David Miller knew that, after years of practicing the Qi-gathering technique combined with internal cultivation, he was now beginning to “reap the rewards.”

Last night, his right hand pressed down forcefully, leaving a clear handprint on a thick and sturdy tree trunk—this was proof that his “root technique” was gradually taking shape.

He had made significant progress on the path of the old arts.

In the experimental class, although Brian Carter, Eric Turner, and others were also practicing the old arts, most had only improved their physical fitness. Only David Miller had managed to draw in Qi and nurture himself internally—he was the only one.

If Brian Carter, Eric Turner, and the others faced ordinary people, each of them could easily take on more than a dozen opponents.

Years of practicing the old arts and regularly consuming rare medicinal meals had greatly enhanced their physical abilities.

Even before he started Qi-gathering, David Miller was already much stronger than his classmates.

That’s why Brian Carter always spoke up for him; if it came down to a contest of the old arts alone, no one could compare to David Miller.

In fact, even if he used only one hand, he should be able to suppress any student in the old arts experimental class.

David Miller’s body was burning hot, and eventually even felt feverish. From flesh to bone, it was as if tiny currents of electricity were coursing through him.

This was a sign that his Qi-gathering and internal cultivation had reached a certain level.

In his mind, David Miller visualized strands of morning glow entering his body, then imagined black turbid mist being expelled from his body’s surface.

Correspondingly, his body underwent changes—his metabolism sped up, and sticky sweat oozed from his skin, leaving him damp all over.

He felt as if his flesh was being cleansed by the morning glow, inside and out, his essence, energy, and spirit were exceptionally abundant, and his whole body was filled with strength.

The morning sunlight filtered through the woods, tinting the thin mist with a faint golden hue. Four young men and women strolled over; the two men spoke only occasionally, while the two women were mainly engaged in conversation.

One of the women was very attractive and kept talking, occasionally laughing—a lively and energetic personality at a glance.

The other woman was gentle and refined, exuding a scholarly aura and wearing a warm smile.

They too were students in the old arts experimental class, from the New Star.

“Look, isn’t that David Miller? Why does it look like his body is glowing?” the energetic young woman exclaimed, her beautiful eyes wide open, doubting her own sight.

The quieter woman was surprised: “Could he have mastered the Qi-gathering technique?”

One of the two men was shocked: “In the experimental class… someone actually succeeded!”

But he quickly shook his head, knowing that such things no longer mattered.

The other man also spoke: “It’s a pity—the arts of the old era are ultimately outdated. They’ve now been officially abandoned. Soon we’ll return to New Star, where there have been new discoveries. If we seize the opportunity, a new era may be upon us.”

All of them were from New Star and knew the latest inside information: the old arts were considered obsolete and had been discarded—there were now better options!

Chapter 004: Supernatural

David Miller’s mind was calm and focused, in a meditative state, yet he still keenly sensed that someone’s gaze had fallen upon him.

He opened his eyes and looked outside the woods.

The four classmates from New Star were amazed—even at such a distance, David Miller had sensed their arrival?

“Did you see that? The moment he opened his eyes, there was a glimmer of golden light fading in them,” Eric Turner whispered among the four.

David Miller stopped, ending his Qi-gathering and internal cultivation. His face was rosy, his spirit vibrant, and in the morning glow, even his hair seemed to glisten.

The four walked over quickly.

Grace Cooper, lively and energetic, greeted him from afar: “David Miller, I think I just saw you glowing!”

She was tall and not afraid of the cold, wearing a short dress with bare shoulders, her long legs accentuated by stockings, her jet-black hair naturally draped over her shoulders, a youthful and beautiful face adorned with a smile, and her eyes bright and spirited.

David Miller smiled, “Should I take that as a compliment—that I’m handsome, charming, and radiant?”

He stood tall, bathed in the morning glow, his smile dazzling, eyes bright, teeth white—he looked truly radiant.

“Narcissist!” Grace Cooper pouted.

Eric Turner couldn’t help but ask, “David Miller, have you mastered the Qi-gathering technique?”

He had a fair face and delicate features, though he carried a slightly melancholic air. In reality, he was in good shape, but always gave the impression of lacking exercise.

They were all from New Star and had been classmates for years, so they were quite familiar with David Miller.

David Miller nodded, “I suppose I’ve barely managed it recently.”

Among the four, Jason Clark was usually aloof and rarely interacted with classmates from the old land, but now he couldn’t help but speak, a hint of regret in his tone.

“The old arts have been around for a very long time, but they’re a bit outdated now,” he said, shaking his head.

The morning sun was bright, but the autumn wind blew, leaves swirling, and there was still a chill in the air.

Emily Thompson, true to her name, was gentle and quiet, scholarly in demeanor, and spoke warmly: “That’s not quite fair. At the very least, the old arts can strengthen the body and prolong life. Besides, it’s said that some people in ancient times were truly formidable.”

The group from New Star all knew this path was no longer viable and had been abandoned. She was only trying to comfort David Miller.