Chapter 1: I Want to Lose Weight!

In the blazing summer, in the Chiyun Rainforest of the Federation’s east, mist swirled like a thin veil, ancient towering trees crisscrossed, and from the lush canopies, birds would occasionally burst into flight, screeching as they soared across the sky.

Up above, the sun—seemingly eternal—was no longer as people remembered. Years ago, it had been pierced straight through by a massive, indescribable ancient bronze sword, with the tip of the blade still jutting out!

This ancient sword seemed to have endured countless ages, descending from the stars, exuding endless antiquity and a powerful pressure that formed a halo, shrouding the sky, as if it could suppress the earth and command all beings to worship!

From afar, this scene of sword, sun, and rainforest looked like a painting, until the distant buzzing sound broke the stillness. A large red hot air balloon ship was slowly drifting above the rainforest.

The airship’s cabin was spacious enough to hold several hundred people. Many young men and women could be seen on the deck, gathered in small groups, their laughter and chatter ringing out from time to time.

They were students from Phoenix City who had passed the entrance exam to one of the Federation’s Four Great Dao Academies—Piaomiao Dao Academy. They were riding this academy’s airship, crossing thousands of miles to begin their studies.

Perhaps because of their anticipation for school, the journey was anything but dull for these youths. There was even a subtle attraction between the boys and girls, making the long trip all the more enjoyable.

Because the journey was so long, the airship was equipped with a dining hall, spirit cultivation rooms, infirmary, and other facilities.

At this moment, the dining hall was bustling with students. At one table sat a chubby boy with a protruding belly.

He looked about seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a loose blue robe. His round little face was actually rather handsome, and as he patted his belly—making a slapping sound—he stared regretfully at the seven or eight empty plates before him.

""This meal will make me gain another six pounds. Why couldn’t I control myself? If I want to become the Federation President, I can’t die young,"" the chubby boy muttered miserably, letting out a burp.

This chubby boy was named Brian Brooks, also a student who had just been admitted to Piaomiao Dao Academy. His lifelong dream was to become an official, with the ultimate goal of becoming the Federation President—a pursuit deeply tied to his childhood experiences.

In his memories, when he was little, his father would often pat his head with heartfelt sighs.

""Brian Brooks, it’s best to be an official. Remember, money can solve everything, but you’ll still get bullied. If you don’t want to be bullied, you have to be an official, become someone above others.""

At first, Brian Brooks didn’t understand. It wasn’t until elementary school, when he was scolded by the class monitor for not handing in his homework on time, and then, after giving the monitor two candies, was still reported to the teacher, that these events left an indelible mark on his young heart.

From that moment, he wanted to be class monitor—not to bully others, but so he wouldn’t be bullied himself.

But as he grew up, he realized there were plenty of people who could bully the class monitor, too. So he decided that only by becoming the highest official—the Federation President—would no one dare bully him. That’s why he worked so hard to get into Piaomiao Dao Academy, since all the Federation’s top officials graduated from the Four Great Dao Academies.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t very lucky. His family’s bloodline was rather peculiar. He still remembered that night a year ago, when his skinny father took him to the ancestral hall and showed him the family genealogy.

It was the first time Brian Brooks had seen the genealogy. He clearly saw that every ancestor who weighed over two hundred jin died young, never living past thirty-five.

That night, Brian Brooks had a dream... He hadn’t even become Federation President before he was reunited with all those chubby grandpas.

From then on, losing weight became a matter of utmost importance to him. But even after the Federation entered the Spirit Energy Era, with spiritual energy growing denser and ancient martial arts making a comeback, weight-loss methods were everywhere, yet Brian Brooks had tried almost all of them, and his weight only kept steadily increasing.

As these memories surfaced, Brian Brooks gritted his teeth and resolved to start dieting tomorrow.

With that decision made, Brian Brooks immediately felt much less pressure. He picked his teeth, hummed a little tune, and looked out the window at the blue sky, his mind starting to wander.

""I wonder if Dr. Carter will like the gift I gave him. It’s an antique I snuck from home—he should like it, right?"" Brian Brooks comforted himself, thinking that as long as he could cozy up to Dr. Carter, he’d have a little backing at the academy.

""The teachers don’t have much power, but I should still give them gifts in the future. But Dr. Carter is getting on in years and must have a lot of connections. This was the right move."" Thinking this, Brian Brooks felt delighted, as if he’d taken another step closer to becoming Federation President.