Chapter Thirty-One: The Sword's Edge-Back Before the College Entrance Exam, I Became a Sensation in the Science Community(Flowing waters fill the goblet.)

“Go for it, brother!” Wu Tong cheered, clenching her fist in support. As long as her brother was willing to push forward, she was willing to be his unwavering backing. Unlike Jin Xin, whose attention lay elsewhere, Wu Tong watched the various equipment squads—most of whom were being reviewed for the first time—with earnestness, especially as the aerial formations sliced through the sky. Her heart rejoiced at the nation’s growing strength. Thinking of future news—of that eagle imposing sanctions against the motherland—she hoped that one day she might dedicate herself to her country, live up to her learning, and not waste her youth!

She studied for the rise of China, sharing the aspirations of her forebears, never forgetting her original intent. They had built a prosperous new China, and she was eager to follow, to forge ahead and contribute her own bricks to this grand edifice.

Dignity lies only at the edge of the sword; truth exists only within the range of the cannons.

Wu Tong liked this saying very much.

China loves peace, but never fears war! The confidence of China comes from every person who has toiled and sacrificed silently for its rise!

“Come on, Jin Xin!” The others laughed as they mimicked Wu Tong, clenching their fists to encourage Jin Xin.

A child willing to improve himself—what a wonderful thing!

Receiving his family’s encouragement, Jin Xin felt his resolve strengthen. Still, he scratched his head awkwardly, “Tong Tong, I might break my promise and not apply to the same school as you!”

“It’s alright, brother. Even if we go to the same school, we won’t be commuting together like now. The colleges are far apart, and after entering university, I might skip grades again—so it could be me breaking the promise first!” Wu Tong smiled, speaking with ease.

She had once weighed the choice between the National Defense University and Beijing University. Considering her current goals—focused on mathematics and theoretical research—she leaned towards Beijing University, whose environment seemed more liberating. That’s why she ultimately decided. National Defense or military school, as their names suggest, are places of strict discipline. She was naturally laid-back, and if she was only serious about her studies, she didn’t want to challenge the rules and become a troublemaker.

“Brother, if you want to apply to a military academy, besides getting good grades, you’ll need to train your physical fitness!” After the parade, while the adults chatted downstairs, Wu Tong and Jin Xin returned to their desks to begin the day’s studies.

“We can ask my dad and uncle to check the specific requirements!” Preparation was essential.

“Tomorrow morning, brother, I’ll wake you up—let’s do morning exercises together!” She’d spent nearly two months, finally breaking down the breathing techniques from the Morning Sun Vital Energy Method with the aid of the Enlightenment Stone, integrating them into Tai Chi movements. Though she couldn’t pluck flowers and leaves in mid-air, the regimen was excellent for strengthening the body, and she was preparing to teach her family.

Her brother was young and strong, likely to adapt well, so she planned to start with him, gain teaching experience, and then pass it on to her parents and grandfather.

“Is it a martial arts secret manual?” Jin Xin’s eyes widened; clearly, he was a fan of martial arts novels.

“No, brother, you’re overthinking it—it’s Tai Chi!” Wu Tong spread her hands. “After practicing a set of Tai Chi, you need to start training with long-distance running. From now on, don’t use the bike for school—run instead. Good physical strength is the foundation for joining the army, brother!”

“Understood!” Thinking his days of leisure were gone forever, and that he’d never get to sleep in again, Jin Xin felt like crying. But this was the path he had chosen, and he would walk it, even if on his knees.

The three-day holiday flew by. On the last day, Wu Tong took Jin Xin through a comprehensive review of the basics of mechanics in physics. Not only did she gain new insights into the subject, but unexpectedly, she connected it to the linear algebra she’d just learned, deepening her understanding.

Indeed, mathematics and physics are inseparable; perhaps learning both together yields better results?

She added university-level physics to her study plan. Having completed advanced mathematics, analytic geometry, and linear algebra last month, Wu Tong had already switched to new textbooks at the end of the month: advanced algebra, mathematical analysis, and complex functions.

With clear daily study plans, Wu Tong made steady progress, and time passed swiftly—another two weeks went by. Duan Hong’s problem bank had been exhausted, so now Wu Tong was on her own for research. The Central Plains High School Mathematical Olympiad opened on October 17.

Thanks to Wu Tong, Xincheng No. 1 High School was full of confidence this year. The coaching team was stronger than ever, led by Luo Zhenping and Duan Hong, with the principal specially approving funds to hire a minibus for the candidates to travel to the city test site. They set out at three o’clock in the afternoon on the sixteenth, arriving near the provincial capital’s Shangdu test site around seven in the evening.

This year’s math competition was held at Shangdu Seventh High School. Given budget constraints, they stayed at a regular hotel near the test site.

“Everyone will spend the night here—two per room. Rest well and be refreshed for tomorrow morning; Mr. Duan and I will walk you to the test site!” After dinner with the students, Luo Zhenping began arranging accommodations.

All the rooms were the same, with students paired up to receive their key cards. Luo Zhenping and Duan Hong responsibly led the group to their floor, repeatedly reminding them not to leave randomly, and only when they were safely in their rooms did the matter rest.

Wu Tong shared a room with another girl from the training class, Yuan Yuan. There weren’t many girls participating in the competition—just four, including Wu Tong.

Her time at the training class had been brief, so she and Yuan Yuan were merely acquainted. They greeted each other, washed up, and rested in turn.

The next morning, after breakfast, Luo Zhenping and Duan Hong personally escorted the students to the gates of the test site.

“Don’t stress yourselves—relax and do your best. We believe in you. Remember to check your answers, start with the easier questions, and don’t spend too long on any single problem!” Duan Hong repeatedly reminded the students. As for Wu Tong, they didn’t give her any special instructions; as long as she performed normally, the provincial competition would not be her final stop.

“Go for it, Wu Tong! Go for it, everyone! We’ll be waiting for you outside the test site, ready to celebrate your triumph!”

At seven-thirty, the candidates entered the school in an orderly fashion, guided by the teachers, and proceeded to their assigned exam rooms according to their admission tickets.

Wu Tong quickly found her exam room and took her seat in the middle of the second-to-last row—a good spot, neither in danger of sun exposure nor of being blasted by the air conditioner. Shangdu Seventh High School, serving as the test site, boasted strong faculty and excellent facilities; every classroom was equipped with air conditioning, making the candidates from small towns—used to ceiling fans—envious.

The first session was eighty minutes, beginning at eight o’clock. At seven fifty-five, after the usual reminder of exam rules and precautions, the proctor began distributing the papers.