, "Sure, I'll carry you next time."

Practicing darts at home only increased his experience by 1 point per bullseye, but playing basketball with others let him score a basket and gain 2 points—proving the experience system clearly favored social practice over solitary efforts.

After a while, Li Ge also packed his things, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and walked over to Xue Jing. With a solemn expression, he said, "Let's go, I'll accompany you back."

Seeing Li Ge’s expression as if he was ready to face danger for righteousness' sake, Xue Jing found it amusing yet somewhat touching.

Unlike Xue Jing, Li Ge viewed Pei Youguang through a lens of fear; to him, Pei was a menacing figure capable of the worst deeds. Knowing the threat of Pei confronting Xue Jing after school, Li Ge's willingness to accompany him displayed a strong sense of loyalty.

Xue Jing shook his head and said, "No need, I can go back by myself."

Li Ge insisted, "You don't have to say more, buddy. I'm not that kind of person. If I said I'd accompany you, then I will!"

"Alright then," Xue Jing no longer refused.

He added, "But remember, I'll handle the problem. You just watch from the side, okay?"

Li Ge was a bit puzzled but still nodded.

The two of them left the classroom and headed towards the school gate.

Unlike Xue Jing, who appeared as composed and calm as usual, Li Ge walked with heavy steps, a face full of worries, as if heading to his own execution.

As they reached the playground, Xue Jing suddenly remembered something.

‘Hmm... Hasn't it been said that he practiced some martial arts? Better be prepared just in case.’ Xue Jing thought to himself.

He lowered his head and searched the ground for a while until he reached a path covered with pebbles.

Seeing Xue Jing suddenly crouch down to pick up a few pebbles and put them in his pocket, Li Ge asked curiously, "What are you doing?"

Xue Jing felt the stones in his pocket, checking their size and feel, and replied off-handedly, "A full disclosure here: I'm actually the heir of Xiao Li Flying Daggers."

Li Ge: "Huh?"

……

Xue Jing walked alone along the quiet path, the moonlight casting long shadows behind him.

He could feel the cool breeze brushing against his face, a refreshing reminder of solitude.

As he strolled, his thoughts drifted to the events of the past few days, particularly Li Ge's unwavering support.

Despite his playful demeanor, Xue Jing knew Li Ge's loyalty was sincere, yet he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt letting him worry.

"Maybe I should lighten up," he thought, allowing a small smile to play on his lips.

He reached down, picking up a small pebble from the path, and tossed it into the nearby pond.

The ripples it caused seemed to mirror the ripples of change beginning to affect his life.

(End of Chapter)