Unlike other transmigrators, Li Heng hadn’t been reborn into some cliché orphanage.
In this world, both of his parents were alive and well. Neither had passed the entrance exams for a Soul Energy University, so they worked normal jobs. Their family life was stable and without drama—a typical working-class household.
In their youth, Li Heng’s parents had also attempted the Dungeon exams, but they ultimately opted for the regular college entrance exams instead. They had met in college.
Therefore, Li Heng entering a Dungeon for the first time to take his placement exam was considered the most important event for the Li Family in recent years.
"Guobin! It’s been seven days! Hengzi’s placement exam should be over by now, so why isn’t he back yet?! And these Dungeons, honestly! Why can’t they just let you bring a phone in!"
"What’s the rush! We’ve lived for half our lives, and you still haven’t changed that impatient personality of yours! Hengzi will definitely come home after the exam. What are you so anxious about!"
Although Li Guobin was comforting his wife with his words, he was chain-smoking one cigarette after another. The ashtray was already overflowing with butts.
In truth, Li Guobin was even more anxious than his wife. He had already contacted the head teacher that morning, who had told him that two students had yet to return.
Father Li’s heart was in his throat, and he desperately hoped that Li Heng was not one of the two missing students.
Li Heng’s parents waited at home, each more anxious than the other. But seeing how worried his wife was, Li Guobin couldn’t show his own anxiety and had to be the one to calm her down.
Just as Father Li was about to offer more words of comfort, a knock suddenly echoed from the door.
KNOCK~ KNOCK~ KNOCK~
"Dad? Mom? Anyone home?"
Following the knocks, Li Heng’s voice rang out. His mother, Zhang Yu Yao, was closest to the door—or rather, she had been waiting by it the whole time. The moment she heard the knocking and her son’s voice, she immediately threw the door open.
"Hengzi! You’re back! It’s so good that you’re back! Have you eaten? Mom will go buy some pork ribs for you! Even if they’re 50 a pound, we’ll eat our fill today!"
Zhang Yu Yao opened the door to see her son standing there, completely unharmed and looking quite refreshed. She immediately pulled Li Heng into a hug, an indescribable joy welling up in her heart.
She was even ready to splurge on the pork ribs she had been reluctant to buy recently.
"Mom! What’s with the ribs! Just whip up whatever’s in the fridge. I ate so much wolf meat in the Dungeon I’m about to puke! I couldn’t bring any back, otherwise I would’ve brought some for you and Dad!"
Li Heng really didn’t feel like eating meat. Seeing his mom’s somewhat haggard expression, he knew she must not have slept well these past few days, worrying about his safety. He didn’t want her to run around for him.
"Alright! Then Mom will make your favorite, Di San Xian!" After confirming her son was okay, Zhang Yu Yao’s spirits lifted considerably, and she immediately darted into the kitchen.
Li Guobin remained seated, watching the interaction between his wife and son. Though he didn’t move, a look of relief and ease washed over his face.
"Dad! I’m back!" Li Heng walked into the house, greeting his father with a smile.
"You brat, staying in the Dungeon for so many days! You made your mother nag me nonstop every single day. Drove me crazy."
Li Heng knew this was just his dad’s way of showing concern, so he didn’t say much. He just grinned cheekily, pulled up a chair, and sat down next to his father.
Seeing his son sit down, Li Guobin’s expression turned serious again. He was silent for a moment before asking, "So, are you planning to take the regular college entrance exams, or the Dungeon college entrance exams?"
"I want to see what a Soul Energy University is like," Li Heng replied without hesitation.
Hearing that his son wanted to aim for a Soul Energy University, Li Guobin’s relaxed expression instantly tensed up. His brow furrowed with gravity. After a moment of silence, his tone suddenly became more forceful.
"That’s my son! These days, graduates from Soul Energy Universities are in much higher demand than those from regular universities. If nothing else, the Alliance military is desperate to recruit them!"
Li Heng sensed his father had more to say, so he didn’t interrupt and just continued to listen.
"I won’t give you any other examples. Dungeons are extremely dangerous, and there are many uncertainties. You’ve never been the competitive type, and you’ve never caused trouble outside. Just keep it that way."
Li Heng deeply agreed with that point.
If nothing else, when it came to "caution," after his experience on Wolf King Mountain, Li Heng had decided that he needed to be even more careful the next time he farmed a Dungeon.
"It must have been rough these past few days! Here, have a smoke with me!"
As he spoke, Li Guobin handed a pack of cigarettes and a lighter to Li Heng.
Seeing his father’s sudden move, Li Heng subconsciously blurted out, "Dad, this... I’ve never smoked before. I don’t know how..."
"Stop pretending! Your mom has cleaned your room multiple times and found three lighters, two very well-sealed magazines, a little comic book, and also..."
"Thanks, Dad!"
Seeing his dad was about to launch into a long list, Li Heng quickly cut him off. He flicked the lighter with his right hand, cupped his left hand around the flame, and lit the cigarette in one smooth motion.
(PS: Minors should not smoke! Adults should also avoid smoking, as it is harmful to your health! This is for plot purposes.)
Watching his son’s practiced movements, Li Guobin didn’t react further, simply saying, "You’re your mother’s and my only precious son! We don’t need you to be rich and famous or live a life of glory. We just want you to be safe. But... since you’ve chosen to take the Soul Energy exams, you have to give it your all and get into a good school!"
"Sit here and wait a moment. I’m going to get something."
After saying this to Li Heng, Li Guobin got up, went back to his bedroom, and returned with a small wooden box, which he placed in front of Li Heng.
Opening the small wooden box revealed a stone, gray with flecks of small green crystals.
"I got this from a Little Stone Demon during my Dungeon placement exam back in the day. It was appraised as a pretty worthless Soul Energy Item, but it’s still related to Soul Energy. It’s a memento from the first and only time I ever entered a Dungeon."
"Dad, what are you doing?" Li Heng asked, confused by his father’s actions.
"Your dad never went through the Dungeon college entrance exams. This is probably the only thing I have that can help you. Take it and see if you can trade it for a slightly sharper piece of equipment or something else." Li Guobin pressed the stone into Li Heng’s hand.
Name: Damaged Jade
Category: Soul Energy Item
Value: Common
Effects:
1. Can be socketed into Soul Energy Equipment, Spirit +1. Socketing has an extremely high chance of failure.
2. Contains sparse jade material. Can be collected.
[Consume 10 Soul Energy to upgrade this item?]
Honestly, the stone’s stats were pretty bad, but Li Heng could feel how much it meant to his father.
Important in more ways than one!
So, Li Heng placed the jade stone back into the small wooden box. He flashed the Blood Wolf Fang Bracelet on his wrist and said, "Heh heh! Your son’s luck is way better than yours was back then!"
Li Heng wasn’t actually trying to show off his strength or his luck. He just wanted to use this half-joking manner to relieve some of the pressure and burden his dad was feeling.
Besides, with his system, he had no reason or need to take this Soul Energy Item that held such deep meaning for his father!